ASA

ASA Logo.

All members of NGAUA are required to register with the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of Georgia. All league games NGAUA is contracted for are played under ASA rules (with some exceptions) and in ASA uniform. NGAUA umpires will also have the opportunity to umpire in ASA sponsored State, Regional and National Tournaments.

For any questions regarding ASA, please contact:

Edwin Pickering ** 404-663-6170 ** epicko52@yahoo.com

NEWS

Umpire Code of Ethics
ASA umpires are professional umpires. We get paid to umpire amateur athletes. As individual professionals, we have a responsibility to the players, fans, other umpires, our associations, ASA and ourselves to meet a high standard of professionalism both on and off the field. All Georgia ASA Umpires are expected to know and follow the Georgia ASA Umpire Code of Ethics. Georgia ASA takes this very seriously. Umpires not following this document may be brought in front of the Georgia ASA disciplinary committee and are subject to disciplinary action. Any questions regarding this code, please contact Jimmy Derrick.

2008 ASA Rule and Code Changes
ASA has announced its rule and code changes for the 2008 season. The rule changes for 2008 and comments on the changes may be found by clicking on the link below. Rule changes for 2008 include (but are limited to) a pitching distance change for Girls' 18-A, run rule changes for all types of ASA ball, pitching changes in senior slow pitch and 16-inch and removal of the 10-B special classification for championship play.

Changes to the ASA Code with comments and clarifications may be found at the following links (requires Adobe Acrobat reader):

You may also want to review Case Book situations to better understand these new rules and mechanics.

2008 ASA National Fast Pitch Umpire Camp In Cummung, GA
NGAUA is very lucky to have the ASA National Fast Pitch Umpire Camp in our back yard for the second year in a row. This is the premier fast pitch school in the country and a requirement for Elite membership. You have the opportunity to attend this this prestigious camp with virtual no travel expenses and possibly no housing expenses. Umpires from around the country will converge on Cumming, GA to participate in classroom and on-field instruction from Kevin Ryan, Julie Johnson, Jim Craig and Dick Gayler of the ASA Umpire National Staff. Umpires in the school will also get a chance to put their skills to the test while being observed at the end of the week in live J.O. Tournament. The cost for the school is $400 and includes all meals, shirts, video tape equipment and awards. Umpires are also responsible four their housing during the camp. Umpires will be paid a game fee for games they work in the tournament at the end of the week. Click here to download the camp registration form and return to Jimmy Derrick.

Former ASA National Director of Umpires, Merle Butler, Passes Away
Merle Butler, former national Director of Umpires for ASA passed away on January 6th in Edmond, OK of an apparent heart attack. A memorial service will be held On Saturday, January 12 in Edmond.
Merle is survived by his wife Deby, three children and five grandchildren. If you are interested in sending a token of condolence, please contact Brian Crane at bcrane73@aol.com or 404-964-8073

Georgia to Host Five ASA Nationals in 2009; Cobb County Gets 14U ASA/USA FP
Over 70 cities in 30 states were awarded ASA Nationals for 2008 at ASA's National Convention in November of 2007. Georgia ASA was awarded five, including one of the coveted five ASA/USA J.O. FP Nationals up for bid -- the 14U ASA/USA FP. The ASA Nationals being held in Georgia in 2008 are as follows:

Georgia ASA will be hosting six ASA Nationals in 2008. The 2008 Tournaments are as follows:

ASA Document of Rule Differences Between Fast Pitch and Slow Pitch
EP, DP or Flex? What's the run limit? When do you call time? If you're jumping back and forth between fast pitch and slow pitch, then the ASA's document of rule difference between ASA fast pitch and slow pitch is for you. This document should be be in the equipment bag of every NGAUA umpire who spends time behind plate both wearing and not wearing a mask.

ASA Document of Rule Differences Between ASA/NFHS/NCAA
Are you a NGAUA Umpire who also umpires Georgia High School Softball in the fall? Or do you umpire some NCAA games in the spring? Umpire all three? With three rulebooks to memorize, it would help to have a chart explaining the differences between the three types of ball. ASA has answered that need and has published a document of rules differences between ASA, Federation and NCAA. This document is a must for NGAUA umpires who also work high school and/or college ball.

ASA Bat Logo. Where's Your Bat List?
Before every game, make sure to print out a copy of the latest ASA Non-Approved Bat List. If a bat is on this list, NGAUA umpires should NOT allow the bat in ALL NGAUA LEAGUE GAMES AND ASA TOURNAMENT GAMES. It is important that every NGAUA umpire check bats for each and every game! This list is updated to the minute by ASA. So check back each week to ensure you have the most updated list. This list and some others with photos of the bats are also available on the Forms Page.

Not sure what each bat looks like? Check out the Non-Approved Bat List with PHOTOS. Keep in mind, many bats look similar. Just because a bat looks like a bat on this list, doesn't mean it is a non-approved bat. There are also some non-approved bats that may look slightly different than what is pictured on this list. Always check the model number of the bats.

Want a bat list that is a little more compact so it will be easier to take with you to the field? Print out the Bat List For Your Lineup Card holder (Designed by fellow Georgia ASA umpire, Dana Mason). This bat list is the perfect size to fit in your lineup card holder whether you're on the plate or the bases. (Please Note: The Lineup Card Bat List is NOT updated to the minute by ASA as the other lists above. We will do our best to keep this list current. Please compare the lineup card list to the updated list to ensure that there were not any changes before heading out to the field)

Remember the penalty -- By rule, if a player steps in batter's box with a non-approved bat, it is treated as an altered bat situation. The player is called out, the bat removed, and the player is DISQUALIFIED from playing the rest of the game. Bat checks are to prevent the above from happening. Please help teams understand you are trying to prevent the above situation from occurring. In other words, you are trying to prevent them from losing a player for the rest of the game! So, again, check bats before every game!

TOURNAMENTS

Tournaments will be added as they become available.

LINKS

www.asasoftball.com -- The Official ASA Web site
www.georgiaasa.com -- Georgia ASA
 

UNIFORM

ASA Catalog.ASA and NGAUA take great pride in presenting themselves with a professional uniform appearance. Please make sure your uniforms are complete, clean, pressed, and polished. To purchase official ASA umpire equipment and uniforms, please contact: 
(Local - The Official Supplier of Georgia ASA Umpire Uniforms) Barry Sullivan, 770-339-3370; The Umpire Shop; DUSASoftball@bellsouth.net
(National) http://www.officialgear.com 1-800-654-8337

A list of the required ASA Uniform and examples is as follows:

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION PHOTO
Shirt New Pro Style Polo Shirt (Powder Blue) with ASA Letters Photo
Pants Navy Blue Pants Photo
Cap Fitted Cap with ASA Embroidered Letters and American Flag Photo
T-Shirt White Crewneck T-Shirt Photo
Belt Black Leather Belt with Silver Buckle Photo
Shoes Black Shoes Photo
Socks Black or navy Blue Socks Photo
Ball Bag Navy Blue Ball Bag with ASA Letters Photo
Brush Small Brush on Plate AND Bases Photo
Indicator Handheld Indicator with Balls, Strikes, Outs (Innings Optional) Photo
COLD WEATHER OPTIONS    
Jacket Navy Blue Jacket (Pullover or Zip Front) with ASA Logo Photo
Turtleneck White ASA Mock Turtleneck Photo
SLOW PITCH OPTIONS    
Shorts Navy Blue Shorts with Belt Loops Photo
Socks White Anklet Socks (Only with Shorts) Photo
Socks White ASA Tube Socks (Only with Shorts) Photo