My Run For Office

[default]

Ladies & Gentlemen

I will never be heard from after this, so here is my run for office speach or lack of:

1. If you want a ASA JO Comissioner you never hear from, don't let your voice be heard.

2. If you want a ASA JO Comissioner you never meet, don't let your voice be heard.

3. If want a ASA JO Comissioner that don't coordinate tournaments and dates, don't let your voice be heard.

4. If you want to promote ASA youth Softball in Ohio, please contact Howard Honker and tell him enough is enough.

5. I'm willing and able, to fulfill that roll, and under the age of 60 (just kidding) i Know the difference and i understand the importance of holding quality tournaments in the proper places without the bid process currently enforced. but your voice needs to reflect what i beleive.

6. If you have the game: I know how to win , contact Mr. Honker and let him know how you as customers, parents and tournament directors feel.


thank you

Ron Sanders

 

[default]

You're breathing -- I'll vote for ya!!!
Good luck in breaking into the Good Ole' Boys Club
It's too bad there appears to be so little administrative interest in JO softball from the ASA Ohio brass
I still remember sending my $5 to the same Howard Honaker in 1974 to register our first girls travel ball team

 

[default]

Well... lets get off our ass and do something

Ron

 

[default]

Ron,

You have my vote and will do whatever is necessary to improve this sport and increase its awareness to the proper people in charge. Whether you are a team, a fan, a TD, or just plain interested in girls fp, let your voices be heard.

Is it possible to broadcast Howard's email address? I have his phone number, but never seem to be able to get thru.

Let me know what is the best way to share my opinion with him.

 

[default]

Commissioner Name: Howard Honaker

Address: 1324 Blossom Ln

City, State, Zip: Ashland , OH 44805

Bus. Phone:

Home Phone: (419) 289-6103

Fax: (419) 289-9062

E-mail: hbhasa@zoominternet.net

Let's do this.... dec 4th state meeting

 

[default]

I too believe that we need changes in Ohio's ASA program, but before I shoot off an e-mail to Mr. Honaker, I would like to know a few more specifics of the actual implementation of your plan. The few times I have turned to the ASA code, (usually in sheer frustration), I seem to recall reading that some sort of a bid process is at least expected in awarding Qualifiers (national and regional). It may not be the one currently in place, but a bid process none the less.
Since there are those members of the softball community that make the case that ASA is the best (topic for another thread), there seems to be a feeling that qualifying teams should come from a rigorous (maybe a better word is high profile) tournament. I have also read in the code that applications for qualifiers CANNOT be accepted until Jan 15, and have to continue to be accepted until the tournament is filled (up to 24 teams I believe, that would be per age group), or I believe a week before the tournament date. Formats MIGHT have to be altered to fit ASA guidelines. 1 1/2 hour minimum time limits, I believe the format for the tournament is straight double elimination with, pool play/practice games optional and at extra cost.
I am sure I am rambling, but my point is that I think change is necessary, but are there rules in place that have hindered (not prevented) improvements and will also impede Mr. Sanders or anyone else. For what its worth I have heard similar complaints about ASA from many other states, and ASA took the first steps to make changes at this last meeting by restructuring and downsizing its governing board.

 

[default]

Take the bid process....The State commisioner is required to pay ASA National office X ( I believe 15) amount of dollars per team for the National Qualifers and Regional Qualifier. This amount is no where near the amount you must bid to host these tournaments currently. Currently to host those tournaments in this State, it runs between 750 & 1500 depending on age group and tournament. Basically with that in mind most organization which host the most established tournaments and best locations refuse to bid. My recommendation is a baseline fee of $25 per team, not unlike some other associations.

Format: is always governed by the National office, but you are given options as in pool play or draw straight into a double elimination or (3 game elimnation bracket)... but with high cost of hosting a tournament, it is hard to offer more games.

Teams: you mention 24, thats the minimum that a site has to commit too and there is no maximum.

Time Limit: minimum once again is governed by rules, which state min is 1:30 and max 1:40, then tie breaker (except in the 10U championship game)


Last Thing: All youth tournament should be played on youth fields and properly fenced (that don't happen now)

 

[default]

My biggest complaint (and suggestion to Howard and our new rep Ron ) would be the lack of communication between the ASA and the tournaments that are being held in the summer, and when the state tournaments are to be held. I have heard many times, how can some tournaments can announce so early, and yet ASA has to wait until Dec-Jan to announce their state tournaments, at which time it could conflict with one of THEIR ASA tournaments (i.e., GAPSS, Stingrays, etc). Doesn't make sense to me whatsoever.