Slow Pitch Umps

[BretMan]

Another mechanic used by "thousands" of umpires- well, maybe not "thousands", since I haven't personally observed "thousands" doing it, and doubt that you have either- is to announce the location of the pitch, as in "too high", "outside" or, my favorite, "deep".

Since I've seen a lot of umpires do this, does that make it the right thing to do?

If I decide to start using that mechanic in my games, because I feel that it adds something for the participants, does that make it a proper mechanic?

Is this mechanic any more right or wrong than using a non-standard signal to describe the location of the pitch?

[jimpiano]

Originally Posted by BretMan

Another mechanic used by "thousands" of umpires- well, maybe not "thousands", since I haven't personally observed "thousands" doing it, and doubt that you have either- is to announce the location of the pitch, as in "too high", "outside" or, my favorite, "deep".

Since I've seen a lot of umpires do this, does that make it the right thing to do?

If I decide to start using that mechanic in my games, because I feel that it adds something for the participants, does that make it a proper mechanic?

Is this mechanic any more right or wrong than using a non-standard signal to describe the location of the pitch?

The manual advises against verbally describing the location of a ball outside the strike zone.

It says nothing about a visual signal concerning the ball hitting the plate.

[BretMan]

If "the manual says" is a valid guideline, the manual also advises against using unauthorized signals.

Since the "fist pound" is not described in said manual, it is an unauthorized signal.

[jimpiano]

Originally Posted by BretMan

If "the manual says" is a valid guideline, the manual also advises against using unauthorized signals.

Since the "fist pound" is not described in said manual, it is an unauthorized signal.

As I said before, I have used the signal for years along with countless other contemporaries. If you prefer to use the book as your only guide to signals, that is your choice. I find the signal useful in the lower leagues and is univsersally understood.

Happy umpiring.

[scottk_61]

Originally Posted by jimpiano

As I said before, I have used the signal for years along with countless other contemporaries. If you prefer to use the book as your only guide to signals, that is your choice. I find the signal useful in the lower leagues and is univsersally understood.

Happy umpiring.

It is not universally understood, and many teams would wonder what in the H#### you are saying with that signal.

why don't you admit that you would rather just do things, "your way" instead of using the prescribed mechanics,
and admit that you pick and choose what guidelines to use in spite of the Umpire Mechanics section of the rule book?

In other words, why don't you admit that you are a dud?
and that you have no desire to change?
and that you are a troll?

etc
etc
etc

[jimpiano]

Originally Posted by scottk_61

It is not universally understood, and many teams would wonder what in the H#### you are saying with that signal.

why don't you admit that you would rather just do things, "your way" instead of using the prescribed mechanics,
and admit that you pick and choose what guidelines to use in spite of the Umpire Mechanics section of the rule book?

In other words, why don't you admit that you are a dud?
and that you have no desire to change?
and that you are a troll?

etc
etc
etc

Thanks for the advice, although the ad hominems diminish your credibility in my opinion.

I will make sure that in all ASA sanctioned games to follow the guidelines.

[scottk_61]

[quote=jimpiano]Thanks for the advice, although the ad hominems diminish your credibility in my opinion.
[quote]

Your opinion of my credibility is NOT one of my greater worries in life.

It is really too bad that you can't just admit that you need to change and adapt to proper mechanics.