I'm not sure yet that "wasting" my time doing non-LL games would actually affect these goals; you Real Umpires (tm) certainly haven't made that case, with your fixations on uniforms (which, except for my adjustable hat, I think I figured out on my own years ago) and tales of your co-working Smittys. I've read tales of pandering to coaches' prejudices in game-time decisions, putting up with inferior mechanics to get ahead in the association, and the all-to-familiar problem of working with partners who aren't motivated to avoid being bad.
There are associations in the area whose members have invited me to join. I have resisted so far since
- The list of problems I've seen with Real Umpires (tm) on the internet hasn't convinced me that I need the working experience.
- The pay is too low.
I think, though, that I should seriously consider more formal training in some way this year, so I may attend one of those associations' winter sessions. Then my problem will be to translate that training into the needs of a LL game.
-LL [/B][/QUOTE]
LL,
I have a couple of questions for you.
1) How much "formal" training have you had?
2) Why would you feel that you should only "consider" more formal training?
Don't you think receiving all the training you can the best avenue to acheiving success on the field?
3) Just how long have you been umpiring?
I don't want to seem confrontational with you, but you come off as someone who has done everything and been everywhere.
I have called games in LL for years and I can assure you that I have never worked with an umpire without a sound background off formal training that was a competent official.
There are a myriad of issues that are addressed at a formal umpiring camp that you cannot replace by simply reading a manual. Far to many to list on this forum.
Simply walking on to a field with a nicely pressed uniform and good equipment does not make someone a competent umpire.
You may feel that you can maintain control of a game and adjudicate the rules accordingly with little or no formal training, but in all honesty, without a solid understanding of the unwritten rules of umpiring, you cannot.
I don't want to disparage your intent, as I feel it is laudable. I do feel however, that you may need to reconsider your position on formal training.
Tim.