[rwest]

Since much has been assumed and said about me by those I've never even met, I'd thought I give you some information about myself. Not that it will change your opinion of me, but I'd thought it would be the right thing to do.

First, I've been calling ASA Slowpitch Softball for 2 years now. This is my 2nd year, so I'm still new and have lots to learn. I've not been involved in baseball since I was a kid. I hope to do fastpitch softball and maybe even baseball sometime in the future. In my two years of officiating, I've already been to two clinics. I mention this not to impress you but just as an indicator of my dedication. Why did I go to these clinics? To improve my understanding of the game and my mechanics. That's also why I come to this board. To learn from those who have vast more experience than I. I believe if you need help, you should go to those who can help. That's why I'm here.

Second, I had not heard of the Sportings News Rule Book until yesterday. Also, when I joined my association down here in Atlanta, I received a rule book with my registration. I wouldn't have known where to get one had they not provided me with one or provided me with a website where I could purchase it. I haven't seen many rule books in the local bookstore. Now I understand you can get the Sporting News Rule Book in a bookstore, but I've never seen one. Of course, I also wasn't looking for one. So forgive me for not going out to buy one.

Third, I have scheduled two clinics at my Church to go over our league rules, one umpire and two umpire mechanics and to clarify some of the least understood aspects of the game. If I didn't want to do a good job, why would I do this? I want our umpires to be the best they can be in the short time I have before the season begins. You have to remember, these are volunteers. Many have not called a game in their life. They also have jobs and families. They've volunteered to help out. They don't have time to spend a complete weekend going over nothing but the rules. They want to be involved and we have to rely upon what knowledge they do have from their own experience and supplement that understanding with some brief training. The Church can't afford to pay for umpires, so we need volunteers. I don't think they or I should be looked down upon because we volunteer. I don't think we should be held up as an example of why the profession is looked down upon.

Respectfully submitted!
Randall