Framing pitches

[YoungRighty]

I have two sons who are catchers. They have been taught from an early age by experienced coaches how to frame pitches (I'm talking about smooth funneling and mitt positioning, NOT jerking every pitch back over the plate). I have heard many umpires say that framing is overrated, and that they are not influenced by it.

I am now in the early stages of learning to be an umpire, and have been reading quite a bit on mechanics and technique. In many places I have read about the importance of watching the pitch all the way into the mitt, and "seeing the pitch again" in the mind's eye before making a call. I was surprised to find this approach advocated, as it seems to suggest that the catcher's framing is indeed likely to be an important part of the umpire's decision-making process.

I would be very interested to hear some experienced umpires' comments on this. I am looking here for advice both as an aspiring umpire AND as a catcher's dad.

Thanks in advance for your help.
Jim