[DTQ_Blue]

I do both.

As far as mechanics, you basically have to do what your conference or association expects and hope that you do not mix in the wrong mechanics when you're being evaluated. If you are working lower levels, it probably doesn't make a difference.

I only do softball for travel and high school these days, but I occasionally work some LL hardball games to work on my softball mechanics.

To me, the mental demands are very different. The interval in between pitches is more demanding on an umpire in softball. As soon as the ball returns to the circle you have to be ready to enforce the look back rule. You also have to be aware of illegal pitches and runners leaving early on every pitch. There are a lot of things that someone can do "wrong" in between pitches in softball, while In baseball it's basically watching for the balk.

The other difference is the greater difficulty in moving around on the smaller field, where the players may be in your way. The softball diamond is the same size as the LL baseball diamond, but at the HS level of play, the girls get around it very quickly. It is sometimes difficult to get inside the diamond when you have to give the runner and/or fielder the right of way and have a small area to work within.

I did transition from hardball to softball in my late 50s and for anyone considering doing it, it will require some work.