Asa rules

[SBFAMILY]

If a team plays up and wins a Eastern National Berth at 18U, can they now play at 16U and try to win a National berth at 16U?

 

[Momo'sDad]

As long as every player on the team is age-eligible, yes.

 

[Comp]

You might want to check with your ASA reps. It is my understanding that once a player plays in an older age bracket at a national qualifier, they are locked into the older age group through nationals. Daughters team tried to pick up a player a few years back and turned out she had played in an 18U qualifier and could not play 16U even though she was still young enough.

 

[MTR]

If a team plays up and wins a Eastern National Berth at 18U, can they now play at 16U and try to win a National berth at 16U?

As noted, I would check first. I believe that this would only be permitted if the team formally forfeits the previously awarded berth.

 

[Daddylawman]

Forfeiting the berth is irrelevant. Once you play in an 18U qualifier you can not play in a lower age group through Nationals. I believe this is in the ASA Code

 

[SBFAMILY]

That is what an e mail from ASA National came back with. I know a team that won a berth at 18U Eastern Nationals and are now trying to win a berth at 16U and didn't think you could do that. Thanks for the responses.

 

[Momo'sDad]

I got the same information just now, too. I stand corrected. Now my question is, can the team disband after the 18u qualifier and then re-form and then go compete in 16u?

 

[Comp]

The players are locked to the 18 level through the completion of nationals. Even if they team disbanded and all the players went to other organizations, they still cannot play 16's after having competed at an 18 qualifier.

 

[RedBirdDad]

Not sure if it's in there but here is a link to the ASA rules:

ASA Softball Rules

 

[MTR]

Forfeiting the berth is irrelevant. Once you play in an 18U qualifier you can not play in a lower age group through Nationals. I believe this is in the ASA Code

Here is the ASA Code which is very vague.

It states that playing at a higher level MAY affect the teams classification. Teams are never discouraged from playing at a higher level.

It should also be noted that winning a tournament which offers a berth does not mean the team must accept that berth.