CONNECTICUT INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC CONFERENCE 30 Realty Drive, Cheshire, Connecticut 06410

Transcription

1 CONNECTICUT INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC CONFERENCE 30 Realty Drive, Cheshire, Connecticut nd ANNUAL GIRLS SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT REGULATIONS Sponsored by Bob s Stores 2004 TOURNAMENT RULES Tournament Director Associate Tournament Director Judy Saxton (860) Judy Deeb (860) (860) Fax CIAC Softball Committee Chairman CIAC Coaches Committee Chairman David Johnson - Windsor High School Jim Cotter, Norwich Free Academy (860) (860) THE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT INFORMATION IS ARRANGED IN TWELVE (12) SECTIONS. 1.0 DIVISIONS 2.0 ENTRY PROCEDURES 3.0 EXPENSES/TICKETS 4.0 FORFEITS 5.0 OFFICIALS 6.0 PROTESTS 7.0 QUALIFYING 8.0 RANKING/SEEDING 9.0 SITES/DATES 10.0 SUPERVISION/SPORTSMANSHIP 11.0 TIME OF GAMES/MEETS 12.0 TOURNAMENT RULES/PROCEDURES APPENDIX A -- LIST OF SCHOOLS BY DIVISION APPENDIX B -- SCHEDULE FORM APPENDIX C -- OFFICIALS FORM APPENDIX D -- CHANGE OF DIVISION/SITE FORM APPENDIX E -- ENTRY FORM

2 CONNECTICUT INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC CONFERENCE 30 Realty Drive, Cheshire, Connecticut Telephone (203) / Fax (203) nd ANNUAL SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT Sponsored by Bob s Stores 1.0 DIVISIONS 1.1 Only institutional members of the Conference may enter this tournament which will be in four (4) divisions. Placement of schools has been based on the girl enrollment as shown in the CIAC Membership Directory. LL over M L S -- Up to The 2004 Softball Championships will be played using an Open Tournament format. 2.0 ENTRY PROCEDURE 2.1 SCHEDULE FORM -- Must be completed and submitted via the password-protected online eligibility center by April 1, CHANGE OF DIVISION FORM -- Optional, if filed via the password-protected online eligibility center by April 1, SITE AVAILABILITY FORM -- Must be filed via the password--protected online eligibility center by April 1, ENTRY FORM -- The entry form (match results and roster) must be submitted via the passwordprotected online eligibility center by Friday, May 21, LIST SCORES FOR ENTIRE SCHEDULE INCLUDING FORFEITS AND CANCELLATIONS. 2.5 ENTRY FEE -- There is a $60 entry fee for softball. Entry fee should be mailed to the CIAC office, 30 Realty Drive, Cheshire, CT QUALIFYING RECORD -- Win 40% of games against member schools, and eligible out-of-state schools. 2.7 FINAL GAME SCORES -- Regardless of regular season postponed games, the date of Thursday, May 27, 2004 MUST BE THE FINAL DAY TO COUNT FOR TOURNAMENT. All games played on May 27 must be completed by 7:00 p.m. The score of games played on that day must be reported via the password-protected online eligibility center. 3.0 EXPENSES/TICKETS 3.1 Expenses for all GAMES EXCEPT THE STATE QUARTER-FINALS, THE STATE SEMI-FINALS AND FINAL GAMES will be borne by the participating teams. The host team will pay all game expenses including officials and shall provide the site director who should be someone other than the coach. The visiting team will pay its own travelling expenses. 3.2 Schools will bear all travelling expenses. 3.3 The Softball Committee will pay all game expenses directly associated with the staging of the state quarterfinals, state semi-finals and state final tournament games. 3.4 Charges for admission for state quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals will be: $3.00 all games and pre-sale -- children ten and under * $5.00 senior citizen tickets for all CIAC contests $5.00 all tickets -- pre-sale -- adults and students -- quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals $7.00 all tickets -- at site -- adults and students -- quarter-final, semi-final and final games

3 2004 Softball Tournament Regulations If in qualifying, first or second round play schools wish to charge admission they should notify the Principal and Athletic Director of the visiting school in advance. 3.6 During the 2004 Tournament, the following passes will be honored at all games where an admission is charged. a. CIAC Softball Pass (softball coaches must request from CIAC and provide a self-addressed stamped envelope) b. All school administrators and athletic directors with proper identification. They must identify themselves to the site director and be willing to help with crowd control. c. Press Card No other complimentary admissions will be permitted. 4.0 FORFEITS 4.1 Member schools will be required to submit regular season schedules for all sports controlled by CIAC in which member schools participate. Determination of forfeitures will be based on this schedule. A forfeit game shall count as a victory for the team declared the winner and as a loss for the team declared a loser in determining tournament qualifications and ratings. For tournament qualifications only the following reasons for a forfeit shall be accepted. 4.2 A team shall forfeit a game or games if through a violation it is required to do so under the CIAC Rules of Eligibility. 4.3 A team shall forfeit a game if the game official declares the game a forfeit as a result of a National Federation rule violation, or a team refuses to play after being instructed to do so by the game official. 4.4 Forfeitures will be honored by each CIAC sports committee when there is mutual agreement between the Principals of the two schools involved in the game not played. Each Principal must submit on the official CIAC Cancelled Game - Forfeiture Form his/her decision and it must be received in the CIAC office within 72 hours following the time of the scheduled contest. On the eve of a tournament when there is not sufficient time for normal administrative procedures (72 hours) if a question of team forfeiture arises the Executive Director or his designee, in consultation with the Chairman of the sports committee affected and the Principals of the two schools will make an appropriate ad hoc decision in consideration of the best interests of the tournament as a whole. 4.5 All games listed on the original schedule and submitted to the CIAC which are not played and have not been forfeited in accordance with this policy will be considered by each sport committee as No Contest and shall not count for tournament qualification and ratings unless it affects the minimum number of games required to qualify for tournament participation. In this instance the sport committee shall review the evidence submitted by the teams involved and may grant an exception from the minimum game number requirement. The minimum winning percentage as determined by the individual sports committee must be met under all circumstances. 5.0 OFFICIALS 5.1 By May 1, 2004, each varsity head coach, regardless of his won or loss record, should submit via the password-protected online eligibility center -- a list of EIGHT (8) umpires who, in your opinion would be competent to umpire tournament games. In addition you may indicate FOUR (4) umpires whose services you reject. From this list a MASTER LIST OF UMPIRES will be developed. 5.2 A MASTER LIST OF OFFICIALS will be distributed to participating schools via the CIAC website on Friday, May 28, From the MASTER LIST OF UMPIRES, the higher ranked team will select the two umpires for qualifying, first round and second round games. IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT THE VISITING TEAM COACH CONTACT THE HOME TEAM COACH TO VERIFY OFFICIALS. In the event no agreement is reached, the Umpire Coordinator will decide, and that decision will be final.

4 2004 Softball Tournament Regulations Beginning with the quarter-final games, the umpire coordinator will assign umpires for all games, using the Master List of Umpires as the source. These games will be played at neutral sites. A NEUTRAL SITE IS DEFINED AS ANY SITE WHICH IS NOT THE HOME FIELD OF EITHER SCHOOL. (This DOES NOT mean that a school has not played on that field during the season.) 5.5 Identity of the Umpires assigned games by the Umpire Coordinator will not be disclosed prior to the game. 6.0 PROTESTS 6.1 Each sports committee will establish a protest committee whose purpose will be to adjudicate all protests relating to the operation of the tournament, including the application and administration of tournament regulations. National Federation or CIAC game rule interpretations and game officials judgments cannot be protested. The Protest Committee for each sport shall consist of the Assistant Executive Director for CIAC, the Chairman of the Tournament Committee, an administrator member of the sports Committee, the Tournament Director, and the Coaches' Chairman on the sport Committee. All Protest Committee decisions are appealable to the CIAC Board of Control as provided in the CIAC By-laws. 6.2 On the eve of a tournament when there is not sufficient time for normal administrative procedures and Board of Control hearings, if a question of interpretation of tournament regulations or the operation of the tournament arises, the Chairman of the CIAC Board of Control, the Executive Director of CIAC, and the Chairman of the Tournament Committee in question will make an appropriate ad hoc decision in consideration of the best interest of the tournament as a whole. 6.3 DECISIONS BY GAME OFFICIALS -- Protests arising from the decisions, interpretations and misapplication of the National Federation or CIAC game rules by officials during the contest will not be considered. The decisions and interpretations of the rules by the officials are final. 7.0 QUALIFYING The record of the official scorekeeper at the conclusion of the contest is final unless an error is discovered. Such error shall be corrected as covered by specific contest rules. Any team leaving the contest area before the conclusion of the contest because of dissatisfaction with the officiating will render the school liable to disciplinary action by the Conference. 7.1 To be eligible for consideration in the tournament, a team must play a minimum of twelve (12) games AGAINST VARSITY OPPONENTS and have won 40% of its approved scheduled games played. Only the first two games played with any single opponent will be included in the twelve (12) games. 7.2 Only games played with Conference member schools, or Region I out-of-state schools who are members of their state athletic association shall be considered. 7.3 Games played with non-member Connecticut secondary schools shall not be considered in the rating of teams. 8.0 RANKING/SEEDING 8.1 The rating of teams shall be determined by the percentage method: the number of games won divided by the number of games played. 8.2 When more than one team is undefeated, the team with the most wins WILL be ranked first. 8.3 In case of ties the Committee will determine the rankings in the following order: l) most wins 2) by lot

5 2004 Softball Tournament Regulations A TEAM MAINTAINS ITS INITIAL PERCENTAGE RANKING THROUGHOUT THE TOURNAMENT. 8.5 In case more than thirty-two (32) teams qualify, a qualifying round game will be held on Saturday, May 29, Order of play if more than 32 teams qualify for the tournament in any division. If 33 teams If 34 teams If 35 teams If 36 teams 32 vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs In case there are not thirty-two (32) teams that qualify, byes will be awarded to the appropriate number of higher ranked teams. 8.8 Tournament Format: First Round Second Round Quarter-finals Semi-finals Finals 1 vs vs 17 l vs 16 8 vs 25 1 vs 8 9 vs 24 8 vs 9 1 vs 4 4 vs vs 20 4 vs 13 5 vs 28 4 vs 5 12 vs 21 5 vs 12 2 vs 31 1 vs 2 15 vs 18 2 vs 15 7 vs 26 2 vs 7 10 vs 23 7 vs 10 3 vs 30 2 vs 3 14 vs 19 3 vs 14 6 vs 28 3 vs 6 11 vs 22 6 vs Ranking and Pairing information will be distributed to coaches via the CIAC website -- casciac on Friday, May 28, SITES AND DATES 9.1 Member schools may start practice on but not before Monday, March 22, Member schools may play the first game on but not before Wednesday, April 7, Scheduled Playing Dates for the 2004 Softball Tournament Saturday, May 29 Qualifying Round Week of Tuesday, June 1 First Round and Second Round Games Friday & Saturday, June 4, 5 State Quarter-finals -- Times to be announced Tuesday, June 8 State Semi-finals -- North Branford Sportsplex Friday & Saturday, June 11, 12 State Finals -- DeLuca Field, Stratford Sunday, June 13 Rain date for State Finals 9.4 In the event of inclement weather, the site director has the authority to postpone the game. THE SITE DIRECTOR MUST IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY THE TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR. The postponed game will be played on the next day excluding Sunday, except in the case of the Final games.

6 2004 Softball Tournament Regulations All qualifying, first round and second round games will be played on the field of the higher ranked team based on the ORIGINAL PERCENTAGE RANKINGS. The host school shall provide a site director who should be someone other than the coach. 9.6 The Tournament Director will determine the sites and times for all state quarter-finals, state semi-finals and state finals. Night games may be scheduled. The Tournament Director will designate the site director. 9.7 In the event the higher ranked team cannot provide a field that meets a minimum standard the game shall be played on the opponent's field providing it does meet the minimum standards. If neither team's field meets the minimum standards (see National Federation rule) the game shall be played at a field designated by the Tournament Director SUPERVISION/SPORTSMANSHIP 10.1 IN THE INTEREST OF CROWD CONTROL AND PROPER SUPERVISION THE CIAC BOARD OF CONTROL HAS APPROVED THE TOURNAMENT REGULATION REQUIRING THE PRINCIPAL OF THE PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS OR HIS/HER DESIGNEE TO ATTEND ALL TOURNAMENT GAMES. THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR SHOULD IDENTIFY HIM/HERSELF TO THE SITE DIRECTOR When a member school's coach is ejected from a game for an infraction as prescribed by the rules, the game may not continue until the member school replaces the ejected coach with a certified coach. If this cannot be accompliahed within l5 minutes after the ejection, the official in charge will declare a forfeit win for the opposing team Video Taping by spectators may be done for personal use only and shall not be used for coaching or scouting. (Refer to CIAC Handbook - Sec. 4.35) 10.4 Use of tobacco products or possession of alcoholic beverages of any kind, including champagne, are not permitted on the field of play, including dugouts, or within the field or park at which a tournament game is scheduled. Many towns, or fields which we use have local ordinaces prohibiting use of tobacco products or possession of alcoholic beverages. The principal or his/her designee at the game shall see that this rule is enforced and adherred to by the teams Bench and Field Conduct 11.0 TIME OF GAMES Personnel -- Only coaches, players, other team members, statisticians, managers and trainers will be allowed in the dugout or bench area. Conduct -- The above identified personnel shall not be outside the vicinity of the designated dugout (bench) or bull pen area if not a batter, runner, on-deck batter, in the coach's box or one of the nine players on defense. Violations will be subject to the penalties cited in National Federation Rule 3-3-l and Whenever possible, all qualifying, first and second round games will start no earlier than 4:00 p.m., except by mutual agreement. If a team s arrival is delayed due to transportation problems the site director should be called and the team will be given a minimum of 30 minutes for warm-up. If rain causes a postponement, games will be played on the next day (excluding Sunday). However, no team will be required to play on three consecutive days. The site director will have the authority to postpone games in the event of inclement weather, and in the case of a POSTPONED GAME HE/SHE WILL IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY THE TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR TOURNAMENT RULES / PROCEDURES 12.1 The official National Federation Fast Pitch Rules will prevail for the tournament with the following clarifications or state option.

7 2004 Softball Tournament Regulations A CIAC tournament game must be seven (7) innings, or if tied after seven innings must be completed to constitute a legal game. In the event of rain or any other cause which prevents the game from continuing the game will be resumed at the exact point where it left off and will be completed at the first opportunity. FOR CIAC TOURNAMENT PLAY ONLY (NOT REGULAR SEASON) -- AFTER 4.5 OR 5 INNINGS OF PLAY HAVE BEEN COMPLETED, AND ONE TEAM IS 15 OR MORE RUNS BEHIND THE COACH OF THAT TEAM MAY DECLARE THE GAME COMPLETE THUS INVOKING THE "MERCY RULE" Beginning with the quarter-final games, the umpire must consult with the site director before a game is called because of inclement weather BALL -- The official ball for the 2004 Tournament will be the Spalding Dudley WT12Y-FP Leather - with a labeled 375 compression and 47 core. EACH SCHOOL SHALL PROVIDE TWO (2) SPALDING DUDLEY WT12Y-FP LEATHER BALLS FOR THE QUALIFYING GAMES THROUGH SEMI-FINALS GAMES The Softball Committee will provide balls only at the State Finals The higher ranked team has the privilege of choosing dugouts or benches. The higher ranked team is the team with the higher percentage ranking in its division During qualifying, first and second round games, the higher ranked team will bat last. During the state quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals, the team to bat last will be determined by a flip of a coin. The coin toss shall take place at least 30 minutes before game time by the site director or umpire. The higher ranked team shall have the privilege of calling the coin toss. In the event of a postponed or suspended game, all conditions described herein shall prevail when the game is played or resumed Pre-game procedures - During infield practice pitchers may be on the mound only to practice fielding, they may not be practicing pitching. The home team will take infield practice for 10 minutes starting 30 minutes prior to game time. The visiting team will take infield practice for 10 minutes starting 20 minutes before game time. No team will be allowed to take batting practice on the infield prior to any tournament game The home team scorer will be considered the official scorer through the semi-finals In the event of any situation not covered in the rules, the decision of the Committee or its representatives shall be final. Selection of teams and sites by the Committee is final REPORTING OF TOURNAMENT GAMES Immediately following a first or second round tournament game: Coaches of winning LL and L schools will telephone game scores to JUDY SAXTON (Windsor) -- (860) Coaches of winning M and S schools will telephone game scores to JUDY DEEB (East Lyme) -- (860) JUDY SAXTON MUST BE CALLED IMMEDIATELY AFTER ALL OTHER GAMES. In the event the winning coach cannot make contact with the Committee member named above, for his/her division he/she should call the other committee member Tournament Regulations Violations: If a school fails to comply with tournament regulations, including deadlines, accurate information and/or any other procedure which requires the CIAC tournament sports committee, central office staff, or Board of Control to redo any portion of the tournament pairings or which adversely impacts the management of the tournament, an administrative violations fee of $250 will be imposed upon the school before entry into the tournament will be allowed.

8 APPENDIX A 2004 SOFTBALL DIVISIONS LL Division and Over (40) Bridgeport Central 809 Bridgeport - Warren Harding 505 Bristol Central 526 Bristol Eastern 514 Cheshire 559 Danbury 991 East Hartford 790 Fairfield 797 Glastonbury 685 Greenwich 887 Groton - Fitch 502 Hamden 715 Hartford - Bulkeley 625 Hartford Public 561 Hartford - Weaver 472 Manchester 785 Middletown - Mercy 511 Naugatuck 636 New Britain 905 New Haven - Wilbur Cross 483 New Milford 552 Newington 514 Newtown 497 Norwalk 586 Norwich Free Academy 889 Ridgefield 532 Shelton 583 Simsbury 480 Southington 780 South Windsor 523 Stamford 715 Stamford - Westhill 711 Storrs - E.O. Smith 468 Stratford - Bunnell 491 Trumbull 679 West Hartford - Conard 529 West Hartford - Wm. Hall 580 West Haven 609 Windsor 529 Woodbridge - Amity Reg. 578 L Division (41) Bethel 338 Berlin 367 Branford 418 Bridgeport - Bullard Havens 345 East Haven 418 East Lyme 423 Enfield - Enrico Fermi 464 Farmington 447 Guilford 432 Hamden - Sacred Heart Academy 356 Hebron - RHAM 339 Killingly 374 Ledyard 394 Madison - Daniel Hand 358 Meriden - Maloney 449 Middletown 457 Milford - Foran 385 Milford - Jonathan Law 337 Monroe - Masuk 459 New Canaan 365 New Haven - Hillhouse 391 North Haven 399 Norwalk - Brien McMahon 429 Seymour 386 Southbury - Pomperaug 438 Stratford 381 Torrington 461 Trumbull - St. Joseph 337 Vernon - Rockville 443 Wallingford - Lyman Hall 459 Wallingford - Sheehan 369 Waterbury - Crosby 399 Waterbury - Kennedy 398 Waterbury - Holy Cross 348 Waterbury - Wilby 409 Waterford 340 Westport - Staples 457 Wethersfield 437 Wilton 389 Windham 343 Woodstock Academy 389

9 M Division (40) Ansonia 251 Avon 316 Bloomfield 243 Bridgeport - Bassick 335 Brookfield 305 Burlington - Lewis Mills 296 Clinton - Morgan 227 Colchester - Bacon Academy 311 Coventry 226 Darien 300 Ellington 243 Enfield 332 Fairfield - Notre Dame 236 Granby Memorial 219 Griswold 261 Hartford - A. I. Prince 275 Lebanon - Lyman Memorial 233 Manchester - East Catholic 234 Meriden - Platt 336 Milford - Lauralton Hall 336 Montville 263 New Fairfield 330 New Haven - Career 285 New London 224 North Branford 246 Plainfield 245 Plainville 315 Redding - Joel Barlow 320 Rocky Hill 243 Stafford 235 Stonington 251 Suffield 257 Tolland 320 Waterbury - Kaynor RVT 222 Watertown 325 W. Hartford - N.W. Catholic 237 Weston 232 Winsted - N.W. Reg. 249 Wolcott 330 Woodbury - Nonnewaug 318 S Division - Up to 218 (52) Ansonia - Emmett O'Brien 115 Beacon Falls - Woodland Reg. 165 Bolton 105 Bridgeport - Kolbe/Cathedral 123 Bristol - St. Paul 151 Canton 170 Chaplin - Parish Hill 83 Cromwell 186 Danbury - Abbott RVT 128 Danbury - Immaculate 133 Deep River - Valley Reg. 202 Derby 143 Durham - Coginchaug 206 East Granby 75 East Haddam - Hale Ray 129 East Hampton 179 East Windsor 152 Falls Village - Housatonic Valley 213 Groton - Grasso RVT 217 Hamden - Eli Whitney 170 Hamden - Hyde Leadership 40 Hartford - Sports Science Academy 91 Higganum - Haddam-Killingworth 200 Killingly - Ellis RVT 112 Litchfield 156 Litchfield - Wamogo 150 Manchester - Cheney Tech. 71 Meriden - Wilcox RVT 165 Middletown - Vinal RVT 117 Milford - Platt RVT 160 New Britain - Goodwin RVT 194 No. Stonington - Wheeler 99 Norwich RVT 97 Lyme-Old Lyme 171 Old Saybrook 189 Portland 117 Putnam 135 Somers 171 Sprague - Ac. Holy Family 40 Stamford - Trinity Catholic 143 Stamford - Wright Tech. 116 Terryville 177 Thomaston 128 Thompson - Tourtellotte 139 Torrington - Wolcott RVT 166 Uncasville - St. Bernard 107 Washington - Shepaug Valley 130 Waterbury - Sacred Heart 191 Westbrook 106 Windham RVT 111 Windsor Locks 207 Winsted - Gilbert School 180

10 CONNECTICUT INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC CONFERENCE 30 Realty Drive, Cheshire, Connecticut Telephone (203) / Fax (203) Website -- casciac.org ALERT The 2004 tournament softball is the Spalding Dudley WT-12-FPY leather with a labeled 375 compression and 47 core. 1. Change in coefficient of restitution and ball compression (1-3-4) In 2004, the coefficient of restitution (COR) and ball compression for NFHS softballs will be reduced. As of January 1, 2004, the COR and compression for slow pitch softballs shall not exceed.44 (from.47) and 375 lbs. (From 525 lbs.), respectively. The compression for fast pitch softballs shall not exceed 375 lbs. (From 525 lbs.). In addition, all balls shall be properly marked by the manufacturer with COR and compression. Softballs that meet the new specifications will be appropriate for play immediately. 2. NFHS Softball Rule Change Proposal: Effective January 1, 2004, the bat shall meet the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) 2004 Bat Performance Standard. Rationale: Current lab and field testing indicates that changing the maximum batted ball speed (BBS) limit to 98 mph more accurately reflects the speeds found on the field of play. The change was necessary because some of the highest performing bats on the market adversely affect the character and integrity of the game and render a player s performance more a product of equipment than individual skill. This change may also reduce the risk of injury to participants. The ASA and the NCAA adopated this new standard within the last three weeks, with an effective date of January 1, Implementation: The net effect of adopting this new standard will cause minimal hardship to NFHS member associations and schools for two reasons: a) In essence, the NFHS will go back to using the ASA approved list to determine legal bats, and not require the bat to be stamped with the approved certification mark. Requiring the mark would be nearly impossible given the timing of this change. b) In all likelihood, the vast majority of bats that have been used for the past several seasons for high school play will meet the new standard and be placed on the approved list. Only the highest performing bats, usually ranging in cost between $300 and $400, will be in jeopardy of not meeting the new standard. Further Information: Detailed information about the ASA Bat Certification Program can be found at equipment.asp

11 CONNECTICUT INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC CONFERENCE NFHS Bat Rule -- Questions & Answers Q. What bats can be used in high school games? A. NFHS Softball Rule indicates that in order for a bat to be legal it must: 1) meet the ASA Bat Performance Standard. Q. Why did the NFHS / ASA start banning bats? A. The NFHS has adopted the ASA Bat Performance Standard. If a bat no longer complies with the ASA Bat Performance Standard, it does not meet the specifications required in Rule The ASA has the authority under its standard contract with participating bat manufacturers to conduct periodic and random audits of certified bats throughout the year for the purpose of verifying compliance with the ASA Bat Performance Standard. Once the ASA determines that a particular bat model does not comply with that standard, the ASA has the authority under that contract with the participating manufacturer to immediately withdraw that bat model from the list of approved ASA bats. Q. The bat I own has the permanent ASA certification mark on it. Why was it banned? A. When a participating manufacturer designs a new bat model, one or more samples are submitted for testing to determine if the model satisfies the ASA Bat Performance Standard. Periodic rendom testing is then conducted to verify compliance. These provisions are part of the standard contract with participating bat manufacturers, which also provide that non-compliant bats will be immediately withdrawn from the list of approved ASA bats. In mid- 2002, the ASA learned that one cause for some (but not all) bat models falling out of compliance is that the manufacturer made a design change to the bat after it was initially approved but failed to verify that the new design complied with the ASA standard. Q. Whom should I contact for a refund or to get my questions answered regarding the bat that was recently banned? A. The ASA s standard contract says that a manufacturer of a non-compliant bat has 30 days (or more under certain circumstances) to announce any possible method to cure the problem. At that time, the manufacturer will provide specific instructions (including on their website) for how a non-compliant bat should be turned in for appropriate treatment. If the non-compliance cannot be cured, the manufacturers only other options are to appeal the finding of non-compliance or to conduct a recall of the product. Regardless of the circumstance, the respective manufacturer is the proper party to contact. Q. Will more bats be banned? A. The ASA made announcements on July 31, 2002, and August 29, 2002, withdrawing bats from the list of ASA approved bats. If manufacturers are found to have made and sold more bat models that do not comply with the ASA Bat Performance Standard, the ASA will likely have no other alternative than to issue further announcements. Q. Where can I find a list of approved bats? A. The Certified Equipment section of the ASA website contains a list of all approved bats as well as a list of all non-compliant bats. Q. Can I be sent a list of bats that have been retested by ASA so I know what bats to purchase for next season? A. During the ASA s random compliance testing, it is true that some bat models are found to be in compliance as expected. However, ASA does not keep such a list. In addition, ASA intends to apply the same rules and standards to all manufacturers, and publicizing a list of those bat models could possibly give one manufacturer an unfair competitive advantage over another manufacturer just because certain bat models were randomly selected for testing and others were not. A manufacturer could also read (incorrectly) that list to mean that a model on that list will not be subject to testing again for a time period, redesign the model without verifying compliance, and create a non-compliance situation that the ASA would like to avoid.

12 Q. I ve heard the ASA is going to be retesting the banned bats and will be reconsidering its decision. Is this true? A. Once a bat model is withdrawn from the list of approved ASA bats, the only testing done is the manufacturer s testing of possible redesigned bats to try to cure the problem. Before the ASA makes any announcement on a bat model, precautionary measures are taken to make sure the test results are sound and that no reconsideration is necessary. For example, two separate rounds of testing are done on each bat model before an announcement is made, and each round involves different samples of that particular model. Q. What has the ASA done to protect the players from the manufacturers who were evidently making illegal products? A. The contracts between the ASA and the manufacturer s specifically state that the ASA can conduct random compliance testing, and the ASA has repeatedly exercised that authority. Once it is determined that a manufacturer s bat for some reason no longer complies with the ASA Bat Performance Standard, immediate action is taken. Although some disruption in the field may result from such quick action, the ASA s intent is to look out for the best interests of softball players. Q. I ve heard some manufacturers of banned bats talking about fixing the bats so that they comply with the ASA Bat Performance Standard and putting an ASA re-certification mark on them. Can you confirm this? A. When a bat model containing the ASA 2000 certification mark is found out of compliance with the ASA Bat Performance Standard, the manufacturer has the option to cure the problem subject to the ASA s approval of the cure method. Once the ASA approves the cure method, the manufacturer will cure the problem and cause the noncompliant bat models to come into compliance. Those retrofitted bats will then be authorized to bear the ASA recertification mark, which is shown on the ASA Banned Bats link in the Certified Equipment section of the ASA website -- Note from National Federation Office: The Worth 3DX is on the ASA list of banned bats. Worth has manufactured several spin-off bats in that line that begin with the same initial markings, specifically the 3DXB, 3DXE and 3DXFP. These three models of bats are LEGAL (provided they have the permanent ASA certification mark). The only banned bat would be a Worth 3DX, with no additional letters or identifier. It s important that school administrators, coaches and umpires look at the fine print when checking these particular bats.

13 APPENDIX B 2004 SOFTBALL SCHEDULE -- All CIAC member schools are to report their 2004 schedule for girls softball no later than April 1, 2004 via the password-protected online eligibility center. All cancelled games should be reported in place of a score. Games not reported may not be considered for tournament qualification. Failure to submit schedule of games may result in disqualification from the tournament. APPENDIX C SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT UMPIRES LIST -- Each school should submit by May 1, 2004 via the password-protected online eligibility center a list of eight (8) umpires who, in your opinion would be competent to umpire tournament games. You may also indicate four (4) umpires whose services you reject. List name of your board(s) and assigner(s) from which your regular season games are assigned or selected. APPENDIX D CHANGE OF DIVISION -- Any principal desiring a change to a higher division must make the request no later than April 1, 2004 via the password-protected online eligibility center. Schools electing to move up a division must remain in that division for a period of three (3) years. SITE FORM -- Must be submitted by April 1, 2004 via the password-protected online eligibility center. APPENDIX E SOFTBALL ENTRY FORM -- The entry form (schedule with match results and roster) must be submitted by May 21, 2004 via the password-protected online eligibility center. Report all final matches by May 27, 2004 (last date to count). Each school will be allowed not over eighteen girls in uniform. List all girls with uniform number and grade level. Entry fee of $60 must be mailed to the CIAC, 30 Realty Drive, Cheshire, CT 06410

14 2004 SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT FORMS LISTING All tournament forms must be submitted via the online eligibility center section of the CIAC website located at This area of the site requires the school's username and password for entry. Worksheets for collecting the information needed to submit the online forms can be found on the following pages. These worksheets are intended for giving to coaches to provide information for submission to the school officials who will be filing the information online. Under no circumstances will printed forms be accepted in lieu of submissions via the eligibility center. The following forms must be submitted for the sport of softball: 1. Schedule -- Due April 1, Site Information - Due April 1, Change of Division - Optional, if being submitted due April 1, Officials Selection - Due May 1, Tournament Roster - Due May 21, 2004 * 6. Game Results - Due May 21, 2004 *& * For these forms, you may find it easier to print out a copy of the actual web form, instead of using the worksheet, since the web form will be filled in with your eligible players and/or game schedule. Any form in the online eligibility center can be printed without being submitted. & If schools choose to do so, they may set up access codes which allow coaches to enter game results without having the main school eligibility center password. Access codes can be set up in the online eligibility center by selecting the appropriate option from the "Administrative Actions" menu. Once the code is setup and the schedule is entered in the eligibility center, results may then be entered at

15 CIAC ONLINE ELIGIBILITY CENTER WORKSHEET FORM: Softball Schedule MENU: Girls Softball Submit Schedule INFORMATION REQUIRED: 1. Game Schedule Date MM/DD/YYYY Opponent Principals Name: Athletic Directors Name: Head Coaches Name: Head Coaches School Phone: Head Coaches Home Phone: Head Coaches Cell Phone: This worksheet is intended only for collecting information to be submitted via the password protected online eligibility center. Under no circumstances will printed forms be accepted in lieu of online submissions.

16 CIAC ONLINE ELIGIBILITY CENTER WORKSHEET FORM: Softball Officials MENU: Girls Softball Submit Selection of Officials INFORMATION REQUIRED: Recommend umpires (up to eight): Umpire Plate Base Both Address Phone with Area Code Umpires not wanted for tournament games: Official Board Name of Principal: Name of Athletic Director: Name of Head Coach: Head Coach Home Phone: Head Coach School Phone: This worksheet is intended only for collecting information to be submitted via the password protected online eligibility center. Under no circumstances will printed forms be accepted in lieu of online submissions.

17 CIAC ONLINE ELIGIBILITY CENTER WORKSHEET FORM: Softball Tournament Roster MENU: Softball Submit Tournament Roster INFORMATION REQUIRED: Name Light# Dark# School Medical Official: Name of Principal: Name of Athletic Director: Name of Head Coach: Head Coach Home Phone: Head Coach School Phone: This worksheet is intended only for collecting information to be submitted via the password protected online eligibility center. Under no circumstances will printed forms be accepted in lieu of online submissions.

18 CIAC ONLINE ELIGIBILITY CENTER WORKSHEET FORM: Softball Results MENU: Girls Softball Submit Results INFORMATION REQUIRED: Game Results Date MM/DD/YYYY Opponent Score Games Won Total Wins Score Games Lost Total Losses Principals Name: Home Phone: School Phone: Athletic Director Name: Home Phone: School Phone: Head Coach Name: Home Phone: School Phone: Work Phone: Cell Phone: Graduation Date: Prom Dates: Senior: Junior: This worksheet is intended only for collecting information to be submitted via the password protected online eligibility center. Under no circumstances will printed forms be accepted in lieu of online submissions.

19 CIAC ONLINE ELIGIBILITY CENTER WORKSHEET FORM: Softball Site Information MENU: Girls Softball Submit Site Information INFORMATION REQUIRED: Can admission be charged at your field? If yes, who would be the site director? Name: Telephone: Are other suitable town sites available? Can admission be charged? If yes, who is the contact? Name of Site: Site Director: Telephone: Are other suitable town sites available to conduct a night game? Can admission be charged? If yes, who is the contact? Name of Site: Site Director: Telephone: Mark dates your site is available: May 27, 28, 29, 31 June 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 This worksheet is intended only for collecting information to be submitted via the password protected online eligibility center. Under no circumstances will printed forms be accepted in lieu of online submissions.