Quote:
Originally Posted by IowaBlue
You are the base umpire in a 2 man system. No runners on base. The batter hits a sharp, sinking liner to RF that takes one hop and is then fielded. In nearly all levels of FP you are likely to have a potential 9-3 put-out attempt.
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I guess you don't work much men's fastpitch.
You aren't the first person to share this point of view, and not the first one that Mike has rebutted. This conversation has been ongoing for some time, probably started at the time the first NCAA manual was published. And it isn't going to be solved anytime soon.
Most of us who work ASA (and NFHS, since they virtually share the same mechanics book) and NCAA extensively has solved the rift by working the mechanics prescribed by the organization that is on our uniform. We realized it wasn't such a big deal, we do our job, and have a few beverages after the game. We critique each other, and strive to get better with every game.
Personally, I think there are advantages to staying outside than employing the generalized "inside/outside theory" as stated in the ASA manual (You refer to this as "rimming," but don't google that term). I also believe that being "close" on a tag play is necessary and you are not smothering the play.
But why is there differences? As Mike said, you have different philosophies and training goals with each organization. The NCAA is a "closed shop" and can demand advanced mechanics. If you don't grasp them, you don't move on (much akin to college or graduate level education). The emphasis is on thinking and reading the play and I can tell you that not all NCAA umpires grasp this concept (you don't "stay outside for the sake of staying outside). The ASA is dealing with the masses, and created mechanics for everyone (akin to teaching high school level classes where everyone can graduate). Therefore, simple generalities and easy to follow rules exist.
Like I said, most of us here in the Keystone state just don't sweat it. As someone who trains umpires by three different mechanics manuals, I stress the manual of the sponsoring organization, and I'm very careful not to editorialize during a clinic. And that's my advice to you, don't hold an organization hostage. That would almost be like putting yourself above the game.
I think we have hijacked this threat good enough, I won't even get into the flaws of the GD plate stance.
