Originally Posted by scottk_61

Are you still here?


Yet the OP was.

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

The prescribed mechanic for thousands of beer league umpires is to show up in jean shorts, ripped tshirt, and flip flops or to get drafted out of the stands.

I think you guys are talking apples and oranges with this guy. You guys are talking ASA Slow Pitch Championship standards. This guy calls the games with a cig hanging from his mouth because thousands of other beer league umps do it.

2 different animals.

Originally Posted by jimpiano

While you response is rather crude and demeaning to the majority of umpires in slow pitch softball, it does make a point.

Most of us slug it out on one man diamonds with players who are accomplished in everything BUT softball.

The ASA manuals are written to develop umpires to the highest level.

I wish you well in your trip to the top echelons of softball nirvanna.

I doubt, however, you will get there faster by bashing all of us who work the games you no longer need. I can assure you I wear nothing but approved clothing and spend a lot of time learning the rules and attending meetings and clinics.

I am limited to a few games a week, and an occasional local tournament.

But, no matter the level of play, I work hard to make the game run smoothly and enjoyably for the players.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Damn, neither one of you have a clue.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Damn, neither one of you have a clue.

Originally Posted by jimpiano

While you response is rather crude and demeaning to the majority of umpires in slow pitch softball, it does make a point.

Most of us slug it out on one man diamonds with players who are accomplished in everything BUT softball.

The ASA manuals are written to develop umpires to the highest level.

I wish you well in your trip to the top echelons of softball nirvanna.

I doubt, however, you will get there faster by bashing all of us who work the games you no longer need. I can assure you I wear nothing but approved clothing and spend a lot of time learning the rules and attending meetings and clinics.

I am limited to a few games a week, and an occasional local tournament.

But, no matter the level of play, I work hard to make the game run smoothly and enjoyably for the players.

Originally Posted by jimpiano

While you response is rather crude and demeaning to the majority of umpires in slow pitch softball, it does make a point.

Originally Posted by jimpiano

That was a response?

Originally Posted by jimpiano

That would be your interpretation, not mine.

Originally Posted by Dakota

I guess it boils down to attitude toward umpiring. Someone once said (paraphrasing) that integrity is what you do when you can't get caught or no one is watching. Umpiring is much the same.

Do you only conduct yourself, present yourself, etc., according to the level of play and whether you are being evaluated?

Or, do you always try to show up early, with the proper uniform, clean and pressed, and use the signals and mechanics of your sanctioning body?

Originally Posted by bkbjones

You think that was crude? Hold on, cuz I'm about to say what others won't say because they have more class than I do. But I've cheated death four times in the last six months or so, so what do I really have to lose?

Jimpiano, you really do not have a friggin clue.

The ASA rule book is NOT written to help umpires get to the highest level. There are other programs within ASA (and some other organizations) to accomplish THAT task. The ASA rule book is written to have uniformity amongst players, leagues, coaches, commissioners, administrators and umpires.

The umpire manual (that would be the unused protion of your rulebook right behind the pretty photos of the National Umpire Staff - and we're sorry about that last picture in there, but it was the best we could get without breaking the f'in camera) was not primarily written to get you to nationals.

It was written to get you through that rec slow pitch game, that 12U B "fast" pitch game. It was written for 40,000-plus umpires, many of whom aspire to become the best umpire they can be. Some want to do 5 nights of slow pitch every night, and that is ok because WE need those fellow umpires.

The book stresses uniformity - not just in how we dress, but in the rules we enforce and the signals we use. that way if I get lucky enough to work with someone down in Dallas or College Station or Phoenix or Sioux Falls next summer, we will dress alike, work alike, signal alike and talk alike.

There IS an appropriate place for your double fist pump ... although I doubt it would take two fists to pump. But out on the softball field there is no place for an unauthorized signal, whether ASA, NSA, Players Choice, USSSA, ISC, Pony, Dixie, AFA, NAFA or any other form of alphabet soup.

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Who would have thought that a relatively uncomplicated OP would have led to this type of discussion for eight pages???? :D

Originally Posted by scottk_61

Well said, what a breath of fresh air as compared to the tired old stale BS issued by the TROLL

Originally Posted by bkbjones

You think that was crude? Hold on, cuz I'm about to say what others won't say because they have more class than I do. But I've cheated death four times in the last six months or so, so what do I really have to lose?

Jimpiano, you really do not have a friggin clue.

The ASA rule book is NOT written to help umpires get to the highest level. There are other programs within ASA (and some other organizations) to accomplish THAT task. The ASA rule book is written to have uniformity amongst players, leagues, coaches, commissioners, administrators and umpires.

The umpire manual (that would be the unused protion of your rulebook right behind the pretty photos of the National Umpire Staff - and we're sorry about that last picture in there, but it was the best we could get without breaking the f'in camera) was not primarily written to get you to nationals.

It was written to get you through that rec slow pitch game, that 12U B "fast" pitch game. It was written for 40,000-plus umpires, many of whom aspire to become the best umpire they can be. Some want to do 5 nights of slow pitch every night, and that is ok because WE need those fellow umpires.

The book stresses uniformity - not just in how we dress, but in the rules we enforce and the signals we use. that way if I get lucky enough to work with someone down in Dallas or College Station or Phoenix or Sioux Falls next summer, we will dress alike, work alike, signal alike and talk alike.

There IS an appropriate place for your double fist pump ... although I doubt it would take two fists to pump. But out on the softball field there is no place for an unauthorized signal, whether ASA, NSA, Players Choice, USSSA, ISC, Pony, Dixie, AFA, NAFA or any other form of alphabet soup.

Originally Posted by jimpiano

Thanks for your input.

Originally Posted by jimpiano

I have seen over 30 different rule books and umpire's manuals(or variastions) since I started umpiring. The suggested mechanics have changed dozens of times. The constants center on hustle, a thorough knowledge of the rules, and to dress and behave professionally.

I made a comment about a technique that hundreds of ASA umpires, and others, use and said I liked it. It is well within the parameters of techniques that each umpire uses to manage a game.

You may not like the technique which is your choice.

Your responses, however, hardly reflect the level of achievement you claim to have.

Originally Posted by JPRempe

I just noticed he has NIF in his signature. I'd say he might be doing something right...

Just a hunch.

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

So....was this thread really worth 122 posts??? :D

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

We get points!?!? Are they interchangeable with my S&H Green Stamps?