Hello all!

I'm new to this forum and have been trying to get a feel for what type of umpires post here. So far I have seen some excellent advice handed out by quite a few individuals that would appear to be very accomplished amatuere umpires.

I would like to hear from other officials who post on this board. What are some of the unwritten rules of umpiring you consider to be a critical part of proper field decorum?

I am interested in hearing about the intangibles.

A few examples IMO might be:
1)Keep indicator in your left hand.
2)Call balls and strikes with your right hand.
3)Don't be a thumb sucker when signaling an out.
4)No flying albatross on safe calls.

The list goes on and on, I'm just curious as to your opinions and would like to hear from you.

Edited to add: The reason I am asking this of you, is that I am compilng a list for the association I belong to.

Tim.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As umpires, we are the only ones in the world expected to be perfect on our first day on the job, and improve from there!

[Edited by BigUmp56 on Jul 27th, 2005 at 11:29 AM]

Re: Unwritten Rules
 

Ok, from an unending list, in no particular order, I'll start:

Support your partner at all times;
Praise them in public, criticize them in private;
Ignore fans unless personal threats or physical violence occur - then call police;
Don't get " rabbit ears " - hear what you need to keep the game under control;
Sell all calls- can eliminate a lot of criticism;
Be polite - but firm;
Don't go looking for trouble - but don't turn your back to it. It hurts;
Forget previous incidents and start every game with a fresh slate;
Let people believe that you really do enjoy what you do;
Don't be overly efficient - deal with the aspects of the game that matter;
Don't be intimidated into changing a call, if you are sure you are right;
Be willing to correct a correctable mistake;
Be willing to ADMIT you made a mistake.

The list goes on and on. Much of it is common sense - or so we think. But some umpires don't understand or agree with some of these philosophies. That is OK. You decide what is right for you.


Disclaimer:

*The above philosophies are mine and not necessarily the opinions of anyone else on this forum.

Couple of picky things that stick out like a sore thumb, before you use it to call someone out.

Buy a new hat, more than once every 5 years. Pink is not a approved color in any association I have worked for. Neith are pink pants acceptable.

Just because you don't get your shirt and pants cleaned and pressed for each game, doesn't mean that you should throw it in a ball in your trunk and put it on before each game.

Clean your uniform at least ONCE per season.

Shine your shoes at least once per season. Putting shoe polish over dust, doesn't make you shoes look any better.

If you can't get the above things correct for the games you do, well then you don't have to worry about what you do during the game because their already mentally prepared, that it won't be that good anyway.

[Edited by jicecone on Jul 27th, 2005 at 12:30 PM]

This thread reminds me of a debate raging in my association.

We began to intensify our training program this year and to enforce our uniform policies. We also are evaluating more often and in those evaluations we include appearance and presence as well as peformance.

This has led to some in our group to complain that we are "trying too hard to be professional." They explain that they are umpiring "for fun" and the emphasis on professionalism is taking the fun out of it.

One member told me: "Umpiring for me is a hobby like my piano playing. I play piano for myself, not to be a professional." Being a musician, I had to think about that, for about 2 seconds, before I replied, "When you can umpire for yourself in your basement, you won't have to worry about professionalism. However, we don't apply our craft in a vacuum. We work in front of fans and parents and we work for plauyers, coaches and administrators to deserve to have our best efforts. Our best efforts require continuing education and training and an effort to look and act professionally.

All this is prelude to a question to any here who agree with my friend and others who balk at the word "professional" or who dislike an emphasis put on professionalsim.

Exactly what part of this bothers you? Getting better? Looking better? Performing at a higher level? Having less problems with game management?

Tell me, exactly where is the downside to attempting to perform and look professional?

[Edited by GarthB on Jul 29th, 2005 at 05:00 PM]

<i> Originally posted by BigUmp56 </i>


<b> I would like to hear from other officials who post on this board. What are some of the unwritten rules of umpiring you consider to be a critical part of proper field decorum? </b>

1. GET TO THE GAME SITE at a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the start.


2. Look the Part, meaning if you have the Plate have Plate pants conversely base pants for the bases. I have worked with guys who used plate pants for the bases, white-sox - you get the picture.

IMO, no matter how much rules knowledge you have if an umpire does not follow numbers 1 and 2 you are already off on the wrong foot.

3. Goes hand in hand with number 1 - have a SOLID PRE-GAME with your partner especially if you are new to an association and have not worked with your partner before.

4. Do not go "crazy" in the Pre-Game Conference with the coaches. Some umps like to give a uligy during the plate conference. the Plate conference goes something like this

Skip what rules today
Take us around
Teams properly equipped
Cash or Check before game starts
Let's play

5. MOVE THE GAME ALONG - Here's one thing that I have done to move the game along. When there is a foul ball behind F2, I take a ball from my bag and throw it to F1 and simply take the ball F2 retrieved and put it in bag. This might seem trivial but it speeds things along. Also, do not wander to far from the plate area during inning exchanges in case during warm-ups the ball gets past F2 you can again help move the game along by giving F1 a ball to continue throwing.

6. Hustle


Pete Booth

If you don't mind an outside viewpoint, anybody that gets paid for an activity looks like a professional to me.

Just about anybody that is just umpiring for fun, unfortunately, is probably welcome at the local LL. I know that I cannot be very choosy in finding recruits, and I sometimes personally certify folks without any more training than a 10-minute conversation in a parking lot and handing them a rule book. As for uniforms, my league has been providing hats for the last few years, and we occasionally pick up some blue shirts, but I've got "certified" umpires wearing shorts and sandals on the bases.

If you want to be a Real Umpire(tm) and work Real Baseball(tm), and especially if you expect to be paid, it certainly isn't unreasonable to meet the expectations of the employers and the association that they deal with.

Again, from the outside, I sometimes think that Real Umpires(tm) are amazingly picky on appearance, and may even put too much stock in it, but umpires that don't want to live up to the local standards have other choices.

-LL

A) Be professional, dress the part, clean clothing, sharp cress in the pants, clean hat (keep one for the field & one for bases)
B) Give respect when it's due, be courteous, polite and be an authority figure. This may the first and last time a player or coach sees you (how do you want to be remebered?)
C) Call your partner the night before, discuss your responsiablities, show up early, dress early, take the field early. BE PREPARED!
D) Do not leave the field during a game for non-life threating reasons, if you ever light a smoke, I will continue with out you and request we never umpire together again.
E) Know the rules, know when to smile & when to be an red*ss, for example, when a 15 yr pitcher does not come to full stop, tell him to do so, tell him why and that next time you will call a balk. Let his coach know between innings, not durning the inning with runners on bases. And never call Balk when the score is 10-0 in the thrid inning when the temp is over 100. Just let it go.......
F) Call strikes and be consistant.
G) Never talk to the caoch unless it is important to the game at hand.
H) Bring you own water, do not mooch off the players - be prepared for Petes Sake.
I) DO NOT BRING THE RULE ON THE FIELD WITH YOU!
J) If you call a balk, you better be able to expalin to the coach, If you say "It looked ugly" you are on your own.
K) Park in the parking lot stall next to your partner, if you are early, try to find shade.
L) Never ask the coach "What do you think of my zone?"
M) If you bring a beer for after the game, bring one for your partner. I bring 4 beers, two each. Threes get you trouble around here.
N) Do not make empty threats, caoches & players are like children, if you make a threat and do not act on it - then you are in for one hella' long season.
P) Do not hold a grudge
O) Do not be lazy
Q) Do not make up for a blown call, be a man and move on.
R) Have a sence of humor, smile, enjoy the game because our wives and/ or girlfriends are not there. If they are, we do not want to umpire together. DO NOT BRING A FRIEND, YOUR PARTNER IS THE ONLY FRIEND YOU HAVE THE FIELD.
S) Read, pause, react - slow your timing down, be sure and make the call. One blown call will not make or break a game. It is not a strike or an out until you say it is. If a batter walks to first befor you call it a ball and it's close. Call it a strike, you call the pitch, not him.
T) Be confident in what you do.
U) Be able to admit mistakes, ask your partner "What could I have done better?" Find the umpires you respect, work with them and ask for advice after the game. Take nots if you need to. Strive to be better.
W) Ask you partner(s) for help when needed.
X) If it your responsiblity to cover thrid during a rotation, then get there and make the call. Put a little effort into the game.
Y) Remember, the game is between two teams, umpires have no intrest in who wins.
Z) Do not project yoiur personality into the game, let it flow, if it does not flow find a way to make move along.

Just some quick thoughts from working with a few new guys. I have more but I think this might help.

You know it is even faster if you give the new ball to the catcher and the on deck batter go to the backstop to get the old ball.

Wow... this list covers it ALL! I mean, if you can manage to do all these.. in a game...in the SAME game.. you'll be a BIG DOG that day!

I'm gonna work on holding my indicator in my left hand now.. and try to call some outs with my right hand (I gotta tell you, I was getting comfy with the LHed out call though.)

And it's soooo hard to keep that thumb in.. but I'll try...

finally.. what the $F$ is a "flying albatross"? Is that the same as my "Wicked Witches' Flying Monkees" safe call? You are taking all the fun out of my game!

Hey LLJVU
 

I didn't know you actually called anyone out . . . in those low level games you work.

T

don't laugh. I had a young ump calling outs with his left hand. I cringe to think about him doing it...

Re: Hey LLJVU
 

Actually, that's right.. we don't. We just call "SAFES" (via flying Monkee mechanic) until the 2:30 minute time limit is reached... Outs! make the players feel sad...

Well,
 

Over my best judgement I am going to join the fray.

When this was first posted I thought: "Cripes aren't we past this type of stuff."

I mean I have never seen an trained umpire wear his cap backwards, have his thumb out when making a call of "OUT" or call strikes with his left hand.

Then some of you jumped up and commented.

Guys I really thought we were past this.

I get used to talking about "last time by", type "A" and "B" obstruction and much more advanced issues.

I guess we're a little lucky that there are only 26 letters in the alphabet.

T

Nay, when you learn how to not use an indicator at all, then you can be a BIG DOG.

We are past the little stuff and issues that seem to come with new umpires, however, as new umpires begin to ask questions it's our responsibility to answere them. Colin Powell is quoted as saying "When they stop asking you quesitons you are no longer leading."

This is the site for unpires to ask questions. I've surfed other sites and found this forum and it's members more open & honest to questions that seem elementary to more senior umpires. That, in my opinion is a good thing. To be honest, there are good memebers on this forum and I suggest to new umpire to check it out and ask questions no matter how stupid they think it is. We can ignore them but, if we do, then how can think of ourselves as professionals? Weather we do MLB, Legion or PONY, we should behave like professionals and answere honest questions in a responsible manner.

As of the A to Z list, that comes from the yahoos I got the pleasure of baby sitting this summer. Some listen to advice, some do not, and I always enjoy the game.

Hmmm,
 

EMD:

I just find so much wrong with your post.

Why, should we go over and over and over and over and over the same issues just because someone is new to a site?

Should we rehash "are the hands part of the bat" yet again simply because "Bobbie" just joined.

Should we talk yet again about a strike that hits the batter?

When does it end? When do we go forward rather than backward?

Why do we have to slow to the lowest common denominator?

" . . . we should behave like professionals and answere(sic) honest questions in a responsible manner."

I would also respectfully ask you not to tell me how to post.

Thanks

In responce to: [b]I would also respectfully ask you not to tell me how to post[/b}

Fair enough, I did not intend to tell you how to post, nor did mean any disrespect. Excuss me if it did. However, I do believe that we should answere these questions.

I agree they are tedious and many times stupid questions, heck, I've asked many dump questions and still do. In my opinion, it's part of the learning process . Maybe the solution is to set a forum that allows these elementary questions to be asked and then answered by better umpires. Could that be apart of the "Voice of the Customer" post? Why not, we all started somewhere. To add to that thought, that would alow these quesitons to directed to an alternate forum and keep this cleared for other questions that assume an equal understanding of the rules and mechanics of being a good umpire.

By chance, did you write the Constitution?

Tee
 

I respect your vastly superior knowledge to many including me on this forum, however your "mission" to stop any and all threads that don't meet your strict requirements is getting rather old.

I wonder what happened to your bringing a level of class to the board. When I read that I was very much on board with your thoughts. However, jumping on every stich and complaining that it is too remedial, when you could simply ignore it seems a little petty.

This is a guy getting ready to teach very newbies, it is tough sometimes to remember everything this breed of human does until you see it. He was simply expanding the number of heads trying to remember in order to get rid of the stupidity of newbie umpires. If you don't wish to contribute, just as I don't, don't post, then don't open the thread again. Many of us seem to be able to accomplish this most difficult of tasks.

The downside, for some, is the time and effort it takes to achieve professionalism. Plus a few bucks for a new shirt every decade.

But I'm with you, Garth. I distinguish between 'professional' and 'professionalism'. The pittance that most of us receive for games does not qualify us as professional umpires: IMHO, you have to go to school and be hired by PBUC or the equivalent to be a pro ump. It's a question of employment, status, and recognition and not mere compensation.

But every one of us can strive for professionalism, in just the dimensions that Garth mentions: getting better, looking better, performing at a higher level.

Those who complain that such striving takes all the "fun" out of umpiring probably don't understand the thrill of being totally focused on one's activity and doing it very, very well.

If I may disagree, I tried officiating several other sports with the idea of having fun rather than getting good. I was driven out of basketball due to my refusal to take it seriously. I wanted to have fun and exercise, not spend a ton time learning rules minutia and endlessly going over mechanics. I was not good enough even for freshman with that attitude.

Likewise, I took up volleyball and the assignor and other officials spoiled it with endless clinics, pre games, post games reviews, and other associated BS. My partners were furious at my failure to take it seriously and they hated my heavy use of technicals and yellow/red cards to control the coaches outbursts at my lack of "professionalism." I could tell you some horror stories about soccer.

All I do is baseball today and the other sports complain about a lack of officials. Considering what I was being paid, the leagues got more that they paid for. A lot more money would have compelled me to be more serious but for the pocket change I was being paid, showing up on time with a smile on my face was all that they had a right to ask for.

Peter

Peter, you missed my point. I contend that seriousness and professionalism can be fun, not that they must be fun.

Gee,
 

3appleshigh:

Take this as it is meant: bite me!

I will post anyway I deem necessary.

Wow
 

Such class, I'm so glad you have risen above. What a fantastic level of decorum you have obtained. It was you who posted how we need to supply a level of CLASS on here, right that was your choice of word right CLASS. CLASS, I'm shaking my head at your total lack of it at this moment.

One of the most senior, and most respected posters on this forum is now posting such great insite as BITE ME! Boy your family must be so proud.

Re: Hmmm,
 

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ____________________

Tim,

If this forum isn't to be used for educational purposes, what is it to be used for? Even in discussing issues with the most experienced baseball officials there are only a finite number of situations that can be covered before the topics begin to come full circle and repeat themselves.

I am curious as to how many times you had to revisit the topic of discussion that my initial post was about before you had ALL of these type of suggestions about proper decorum committed to memory?

I sincerly doubt that you committed all of these
things to memory just from word of mouth from other, more experienced umpires.

I have umpired long enough I assure you, that I could have sat down and came up with a list of these items on my own.
However I am not so arrogant that I believe I still can't learn a few new things from other officials from different backgrounds and geographical locations around the world.(Yes, I meant world, hello to the umpire who posts here from the U.K. and hello to the professor from Hong Kong)

I have seen from my limited time involved with this forum that you are well respected for your rules application knowledge. I am not throwing stones your way, but I would like to know if you have ever worked as an assignor, or if you have ever held office in an association. If you have, you would know that taking on the additional responsibilities of each position requires the use of input from ouside resources. This is essential in training newer umpires IMO, and I will continue to pick the brains of any and all here who are courteous enough to help me along.

You should maybe re-think your contention that all umpires that are new to this forum, not YOUR forum, but THIS forum, are also newbie umpires as well.

p.s.:
You mentioned in your first post on this thread that you would join the fray against your better judgement. If it was against your better judgement to join in, then why did you feel the need to?

Tim.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ____________________

As umpires, we are the only ones in the world expected to be perfect on our first day on the job, and improve from there!

Well
 

Yes. Yes. Yes.

And I joined the fray because another voice was needed.

This Forum is headed towards eTeamSleeze more each day. We answered the same questions Ad Naseum.

REally, do you actually think we need even discuss guys that make out calls with their left hand, or even what hand you carry the indicator in?

Trust me . . . there are better things for real umires (tm) to discuss.

Let's talk about evaluators, let's talk about timing on ball/strikes.

Better yet, why don't youse guys just keep on talking about pooorly trained umpire stuff.

T

Tim,

Maybe, just maybe there are some here that are not yet privy to all the information that has been covered in this forum in the past. Since you seem so hell bent on telling us what we should and should not discuss here, why don't you tell us all the things we are allowed to discuss in your infinite wisdom!

Maybe we can discuss why that last pitch you called a ball sounded like a strike!(:>)

Tim.

Tee
 

This biblical quest your on is so enlightened. I really wish the rest of us low life heathens could see to it that posts were never brought up more than once.

For instace: the pitcher going to his mouth being a BALL not a BALK. - This should be on the 50 myths page. It was discussed here less than a month ago for 2-3 pages. We talked about seeing it called properly at big games, but you come on here and ask about it being a balk. AGAIN. Talk about ESLEEZE, maybe you need to look in a mirror once in awhile.

But then again, that was a post for your interest sake, (one where you were trying to change the rules of baseball to protect an obviously sub-par umpire because one of the rats caught him with his pants down) not a scary new umpire trying to improve.

You want to come on here and rail about how we all should post then if anyone tells you you say I'll post anyway I god damn well please. Well TEX, I think your post a month or so ago is getting to become more true than I ever thought possible, You may need to change your screen name to SMITTY soon.

Well,
 

At least 3apples I have enough guts to receive e-mails.

You're so funny,

BigUmp:

So that means we have to go back to the beginning EVERYTIME so we don't leave people in the dust:

OK, "are the hands part of the bat?"

Smitty (err, Tee)

Tim,

Whats with the WE ****? Do you have a mouse in your pocket?
Are we choosing teams?

Are you implying that you speak for others?
Read the posts in this thread again and you will see just how many players are on your team on this one.

Nobody asked you a direct personal question, so there was really no need for you to respond to this thread.

If you felt this topic was " beneath you ", why didn't you just pass it over and let those who wished to respond to it do so without receiving criticizm from you?

I think to please you, I'll now post a list of topics for you to choose a couple from for discussion. I would challenge you to open a thread on one of these following topics so we can discuss REAL umpiring questions.

1)The different organizational takes on whether or not a fielder can committ obstruction while in the act of fielding a ball.

2)Contact avoidance requirement without malicious contact.

3)What situations require intent on the part of a runner or batter in regards to interference.

4)Who should take trouble catches on a 90' diamond in a 2 man crew working the "V".

5)The difference between protecting to a base or base awards on obstruction calls.

6)Proper rotation for a 4 man crew on the 90' diamond.

7)Proper rotation for a 4 man crew on the 60' diamond.

8)IFF not called when warranted.

9)Right handed 3rd to 1st pick off moves.

10)Throwing to second from the windup.

11)Appealing a missed base with multiple runners.

12)Shared responsibility calls.

13)Umpires interference.

14)Spectators interference.

15)Catchers balk.

I am sure these all are quite remedial to you, but enlighten us poor newbie slobs!

Tim.

<b>7)Proper rotation for a 4 man crew on the 60' diamond.
</b>

Have two of them stay in the parking lot.

Tee,

I too have wondered what the best way to rotate on a 60ft field is. If you could list the points from your most recent LL regional clinic, I would apprecieate it. Also, does you pal Andy K agree with all the rotations wich you have written out?

I dont think you want to go there. Just sayin' :D

Sorry Tee
 

I never realized my email was shut off, just turned it back on for you. Send me what you want.


Andy

Relax Tee
 

Tee,

I read three sports boards on this site. I can tell you I just do not read the threads that are either a repeat the same topic or the topics I do not find interesting. It is really, really easy to do. Once you read the topic and the first post, you go to another thread or off the site. It is not hard at all to do. I agree that some people should do some research, but if they do not, just do not answer their questions or respond to their threads. You can even ignore the people you do not like. It is not very hard to do.

Peace

Maybe Tee will listen to you
 

Maybe now that an equally well respected individual has said the same things us lowlife's have tried Tee can follow suit.

I hope so because both Tee's and Mr. Rutledge's post's when responding normally are very insiteful and I have learned a lot from these key posters.

Re: Maybe Tee will listen to you
 

Tee will not listen to me. I just think I have been here long enough to know that every post is not for my eyes and I purposely ignore. I have been around long enough to know who to read and who to ignore. I have a lot of posts on this web site, but I know what not to read and what I find interesting. There is a baseball thread on the basketball board that goes on every year. I personally do not like the discussion because it is a constant talk about the Sox and the Yankees. And I am not that into MLB that I want to constantly read this thread. I have made my feelings public and it does not change anything. So now I just read the things that interest me and stay far away from that thread. I think Tee needs to do the same. The problem is Tee is one of the several individuals that come to the baseball board and think every opinion they give is law. Tee has never listened to me in the past and I can guarantee this thread will not change anything. This board is a smorgasbord of ideas and opinions. Just like guys in my several associations I belong to, you listen to some, you ignore the others. It is very easy to ignore things that do not interest you.

Peace

Some of these questions have quick answers.

1. A fielder can obstruct while trying to field a batted ball if he muffed it and had to change positions to re-field it.

3. Intent is never relevant to batter interference. If he interferes, it's "interference," regardless. A runner must deliberately and wilfully interfere with the intent to break up a double play. Deliberate hindrance is also required on interference with a thrown ball.

4. If the 2-man crew is using the Vee, and the field umpire is inside, he has the Vee. (grin) If he's on the line, best bet is he takes trouble catches from centerfield coming in and to his left.

8. If the infield fly is in effect, and the umpires fail to call it - <i>after</i> the play is over, if they agree the batted ball <i>was</i> an infield fly, then they must insure that the defense did not get an unmerited double play. This could include returning runners to bases or calling out the batter-runner.

9. The 3-1 play is legal everywhere. In NCAA and OBR, the pitcher must disengage on his step to third before turning to throw (or feint) to first. In FED, he can step to third, remain on the rubber, wheel, and throw to first from the rubber.

10. Throwing to second is always legal if there's a runner there or a runner moving from first. Whether the pitcher is in the set or the wind-up is irrelevant.

15. There a two "catcher's balks." One occurs when he interferes with a runner coming home by stepping in front of the plate. Catcher interference, balk on pitcher. It's also illegal for him to leave the catcher's box before the time of the pitch (MLBUM interpretation) during an intentional walk - only. With a runner stealing, the catcher on a pitch-out can leave yesterday.

The others are more philosophical, except for (a) the 4-man rotation. Check PBUC for the correct mechanics; and (b) appeals with multiple runners. I've heard of appeals for a fourth and fifth advantagous out. I've yet to have someone construct a "reasonable" play where six outs were granted.

I'll leave the Zen questions to Roland. (grin)

[Edited by Carl Childress on Jul 28th, 2005 at 10:41 PM]

Carl,

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post. I was only trying to make the point that there are only so many things that can be discussed without the topics beginning to repeat themselves.

I would be inclined to believe that there are a myriad of individuals from all walks of life that read these threads.
not all of them are experienced officials. Others may be, but who is Tee to judge what information is appropriate?

There has to come a time for the merry-go-round to slow down and let others jump on. I enjoy this forum greatly. I feel you have generated another excellent resource for amateure umpires to express their opinions and learn to be better at what they do on and off the field. I personnally don't feel the type of censorship that Tee aspires to enforce here on new members is intended for the common good of all. It appears to be a selfish attempt degrade those who don't measure up to his standards.

Tim.

I believe you've seen the light BigUmp, b/c I feel the exact same way. I could not have typed it better myself. Agreed on 100%. If you want only the "big dogs", start a new cite where you can only choose the umpires to come on to the thread, and have them take a test beforehand to prove their knowledge to see if they're qualified or not Tee. You're just scaring off people who want some answers, and people who want to learn.

I believe you should possibly find
another way of expressing your opinion,Dude.
You recently repetitive comments on oral sex
are neither needed,nor appreciated.
Grow up a little,huh? Many of us talked like
that when we were younger,only the difference is
most all of us grew out of it. Perhaps you will
soon.

You tell people to give their opinion, even if it's to call you a "f---ing idiot" and when somebody does, you invite them to engage in a sexual act with you.

Garth's right: When are you going to be shown the door?

I don't think you read LDUB's post very carefully. I heard irony dripping from every line.

1. Shoes are shined for each game.

2. Don't get lazy on your strike mechanic. Crisp and sharp, everytime.

3 Be to the site 30 mintes prior. Includes calling your scheduled partner to make sure you know each other will be there.

4. You have all day to make a safe/out call. Don't rush it.

5. NEVER have coaches or players throw returned foul balls to you. Always have someone run out and restock your supply. Chasing balls all over the field takes up time.

6. And speaking of time, as soon as a batted ball becomes foul, give the pitcher a new ball. There's no need for everyone to be looking to the parking lot to see where it landed.

7. If the pitcher takes his sweet time taking warm-up pitches, give him less than 5 pitches. In NHFS, he has one minute to complete his warm up. 2 extra minutes of warm up per half inning equals 28 minutes over 7 innings. Lots of time wasted.

What is wrong with trying to get rotation knowledge from Tee? He has worked more 60ft LL games in his life than anyone else I know.

Tee is a great guy. He taught me that the $40 Champion chest protector on e-bay is just as good as a Carlucci. I always assumed that a CP which costs so much less must not be as good as the expensive one, but Tee has set me straight.

If only everyone listened to Tee. He knows the path to the LLWS. Without listining to Tee, I would still not be using an idicator in the field.

:D Another good effort, Luke, but DIB would need a far greater mastery of English nuance than he has to understand what you are saying.

He's apparently too busy verbally scrawling on bathroom walls to be bothered.

Oh give it up Luke. Irony, like good advice, is completely lost on DIB.

Mike

Most of us are little dogs
 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Carl Childress

Quote:

I don't think you read LDUB's post very carefully. I heard irony dripping from every line.

It's quite clear what LDUB is doing, and it isn't just this post. I, however, wouldn't have used a sexual metaphor.

In a dog pack, the big dogs have two responsibilities: look out for the good of the pack, and ensure that they remain the big dogs. When a new dog arrives, he is sniffed out to see if he'll fit in. Often, he is physically challenged to see if he'll submit to the will of the big dogs. A successful dog emerges from this process with a few scars, but a good understanding of the way that the pack works, a feeling of belonging, and the security of knowing that the big dogs are on his side.

Occasionally a new dog wants to become a big dog himself. Usually with no perspective of the good of the pack, he'll take it upon himself to try out some of those early attacks on newcomers that don't quite fit in. Thinking he's proving himself, he'll be overly vicious. And if he isn't first, he'll never avoid joining a dog pile that is going on.

I have some specific advice to newcomers. (By the way, from what I've heard about Real Umpire(tm) associations, this might be good advice in moving up in them, too.)

• Don't post answers, statements, or opinions. Be very careful about your questions.
• Accept a certain amount of snarling and nipping. Occasionally roll onto your back and whimper. You've seen examples that seem to work.
• Don't take it all personally. Remember, these folks don't take you personally.

Sadly, Tee might be correct. Without a certain amount of policing, an internet forum can become almost totally useless. In particular, nobody is forcing the big dogs to be here, and they do have important information. If you run them off, the group will get worse, not better.

-LL

Delegation
 

I want to host a REAL umpire clinic and I need a volunteer to do ALL the work for next season.

Only need 1 by end of the month, the rest of you can get some rest. Today is July 29, 2005.

Send resumes to: Baseball UIC
Box 411 Needed
SA, TX 78211

If chosen you can begin by reading all the resumes. Don't be surprised if I don't answer any more questions because I have already delegated my authority to the WHINNER.

Have a great season!

Clueless in SA

Re: Maybe Tee will listen to you
 

Rut - key poster - "Insiteful" ROTFLMAO

BTW, did you also learn spelling and grammar from Rut?

This reminds me of something I heard at an association meeting a few years back. The speaker made the point that the umpires are often the only paid personel at the games we work. By definition, we are the only professionals out there.

He went to to say that we should all try to project that professional attitude whenever we take the field, no matter what level the game.

He closed by saying that we may feel the assignment is beneath us but to the players it's most likely the most important game they'll play all week. They're paying us. We owe it to them to be the best we can be.

We work everything from young kids (boys and girls) to mens and womens softball, along with some Babe Ruth, Connie Mack and Legion ball. Most of the members are also HS umps.

We may need a FAQ
 

Tee,

You've been an internet umpire much longer than I have, but I've been involved with a variety of internet newsgroups and boards over the last 15 years. This problem is typically solved in three ways:[list=1][*]The big dogs can growl and snarl at any new dogs that don't belong in the pack and chase them off.[*]You can get a moderator that moderates for content as well as cleanliness.[*]Use a Frequently Asked Questions list.[/list=1]If the problem is the number of threads on subjects that you don't like, #2 is the best bet. If the problem is that you don't think that you need the contributors that would even ask certain questions, than #1 is your bet. If you just want to reduce the length and the energy needed to deal with some topics, a FAQ can help.

Even without a FAQ, a library of well-written, authoritative articles on the basics would help shorten down the repetive threads. For example, your "10 things umpires should never do" series would have been an excellent response to this thread, and worth re-reading, but it appears to have disappeared from the internet. Perhaps they'll be future Strikes & Balls articles.

Unfortunately, proposing a FAQ-list is a little like proposing a bell for the cat. It has to be maintained by a recognized big dog, or it has no credibility. Even a simple library might run counter to the business objectives of this particular site.

I guess we'd better be ready for more snarling.

-LL