Received my new lavender 2002 NFHS Softball Rules Book, the
light orange 2002 Case Book and the lime 2002 and 2003
Umpires Manual. Very colorful to say the least. Now I
have something to read, although it is kinda early to
review NFHS rules. However, it is something to idle away
the rainy days, which unfortunately are upcoming for this
area.

glen

I got mine a week or 2 ago. I understand that ASA is now going to pull their umpire's manual out of the rule book and put out another book, too. I know they're wrking towards it, but it sure will be better when there's one set of "accepted" mechanics across ASA & Fed (NCAA, too).

Steve,

That is what they said they were going to do, but it makes no sense. They are supposed to reintroduce the Code into the rule books and drop the umpire's manual.

Here's an organization looking to save $$ and they have added and addition print run, not to mention addition storage and postage to the cost factor. Seems to me that everything was just fine when they were all in the same book.

Mike

Follow the money $$$
 

Logically, the rules have a wider audience than the umpire's manual.

Also, logically, the code has a much narrower audience than either.

Audience (more or less):
Rules: Coaches, umpires, league officials
Code: League officials
Umpire Manual: Umpires

The largest audience is coaches, followed by umpires.

If the ASA can sell two books to all the umpires instead of one, they have more income.

That's my theory.

Re: Follow the money $$$
 

I do believe the ASA rule book and umpire's manual are included in umpire's registration fees, no new income.

Code is now on-line as are most coaches, players and league officials, no new income.

If the coaches read the rule book the same as the umpire, why are they so often wrong? League officials don't read the rules, they've got UICs to do that for them. d:-)


That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it. If you disagree, ask your coach to ask the league official to have the UIC check his rule book to find out if you may appeal it.

Mike

Re: Re: Follow the money $$$
 

I didn't mean to say they <u>read</u> the rule book, only that they had a copy.

Is an opinion like a judgment call? - Guess I won't waste my money on a protest fee! ;)

If the ASA splits the rule book and the umpire manual, are you sure both will be included in the registration fee? What does the ASA actually provide v. what do the umpire associations provide? For example, some associations include the casebook in the registration fee. I have to buy my own.

Since the rule books are distributed via the comissioners, I guess that any new books that come with registration will be done the same way. Probably OK in most areas, but in my district in Pa, it's like pulling teeth to get a rule book. You'd think that the cost was coming out of his pocket and would be taking dinner from his family. Same way with registration cards here - for the past several years, my only "card" has been the stamped copy of the registraion form I get back.

Am teetering on joining our FED association this year.....

My oldest will be playing so I am most likely going to be a fan instead of an umpire.........tough to part with about $75 buck to only call a handfull of games.

I have seriously thought about looking into the local BB chapter......the boys play on different nights.

However.......ASA will still keep me busy as we are going to have many new umpires this year as recruiting has been good. Our District UIC has asked me to help in the training of our new umpires as well as helping UIC tournaments when he is unavailable. He is also trying to come up with an evaluation program...........any help out there??

Joel

[Edited by Gulf Coast Blue on Dec 5th, 2001 at 06:08 PM]

Re: Re: Re: Follow the money $$$
 

I don't know, but wouldn't be a bit STUPID not to include an umpire's manual to the registered umpires? If you make it optional, you will have no basis to expect the umpires know and perform the proper mechanics.

Joel, I always thought that you were a member of FED [NFHS}
[UIL]. If you join up, let me know. We are having one
heck of a High School tournament in March and will more
than likely need some assistances.

Is Tony Windish back in your area? We called the Brenham
tournament last year and I have been asked to return.
He might have received the same invitation.

glen

Re: Re: Re: Follow the money $$$
 

Our district only supplies Rule Book. Case
books if we want them, must buy. We do get a new bat
ring every year. [grin]. Do any of you ever use it?
I am quilty on occasions.

glen

Re: Re: Re: Re: Follow the money $$$
 

Same here and yes, I do use a bat ring when I believe it is necessary and for all Championship Play games. For that matter, I carry about a hundred of them as a UIC.

<b>Glen wrote:

Joel, I always thought that you were a member of FED [NFHS}
[UIL]. If you join up, let me know. We are having one
heck of a High School tournament in March and will more
than likely need some assistances.

Is Tony Windish back in your area? We called the Brenham
tournament last year and I have been asked to return.
He might have received the same invitation.

glen</b>

Glen...........I am a current member but am thinking about not re-upping for 2002. Our ASA umpire association is seperate from the FED group. Our FED group is made of umpires from 3 different ASA districts.

Tony is still in California.......his 6 month assignment there turned out to be much longer than expected.......grin.

Joel

I carry a bat ring in my lineup card holder. I've only used it a couple of times during games, but it is good to have it handy.

Joel:

Is that <b>seventy-five dollars </b> in fees? Just for FED? Mebbe you ought to move up to the northern tier of the state! Heck! We only pay $45 for FED and chapter. ;)

Scott