How many would be umpires

[nine01c]

I think the rating I would give an umpire (based on Rules, Mechanics and Game Management) would be greatly determined by his experience. One must learn to crawl before he can walk, and then run.

Assuming the person has a desire and potential to be a decent official, the first thing is to learn the rules.
After passing that first exam to be certified, then the book must be reviewed year in and year out. Open book exams and practice tests are a great way to keep reinforcing common and obscure rules.

Next, mechanics are best mastered by practice and application. With a good handle on the rules, one can work on his positioning and crew communications. Of course, this is best achieved by working with partners who care and use proper mechanics themselves. The idea of "looking like you know what you are doing" will fail you quickly.

And lastly, game management comes primarily from game experience. Some maturity and lifetime experience will add to one's ability to face adversity and handle sticky situations. After four or five years, a HS official with suficient game experience should have the knack of managing a game, in general. That is, if he knows the rules and has sound mechanics, IMO.