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Originally Posted by PeteBooth
This might not answer your question specifically but the main problem today is a lack of a mentoring program. I think this is true even at the major league level where the new "young-guns" handle things differently then the "old timers" used to handle. I believe Steve Palermo commented on this as well.
Generally speaking there is a shortage of umpires throughout the country which means the Vets who could be mentors and provide evaluations etc. are too busy doing games themselvs. I do not know if this is true at the collegiate level as well but I do know this is a problem at the HS level especially in my association.
In addition, the vets do not get to work with the rookies as much because of the shortage.
Like everything else in life you need experience and also feedback to improve.
What's happening today at least in my area, is that rookies do the modified games and fill in some JV games, however, they are working with another inexperienced partner as well.
Yes umpires need to attend rules / mechanics clinics but you only get so much knowledge "sitting the bench"
The "other" factor is the umpires who fall in the "I do it for the paycheck only" camp. These types of umpires could care less what happens and whether or not the coach has a valid complaint etc. They simply take their checks and move on. They know there is a shortage and whether or not they had a good/bad performance is irrelevant because they will have work.
Pete Booth
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Pete, I think this kind of hits the nail on the head. In pro ball we spent our lives with umpires, in college ball we spend the weekends together, but after most of our HS games we pack up and head home. This isn't a bad thing, because I know that at times we have other things we need to do, but I would challenge you and I did my class to one game a week go out with your partner and the JV/Frosh guy after the game, you can even meet up with another crew if they are close by. In our lives and in our jobs we only get better at the stuff that we spend time getting better at.