Clinics....and what you do with that information.

[IRISHMAFIA]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Skahtboi

Originally posted by IRISHMAFIA

What I am referring to is my local umpiring organization, a state organization under ASA classifications. We have a little over 100 member umpires, and our customers/clients(the local P&R departments for the cities in our county) play ASA and USSSA, and even some NFSA. In other words, city A plays ASA, while city B plays USSSA. So...my first obligation is to my local umpiring association, and helping them get all of their games filled. I shouldn't have to worry about whether or not I am wearing a powder blue shirt on that day, or a red one. My primary function is to help out my local association and all of our clients, not some national/international faceless organizations. The players in my community will always come first, regardless of which codes those players' P&R departments chose to play by.

Now, if I do a good job for my local association, am always professional, attend the requisite clinics...etc., shouldn't my District UIC for either ASA or USSSA feel free to recommend me to higher level play based on those merits alone? Or, do you feel that I should abandon the desires of my local communities, and work only in those towns that play Brand A ball to be considered for state and national tourneys?

I never suggested anyone abandon their communities or not work other associations, did I? DID I?

Again, I don't care what you do for other associations, I will only take into consideration what the umpire does for ASA, their qualifications and ability to handle the level of the tournament considered. If you primarily work City B (USSSA), I'm not going to see you. I am going to watch those working ASA. Again, I don't care about the other organizations, or your local association. I care about ASA. I care about what the umpire does when working ASA. I care about the umpire's ability to handle the level of ASA in question.

I don't care about what an umpire does for other organizations no matter how they get there. I've seen umpires come into my small state with credentials from other sanctioning organizations which turned out to be total duds. I've also seen umpires from other organizations come in a do a very good job working ASA ball.

I've worked national tournaments with umpires who work many other types of ball and don't know how some got there. Then again, I've worked with some ASA guys and wonder the same thing.

I know different areas and UICs handle this in a different manner and that is their business. However, as dedicated to your local association as you are, and I applaud you for that, I am dedicated to the members of the state association. BTW, did I happen to mention I only care about ASA?