New information on qualifying for ASA territorial nationals (for example ASA Eastern Nationals)

[default]

Thanks to Warren of the Ohio Outlaws for the following post to me on a thread that got hijacked to the question whether a team has to earn a berth to ASA Easterns, rather than simply qualifying by virtue of the team's status as registered with the ASA:

"Carol
I called a Eastern ASA TD and, he told me that not all states have qualifiers for ASA Easterns, but if your state has them you must play in them and earn a birth to go to Easterns, Northerns, Southerns or Western. He can not just let you come because you are a ASA registered team. He was very clear on this and Warren Jones said same thing."

This is important information for teams interested in ASA Easterns, either as a back-up if they don't earn an ASA/USA berth or as a quality Nationals to end the season.

It also means that Ohio tournaments offering ASA Eastern National berths have something that is of value.

Finally, it also means that teams need to be aware of the complicated roster rules when they play in an ASA Eastern Nationals qualifier tournament.

 

[default]

CGS - I guess I don't understand how ASA can have different qualification standards state to state. It looks pretty much like NSA at that point. The only difference is that winners like yourselves are awarded a berth to the following years "big prize". But don't even get me started on that whole thing either.........

 

[default]

Mark:

I get your NSA reference, but I'm just reporting on the apparent answer to a question I've been asking for two years now. It does seem odd that teams from other states can attend their regional ASA Nationals simply by entering, while teams from states such as Ohio need to qualify.

But it is what it is. And I think it is important information for Ohio teams, especially at the 14u and 16u ages.

 

[default]

10U teams looking for a chance to qualify, we still need teams for "2012 Central Ohio Mothers Day 10U Early Bird ENQ ASA Tournament" (Friday and Saturday only)
It is a first year tournament, but we have support to make sure it is a good week end!

http://www.game-ex.com/vb3/showthread.php?42202-Mothers-Day-10U-ASA-Early-Bird-(Mothers-Day-off)

 

[default]

Mark:

I get your NSA reference, but I'm just reporting on the apparent answer to a question I've been asking for two years now. It does seem odd that teams from other states can attend their regional ASA Nationals simply by entering, while teams from states such as Ohio need to qualify.

But it is what it is. And I think it is important information for Ohio teams, especially at the 14u and 16u ages.

cgs - I know you were just relaying the info. I am sure it helps thse that are playing in these events. Knowing the roster info is critical.

I just think for ASA to work like NSA is a bit dissappointing (no offense intended NSA - but ASA is the governing body of softball). I would think that because the territorial nationals offer berths to teams to the ASA Nationals the following year that ASA would be consistant state to state.

I also find it odd that territorial berth winners at one age group can take that berth to the higher age group the following calendar year!!!

I wish teams in my state had to qualify to play in the territorial nationals like Ohio does. But if ASA won't legislate that, then they should just make those events open to everyone.

 

[default]

Mark:

I agree with much of what you say. I think I would split the baby the following way with respect to the age group issue: winners/2nd place at Eastern Nationals should not be allowed to play up but winners/2nd place at ASA/USA should be allowed to take the berth to the higher age group. I just can't see how the Ohio Lasers Gold shouldn't be allowed a berth at ASA/USA 16u after winning the 14u ASA/USA title.

I should say that my household is split on that opinion, with the head coach (a/k/a my husband) believing that a win/2nd place at a regional Nationals should transfer to the higher age group berth for ASA/USA Nationals. For us, that wasn't an issue as we qualified as a younger 16u team.

Carol

 

[default]

cgs - you are right. I was just thinking that in my area a 14u team won the 14u Southern Nats and received a berth for the 16u ASA Nationals. They had no chance - zero - to win a berth in this coming qualifying season. They are a good 14u team, but just couldn't win against the older 16u teams down here. And only having to carry 5 players over.....?