[WhatWuzThatBlue]

"If I went up, unsolicted, to any umpire in the group that handles D-1, D-iii and JUCO in this area and told him I saw his play better than he did, that would be my last college game.

If you work for an association that truly expects that kind of behavior, fine. Go for it.

Despite the NCAA Committee's recommendation, I know of no NCAA umpire who work that way"

The first paragrapph is just a sad comment on that playing environment. My ego and talent are strong enough to get me there, but my colleagues wouldn't be at that level unless they were as talented. If one of them comes to me with help, like the NCAA video and clinics illustrate, I am only too happy to think that they are trying to do what is right for the game.

I agree with your second paragraph, except that 'behavior' is a smug term for the recommended mechanic.

Finally, yes you do. JJ, Sal and myself have all told you that the NCAA evaluation program does not tolerate umpire indiscretion. By stating that you will not adhere to the policy, you are saying that you are too dumb or arrogant to do what is proper. I've read your posts for years and know you aren't stupid, so that leaves the second choice. If your boss tells you to put the thingamabobs on the hoosywazits, you'd better do it if you want to keep the job. The NCAA, through Dave Yeast has told umpires to do this.

Rich -
Whether you work on a 60 foot field for a hotdog or on a 90 foot field for a couple hundred bucks, you still owe it to the players to get the call right. As a trained umpire, you see things that many others don't. We know that no matter what we do, our positioning and mechanics can be compromised by a player's actions. If you see a missed tag, dropped ball or missed base and ignore it, then shame on you.

Your comment about waiting for the plate umpire to bail you out smacks of lunacy. The PU is not necessarily the better umpire and accepting help does not mean you are weak. The base umpire can and does make tougher calls in every game. My example alone shows where the PU needs the input of a BU.

Lastly, if coaches will expect you to get help, who cares? They already question balls and strikes, safes and outs and fair/foul calls. Your coaches must have reason to think that you aren't covering it well. The moment we huddle to get a play right, the coaches know that all three of us are working together - no one is leading or showing the others up. If this is the case at your parks, lock your pride in the trunk after your pregame meeting. Thinking that you are above the game and not accountable to coaches and players is sad. If you want we can start another thread regarding coaches who question your calls. I'll be happy to provide the same info I give at my clinics to the newbies.