[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by devilsadvocate

Back in the day (before the discussion boards, before J/R, before JEA), how did most amatuer umpires learn of rules interpretations? Word of mouth, association training, clinics, etc.

For those experienced umpires, do you feel that access to the above mentioned resources would have sped up your learning curve? Do you feel that today's new umpire with two years of experience is better prepared than his 1970 or 1980 equivilant?

Eric, the discussion Boards and supplemental materials have helped, but IMO the number 1 reason why today's new umpire learning curve has sped up is do the availability of games.

I know it's taboo here, but referee recently did an article on the decline of officials. Today's new umpire is getting those good games because of the decline which means he / she is getting that much needed experience.

Years ago, there wasn't as many games as we have today. Most of us after HS ball played Sandlot. We played against local neighborhoods, etc. Also, at one time baseball was considered a warm weather sport only - Not so today. I live in the East and our season runs from March to the end of October.

The rise in youth summer / fall programs has also aided the new umpire.

In addition, the discussion boards can also be a detriment as well, especially when you get those threads that go on for ever without adding value to the dialogue. For those of us who have been on the boards for a while, we learn who to trust and who not, but the new umpire doesn't.

All in all, I would say that the increase in the number of games is the main reason why todays new umpires learning curve has sped-up compared to years past.

Pete Booth