National Federation rule chances for 2007

[Carl Childress]

Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser

I need to be told what to wear? I'll wear a dangling throat protector the next time I cover 3rd base as the PU on a triple.

Very funny!

Of course, the National Federation system calls for that mechanic, which is the way the pros did it in the two-person system from 1905 to 1970 or thereabouts.

I'm always amazed that "modern" umpires, like you, know so much more than those in the Hall of Fame.

BTW: I won't wear the dangler, either. It's not a rule that can be enforced unless the State Association does it. Who will police it? It's among the more stupid moves they've made. Two rules where I think they screwed up worse are: (1) Allowing the pitcher in the set position to check the runners by swinging his shoulders; and (2) reinstating the appeal rule.

Lah, me.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Carl Childress

Very funny!

Of course, the National Federation system calls for that mechanic, which is the way the pros did it in the two-person system from 1905 to 1970 or thereabouts.

I'm always amazed that "modern" umpires, like you, know so much more than those in the Hall of Fame.

BTW: I won't wear the dangler, either. It's not a rule that can be enforced unless the State Association does it. Who will police it? It's among the more stupid moves they've made. Two rules where I think they screwed up worse are: (1) Allowing the pitcher in the set position to check the runners by swinging his shoulders; and (2) reinstating the appeal rule.

Lah, me.

1970 was 36 years ago, Carl. You'd think the NFHS would catch up by now.

Thanks for letting me know, though, that the NFHS hasn't changed this mechanic since I toss my manual away every year the second it arrives. With the far superior CCA manual, who needs it?

[Carl Childress]

Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser

1970 was 36 years ago, Carl. You'd think the NFHS would catch up by now.

Thanks for letting me know, though, that the NFHS hasn't changed this mechanic since I toss my manual away every year the second it arrives. With the far superior CCA manual, who needs it?

You wouldn't be allowed to work in my association because you have no integrity. You're supposed to call National Federation games using National Federation rules and mechanics.

You expect the players to do what you want. But you don't. That's dishonest. If you want to be a rogue, don't take NFHS money.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Carl Childress

You wouldn't be allowed to work in my association because you have no integrity. You're supposed to call National Federation games using National Federation rules and mechanics.

You expect the players to do what you want. But you don't. That's dishonest. If you want to be a rogue, don't take NFHS money.

I have no integrity? OK, now you've taken some good natured bantering and have gone too far.

Carl, you know my thinking on this. I work for LEAGUES and SCHOOLS, not the NFHS. I've never had a check signed by the NFHS. It's ridiculous for me and my REGULAR partners to work differently in NCAA and NFHS games. And I have no irregular partners, since we don't have an assigning association here and I have to market myself and my partner for all the games (non-NCAA) we umpire.

The NFHS book is an antique that needs to be eliminated in favor of the CCA manual -- and some states are moving in that direction.

[waltjp]

FED is asking (requiring?) the use of a throat protector. How strictly that's enforced in your area is up to your state or local association. I see it as a personal matter.

It could be that they're just covering their behinds in the event of an umpire getting injured and looking to file a lawsuit. If you get hurt and you're not wearing the equipment they suggest or require then you're going to have a hard time holding them responsible.

Shin guards are required but I've worked with someone who didn't wear them. (Don't ask.) I know people who don't wear a cup or plate shoes.

If you’re allowed that level of flexibility in what you decide to wear and are willing to take the risks associated with foregoing certain items of protective equipment that's your choice.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by waltjp

FED is asking (requiring?) the use of a throat protector.

According to the NFHS website they are including "throat guard" in their list of protective equipment. My mask has a throat guard. No problem.

[ozzy6900]

Well, I guess that I am on the FED list of defecation too! To make the ball "live", I point and call "PLAY" rather than use that idiotic beckoning gesture in the FED rulebook. I've been doing it that way for eons so I am probably "excommunicated" on top of everything!

[Carl Childress]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

Well, I guess that I am on the FED list of defecation too! To make the ball "live", I point and call "PLAY" rather than use that idiotic beckoning gesture in the FED rulebook. I've been doing it that way for eons so I am probably "excommunicated" on top of everything!

Ozzy: That's the point of the new rule. The beckoning signal is out; the point is in. Hooray for you!

Now me? I always used the approved NFHS signal. (grin)