DEFO/DP/Flex explanation

[Steve M]

And I'll admit that other than a couple of 14&U games, high school ball is the youngest group that I see.

I think it's important that, as we move on & up, we remember those who have guided us - so we put something back in the pot for those who are coming next. So I spend some time helping with clinics, watching newer umpires work, even working some JV and 14&U games with umpires who want more. At these clinics - and we do a couple of lineup cards for games in each one - those who have spoken up seem to have an understanding on how it works. I know those who have worked those JV and 14&U games with me have a decent understanding - they work the plate and I usually ask the coaches to use a DP.

It's been my experience that those who put some time & effort into understanding the rule, come to the realization that this really is a simple rule to understand & apply. It's complex because we try to look at everything at once and add some third world applications - there's no reason to do that. And it's my prejudice - for lack of a better term - that I don't care too much about those who don't put the time & effort into it.