Hello Everybody,

I am new here, this will be my first year umpiring softball, might need some help.

Welcome
 

Well, you have come to the right place!

Lots of knowledge here and willingness to share and help. Feel free to post questions about any aspect of umpiring the game, no matter how simple they may seem to you.

Not that it makes a difference, but will you be calling primarily fastpitch or slowpitch or both?

thanks
 

both.

This 2004 test is kind of tricky for a person that knows softball but from the other side( a player) like i was. I never knew you guys had it like this. It will be a test for me this year, I hope to be mentor be someone that will show me.

thanks

Buddah:

Umpiring will give you a whole new respect for the game.

Good luck and welcome to the baord.

Welcome to the board buddah!Best advice take your time and try to relax.Good luck!

Relax and let the game come to you. Try and lose the belly and remember that without bad things happening you'd not be able to appreciate the good.

Welcome aboard BUDDHA from Georgia. I am assuming you are just doing ASA this year ?. Also assume local rec. council level, or are you going right into Men/Women/co-ed.

Men/Women/Coed and maybe doing High school if ask too.

If you have never umpired before, I would strongly encourage starting out for a year if not two at the rec league level only. It gives you a chance to get a feel for the game, from an umpiring perspective, as well as giving you a chance to develop skills for higher level of play, such as high school and college. I never recommend to a rookie or first year umpire to jump straight into the fire of upper level play, as you are not doing yourself, nor the players at that level justice. My two cents, take it for what it is worth.

I agree with Scott. If you have a youth program for FP, regardless
of the association, I would start with the 10U & 12U's. Do as many
games as you can with a qualified official. Learn from them. Most
vet umpires are more than willing to share their knowledge and skills
of the game.

Have fun and welcome to the board.

thanks, guys for the advise, low level it will be. just watch out. just kidding.

Re: thanks
 

You will be telling your former team mates this and I'll bet not one (unless they, too, are an umpire) will believe you.

Many players do not understand that they only know about 50% of what is going on in a game.

Welcome to the board. Ask questions, listen to the arguments...er, I mean "discussions" ;) and compare what you see here to what is in the book.

Glad to have you with us, Buddha!

Welcome aboard Buddha. just remember to rub that belly before each game

http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/mica/monksit.gif

Welcome a"board", buddha.
We have a saying, mostly on other forums, which says "don't feed the trolls". It means not responding to those who post ugly, nasty or nonsense comments just to provoke people. That can apply to your relationship with players and coaches as well. Avoid raising your voice, arguing for arguement sake, appearing emotional, etc. You are the last word, so you don't need to say it. When you realize you are wrong or just blew a call, admit it and try to deal with it fairly; but stick with the result if there is no way out (like "foul ball").
And don't let the mistakes and disagreements discourage you to the point of quitting, just use them to get better.