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Originally posted by DDonnelly19
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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I am sure you will generate a lot of opinions on this issue. I think you should be honored that your trainer thinks your group is in a position to absorb some of the issues that for many come only with experience or attendance at umpire schools or clinics. The neighborhood play is stating that the fielder does not have to be in contact with the base while he has possession of the ball. That does not "sound" like an out but it "looks" like an out. I've been umpiring ten years and I'm not sure what the
strike zone of least resistance is but I would assume it has to do with calling the standard acceptable zone for the level of ball you are doing rather than the "book rule". I would also think it includes curve balls that hit in front of the catcher are never strikes etc because they don't LOOK like strikes to most everybody in the ballpark.