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