I think we have to be careful in regards to "making a philosophy" on how to make these types of calls.
I know when I'm working with any umpire with under 5 years experience that I expect them to go by the philosophies that I have developed based on the rules and tradition of the game.
After they have called 5 or more years, then they might be able to develop their "own" philosophies, but
there are many umpires that I have seen that have many years of experience who still don't know how to make the right calls in a tough situation.
Many times an umpire is just too "black and white" and does not realize that there are many many rules and situations in baseball that are not specifically covered in the rules. I would hope that they would make the calls correctly based on the things they have learned from training and from umpiring.
I know that I am still developing some of the ways that I look at umpiring and this is my 23rd year to call.
One of the good things about reading what internet umpires write is that we are able to analyze for ourselves and take what we think would improve our umpiring and go with it.
The problem is too many umpires don't work at being a better umpire, and therefore are forced to make important decisions in a game that they have never thought about before.
Very dangerous, but we have to deal with it week after week etc.,
Thanks
David
Quote:
Originally posted by Bfair
Patrick, I think you have a very legitimate topic here. Not all decisions we make are without doubt.
I have certain philosophies regarding the doubt factor and have stated them in various threads. Some may agree while others disagree. Some may have already established their own basis for handling doubt factors.
I think what's most important is to realize these calls will have to be made when, at times, you are not sure of your call. Having YOUR OWN philosophy, whether it's one you heard and agreed with or one you devised for youself, will aid you in making timely decisions in a consistent manner. Hopefully you can logically justify your philosophies.
If you have never thought about it or established a basis on how to handle such decisions, now's the time to do it.
Just my opinion,
Freix
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