|
I agree with a lot of the comments I have read on this topic. I don't want to pick on any certain organization (LL, USSSA etc.) I think there are good umpires out there and there are bad ones in all organizations, and it doesn't matter what rule code you are calling, you have to have the heart and will to learn. Read the book, go to clinics be a student of the game, not just runners and hitters study other umpires and see how they handle the situations you "worry" about when your on the field. That being said, I can only speak for my local area but ASA has the best means to learn and better yourself that I have found. When I started umpiring I started in LL, "Hey Dave we need an ump" no book no training just go out on the bases and call what you see. After that first game I demanded a rule book and read it cover to cover several times. Boy did that get me in trouble, thought I was going to have to call for backup when I called a runner safe that turned to his left after crossing 1st base!! "In my judgemenet the runners sole intent was to return to first base he is safe." Talk about some dumbfounded looks!! Anyway my son got out of baseball and the daughter got into softball, and so did I well the first year I called ASA is was like LL, got the book and read it, only it had a umpire section then the second year I got mailings with actual opportunities to go to clinics! I haven't missed one since, I try to get better and they yell at me to fix my screw ups!! I guess my point is it is hard to get better without someone else pointing to your weaknesses in a calm loving tone (JJ) and at least for me in my area ASA has the best opportunity to help young umps develop their game!
Now a couple of good stories, my 2nd year of LL guy I am partnered with is first year he chose plate, after making sure that he was sure he was ready we start the game. 2nd inning ball hit down 3rd base line (now the area where the base lines are is 12-16" wide and deep with grass on both sides) ball hits grass on foul side of line, he comes up with BIG FOUL ball call. Well you guessed it, it was stil rolling and ended up 4 inches fair when 3rd baseman picked it up! Oops! But again he was a dad out of the stands with no training available.
Second is fall ball last weekend DD playing, I am watching for the first time in 7 years, kind of weird. PU has baseball mechanics, pointing right at me on every strike (and I was looking him right in the eye!). A steal from 3rd on a dropped strike call caught him totally by surprise, didn't see her till she was 10 feet from home. Called even the swinging strikes in the same tone as his called 3rd, and the BEST of all called the game with no chest protector or shin guards!!! Took a HARD shot off the shoulder area, we had to wait for him to shake it off. Under my breath I said to my wife, that's why you buy plate gear. Another father from the team waiting to play, that knew this guy yelled "Now you know what to ask Santa for Christmas, a chest protector!"
Was either of these stories caused by being a LL ump? I don't know if you can blame it on LL, IMO it was from poor training and a "been there done that" type mentality. And again I think ASA works harder than any other organization to teach the basics and work to better their umpires. Again this is JMO, I don't have any experience with other bodies other than the local LL and FED. FED does put on Cert clinics in this state, guess who has been in charge of every clinic I have been to....... yep ASA officials!!
And FUBLUE, are you talking bad about me again?? For the record I am scary to work 10U too!
[Edited by DaveASA/FED on Aug 24th, 2004 at 03:41 PM]
|