Quote:
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?
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I have been umpiring for ten years. I discovered the Internet and the Discussion Boards a couple of years after I attended my fist clinic. I think that one advantage of the Internet is it lets a serious new umpire know he still has a lot to learn. It helps though to be able to post a message in December when the next meeting of your association is a couple months away.
I think that some posters get too caught up in personalities and it clouds their thinking. Some focus on WHO is talking rather than what they are saying and what their credentials to make "authoritative opinion" may be. Also, regardless of how knowledgeable an official may appear on the web we don't really know about his or her abilities until we see them under game conditions on the field. I remember my first year umpiring I was paired with a college official at my first Connie Mack game. Joe said one simple thing (among a whole lot others) I'll always remember He said to
always look like an umpire. That bit of advice spoke volumes about appearance, hustle, and more subtle parts of officiating.
I try to give back to newer officials working our own Association's school as well as at games but I always find it easier when the newer guy approaches me first and
asks for feedback. Jim/NYC