J/R Manual

[MajorDave]

I have both the BRD and this year I got J/R. Next year I will probably get PBUC just to have it. I am still looking for the Jim Evans Annotated to buy so if anyone has a hard copy of it for sale---let me know.

I use both of these books. The new 2008 J/R references some FED and NCAA rules/rulings. I have read the 2006 BRD about five times cover to cover. Working on my third read through of the 2008 BRD and have two reads of J/R down and will start my third after I finish the BRD. The J/R is definitely worth it and complements BRD well. Any umpire serious about his career and development needs these two books and needs to read them along with the actual rules for the level they call. For me-that means all three rule sets plus NAIA overlay and American Legion overlay and USSSA overlay to OBR. I do not claim to be a rules expert but I am working on it. You should strive to become one, too.

My two cents, your mileage may vary. (I forgot who I stole that from but thanks- I love it.)

Dave

[johnnyg08]

Would you guys advise buying the 2008 ones now, or waiting for the 2009 ones to come out? The rules probaby won't change that much...

[MajorDave]

you can read it through a couple of times in the off season. They don't change the OBR that often, the FED rule changes for 2009 are out and they did not change much. NCAA will meet and publish in the winter as will MLB/OBR and printing will not occur until February at the earliest which is too late to study much with college games starting and pre-season train up meetings so buy now and start getting ready for next year. While you are at it, if you can find one and afford it, attend a clinic sometime this fall or winter. We can always get better.

[Rufus]

Hey guys, this is a great conversation and, as a coach (yes, one of "those"), I appreciate the diligence put into knowing the rules and situations by you all.

Is there any value to a coach have these manuals as well? I have read through, and have copies of, the NF and OBR rules books (don't need NCAA at the moment, this kids are only 11 and 9), but would getting these additional materials help? I guess what I'm asking is, do you know of coaches who get these manuals and do you think it is of use to them?

Thanks again.

[mbyron]

Talk to Rich Ives.

Certainly there's value, especially you encounter an umpire who doesn't know an applicable rule and his subsequent judgment might hurt your team.

[MajorDave]

Absolutely! I coached and regularly bought the rule books and took the NFHS umpiring test just to see what I knew/did not know. I coached from T-ball to Legion. Do you think that knowing a couple of rules might make you a better coach and make your players better too? Absolutely!

Go for it, when you quit coaching you might decide to put your money where your mouth is and become an umpire.

It is tougher than coaching, keeps you in the game and it is very rewarding both personally and in some ways financially.

My two cents. Your mileage may vary. (grin)

[johnnyg08]

I have the BRD in route...J/R probably later this fall. thanks for the tips fellas