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Mike notes that:
"...I suspect not all areas run things the same way we do in Delaware."
Your suspicions are well founded, brother!
I am currently taking "classes" to obtain my ASA umpire certification. I use the word "classes" lightly- well, we are at least in small room that resembles a "classroom". But, at least for me, these "classes" have been a large dissapointment. I've learned little and, frankly, been a bit bored with the presentations.
The first two meetings I've attended have consisted of a couple board members of the local association giving dry readings of common rules points- D3K, INF Fly, hit batters. Real rookie stuff. These items are quickly brushed upon, then on to the next basic topic, without comment, in the same rote fashion.
The biggest item of discussion was a reminder that those doing fastpitch games must wear dark blue, long pants instead of shorts. This brought grumbles and groans, and more time was spent on this subject than any other.
That these basic rules are even being discussed amazes me, as all of the other participants are ASA verteran umpires. I am the lone "rookie" in the class.
After the first class, I began to think that I might have shown up for the wrong meeting, as little of what went on could really be described as "training". So, after the meeting, I made it a point to speak with the metro area commissioner in attendance, to see if I was in the right place.
Yes, he assured me it was the right place. Simply attend 3 out of 4 weekly meetings, pay your ASA and association fees, and by golly, you too will be a card-carrying, officially certified, honest-to-goodnes ASA umpire!
I asked if I would be required to take the ASA test at the end of the classes. No, I was told, you can take it for practice, but we don't require it for certification.
I bet that's NOT the way they do it in Delaware, Mike!
[Edited by BretMan on Mar 7th, 2005 at 02:51 PM]
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