[Roland Wiederaenders]

I do not speak for Jim Evans or for anyone but myself.....I learned that principle at JEAPU............

There are several misconceptions running free in this thread, I think.

The first is:
"But there are some things that an amateur umpire needs to remember about those schools to keep it all in perspective. The jobs of those schools are to prepare a student for the professional world of umpiring. Their focus is on getting as many of their students as they can professional assignments. It certainly isn't a bad thing. I would be disappointed to learn that they were teaching their students anything but the best professional-level policies."

The misconception is that the schools are only for the umpire interested in a pro education. At JEAPU, however, two one week clinics are held just for amateurs. Repeatedly
the phrase is uttered...........when you get back to your local association, find out what is the local policy. JEAPU does not teach with an 'X marks the spot' philosophy. He teaches the basics!

The second is:
We're not professional umpires. Harry and Jim notwithstanding, we're no longer their students after we fail to get a contract. We must modify our behavior to suit the conditions of our games.

The misconception is that we are often treated as though we are not profesional. I would suggest that a professional is anyone who get $ for his services, who constantly seeks to improve himself, and who deal with game situations in a competent [professional, nicht vahr?] manner. While I am not a JEAPU clone, I am a professional. Papa C is also a professional, and I study his teaching/publications, but neither do I wish to be his clone.

The third is:
We would use JEA, but we haven't been able to get a copy.

The misconception is that special "insider" information is taught at the schools. And that information is good for application in ALL situations nation wide.

There is nothing secret about the Customs and Usage for applying 6.08c:

The umpire should signal interference by pointing to the infraction and verbally recognizing "Interference." The ball remains alive and in play until all play ceases. At that time, the proper award is made.

Should all runners, including the batter-runner, advance at least one base, the interference is ignored.

In the event that the ball is batted and a play follows in which all offensive players do not advance at least one base, the umpire shall invoke the penalty implicit in 6.08c. It is then the offensive manager's responsibility to inform the umpire that he opts to take the results of the play rather than the interference penalty.
End quote.