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Thu Jun 20, 2002, 08:54am
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What determines if an umpire is Registered, Certified, or Senior Member?
Basically what qualifies an individual to be considered a rules\mechanics guru? I understand that there are differences between the different organizations. For example Little League would consider someone an expert because of their affiliation for many years. Unfortunately there are many differences between Little League and other levels like High School or College. Does a Pro School graduate qualify as an expert in High School rules and mechanics? I do not think so. The philosophies are very different. I have noticed statements made in some posts regarding non-certified umpires making rulings that are not proper. I agree that there needs to be identification toward the individuals expertise. Yet again what qualifies an individual expertise? 
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Thu Jun 20, 2002, 09:41am
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If I'm not mistaken, Senior Member means one
has posted many times on this board (100 or more, I think). Has nothing to do with umpire qualifications. In my area, a certified umpire must belong to an association, pass the exam, attend some field clinics (minimal), and pay dues/attend required meetings each season to stay active. Does this make him a guru? Of course not, but at least he has the basics to pass the exam. What makes him a guru is his own relationship with the rule book (studying it, answering rules quizzes, looking up rulings based on plays presented on this board, discussing plays with other umpires, etc). Some guys pass the exam to become certified, and never read it again. As far as mechanics are concerned, this expertise comes from working many games with excellent umpires who know proper mechanics. Also, reading, videos, and clinics can help. Willingness to learn new and customary techniques is essential, as oppesed to saying, "I've always done it this way, and I see no reason to change." (when a guy doesn't know the "V") We are only as good as we desire to become. An individual's expertise (or lack of) is directly related to his dedication to improving and staying current with rules and mechanics, not to mention a new hat and shirt at least every 5 years. Yes, that was sarcasm.
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Thu Jun 20, 2002, 10:10am
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Takes Time
In order to take advantage of Internet discussion boards you have invest the time to answer your question. After consistent reading of posts you will begin to determine who you can rely on. There are numerous dedicated individuals at this site and others (ETeamz and Umpire.org) who graciousily donated their time and expertise to posting very comprehensive answers.
As a general rule, for rule related posts, individuals who provide rule citation along their answers are more reliable. For mechanics and game management posts, you have will find there are different approaches. As a result, deciding which umpire's answer is "correct" is subjective. The answers are out there, you just have to take time to find them.
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Thu Jun 20, 2002, 12:15pm
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1. Various states and organizations use the terms "registered" and "certified" as meaning basically the same thing. The umpire "belongs" to that organization or association, and has passed minimal requirments, usually a multiple choice or true false test, attendance at a mandated rules clinis, attendance at a certain number or percentage of available meeting and the ability to pay dues.
This does not really "certify" that an umpire has reached any level of quality above the minimum to take the field. Our advocation puts it upon the individual to study, work and improve in order to advance. Most of us do that willingly, if for no other reason, for self-satisfaction and the desire to be better than we are. 2. The terms "expert" and "rules/mechanics guru" are not bestowed upon one by one's self, but rather they are terms of respect that are earned over time and bestowed by others. As time goes on and one advance in knowledge and experience it becomes easier to decide whose opinon matter and whose does not. An old friend of mine is fond of saying that while everyone is entitled to an opinion, not everyone's opinion is equal in weight. That may sound snobbish, but is never-the-less true. Wouldn't you value the opinion of a board certified surgeon with 20 years experience over that of a med-student or beginning GP? 3. A senior member at this board is one who has posted 100 times or more. Quantity has very little to do with quality. It says more about lifestyle than it does ability. When I see the tag "Senior Member", I look at the date of registration. If the "Senior Member" has been posting for just three or four months, it might suggest he has way too much time on his hands. [Edited by GarthB on Jun 20th, 2002 at 12:19 PM]
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Thu Jun 20, 2002, 12:17pm
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""We are only as good as we desire to become. An
individual's expertise (or lack of) is directly related to his dedication to improving and staying current with rules and mechanics, not to mention a new hat and shirt at least every 5 years."" I agree Marty. Getting some guys to get a new hat and shirt is usually an act of Congress. I also do Ice Hockey, where a national certification is given for different levels of officiation. I often wonder how this would work for umpiring. The good thing about it is, an ice offical can really begin and develop in the program from start to Pro if the desire is there. Also the mechanics and standards for the vast majority of officials come from (1) National Program, USA Hockey. I think baseball is too fragmented and standards fluxuate from area to area. A National program would be nice, but I think that would start infringeing on all the bucks the camps make, so it may be better for the officials but not profitable for others. I am led to believe that Canada has a National Program with different levels of achievemt. Mabey this can be a model to start with. Regardless, in either program the statement above made by Marty is probably the main crux of how an indiviual moves up the ladder in umpiring or any officiating.
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Thu Jun 20, 2002, 03:23pm
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This is the feedback I expected. It is awesome to see there is some conistency in the different areas.
I have had many years of experience at many levels including Little League to Joe Brinkman Umpire School '88. I have moved a few times throughout the country. I hear people ask about certifications, qualifications, etc. What brought this question up was, I am looking at starting a Umpire Development Program in Houston. I want to avoid being involved with league assignments. We have good qualified organizations to do that. I feel that Umpire Development is a difficult program for an assigning group to take on. We have had Gerry Davis Sports conduct clinics and the improvement is unfounded. The thing is there are many umpires that would love to have the opportunity to learn the mechanics formally in a positive environment. My issue is accreditation. What does the umpiring world consider legitimate accreditation? You have answered my question. There can be testing or you can base it upon attendence. Basically what they do on the field will prove your program. Am I correct?
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Fri Jun 21, 2002, 10:11am
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ENelson:
The Umpire Development program is a great idea. If we had such an opportunity in my area (New England) I would definitely attend. Instead, I have traveled for advanced training. Although this would be in the best interest of the individual umpire (and baseball in general), the extra training and improvement may not guarantee more/better games for these umpires. The trick would be to get the league assignors (commissioners) to pay attention to your evaluation system, and grant assignments based on these ratings. I would love to see a tier system for level of training/ability where umpires are assigned according to their ability, including the re- evaluation of veteran umpires (many who would be shocked to find out they need to improve). I guess that is the system in some parts of the country, but around here, it's the 'ol boy network.
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