Quote:
Originally posted by Rachel
The NCAA does not teach a low hammer in front of the body. I was fortunate enough to be evaluated by the several CWS umpires this summer and learned a great deal. I also did a national school with Billy P. and the mechanics are very similar. The NCAA still wants the BU to walk the line whereas ASA has gone to a "ready position" on the pitch. The NCAA umpires manual is a valuable resource for anyone serious about being a good official.
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Rachel,
Didn't say NCAA taught it, but then again, NCAA has yet to take full possession of softball umpires. I'm sure they will soon enough.
I think it is more emulation of MLB umpires and other baseball influences than it actually being taught. My complaint though is that you bust your hump to train and work umpires to the point they will show well at a National, only to be contradicted by someone at the tournament.
I can understand adjustments for upper levels of competition as Billy P teaches. I worked for Billy a couple of years ago and one of my deputies just worked for him last week. We both ran into mechanic changes brought up by Billy. For the level of competition, the suggested changes made sense and we both adjusted at our respective tournaments.