Quote:
Originally Posted by fiasco
Could I have misinterpreted Mike's intent? Sure. But he gave me no indication other than to believe he's on his umpire high horse, givin' a good, old-fashioned talkin' to to a newbie who doesn't know his stuff. Which is fine.
I don't take offense to being told, in a respectful manner, that what I'm doing is wrong, or I look like a buffoon, or I don't know my rules. It's happened many times over the course of my career.
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I really don't think Mike hit you too hard, he is known to be patient but firm.
I have known Mike online for a number of years, and it has been more than a few years since I have seen him in person.
He is a class act and someone I would certainly defer to on the rules of the game and for ASA mechanics.
I have never known Mike to dress anyone down unless it was richly deserved such as with a troll or a pretender, ie someone who said that they were something they weren't in umpiring.
I, myself and myself alone, read you as someone who was digging for a debate or small ball arguement. I apologize for my mis-understanding of you and who you are.
Now, if I blow up and holler at you. It is because I have very little to no tolerance for and umpire or referee making a call that they cannot explain, or for not knowing the rule from which a call should come.
Learn your rules, be patient with people like me.
It is hot, the summer makes everyone crazy.
Work your game of softball with a real intensity that is equal to what you do in basketball. You and I both know that watching 10 players, partner or partners and the ball is difficult.
Work with that same kind of awareness, being knowledgeable with the rules and casebook and you can work any level.
Sorry if we misread you and just be patient with those of us who were sceptical.
Those who have been around take offense not so much at you but at an association who would leave you hanging in the wind with no good training or instruction.
See if you can find a knowledgeable person locally to use as your mentor or at least find someone who is putting forth effort so that you can bounce ideas and questions off of.
Keep plugging away, the game gets better.