[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by Ump20

I notice that this was your very first post. That takes a bit of initiative. Most umpires never visit umpire Internet sites. Many who do will not take the time to post. They are the "lurkers". However, if you want to be perceived as an official who really cares about the rules, the game, and improving your officiating talents you will do so by avoiding posts that simply ask questions you could look up in almost any rulebook. If after you have done so you want added comments or views than tell us what you've got and we'll give out two cents.

Jim excellent point. Many first time starters say they are sometimes intimidated by internet Boards because umpires will be abrupt or call them stupid etc. when this is not the truth. As you said, all we ask is that at least the person take the time to open up the rule book and then if one needs clarification we will gladly do so.

To me it's no different than being in school. When we were given a homework assignment and the next day asked a question which was contained in the assignment, the teacher would give us that stern look and say "See me after class".

I realize the rule-book is not like reading Dickens but nontheless as a start, one should at least read the defintion section as a pre-requisite.

Pete Booth