Agmt11 Peninsula Sports Officials Association

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ASA SOFTBALL FIELD OWNER'S PROGRAM PRE -GAME INSPECTION MINIMUM SAFETY STANDARDS 1. A physical inspection of the field should be made prior to every game by an ASA registered umpire or a representative of the field owner with the authority to cancel play if the field does not meet minimum safety standards. 2. If the weather has had an effect on the condition of the field, the playability of the field should be determined with safety of participants as the number one consideration. Under no conditions should you play when there is lightning in the area. 3. Check bases to be sure they are correctly installed and operating properly. The ground around the bases should be flat and safe, with no protruding pegs or spikes that are used to anchor bases in place. 4. Check the home plate area. This should be a flat surface with no raised or protruding edges. The batter's box should not have or develop deep holes. 5. The pitcher's rubber and surrounding area should be kept in good repair. Pay special attention to depressions and holes that may be dug by the repetition of pitchers' deliveries. These holes may pose a hazard to pitchers or infielders and may cause batted balls to take errant hops. 6. "Out of play" areas should be clearly defined and thoroughly understood by all members of both teams. The umpire should communicate this through the team managers. 7. Make sure the on deck circle is a safe distance from the dugout and home plate. 8. Check the infield and basepaths for stones, small holes, debris that can cause bad bounces or poor footing. 9. Measures should be taken to prevent spectators and children from wandering onto the field or into the dugout or warm -up areas. 10. Require that proper safety equipment, e.g., batting helmets, warm -up bats, catcher's protective gear is used, as prescribed by the Official ASA Guide and Playing Rules. 11. In rainy or misty weather, the tops of bases, home plate and the pitcher's rubber can become very slippery. Proper precautions should be taken to dry these surfaces and to warn players of the potential hazard. 12. A procedure should be established to allow for the umpire to communicate suggestions for maintenance improvements to the field owner. LET'S ALL DO OUR PART TO MAKE SOFTBALL A SAFER GAME!