Quote:
Originally posted by Rog
How do you feel about your local association?
a) Is the proper training being provided on rules, mechanics and current interpretations?
b) Is information disseminated accurately and in a timely manner?
c) Are meetings held in a proper setting, and conducted according to established rules?
d) Misc. comments or concerns?
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Great question Rog. But, are you writing a book? I only belong to one association right now doing summer ball. I did belong to my high school group for seven years from 1993-2000. I did Varsity for the last three seasons. The high school association had a pretty good interpreter and meeting attendance was required. I found that other than specific meeting(s) to go over the FED rule changes, regular meetings of which there were about seven (five required) were simply "bitch sessions" in which JV and JHS umpires would complain about the ratings system (coach driven) and the lack of advancement. Grizzly Veterans would chime in from time to time but many would know they had a good thing going and many might have known or suspected that a good proportion of lower officials could take there place in a heartbeat. One controversial requirement was "uniform inspection". You had to be checked off at at least one meeting. One meeting I fortunately missed was a heated exchange when an "inspector" wore base shoes that had a white stripe along the side.
No on-field evaluations of umpires were done and no clinics required. One good rule was mandatory mechanics clinic for rookies and second year guys. The rules were disseminated fairly well but in a coach-driven system were not uniformly enforced according to FED guidelines. This was especially true as pertains to the balk calls. Ejections were extremely rare.
The other group I belong to has bi-weekly meetings at a local bar/restaurant. Attendance is optional and there is no newsletter. Meetings are mixed but healthy question and answer sessions are commonplace. A good number of guys arrive early or stay late and talk plays over a couple of beers.
In my opinion there is much room for improvement but I understand the problem an assignor has especially in this day and age when it seems more and more difficult to get umpires. I have suggested a website and personal e-mails would improve our communications and finished product. Jim Simms/NY