[AtlUmpSteve]

I haven't seen the DVD; when I was told at the Council meeting that it would be given to all registrants at the UIC Clinic, I decided to wait for that, rather than pay again.

I know what's been in the book; many years ago I asked both Billy P. and Henry the same question.

Henry came back with the standard response; we have to teach a single mechanic to the 40,000 umpires to make a standard reaction, and we believe the majority of plays are better handled with that mechanic.

Billy P. preached "advanced mechanics for advanced umpires", similar to the current NCAA approach; he told me that an advanced umpire (not following the ASA one mechanic for all) would read the play, and get the 90 for the play that actually developed as the first priority.

Personally, I am willing to take the hit if told I used the wrong mechanic if the result is a better position to make a more accurate call on an individual play. I nod, say something like "I will keep that in mind next time that play happens", and move on.