From the baseball board....

[Andy]

The guys that play with the little balls are on our case.....

NCAA Softball Umpires

[wadeintothem]

The "little ballers" are exactly correct.

NCAA umps look like robots.

ASA is not far behind in that.

The excuse "so anyone can work together" flies OK with rotational field mechanics.. its lame when talking about certain issues like strike calling or certain forms of individuality in the way you sell your calls.

IMO, NCAA umpires look absolutely atrocious.

I hope I dont look like that when I'm calling... but who knows since I do use prescribed mechanics.

[argodad]

When did it become a requirement for the PU to perform a split? Most of the plate umpires are so wide that they stagger back to the upright position between pitches like Bambi trying to stand up on ice. Sure doesn't look "balanced and comfortable" to me.

Maybe I'm just jealous because arthritis and (lack of) flexibility keep me from getting as wide as I'd like.

[SC Ump]

I think the 'robotics' are required in softball to do a good job. I think it's a faster game when played well.... and plate umpires can't afford the luxury of turning to the side to perform one of those styling and profiling baseball stike mechanics.

(I think they can be robotic, too, but they just change every couple of years. Lately they've been getting near us.)

I also agree with Texas Aggie's posting. Them boys sure do look purdee in their high dollar uniforms.

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by argodad

When did it become a requirement for the PU to perform a split? Most of the plate umpires are so wide that they stagger back to the upright position between pitches like Bambi trying to stand up on ice. Sure doesn't look "balanced and comfortable" to me.

Maybe I'm just jealous because arthritis and (lack of) flexibility keep me from getting as wide as I'd like.

It's meant to assure the coaches who _allow_ them to work their games that they are not calling a legal strike zone and wont call anything high.

Thats my guess anyway.

[jimpiano]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

The "little ballers" are exactly correct.

NCAA umps look like robots.

ASA is not far behind in that.

The excuse "so anyone can work together" flies OK with rotational field mechanics.. its lame when talking about certain issues like strike calling or certain forms of individuality in the way you sell your calls.

IMO, NCAA umpires look absolutely atrocious.

I hope I dont look like that when I'm calling... but who knows since I do use prescribed mechanics.

I totally agree.

It takes about an hour for a NCAA/ASA plate umpire to call a strike(following book guidelines) and the mechanic is about as sophisticated as little league.They use the same strike call whether it is a called strike or the batter swings...and the strikeout call is the same as a BU's sell out. It gives the impression that to work the big games you better follow the cookie cutter pictures.

And could we please get a new ASA dress code?...blue pants have been out of fashion since Jimmy Carter. Most umpire clothing stores no longer even stock them.

And what is with BU's in the playoffs carrying the clickers in their hands?

Nothing against the ability of the ones I have seen on TV(although I am not sure by TV replays if the Arizona player touced the plate with the only run of the game)

But the mechanics and dress need some updates.

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by jimpiano

I totally agree.

It takes about an hour for a NCAA/ASA plate umpire to call a strike(following book guidelines) and the mechanic is about as sophisticated as little league.They use the same strike call whether it is a called strike or the batter swings...and the strikeout call is the same as a BU's sell out. It gives the impression that to work the big games you better follow the cookie cutter pictures.

And could we please get a new ASA dress code?...blue pants have been out of fashion since Jimmy Carter. Most umpire clothing stores no longer even stock them.

And what is with BU's in the playoffs carrying the clickers in their hands?

Nothing against the ability of the ones I have seen on TV(although I am not sure by TV replays if the Arizona player touced the plate with the only run of the game)

But the mechanics and dress need some updates.

Thankfully we dont wear (and havent for 4 years) the blue pants.. those horrible things.. We wear the heather grey.

The NCAA 3K looking strike call that they obviously mandate to a rigid standard is the most goofy looking thing.. AT LEAST ASA doesnt mandate this and allows some individuality there (although in clinic this stupid thing is always taught)

You rarely ever see the replay of the 3K sell out which includes the ump.. #1, its goofy and the TV people know it, #2, they have pranced themselves out of the frame of the video.

A good exciting sell out should be right there, immediate, and not prancing 2 yards up 3rd base line kicking your legs out 2 minutes after the pitch was delivered.

Its very .. um.. "rainbowish".. in appearance.

[hitdawg23]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

Thankfully we dont wear (and havent for 4 years) the blue pants.. those horrible things.. We wear the heather grey.

The NCAA 3K looking strike call that they obviously mandate to a rigid standard is the most goofy looking thing.. AT LEAST ASA doesnt mandate this and allows some individuality there (although in clinic this stupid thing is always taught)

You rarely ever see the replay of the 3K sell out which includes the ump.. #1, its goofy and the TV people know it, #2, they have pranced themselves out of the frame of the video.

A good exciting sell out should be right there, immediate, and not prancing 2 yards up 3rd base line kicking your legs out 2 minutes after the pitch was delivered.

Its very .. um.. "rainbowish".. in appearance.

IT SHOULD NOT MATTER IF YOU HAVE ON BLUE OR GREY IF THE JOB IS DONE RIGHT WHO CARES!!!!!!!!

[azbigdawg]

Originally Posted by jimpiano

I totally agree.

It takes about an hour for a NCAA/ASA plate umpire to call a strike(following book guidelines) and the mechanic is about as sophisticated as little league.They use the same strike call whether it is a called strike or the batter swings...and the strikeout call is the same as a BU's sell out. It gives the impression that to work the big games you better follow the cookie cutter pictures.

And could we please get a new ASA dress code?...blue pants have been out of fashion since Jimmy Carter. Most umpire clothing stores no longer even stock them.

And what is with BU's in the playoffs carrying the clickers in their hands?

Nothing against the ability of the ones I have seen on TV(although I am not sure by TV replays if the Arizona player touced the plate with the only run of the game)

But the mechanics and dress need some updates.

What is a "clicker" and whats wrong with the base umpire carrying one?


I like the blue..hope they stay around forever.....

and dont forget most of the plate umpires VERBALIZE the calls first, so the players know what it is before the signal is given.... sorry you dont like to wait...

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by azbigdawg

What is a "clicker" and whats wrong with the base umpire carrying one?

I think its pretty much common knowledge that at any decent level of littleball, the BU carrying a clicker is an affront to decency.

I dont think its a big deal though. In fact, I'm thankful many times my BU has a clicker.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

I think its pretty much common knowledge that at any decent level of littleball, the BU carrying a clicker is an affront to decency.

I dont think its a big deal though. In fact, I'm thankful many times my BU has a clicker.

Heck, I always have my indicator when I'm BU, with another one in my ball bag (in case my partner forgets his/hers).

[jimpiano]

I carry my clicker in my pocket and use it to keep track of outs. I know the count in memory.

Blue pants are not only ugly but a signal the ASA is stuck in the past.

As for the strike call that lasts an eternity it matters not that the verbal call is immediate. The ASA clinics emphasize that the ASA approved signals are to "make sure the fans" understand the call. The fans are the last to know.

Visual and audible strike calls need not be separate

[Skahtboi]

I, personally, am a fan of a uniform set of signals. Those who wish to deviate and use such things as a double fist pump or turn from the field of play to make their called strike three sell are often showboaters looking to be the center of attention on the field, rather than officiate games. Mechanics are meant to communicate, nothing more. As anyone who understands effective communication can tell you, short and concise is the best way. Uniform mechanics achieve this. Often, people who fight this trend in umpring are those desiring to mask their laziness as a "personal mechanic," or those I have already mentioned, the showboaters.

Originally Posted by jimpiano

It takes about an hour for a NCAA/ASA plate umpire to call a strike(following book guidelines) and the mechanic is about as sophisticated as little league.They use the same strike call whether it is a called strike or the batter swings...and the strikeout call is the same as a BU's sell out. It gives the impression that to work the big games you better follow the cookie cutter pictures.

If you want to work as an umpire, you should adhere to the prescribed mechanic, period. And for your information, the NCAA UIP does not mandate any prescribed mechanic for a called strike three. Also, sells in the NCAA ranks do vary, and I have seen a couple of different styles while watching this tournament. As for a swinging or called strike, why should the signal be any different? It is still a strike, no matter what. The only difference should be that you don't do a verbal on a swinging strike.

And what is with BU's in the playoffs carrying the clickers in their hands?

NCAA, NFHS, ASA all require the BU to have an indicator with them in the field. If you don't, and you are working for any of these organizations, then you are failing to do what you are being paid for.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

NCAA, NFHS, ASA all require the BU to have an indicator with them in the field. If you don't, and you are working for any of these organizations, then you are failing to do what you are being paid for.

And personally, I think the BU carrying an indicator should be mandatory (which is another reason why I bring a spare for my partner, should he/she need one). There have been times when umpires, being human, have brain farts and slip up on the count. A player gets injured fielding a foul ball and time is needed to attend to them. A coach calls time during an at bat. We're human, and when these things suddenly happen, we sometimes forget to nudge that wheel another notch. It happens. It shouldn't, but it does. I, personally, want to be able to give the count back to the PU (or F4) without any hesitation if I am asked.

Having an indicator in my hand also keeps me focused on the game, but that's just me, that's just one of my things.

[ctblu40]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

And personally, I think the BU carrying an indicator should be mandatory (which is another reason why I bring a spare for my partner, should he/she need one). There have been times when umpires, being human, have brain farts and slip up on the count. A player gets injured fielding a foul ball and time is needed to attend to them. A coach calls time during an at bat. We're human, and when these things suddenly happen, we sometimes forget to nudge that wheel another notch. It happens. It shouldn't, but it does. I, personally, want to be able to give the count back to the PU (or F4) without any hesitation if I am asked.

Having an indicator in my hand also keeps me focused on the game, but that's just me, that's just one of my things.

I don't carry an indicat-a-clicker on the bases because its the PU's job to "call and count all balls and strikes..." not the BU's.

(From 2007 NCAA Softball Rules, 15-3(d) ).