Tue Nov 01, 2005, 11:12am
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Official Forum Member
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Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 915
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Re: Re: Hubris???
Quote:
Originally posted by David Emerling
Quote:
Originally posted by DownTownTonyBrown
The players are responsible for knowing the situation too. In fact there is nothing in written down in my NFHS responsibilities as an umpire that says I need to keep the count. I do and personnally, I do it by memory.
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2005 & 2006 NFHS Umpires Manual (p.12)
Under VI. Plate Umpire
"It is important that the count be known and if the board has it wrong, announce the correct count and show it with the fingers."
Sounds like the NFHS expects the PU to keep track of the count to me. If you weren't keeping track of the count how would you know if it was ball four or strike three? You certainly have the responsibility for knowing *that*, wouldn't you say?
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Forgetting to operate or failing to operate the indicator correctly isn't much different than not using an indicator and simply failing to remember the count/outs - is it?
In fact, sometimes I'll do something wrong with my indicator and I'll catch it because I have remembered the count and then I correct my indicator. And then, there are times when I'm not sure of the count and I look at my indicator and think, "Whew!"
Like I said, if you should ever get the count wrong (and you will!), and you are not using an indicator ... and your partner is also not keeping track ... and the two teams adamantly disagree on the count ... and they discover that you are not using an indicator ... you will have lost MORE credibility than you would normally lose for mismanaging the situation. They will think you are lazy (or forgetful) by not having the tools of your trade.
As an umpire myself, I won't think you're lazy. I'll realize that you're just one of those umpires who do not use an indicator ... by choice. But, again, that is *not* what the fans, players, and coaches will be thinking. If that's not important to you - then it's not an issue one way or the other.
Again, I don't think it's a big deal. I know umpires that do it both ways and everybody seems to do a fine job. I'm just saying that when your nightmare becomes a reality (and it probably never will - at least that's what Doug Eddings thought about his plate mechanics), the situation will be greatly magnified when it is discovered you were only relying on your memory and not using an indicator.
Like I said earlier: For an experienced umpire - do what makes you most comfortable. For a new umpire - I strongly urge you to use an indicator.
David Emerling
Memphis, TN
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Hey Dave, Have you ever "lost the count" with an indicator?
I know the answer is yes. With or without if s$$t happens because of a lost count you'll look like a horses a$$ so what's the difference?
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