Outfield fences at all qualifiers

[NumeroUno]

I am not sure how it works all over the country but what is your opinion on playing on a field with no fence?
When you go to Nationals (ASA) all fields have fences. Playing a game on a field with no fence does not make that game real. How many times have you seen a hard hit grounder in the gap roll for a home run with no fence? A lot of these doubles, triple and HR's would be singles or doubles with a fence. I think any game that is a qualifier the field must have a fence. If that is the way nationals are played than qualifiers should be the same.

[JustWondering]

I agree 100%. Playing with/without a fence are 2 different games. A hit in a gap that would be no more than a double turn into homeruns without a fence. Also balls that would go over fences could turn to outs if Outfielder is playing deep enough. Play the Qualifier just like Nationals.

[SoftballG]

if we only lived in a perfect fastpitch world..

[DDG]

I agree, in a perfect world, the fields would be the same in the qualifiers as in the Nationals.

However, that would really limit the availability of qualifier fields. How many hosts would want to cover the expense of putting in HR fences, and how many locations would allow those modifications to be made to their fields?

[Intel]

Temporary fences can be put in place. This is done at tournaments with 300 foot fences. I agree, all qualifiers and Nationals should be played on fields with fences.

[wadeintothem]

*COUGH COUGH CLOVIS EAST COUGH COUGH

[frogs_mom_15]

I guess we are really fortunate to have some really nice facilities here in TN. Nearly all of the fields that we play on are either a 200' fence or have a temporary set up. I remember the days of playing on the 300' fields with no fence, DD was like 10 or 11 and had a career high 16 hr's that season. All but one (over a 165') were in the park LOL. Just got the first over the 200' at 16.

I would think that the "softball mecca of the world" socal would have the temporary fences. Surprising.

[ice_67]

I would think that the "softball mecca of the world" socal would have the temporary fences. Surprising.

Naw, too many soccer pukes using our outfields.

[Intel]

Anybody out their got a cough drop for Wade? Yes, Clovis East does not have fences, neither does Clovis North, neither does the field just south of the San Joaquin River Wade will be umping (just kidding), but the Force Classic is not a qualifier. All qualifiers, should have fences.

[ssarge]

This isn't about playing in a "perfect fastpitch world." ASA rules mandate there will be fences for ALL championship play (and the rules give a range of acceptable distances based on age of play). "Championship play" includes qualifiers. If a city or area bids for the tournament, adherence to the rules should be a predicate for the bid beinf accepted by ASA.


And the rule IS sometimes violated. Until recently, Lancaster didn't have fences for the Region 14 Gold regional qualifier. Completely unacceptable.


The lack of fences changes the game dramatically. Without a fence, 250' fly balls are sometimes caught, and ground balls are sometimes HRs. If that is the game result that is desired, change the rules to eliminate fences in championship play. Otherwise, enforce the current rules.