Intelligence and the ASA rule book

[David Emerling]

Originally posted by Dakota
BTW, apparently unlike some umpires who self-describe themselves as reveling in complexity, I am pointing out how the complex reputation attached to DP/FLEX is for the most part unwarranted.

Resist the tendency to roll the eyes and go ga ga and just remember the routine rules about lineups, substitutions, batting order, and defensive position swaps.

Then, pay attention when DP goes in for FLEX on defense and FLEX bats for DP. You'll have it knocked. [/B]

First of all, most umpires who revel in complexity are *not* self-described. In fact, they might even be the *last* to recognize this tendency on their part.

Remember, you're preaching to the choir. For the most part, WE get it! You're right - it's not all that complicated ... FOR US. And that's because we have taken the extra effort to understand it. And that's because we are burdened with enforcing it - whether we like it or not. It's not an option for us.

It *is* an option for coaches, however. They are neither obligated to use the DP or FLEX, nor are they obligated to use the flexibility that this rule affords. They don't even have to fully understand it to use it.

Yet, as umpires, we *are* obligated to understand every nuance, combination, permutation, ramification, and interpretation of the DP/FLEX rule. So, it's no wonder that we tend to understand it better.

It's not surprising that an umpire understands almost every rule better than coach. An umpire probably understands rules regarding obstruction better than a coach. But, with regards to the DP/FLEX rule, the gap between OUR understanding and that of the COACHES' is tremendous. And it has been that way for a very long time.

And it's *not* just the head coach of my daughter's team. It's pervasive!

David Emerling
Memphis, TN

[Dakota]

David,

You seem to love to place yourself above the fray and argue on behalf of the poor unwashed all the while claiming to be a part of the intelligentsia who have been blessed with special understanding.

I am the opposite.

It ain't that complicated. Lots of people have made it sound such with their eye-rolling ga ga reactions and their complicated explanations of the rule.

Nonetheless, it ain't that complicated.

Coaches may choose to learn or ignore the rule, much like they choose to learn or ignore or operate in ignorant belief about a lot of other rules. That doesn't make it a complicated rule that is beyond the intellect of your average coach.

I can't help how coaches apply their time or their brain-power.

However, I can actively refute those who continue to claim this rule is too complex for the average ball player who scores 800 on some section of the SAT or who is a MENSA member or who forgets to match his socks before he leaves home in the morning.

Here it is:

Remember what happens when the DP plays defense for FLEX.

Remember what happens when the FLEX bats.

Remember that all other substitution rules, batting order rules, re-entry rules continue to apply.

There ya go.

[Edited by Dakota on Jan 28th, 2005 at 04:23 PM]

[MA Softball Ump]

Originally posted by KJ'sDAD

Thanks, Glen! I went to that site and it is really impressive. But, after 1/2 hour, I could not find the video. Does anyone know where it is on that site?
[/B][/QUOTE]

MA Softball Ump,

I'm not Glen, but if you go to the downloads section, under ASA. Click on the Line Up Management System. It's not a video, but a Power Point presentation.

I live on the Northshore. You've probably called some of my daughters games. Are you calling games at Strike-One in Danvers?

Kevin [/B][/QUOTE]

Thanks Kevin!

I actually saw the power point presentation. I thought that there was a video too.

I have not done any Essex County area, yet (mostly North Middlesex County). What summer TB team does your DD play for, I may have seen her...

[IRISHMAFIA]

I say dump the rule.

Those complaining about the complexity it creates for coaches should be reminded that this rule is the result of the coaches' demand, not something an umpire dreamed up.

This rule placates the coach who has a hitter that cannot play defense and a player who cannot hit worth a lick. It is posed as an "increased participation" point, but everyone complains about it.

As far as my personal feelings, I think that this rule can easily be declared as detrimental to the foundation of the sport as it eliminates many possible standard bat and ball sport strategies. This, like the DH in baseball, causes a dummying down of the game and coaching strategies. You want additional participation, fine, use the EP and leave it at that.

Some younger board members may not remember some of the great baseball we saw prior to the '70s. What a shame, you missed some great ball games. Comparatively speaking, today's game is a joke which is why I will no longer pay to see a MLB game.

Rant off!

[Dakota]

Originally posted by IRISHMAFIA
... the DH in baseball,... is why I will no longer pay to see a MLB game.

I know I shortened your post to be out of context, but I just wanted to say...

You have a lot more against MLB than just the DH rule!

Many of your reasons I agree with, but I do still enjoy the game (even the AL flavor).

Arguing to take the DP/FLEX rule out as being contrary to the integrity of the game is one thing. But, that arugment would also apply to any of the "Dx" or "Ex" rules.

Arguing to take it out because it is too complex is quite another.

[KJ'sDAD]

[/B][/QUOTE]

Thanks Kevin!

I actually saw the power point presentation. I thought that there was a video too.

I have not done any Essex County area, yet (mostly North Middlesex County). What summer TB team does your DD play for, I may have seen her... [/B][/QUOTE]

Send me an E-mail You can get it from my profile or click o the icon below. I get a little weird about posting some information on the internet.

Better safe than.............

Kevin

[Edited by KJ'sDAD on Jan 28th, 2005 at 05:18 PM]

[whiskers_ump]

Originally posted by Dakota

I know I shortened your post to be out of context, but I just wanted to say...



Many of your reasons I agree with, but I do still enjoy the game (even the AL flavor).

Me too, even after my Yankees blew the World Series.

Arguing to take the DP/FLEX rule out as being contrary to the integrity of the game is one thing. But, that arugment would also apply to any of the "Dx" or "Ex" rules

WOW, what will NSA or USSSA do if you take all the X's out?
As for USFA....well that is another mule of a different source.

Arguing to take it out because it is too complex is quite another.

Agree.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by Dakota
... the DH in baseball,... is why I will no longer pay to see a MLB game.

I know I shortened your post to be out of context, but I just wanted to say...

You have a lot more against MLB than just the DH rule!

[/B][/QUOTE]

Out of context! Damn, you just as well have quoted War and Peace for as much sense as it makes.

I will not pay to see MLB games because I have a problem with:

DH
Salaries
Attitudes
Expected adoration
Selfishness
Demand of money for autographs
Lack of "team"
Salaries
Prima Donnas who are paid millions and still use excuses for failure to perform that are not even accepted at the LL level.
Demand of money for autographs
Expected adoration
Salaries
Ticket prices
Selfishness
Parking prices
Expected adoration
Concession prices
Salaries
Expected adoration
Demand of money for autographs

BTW, isn't one of the boys of summer of Texas a good ol' boy from Delaware? He seems to be one of the nicer guys around, and yes, there are a few of them, but the bigheaded, "I love me" monsters give them a bad rep.

Any other questions about my love for the game?

Did I mention the exhorbitant salaries?

JMHO,

[whiskers_ump]

No, Mike just salaries.