Wow,

I just read a post from Umpduck that said it's a violation of policy in Alabama to use an indicator on the bases in a high school game.

I have read where it is manadatory in some associations, optional in others, and now I read that it is forbidden in the State of Alabama.

I am curious (blue, not yellow)...what's the policy in your association or state?

My association says "do whatcha like!" Most of our experienced guys don't use one, but some do.

How about you?

Mmmmmm,
 

I give the following advice to my students when this subject is discussed:

"Don't make the decision to use an indiclickercounter on the bases the defining moment in your career."

While there are states with both extremes (one state demanded they not be used and one state saying they must be used) it is a compromise on what the umpire feels he wants and what his local group leans towards.

I haven't used one for decades but I also have stopped criticizing those who do.

Just one important thought:

Never let your BU have a brush to clear off bases or the pitcher's plate.

Tee

[Edited by Tim C on Dec 22nd, 2005 at 10:47 AM]

I can't imagine how a governing body could hold it against an official should he use an indicator, regardless of his position. Maybe if it had a radio or MP3 player installed. Are they going to make umpires wear patent leather belts and shoes too? I can use a cane (padded with 0.5" of closed cell, slow recovery foam, of course) while working the bases but I can't use an indicator?!?

That's almost as funny as not allowing pleated base pants.

D

There's no explaining why the state does
things as they do, but I have been told
that part of the problem is that many of
our District Directors either never umpired
baseball, or weren't any good at it.But, as
good soldiers, we continue to march on.

Or the same state mandating a certain manufacturer of pants?

Alabama says no indicators. OK, urban legand says a few years ago Alabama tried to change the mathematical value of pi from 3.14159..... to 3.

So I guess they can do whatever they want........

Merry Christmas everyone

...but that would mess up the song "i think pi is mighty fine, 3.14159"


as if we havent heard it enough, i personally dont use an indicator on the bases. as far as the associations i work for, i dont believe i know of anything in place in either of them that dictates the use or non-use of an indicator. i have worked college games with partners using indicators, and 15 year old games with guys not using indicators, and vice versa. its a personal preference and i think it should stay that way.

I understand it is a safety issue in in Alabama.

Evidently, they are afraid that some umpire may accidently let go of his indicator, hit some HS student and cause serious injury. After all safety is of the utmost concern.

Too many individuals in in the state have lost too many teeth because of serious accidents like this. Just ask Goober the umpire.

I thnk this will be throughly discussed at the next NASO convention and then I understand a Congressional hearing is scheduled for mid February. Those that do not comply are subject to wiretaps and spying by the FBI.

Gentlemen, TAKE THIS VERY SERIOUS !!!

Happy Holidays to all.

In order to play the banjo, you need two hands. Holding an indicator would impair even the finest Alabama umpire.

Alabamans missing teeth is no laughing matter. It's called a tooth brush for a reason!

:)

Wrong my good man. You use a stainless
steel indicator to play "slide banjo".