How did you get so good?

[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by devilsadvocate

Before this thread goes too far, let me emphasize that the point of the thread should not compare "time on the internet" and "actual game experience".

In no way am I trying to compare skill on the field with knowledge of the rules.

What I am trying to compare are things like "When did you learn the force was removed when a runner passed a base, even if the runner did not actually touch it?" Things that are not actually spelled out in the rule book, but can be learned from "authoritative sources", clinics, and discussion boards.

Eric all good points but an umpire may never encounter the aforementioned. In addition, look at all the threads on strictly rules throughout the various message Boards and there is a plethora of answers; some good, some bad and some just plain ugly. Hey wasn't there a movie starring Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef and Eli Wallach.

The best bet for a new umpire is to go to a credited clinic without any bias whatsoever. Learn the various mechancis and pick a plate stance that best suits their needs, then do as many games as possible.

In addition, if one is lucky, have someone mentor you and receiver good honest feedback so that you can improve.

Sometimes the discussion boards spend way too much time on things that lets face it will never happen and then unfortunately the flame-wars begin and even if the thread was very imformative, it's looses it's luster .

The one good aspect of the "theoretical discussions" is to make one at least open up a rule book

An umpires bread and butter is their mechancis and perhaps more importantly their Game Managemet Skills. We need to do as many games (taken into account Work / family) as we can in order to learn and progress.

Pete Booth