Ball (I mean) State of Confusion

[PeteBooth]

Boy has the Balk topic really been "pounded" lately. We have the "Letter of the law" Group and we have Let's take at look at the True Intenet Group (BTW I am part of this group) which leads me to the following:

I'M SO CONFUSED.

Let's face it any new or first year umpire reading these boards lately must be saying to him / herself - What the hell is going on here.

When I first started, one of my very first calls was wrong - wouldn't you know it right out of the shoot didn't even have my feet wet. F1 threw a pitch in the dirt and I immediately called dead ball. I could see my partner at the time - "Cringe".

Since it was LL, apparently the coaches didn't know the rule either because no-one said anything to me. In between innings my partner explained the rule to me. ok got that one

Now next inning - Foul Tip - You guessed it - I called Foul Ball and as we all know by now - Very different rulings. So needless to say I had a very auspicious beginning.

Now I started to feel comfortable - read the rule-book and on my merry way - then I discover the Internet Boards - Purely by accident. At the time I was searching the Net - I was interested in finding bargains on umpire equipment.
I did on search on the Keyword Umpire and started inquiring on the various sites. My first site was the old TeamDiscovery Board which now is known as eteamz.

I thought I knew the rulebook until I started reading all the threads on the various Boards. If we can't agree amongst ourselves on certain topics, can you imagine what the coaches think.

The problem IMO is the OBR rulebook for leagues using those rules. OBR was written for the PRO Game and to be Officiated by PRO Umpires. Pro Umpires make a good living - 6 Figure Salaries plus all the quirks. Most of us (depends upon your association) make on average probably $50-$60 per game, yet our job seems harder because the Threads we have been discussing lately for all practical purposes NEVER HAPPEN at the PRO Level.

The rules we have been discussing IMO should be made clearer in the rule book so that there is no confusion. Amateur leagues should have their own set of rules because as was said many Times one cannot compare the Amateur Game to the PRO Game - It's like Night and Day.

When is the last time you heard Davy Johnson (I know he is fired) yell to Kevin Brown - Hey Kev - go from the Set - It just doesn't happen but happens on numerous occassions in Amateur Ball - hence IMO a need for a CLEAR CONCISE ruling so that there is no confusion.

I'm sure you guys can think of many other rules that are similiar in nature to our latest balk Discussion.

I would like once and for all for Amateur Leagues to simply have THEIR own set of rules that FIT THE LEVEL of play for Amateur Ball.

Pete Booth

[DDonnelly19]

I couldn't agree with you more, Pete. It was about this time last year that I started lurking on the boards, and boy were my eyes opened up. After 11 years of umpiring I thought I knew it all until I was exposed to the NAPBL, J/R, JEA, the BRD, and boards such as these. I've more in my 2 years of "internet umpiring" than I have in the 11 years of clinics. And that's not a knock on my trainers, who I have a lot of respect for, it's just that back then they didn't have the resources we have now.

Now, I'm trying to figure out why youth leagues don't adopt FED rules instead of OBR. FED was written for amateur ball, they come with built-in safety rules, procedures for reprimanding players and coaches, and just seem to integrate nicer with youth ball than pro rules. In fact, a lot of the youth leagues and tournaments use FED safety rules, such as the slide rules. It must be frustrating for HS coaches and players to play by one set of rules in the spring, only to switch over to the "men's" rules in the summer, only to switch back to FED the next spring.

[Bfair]

Pete, although I agree 100% with your general statement of having appropriate rules for appropriate levels, I may disagree with some of your details.

Pete Booth (quoted):
yet our job seems harder because the Threads we have been discussing lately for all practical purposes NEVER HAPPEN at the PRO Level.

While there are many "weird" plays that get discussed, the philosophies discussed are there. You don't see Pros argue when a neighborhoood call applies and is made. Maybe you're just not seeing the arguments because the waters have been tested, and those arguing know they would be sinking. I have been to Pro games where I have seen infractions outside the written limits of the books that don't get called. (likely because of lack of intent to break rule). I have also seen where they don't get called for perhaps other reasons: please the paying customer, keep management happy, etc. I have also seen where they don't get called and I think it's just gutless officiating.

Your concept is good and should be promoted.

Just an opinion,

[BJ Moose]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by PeteBooth
[B]Most of us (depends upon your association) make on average probably $50-$60 per game,

Where? I'm moving! 45$ tops for highest level 18yr baseball, here. I'll bet most here are a lot less.

[BJ Moose]

Dear New Umpires and Confused Readers.

Don't go to the dark side! It's not worth it for a secret decoder ring and membership card.

Relax, take it easy, go simple. Study, practice, talk, observe, listen. Use what you want to use, discard what you don't like. Keep getting better.

And balk that @#% kid!

INTENT INTENT?? My paranormal and psychokinetic abilities are for crap. I never have a CLUE what is in somebody's head. How the @#% do I know what his INTENT is? Why should I CARE? My antlers are aching!!

Remember G. Orwell.

Pivot Foot Good!
Free Foot Bad!
Four legs Good!
Two legs Baaaaaaad!

Remember...why you are out there. It's 79 degrees. One of the 3 sunny days of the year (in Seattle). And ohmygod there are TWO gorgeous moms in the stands in white halter tops...eeeeeyyyyeyeeee...

What balk? I wasn't watching.....

[PeteBooth]

Where? I'm moving! 45$ tops for highest level 18yr baseball, here. I'll bet most here are a lot less.

Moose come to the "Big Apple" - There you will make those "BIG BUCKS" - Our lowest Fee is $54.00

Here's the FEE Structure

1. Freshman - $54.00
2. Modified / JV - $60.00
3. Varsity - $78.00

In addition, there is a shortage of umpires, so if you work the game alone - FEE plus 1/2.

So common Moose become a free Agent and Move - First there was Griffy, then there was AROD and now along comes Moose.

Pete Booth