Obstruction at the plate

[FUBLUE]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

And, to me, this is becoming an issue in the past few years.

One of the benefits of ASA's training in the past was that three umpires who have never met could walk onto a field and work a game with little difficulty.

Recently, I am hearing/seeing personal preferences being added to schools and clinics that are not part of the umpire manual. I have no problem with sensible changes, but I believe the members of the Director's staff and NUS should all be on the same page teaching everyone the same preferred methods.

I hate to admit it, but I agree with you Mike. At the national I went to this year...and others on this board can attest...we were told some strange positioning, and it was personal preferences of those in charge.

But considering that I did 18 games and never ONCE was instructed that I was missing mechanics or out of position, I guess personal opinion was a huge part of it.

[wadeintothem]

I think its almost absurd to try to strictly define where someone stands on a given play, because there are so many variables to take into account, and what separates good umpires from those who biblically follow A B C mechanics is being able to recognize when a different movement is required to give the best angle.

Sometimes in front of the hp.. some times back from 3b-hp extended, sometimes rotating as the play devolopes changing position, sometimes up 3b line, up 1b line.. so some personnal opinion may come in when discussing case play/positioning as to how something could be done in a given situation is fine; always something to learn.

In any case, to think that 3 umpires couldnt walk on a field and work together because they may hold differing views on positioning on a given play at home is more than just a little rigid, and furthermore, incorrect.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Mechanics are developed for the best possible, non-interfering method on the routine plays. However, the positions offered in the manual are merely starting positions. As the play developes, the umpire must move into the proper position which, as noted, does afford the best possible angle still keeping the ball, base and runner in front of you.

Personally, I believe the little ball mechanic of using 3rd base line extended is one of the worse possible positions, starting or otherwise, for a play at the plate in softball.

[Mountaineer]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Personally, I believe the little ball mechanic of using 3rd base line extended is one of the worse possible positions, starting or otherwise, for a play at the plate in softball.

I've always thought that was a stupid mechanic!