[JRutledge]

The great thing about our state is everyone makes the playoffs. You have to beat everyone to win a state title. Also the great thing is in the playoffs our state assigns those games and you might possibly see umpires you have not seen all year.

It has been said many times, but the comments from the fans are inconsequential to your job. I just let them talk because the more and more they comment, the more and more stupid they sound. If the fans are not interfering with the game, let them be.

Finally, call what you see. If something happens that the rules back up, call it if there is no wiggle room. What you will learn if you umpire longer and longer are what you can be strict about and what you can avoid calling. One of the main ways you learn that is talking to veteran, respected umpires in your area or watching them work. Call the obvious. If these plays were obvious, call them and stand by your call.

Peace