Quote:
Originally posted by Rich Ives
A noble man in blue recently asked on another board “What kind of coach would pay $50 to post to an umpire board?” It seemed to me that it was asked derisively. “Typical umpire,” says me to myself. My answer – “A Smart One!”
Let’s start with a very basic premise, that one must know the rules of the game in order to properly coach it. From the very basic “How do you get an out?” to “What is a balk?” and the ever popular “Interference/Obstruction” rules, one cannot teach the players how to play if one does not know the rules of the game. And, perhaps more importantly, why risk the scorn of all (except Ol’ Smitty of course) by yelling out “The hands are part of the bat!” when a few minutes of constructive browsing will let you know you should just shut up?
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We also learn that the umpire has a tough job, one where half the people there think youÂ’re wrong on every close/tough call. We gain a better appreciation of the umpireÂ’s job and what he faces performing it. We learn when itÂ’s time to get the league UIC to have a refresher course for his staff too . . .
Hey, weÂ’re here to play the game. We donÂ’t need no stinking arguments. We prepare the players, we need to prepare ourselves too. This place is a great place to learn.
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So, Rich, can I convince you to move to Australia? We could use some of that attitude of yours over here. I was incredulous to learn that our Level 1 (Basic) and Level 2 (Advanced) coaching courses have absolutely ZERO rules knowledge content. As a consequence most of our coaches, even at the highest level, have NEVER picked up a rule book, in anger or otherwise. As we continually work to dispel myth after myth they are eventually learning
when not to argue and
what not to argue about, but I'm darn sure they still don't know
how or
why.
It just amazes me that such a large group of people believe they can teach someone to play a game without knowing the rules of the game. Rich, you are MY kind of coach. I hope my fellow umpires appreciate your efforts to prepare yourself for the game you teach. Those efforts will eventually improve our lot as umpires immensely, too!
Cheers.
[Edited by Warren Willson on Jan 7th, 2001 at 05:28 PM]