Posted on Monday, 3/10/2008 - 12:51 p.m. PDT — by SS396
Does anyone know why the Queen of the Mountain softball tournament banned the use of metal cleats when they are approved for High School by the CIF and other high school governing bodies? Why would a local tournament overide the established rules? Are there high school baseball tournaments that ban metal for the boys? I have heard a lot of comments from players that they prefer playing in metal cleats, something which the boys have done for a long time. The players that been practicing in metal cleats have gotten acclimated to the superior traction and stability of using metal. A switch back to rubber cleats means more slipping around and potential injuries, especially on those night games at Willow Pass Park where the bases are super slick.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 3047
It is a relatively new rule, and maybe the Queen of the Mountain tourney is worried about possible injuries? Do they allow metal cleats for the adult softball leagues at Willow Pass Park? -------Here is an article from Softball Channel:---------------------------- http://thesoftballchannel.com/forums/index.php?s=e024d2dc8d6712dae21375f... ---------------------------------------------- Oct 17 2007, 09:47 AM ---- Metal cleats are now legal for use in prep softball, according to a July 9th announcement by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). The following news release "High School Softball Rules Amended to Permit Metal Cleats in 2008" is excerpted from the NFHS web site:
High school softball players will be permitted to wear metal cleats and metal toe plates beginning with the 2008 season.
This change in Rule 3-2-11 is one of three rules revisions approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Softball Rules Committee at its annual meeting June 10-12 in Indianapolis. The rules changes subsequently were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors. --------------------------------
"Metal cleats provide better traction for athletes on nearly all surfaces, including hard, wet or under-maintained fields," said Cindy Simmons, chair of the NFHS Softball Rules Committee and assistant executive director of the Oregon School Activities Association. "They also help prevent slippage on the bases, especially home plate." ------------------------------------
Current rules prohibit runners from illegal tactics when sliding, and if sliding is executed correctly, the risk of defensive players being "spiked" will decrease.
Joined: Feb 2008
Current Posts: 29
I heard it had something to do with the city of Concord.
Joined: Mar 2009
Current Posts: 1
Hi. I go to Carondelet and play my home games and practice there. We are not allowed to wear metal cleats on our home field either. I believe it's because they think we are going to ruin their fields, but that's just ridiculous. So, FYI, they didn't ban them because it was a tournament, that's just always the rule there.
Joined: Feb 2008
Current Posts: 39
Part of might be that the cleats would tear up that buried pad that they have around home plate.
Joined: Mar 2009
Current Posts: 1
Hi. I also go to Carondelet and Willow Pass fields are our home fields. It is a really stupid rule in my opinion, but it makes sense. Who would want their fields ruined just after one tournament? Yes, it is lame, but if my team has to deal with it for about half our games this season and the years following, I think everyone else can deal with it for just one tournament.