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If I'm not mistaken, Senior Member means one
has posted many times on this board (100 or
more, I think). Has nothing to do with umpire
qualifications.
In my area, a certified umpire must belong to
an association, pass the exam, attend some
field clinics (minimal), and pay dues/attend
required meetings each season to stay active.
Does this make him a guru? Of course not, but
at least he has the basics to pass the exam.
What makes him a guru is his own relationship
with the rule book (studying it, answering rules
quizzes, looking up rulings based on plays
presented on this board, discussing plays with
other umpires, etc). Some guys pass the exam to
become certified, and never read it again.
As far as mechanics are concerned, this expertise
comes from working many games with excellent umpires
who know proper mechanics. Also, reading, videos,
and clinics can help. Willingness to learn new and
customary techniques is essential, as oppesed to saying,
"I've always done it this way, and I see no reason
to change." (when a guy doesn't know the "V")
We are only as good as we desire to become. An
individual's expertise (or lack of) is directly
related to his dedication to improving and staying
current with rules and mechanics, not to mention
a new hat and shirt at least every 5 years. Yes,
that was sarcasm.
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