David, no one said anything about being an expert. The day I become one in any sport, is the day I need to hang up my whistle, my stripe shirts, my beltless pants, my knickers, my white hat, by combo hat, my ball bag, my dark blue shirts, my light blue shirt and my mask. I did not realize that giving a reference and having a thought about something based on what the BOOKS say, made me an expert. I am sorry that I can see for myself and share that information. God forbid I every give a reference in the rulebook about what a rule says. I really might be going over board then.
Not trying to be funny (why do I keep saying this) but I have not seen a person on this board every officate anything. Well, let me take that back. I have seen Mr. Jenkins do a basketball game. We did work together twice, and believe me, he is every bit as good as an official as he presents here. I am sure that he is also a good baseball umpire, but I have never had the priviledge of seeing him on a diamond. I hope I do work with him one day in baseball.
But I will say this, I have people that I respect greatly. I have people that have been my mentors in officiating, and in some cases life. I think I put a little more stock in what they say and what they think. Let us face it, I do not see how good an umpire or official anyone is by this board. Just because someone says something, that does not mean that they are good at it. And considering that I am a very young official in your eyes, the reality is that I have experience that many 10 year officials do not have. In all the sports I have done, I have been doing varsity from almost the very beginning. This by no means makes me an expert, but I have been around the block a few times. And yes, you do not have to believe me, I do not expect you to. I am just talking on a computer screen. I am not an official that is looking for guidence or help here. It would be really hard to know who is everything they say and who are the fakers. Considering they have taken a few adult to jail in the Chicago land area for child porn and trying to meet a minor as a teacher, I think using this forum or any that does not show the real person is kind of a stretch. I am looking to fellowship and information for officials all over the country though.
I am sorry, but just because you have been around for 10 years, does not make you a better official than someone that has been officiating for 5 necessarily. If you have been doing 10 games a year in the men's rec league or the men's softball league, I do not think that quite compares. Not that this applies to me specificially, but I personally would rather listen to the 5 year official that has been doing college and varsity almost their whole career. And for your information, if you try to do everything right and go for your promotion when eligible, a 5 year guy is and can be at the highest rank that this great state of Lincoln has to offer. And those guys that were in that rank before, had it much easier than someone like myself or Bob for that matter. But that is another conversation. And if things worked out right, a 5 year guy can be a clinician. And if schedule means anything, I personally have a schedule in my sports that rivals almost anyone. So you be the judge. If that makes me an expert, those certainly are your words, but am I a knowledgable and respected veteran where I am, of course. That is certainly not to discount the opinions of others, but I surely am not a spring chicken if you will either.
Peace
Quote:
Originally posted by David B
You have called for five years, but consider yourself an expert. Great. There's plently of internet umpires who are also members of that club.
You can learn a lot from the experience on this board, but only if you listen to what others say and then realize there may be a better way than I've done it in the past.
I don't usually waste my time answering post such as yours. I followed your many back-and-forth conflicts on the basketball board and I know your pattern from reading there. See I've only called basketball for 7 years so I read a lot and learn from the guys with more experience.
As Will stated above, I shouldn't have wasted my time.
Thanks
David
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