The ASA test has shrunk ?

[chuck chopper]

I haven't seen the test yet, but my UIC waved the answer sheet around last week in Clinic. It appears there are only 50 questions or so compared to the 100 in previous years. If I'm correct, I don't think this is a good thing. We all take this test "open book", and 100 questions has us going into the book more. This makes us all more familiar with the rule & the book.
Is this yet another example of "the dumbing down of America" or am I over concerned ?

[rj]

I just finished the test for 2006 and, at least in CT, the test is still 100 questions. Of course, that doesn't mean that sometimes the coaches don't make us feel like we're "dumbing down", as you put it.

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

Where are you from chuck??? The rumor here in NY is that the NYSSO (NY state) test is shorter...our test review is tomorrow morning,so I will let all our NY friends know for sure..

[chuck chopper]

Baltimore, Maryland State ASA. I umpire Mainly eastern Baltimore County, and some in Eastern Baltimore City what used to be called Baltimore Metro

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by rj
I just finished the test for 2006 and, at least in CT, the test is still 100 questions. Of course, that doesn't mean that sometimes the coaches don't make us feel like we're "dumbing down", as you put it.

Then CT is not using the ASA Umpire Exam.

I described the exam in a post on this board earlier.

Part I - True/False Rules
20 questions
4 SP alternates

Part II - Multiple Choice Rules
20 questions
5 SP alternates

Part III - Mechanics
5 true/false questions
5 multiple choice questions
1 SP alternate T/F question

[chuck chopper]

Mike, I see your Feb 11th memo on this shortened test. Do you know what the thinking was behind the reduction, and your opinions ?

[rj]

The test that I was speaking of is the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) test.
Sorry if I confused you.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by chuck chopper
Mike, I see your Feb 11th memo on this shortened test. Do you know what the thinking was behind the reduction, and your opinions ?

This was covered in a short fashion at a clinic last week. The test is to be used as an educational tool, not a measuring stick. It is meant to force thought and discussion involving rules which get questioned more often than others. My opinion is that this is one of the reasons the questions were somewhat vague. We've seen the direct affect of that on this and other officiating boards.

Also, IMO, the shorter test allows the umpire to embrace it by allowing them to slow down so there is not a mad dash to finish. If you remember, some of the old tests would ocassionally have the same question on a rule presented in a different format. By going to a shorter test, the staff, and in turn, the umpire, can focus on certain scenarios and interpretations provided in the book and not have to worry about filling out a test with inane questions and/or matching the answer key.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by rj
The test that I was speaking of is the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) test.
Sorry if I confused you.

With all due respect and considering the subject line, I don't think I'm the one confused

[Edited by IRISHMAFIA on Mar 18th, 2006 at 03:20 PM]

[EdJW]

Irish, it's "due respect," not "do respect." Thought you might want to get it right.

[rj]

Can't wait to see Irish response to EdJW.

[EdJW]

Actually, Irish has already responded by editing his post to use correct English.