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Well, I think I got the answer I was looking for -- the comment in 2.00 BALL is not intended to award the batter 1B at all times. But with all this quoting of JEA and custom and tradition, the inexperienced umpire is sure to become overwhelmed. The question came from a rules test, not a "custom and tradition" test, with the main purpose of the test being to make the umpires read through the rulebook;. Is it important to recognize the target audience for such discussions and "dumb down" the topics accordingly, or should the rookie umpires be taught about custom and tradition right off the bat?
At the meeting where we handed in the tests, the trainer discussed topics such as the neighborhood play and calling the strike zone of least resistance. Some of my colleagues in attendance, all with over 10 years experience, were surprised to hear the trainer discuss such issues to a group of high school kids in their second and third years. Should the rookies have everything thrown at them at once, or should they be taught the basics for the first three years and let experience teach them custom and tradition?
Thanx,
Dennis
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