All coaches, players and parents should know the rules of the game.   Our league is most successful when our games are played by the rules and with sportsmanship by everyone on the field and in the stands.   Coaches and parents need to remember that  you can only protest a ruling on the field, not a judgement call.   Before you protest, be sure that you know the rule first! 

Also, only coaches can officially protest.  Parents should be watching and enjoying the game - you should not be communicating with the umpires, players or coaches during the play of the game!  Bad calls are going to be made - if you think you can call a better game, we can show you the process to get certified!   We can use everyone's help in this area. 

APPROVED BASEBALL BAT RULE CHANGE: 

The following is from the USSSA website concerning the use of Coach Pitch bats.   The league continues to monitor the decisions made by USSSA and will likely continue to follow their lead regarding this issue.  Starting immediately, all "coach pitch" bats are illegal for use and will not be allowed to be used in HVABSA games using a regulation baseball.

14 and Under Age Groups Big Barrel Bats
 
The continued popularity of for 14U and younger USSSA sanctioned baseball has led USSSA to believe that the 1.15 BPF standard should be continued, but with improvement to address use and alteration issues.
 
For 2011, there will be no change to the performance standard for bats allowed in USSSA play in these age groups. 2¾”, 2⅝” and 2¼ “ bats will all continue to be allowed in 14U and younger USSSA sanctioned play. Manufacturers, however, will be required to alert USSSA if they are aware, or have reason to be concerned that, any of their bat models—carbon fiber or other material bats-- would significantly exceed the 1.15 BPF standard with normal use. In such a case, USSSA would then list such bats as ones which are not allowed in USSSA play. In general, all bats of USSSA Licensed manufacturers will be allowed in USSSA play, unless they are otherwise identified by USSSA as not being allowed. Bats from manufacturers that are not licensed with USSSA will not be allowed in USSSA sanctioned play without regard to BPF testing.
 
For 2012, Dr. Brandt in coordination with the Bat Manufacturers will create a more rigorous 1.15 BPF test that will not allow bats that improve past the 1.15 BPF level with use or most alteration without clearly showing visible physical damage.  Both 2¾” and 2⅝” bats will continue to be allowed in 14U and younger USSSA sanctioned play. Such bats will carry a new USSSA 1.15 Mark that will be easily indentified without the requirement of a close inspection. This test will be similar to that currently used by the 5 associations that require 1.15 BPF testing for Small Barrel bats and which  is now being used by USSSA in its Small Barrel bat testing. Beginning in 2012, only such Big Barrel bats with the new USSSA 1.15 BPF mark will be allowed in USSSA play. All other Big Barrel bats will no longer be allowed in USSSA play as of January 1, 2012. It is expected that such 2012 bats will be made available for purchase by October of 2011.