What made you start umpiring?

[NM FP Ump]

I am new to this website (first post, rookie), but have been officiating for 4 years now.

I spent a lot of time in LL coaching my daughters, then coached my youngest daughter thru club ball until our "styles" started clashing. I was still "hooked" on fastpitch softball, so I signed up for ASA in 2003, Federation in 2004 and USSSA in 2005. I don't do much ASA now (they are in the lower part of the state), but wish I did because their rule set is much better than USSSA.

NM FP Ump

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by NM FP Ump

...because their rule set is much better than USSSA.

In what way do you feel this is true? I am curious.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by NM FP Ump

I am new to this website (first post, rookie), but have been officiating for 4 years now.

I spent a lot of time in LL coaching my daughters, then coached my youngest daughter thru club ball until our "styles" started clashing. I was still "hooked" on fastpitch softball, so I signed up for ASA in 2003, Federation in 2004 and USSSA in 2005. I don't do much ASA now (they are in the lower part of the state), but wish I did because their rule set is much better than USSSA.

NM FP Ump

Welcome to the board, NM!

As to the ASA rule book being better than the U-trip book, I agree. The ASA book is tightly written, nicely edited, has no confusingly written rules, is free from contradiction, and has no gramatical errors.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Dakota

.

Speaking of.....

Easily offended, beware, it is a joke!!!

St. Peter is watching the Pearly Gates of Heaven when Jesus walks by. St. Peter asks Jesus to watch the gate for him while he attends to a personal matter. Jesus responds, "Peter, I'm not sure if I'm qualified." Peter says, "Jesus, who other than the Son of God is more qualifed to determine who enters his kingdom".

So, Jesus agrees and stands by the gate for a while when a older gentleman approaches him.

Old Man: Is this Heaven?
Jesus: Yes, it is. Can you tell me about your life on earth.
Old Man: Well, I had a satisfying life especially that which I spent with my son.
Jesus: You had a son?
Old Man: Yes, I did. We worked closely together. I was a carpenter, you know.
Jesus: Really? Tell me about your son.
Old Man: He was a good kid. He had holes in his hands and feet, but always seemed content.
Jesus: FATHER???
Old Man: PINOCHIO?

[NM FP Ump]

Scott,

Here are a couple of excerpts from the USSSA 6th Edition:

Sec. 32. A. A fly ball is a batted ball that rises to an appreciable height above the ground.
B. A line drive is a batted ball which travels parallel or nearly so with the ground through most of its flight.
C. A ground ball is one that is neither a fly nor a line drive.

Most of the other sections define one item (ie., Sec. 34. A throw out is a putout caused by a throw to first base to retire a batterrunner, or to any other base to which a runner is forced or is required to retouch.

Section 32 is three definitions rolled into one section. Kind of odd, I don't have any ASA books with me to compare ASA citations with USSSA citations.

Here is another example:

Under Rule 6. PLAYERS AND SUBSTITUTES, Section 5 E and F:

E. Re-entry, any player may be withdrawn from the game and re-entered once, provided such player occupies the same batting position whenever in the line-up. A violation results in an illegal substitution. A substitute who is withdrawn may re-enter.

F. Improper re-entry, an improper re-entry is handled as protest by the offended team. Improper re-entry is a violation after a pitch is made. Examples of improper re-entry are as follows:
1. Starter and/or substitute who re-enters in an incorrect batting position.
2. Starter and/or substitute who re-enters a second time.

E. Re-entry, any player may be.... Not grammatically correct, as Tom has pointed out.

Don't get me wrong, USSSA is a very good organization, and I have nothing but respect for my fellow "Red" (or in NM we wear "Cream"-light colors are great when it's 100 degrees on the field) and the UIC's. I just wish the rules blended with Federation and ASA.

______________________________
NM FP Ump

[SWFLguy]

50 years ago I started umpiring men's intramural softball games in college for "soda pop" money. Over the years, I continued with softball and baseball (high school, college, and recreational) for extra money to supplement my school teacher's pay while raising a family. I am down to
only high school softball here mostly for fun, but use the money for travel
in retirement with my wife.