[WindyCityBlue]

Originally posted by JRutledge

Anthony can read this all he likes. He has little say in this matter. This is an issue for the IHSA Advisory Committee and the other committees to agree to. He can bring it up or make it an issue, but the issue has to go to a vote with the ADs and Principals.

Peace

I met with Anthony last night. We discussed this very thing. He said that he will look into this, but is worried that some coaches will balk at being told what to do. (The IHSA still believes that they work for the schools and not the student/athletes. Policy has long been dictated by the establishment and when the IHSA rocks the boat, it often makes the nightly news.) He is very interested in the potential. Since he works 15 feet away from Dave Gannaway, it's a pretty good bet that the Officials Advisory Committee will be aprised.

Anthony gave the keynote address at the UMPS annual banquet and made a point of praising the crew working the ALCS. He said that the goal of every Illinois High School umpire should be to do whatever is necessary to get the call right. I almost fell out of my chair! The guys at my table started chuckling because they have been reading the happenings here. He said that he was going to ask his clinicians to promote this way of thought and encourage everyone to start thinking the same.

Anthony is well aware of what it takes to make baseball thrive in our state. If the baseball advisor runs contrary to what Anthony wants, the rest of his term will probably be a little bit bumpy. Officials usually stick together and there is no real reason why they would not support this cause. The ADs are the bigger problem. They fight daily budget battles and will probably get an earful from teh union about whether of not the coach will be reimbursed for travel to the Rule Interp or clinic. The Part 1 can be taken online, so they can't argue that.

I just can't believe that every official doesn't think that this is a good idea. It can only make the game better.