[NCASAUmp]

All umpires are fighting this issue, and I'm not talking about jewelry. It's "the other umpire." We've all seen them, some of us automatically know who it is, and every organization has them. Sadly, there are no exceptions.

This is how I tell it. The rules are there because someone wiser than I believes that the sport should be conducted this way. My opinion on whether or not these fellas or ladies are correct is irrelevant. If the book says I shall or must do things a certain way, then damn it, I'm going to do it.

I do not like starting in B with no runners on base (remember: I do SP, not FP or Modified).

I do not like getting in the set position behind the plate. It makes me miss more of the 12'+ high pitches.

I could go on and on about what I do or do not like in the rule book or the umpire manual.

But the bottom line is that is not my decision to make, nor is it yours. My gripes go up the chain of command, not down to the coaches or players. If the book has a rule about dangerous jewelry, then so be it - I will enforce it to the best of my ability.

And according to ASA, medical bracelets may be worn. However, if they are, they must be taped to the body with the medical information visible.