What's The Call?

[mcrowder]

Just the fact that you're here, and your name is not matrix is enough to tell me you're ready to at least BEGIN some fastpitch.

[rhsc]

Originally posted by mcrowder
Just the fact that you're here, and your name is not matrix is enough to tell me you're ready to at least BEGIN some fastpitch.

Everybody here says do a season of slow-pitch first. What do you think? Ive never even watched a fast-pitch game live.

[mcrowder]

I don't think slowpitch is necessarily or inherently EASIER than fastpitch. I just think you will be introduced to more situations in fast than you would in slow. The fact that you care enough to visit a site like this PROBABLY indicates that you are ready to try your hand at either one.

I do, however, believe it's easier to "hide" an umpire that doesn't care in a softball game.

But if you're an umpire that DOES care, you'll do fine in either, and probably learn faster in fastpitch.

[bkbjones]

I know at least one member of ASA NUS who is also a PAC-10 bigwig who believes you become a better fastpitch umpire when you do slow pitch...but your desire is great. If you WANT to be a fast pitch umpire...and it looks like you do...then get into it!

[rhsc]

I here the fast-pitch coaches know there stuff a little better and the slow-pitch coaches are a little more tolerant. Truth is, Im probaly tryin to save some face by agreeing with doin slow-pitch first.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by rhsc
I here the fast-pitch coaches know there stuff a little better and the slow-pitch coaches are a little more tolerant. Truth is, Im probaly tryin to save some face by agreeing with doin slow-pitch first.

Don't listen to these guys. Do what you want to do.

Working FP usually means you deal with children more than adults, though sometimes you have to wonder about that

To me, youth FP is a boring game, but in many areas, that is the only FP in town.

In SP, you will get more of a workout, more repititions and practice of your mechanics, face more challenging situations and will never get bored. Well, I shouldn't say that. You get a couple of pitchers that can barely hit the back-stop let alone the strike zone and it can get boring, quick. OTOH, this is the type of situation that tests your ingenuity and ability to adjust your game.

You will run into idiots in both games. The best way to keep control of the game is to work it well, hustle, and know what the hell you're talking about. I've been umpiring for 38 years, am a UIC, ISF and ASA Elite and I still get challenged by some EEE player who has never seen me before and that's fine. If I cannot dazzle him/her with my rules knowledge and professional appearance, they will be in awe of my technique of ejecting a player without anyone else knowing it!!

Work what you want. I would suggest you do just one type of game the first year. Become comfortable with the rules and mechanics and take it from there.

[bobbrix]

I had this situation last season. Bases loaded, but R3 steals to second on the next pitch. R3 and R2 both stood there staring at each other ("what on earth are you doing here ??).

Anyway, as some others have said, I just stepped out and waited things to play out.

I can't see where calling time is a solution.

Just the fact that the PU is out from behind the plate, staring at second base was enough to get the message across that something had to happen. In only a few seconds almost all spectators, coaches and players were shouting out various instructions.

(Oddly enough, the pitcher through to F3 who only touched the base. The offense coach called to R3 "you're out!!".
All activity stopped and R3 trotted off from second and into the dugout, at which time I called her out. So, a weird situation all around.)

[mcrowder]

You say you can't see where calling TIME is an option. If pitcher has the ball in the circle, you can't just "stand there and let things play out". If runner leaves at that point, she's out. F1 does not HAVE to throw. You wait until it's obvious she's not GOING to throw, and you call TIME.