
Thu Jul 27, 2006, 08:27am
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Official Forum Member
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Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: The Land Of The Free and The Home Of The Brave (MD/DE)
Posts: 6,425
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WestMichBlue
Actually, we do not go by the letter of the rule. We learn how to call the game from clinics, and by talking with other umpires in the parking lot, or on these forums. We learn by experience from watching and calling hundreds of games over several years.
What we learn is how to call a game to keep it flowing, running smoothly without ether side gaining an advantage over the other. We are more concerned about the intent of the rule rather that the strict Webster definition of the words.
The problem comes when coaches (dads, players, etc.) pick up a rulebook and read a single sentence and discover that umpires are not calling the game by the rules.
Our issue is to find a balance between overly technical about every little variance, and not calling obvious violations that allow an advantage to one team.
What you see on these boards is umpires trading these experiences and learning from each other, and changing to adapt to a common understanding of how to call the game.
WMB
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Would you consider teaching lawyers and legislators?
Or maybe test writers?
__________________
Officiating takes more than OJT.
It's not our jobs to invent rulings to fit our personal idea of what should and should not be.
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