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Originally Posted by FutureUmp
Does every umpire on this forum think they are so far above reproach that are not allowed to be criticized or questioned?
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With the exception of a select few, you'll find the umpires on this board more than willing to rationally discuss interpretations and game management techniques. What we don't particularly care to do is debate ad naseum old topics with new members who want to disagree with well documented and proven rules interpretations and techniques. It's not uncommon for a newbie to ask a question and then turn around and argue the answer they've given to the point of causing utter frustration to the seasoned vets of the board. It's no wonder that things can become tense at times on this board when this happens.
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Originally Posted by FutureUmp
I have read many posts on this site and the one common thing I have found are the umpires who post on here feel the need to belittle, critique and basically insult anyone who dares to question their knowledge or ability.
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I'd be curious to find out just how many threads you've opened up and read in the month that you've been here. There will always be a certain amount of crap to sift through on a message board. It's the nature of the beast for a few anonymous individuals to get their giggles by disrupting a message board. However, I think if you read enough of the threads that are in the archives here you'll see a multitude of good information being imparted. As far as the critiques that you read here, that goes with the territory of becoming a competent official in any sport. If someone is so thin skinned that they can't take constructive criticism on a message board then I wonder how they do when a post game critique with a partner doesn't go their way. If they don't want their feelings hurt this is probably not the best avocation for them.
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Originally Posted by FutureUmp
Is this what it has come to? Umpires who feel they are bigger then the game and most coaches are rats or idiots? I may agree there are some coaches who want to act like they know the rules but really know very little but not all coaches who question an interpretation are idiots.
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Sorry, friend, but experience tells us that the vast majority of coaches and players are rats. They'll do as much as they can to gain an advantage. If that means pushing our buttons, they'll do it in a heartbeat. I get so tired of hearing rats yell things like "that's two you owe us", as if I actually took something away from them, or that even if I did I would be willing to give it back. It really serves no purpose other than to intimidate the faint of heart umpires and piss off the good ones. So, yes, in my book that makes most of them idiots. Of course that doesn't incompass you, Mr. Muller!
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Originally Posted by FutureUmp
The PU umpire does not call balls and strikes from a pedastal so the umpires on here need to get off theirs and quit insulting anyone who dares to disagree with them.
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Well, actually we do. Both literally and figuratively, if the truth be told. We have the best vantage point from which to call pitches while we're on the diamond. And the bottom line is ours are the only opinions that count when we're working a game. I can't recall ever seeing another umpire change a ball or strike call because a rat complained he didn't like the call.
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Originally Posted by FutureUmp
One other way to look at this, these forums are supposed to be for intelligent discussion and reasoning, not for anyone outside of the "circle" to be roundly criticized and insulted, even if its only implied. Relax, take a breath and don't beleive your own press, you are not gods and you are not always right. Also, a good umpire is a reasonable umpire who does not insult and ridicule all dissenters but instead is maybe humble enough to look and be open to other viewpoints.
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I'm not sure for whom this last comment of yours was meant, but the core members of this forum are very reasonable. There's no doubt we disagree at times, sometimes pretty aggressively. That's how open debate takes place. The beauty of this forum is that if you stick around long enough you'll see members fight like cats and dogs on one issue, and then firmly back each other on the next. I would hate to see this board turn into a tasteless utopia.
Tim.