VTD "the next Softball Association"

[pbj2000]

For North Texas ballers, this is big news and after speaking with some of my peeps, it's true! ASA's contract with VTD will end on October 31st and VTD owner, Allen Richardson, will take his setup (site) and service tournaments, recruiting, and clinics, provide insurance, etc. independent of ASA. ASA will try to develop it's own web site mainly as a registration tool.

In NTX, VTD and fastpitch softball are synonymous. When you register your team or sign up for a tournament in NTX, you go to VTD. USSSA, USFA, and AFA have all made feable attempts to enter the fastpitch market here, but because VTD provides such a user friendly format, those efforts have fallen flat.

What this means??? The wicked witch (ASA) is dead! ...at least in DFW.

Finally someone has grown some big ones to do away with the antiques like Gotcher, Grubbs, Tate. These are people who once upon a time meant well for the sport...when their kids actually played the game. Now, with no dog in the hunt, they're simply hanger ons... not willing to give up the ship regardless of how fast it's sinking.

By my count, I know of at least six of the major parks (associations) that are already on board with VTD. In DFW, there are 10-12 parks where fastpitch is played and all currently use VTD.

A new day is coming DFW

We play in North Texas...so now i'm curious...if ASA won't be doing there registration through VTD, there getting there own site (if it's anything like USSSA or USFA...were in trouble) is VTD going to be it's own Softball Organization? Or is Premier contracting with them?

[Ace]

Finally someone has grown some big ones to do away with the antiques like Gotcher, Grubbs, Tate. These are people who once upon a time meant well for the sport...when their kids actually played the game. Now, with no dog in the hunt, they're simply hanger ons... not willing to give up the ship regardless of how fast it's sinking.

A new day is coming DFW

I like to paint a picture with words just as much as the next guy, but sheesh!!

[sbfan]

Joe you said six complex are ready to switch over. Which ones?

I suspect Gateway, Hurst, Mansfield, Irving and Grand Prairie are not on this list.

[Joe]

Finally someone has grown some big ones to do away with the antiques like Gotcher, Grubbs, Tate. These are people who once upon a time meant well for the sport...when their kids actually played the game. Now, with no dog in the hunt, they're simply hanger ons... not willing to give up the ship regardless of how fast it's sinking.

A new day is coming DFW

I like to paint a picture with words just as much as the next guy, but sheesh!!

What about "hanger ons"? The best one IMO.

I'm not sure how ASA will list their tournaments, although I would bet for a fee, they could use VTD

sbfan, your list looks pretty tight. Can't and won't speak for others though.

[stormdaddy]

All in the eye of the beholder. If you want someone that avoids conflict by doing nothing or telling you what you want to hear, tate is your guy.

[Joe]

Posting from VTD:

Author: John Fellers
Date: 09/17/2009
Title: Agree
Approved By: Mike Rushing

Steve,
I do agree that it could be made more user efficient. There is a nasty rumor flying on a different website though regarding the VTD and ASA. Who know's if there is any truth to it.

John

John, tell us why this is "nasty". You and everyone else in DFW should be celebrating.

It's the truth, BTW.

[John]

Posting from VTD:

Author: John Fellers
Date: 09/17/2009
Title: Agree
Approved By: Mike Rushing

Steve,
I do agree that it could be made more user efficient. There is a nasty rumor flying on a different website though regarding the VTD and ASA. Who know's if there is any truth to it.

John

John, tell us why this is "nasty". You and everyone else in DFW should be celebrating.

It's the truth, BTW.

This is easy.. Never know who your gonna get for approval on the VTD.. and I wanted the message approved.

John

[Joe]

The owner and administrator of VTD will remain the same...Allen Richardson. The only change will be some independence from ASA.

Is that not good for all of us... say you?

[SBALLdad]

EMAIL SENT BY A NORTH TEXAS JO


-----Original Message-----
From: DoNotReply@fastpitchsoftball.net
-----Original Message-----
From: DoNotReply@fastpitchsoftball
Subject: VTD Change

I want to make you are aware of changes happening in about a week with VTD. ASA is not renewing their contract with VTD. Any ASA functions that are available through VTD currently will become unavailable sometime between 10/31/09 and 11/6/09 (i.e., submitting, viewing,printing travel permits, player registration, etc.).

VTD is required to remove the previous two year of registration information from the site. Your team page and login will still be available but there may be some loss of player information for your team. Any outstanding player invoices will be deleted and player registration will no longer be available through VTD. I suggest that all team administrators back up there information by hard copy and print player and coach information of current roster members. At this time I have no idea how players will be registered for ASA through the end of the year or for the future.

Associations and Tournament Directors will still be able to administrate tournaments as normal.

Understand that this was a decision from ASA Headquarters. At the current time I have no information on a new site for replacing the ASA functions utilized by VTD. ASA officials will no longer be able to approve travel permits through the website. There will be a manual system for the remainder of the year and will be rolled out soon.

Since the travel permit approval system will be a less convenient electronic system I am going to ask the teams that I approve travel permits for to have them ready by Wednesday of the week of their tournament. I also suggest that teams go ahead and submit travel permits and print them for any future tournament within the next 10 days.
Sometime between 10/31/09 and 11/06/09 the travel permits will no longer be available through VTD.

When I have more information I will send it to you if I have your contact info (it will no longer be available to me through VTD). If you want me to keep you informed about a new process please send me your email address and any other contact info you wish with your team name, association name, and age group.

Thanks,

[Joe]

This all just sounds peachy keen.

My only hope is that ASA pays through the nose...and the wallet!