Bill length

[Kaliix]

Tim,
I understand what you are saying and I realize you not arguing with me. Please know that I'm not arguing with you either.

In the association I belong to, I have been told at training that we could wear a hockey style mask if we want. The instructor even stated that he would probably wear one if he were a new guy, but that he is too used to the mask.

I am only a second year umpire and I have not and probably won't do any high school playoff games for some time. I did do some state playoff games for 14 and under last year, but that's about as much as I am likely to see. Here, the coaches have to have select you to work the high school playoffs. The coaches make you eligable, then the games are assigned. I am not certain of the criteria at that point, though I'm sure seniority plays a major role.

I know that we are not given any formal evaluations. I wish we were, as I would like to know what I could improve on. It would also standardize the way we work. From what I see so far, the big dogs here keep things on the down low as a way of keeping their positions. The only training that is done is for first and second year umpires. Everyone else is left to their own devices. That is why I anxious to get to a camp as soon as my life will allow. Until then, I read all that I can from the redbook, the rulebook, JR and on this board and try to become as good an umpire as I can be. From all that I've heard from other umpires, I am doing well so far. Which is good to know, as I am trying hard to do this right. The Marine in me would have it no other way.

Originally posted by Tim C
My area, like many others, is slow to accept change from the status quo.

I have a column soon to be on the paid portion of this site about the challenges I face by selecting to use the "Gerry Davis Stance" on the plate.

While I would never select to wear a helmet I do understand those that do. I am not arguing about you wearing it.

What I am doing is what umpires do during a game: I am just reporting what is fact in my area.

A helmet places you in a position that your deductions of evaluation points for not wearing a hat drops you from the top most umpires that move on . . . plus you are required to take the helmet off EXACTLY as you do a mask . . . many of our umpires that wear the helmet don't take it off AT ALL.

The question I would like to ask, "if the #1 umpire in your group chose to wear a helmet would he not get the playoff games he normally works?"