Your line up card

[WestMichBlue]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

The card is a time saver, but if you wish to keep doing things your way, I totally understand. It was just a tool that WMB sent a few years ago, and I gave it a try. First couple of times out, I wasn't a fan either. But as I perfected my way of using it, I really like it. I am not trying to sell anyone on it though. Umpires have been doing it your way for years.

The issue is not the card; it is using the EA system. The positive of that system is to be able to look at your lineup card and instantly "see" the entire lineup status - who is in the game, who is not, who can enter or reenter, who cannot, whether DP/FLEX is in game or out, who has run for the catcher, and who is eligible to run.

Emily uses a series of symbols to provide this information; to make it work effectly requires a lineup card in a specified format. It will not work on the multiplicity of forms you receive from coaches, from postage stamps to 8 1/2 x 11 computer printouts to toilet paper!

IF - you want to use her system you must use a preformatted card, and you must copy from the coach's handouts to your card. That is the question each umpire must answer: if the system has value to you, it has to be worth the extra effort of printing and cutting out cards and transferring the info at game time.

My only role has been to design a card to meet the system, lay out six cards per 8.5 x 11 sheet, and work out front/back layouts that actually match up when you run the paper through your printer the second time. Then I created a 4" x 11" tri-fold WORD doc that contains the basic instructions and a copy of a marked up card. Easy document to carry for quick reference to the "system."

IF you want to use the EA system, I will give you my spread sheet and Word document for you to print your own cards.

Otherwise, stay with your own system and leave behind the scarcasm for those that are open to new ways. Remember, once upon a time umpires wore ballon protectors.

WMB