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Old Thu Feb 24, 2005, 03:38pm
jicecone jicecone is offline
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Join Date: Apr 2001
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Quote:
Originally posted by gordon30307
Quote:
Originally posted by jicecone
Quote:
Originally posted by mcrowder

My question, though, is this - if you KNOW you are straightlined, or because of other action may not have the best angle, what motivates you to make a call (perhaps the call you have in your heart) without help when you are aware that you may not have all the information, and you are aware that the missing information is available if you would only ask.
Can't speak for anyone else here, but the motivation that gives you the confidence to make that call, is experience. Seeing the situation in front of you enough times, that you just KNOW your right. Can this lead to arrogance, you bet. That is the fine line ALL good officials have to walk, all the time.

Once you achieve this plateau of confidence through experience, well it just does'nt enter your mind that "you may not have all the information". You know you do.
I want to make sure I understand your post. Are you saying based upon what you have seen in the past even though you are reasonably sure (not 100%) you are correct you wouldn't go to your partner for help? My question to you would be why is there a mechanic in a two man system where the plate umpire is required to help the base umpire with plays at first? If I'm misunderstanding your post please clarify.
I now know what it is like to conduct a White House press briefing, where the word "and" is taken to have 25 meanings, with hidden undertones.

Just as experience gains you confidence, it can also help in discerning doubt. In those situations, I would have no problems in doing whatever it takes to make the right call. If that means following the mechanic you speak of, so be it.
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