Does ASA require "continuing ed?"

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by bkbjones

The typical shortage of umpires across the nation, and likely the world, means we have to look at things like the old Eastwood movie: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. There is a place for the Ugly. There is a place for the Bad. There is a place for the good.

I would hope that other associations would feel free to at least copycat what we do if not more. (This ain't to say Seattle is perfect, but we try our best.) We have "clinics" of some sort at every meeting. Our last one was simply breaking into small groups and discussing 4-5 questions gleaned from the test. There was good give-and-take and discussion. We've used powerpoints, live demos, a little bit of everything. I'm sure most associations do something similar. Unfortunately, too many folks don't glean from what they have heard nuggets they need to make themselves better.

Our association is very similar, in all respects. However, it seems as though out of 100 or so umpires, only about 20 really seem to adhere to all that is taught, another 20 listen and learn the rule changes, and the rest just see the meetings as a necessary evil to get them out there "making money."

[Andy]

Originally Posted by bkbjones

The typical shortage of umpires across the nation, and likely the world, means we have to look at things like the old Eastwood movie: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. There is a place for the Ugly. There is a place for the Bad. There is a place for the good.

I would hope that other associations would feel free to at least copycat what we do if not more. (This ain't to say Seattle is perfect, but we try our best.) We have "clinics" of some sort at every meeting. Our last one was simply breaking into small groups and discussing 4-5 questions gleaned from the test. There was good give-and-take and discussion. We've used powerpoints, live demos, a little bit of everything. I'm sure most associations do something similar. Unfortunately, too many folks don't glean from what they have heard nuggets they need to make themselves better.

Of course, this is all assuming that you can get umpires to come to the meetings in the first place.......

[whiskers_ump]

The Good. Partner showed, late, but showed.

The Bad. Had on his ASA cap, [This NHFS game]. Had same shoes in same
condition he left the tournament on Sunday in.
Called time everytime he was crossing the field to change positions.
In "B", he was right behind 2nd. Guess on pickoff attempts. Luckily there
was only one. Guessed right.
In "C", right behind 3rd regardless of where runner was.

The Ugly. Ball hit down 3rd base line, 3rd baseperson strattling the line
reaches over into foul ground touches the ball while over foul ground. Partner
in his "C" slot position behind 3rd, not only points fair, but "hollars", yes "hollars"
fair, while I am hollaring "foul", "foul".
Easy one to fix, except the offensive coach is very experienced and somewhat
of a jokester. With time out he ask my partner why it was a fair ball?
Partner said because the 3rd baseman was standing partially in fair ground
when she made contact with the ball. Then tells the coach, let my partner
explain it to you, cause he been doing this 50 years. Coach tells partner,
well, your partner called it foul. "He did"! Partner then asked me why I
called it foul.

[azbigdawg]

Originally Posted by whiskers_ump

The Good. Partner showed, late, but showed.

The Bad. Had on his ASA cap, [This NHFS game]. Had same shoes in same
condition he left the tournament on Sunday in.
Called time everytime he was crossing the field to change positions.
In "B", he was right behind 2nd. Guess on pickoff attempts. Luckily there
was only one. Guessed right.
In "C", right behind 3rd regardless of where runner was.

The Ugly. Ball hit down 3rd base line, 3rd baseperson strattling the line
reaches over into foul ground touches the ball while over foul ground. Partner
in his "C" slot position behind 3rd, not only points fair, but "hollars", yes "hollars"
fair, while I am hollaring "foul", "foul".
Easy one to fix, except the offensive coach is very experienced and somewhat
of a jokester. With time out he ask my partner why it was a fair ball?
Partner said because the 3rd baseman was standing partially in fair ground
when she made contact with the ball. Then tells the coach, let my partner
explain it to you, cause he been doing this 50 years. Coach tells partner,
well, your partner called it foul. "He did"! Partner then asked me why I
called it foul.

Dear sweet Jesus..apparently your partner works in the Phoenix area also...

[bkbjones]

Originally Posted by azbigdawg

Dear sweet Jesus..apparently your partner works in the Phoenix area also...

Yah, was in Seattle over the weekend too.

[bkbjones]

Originally Posted by Andy

Of course, this is all assuming that you can get umpires to come to the meetings in the first place.......

We get huge turnouts. The key: free asparagus and pickled pigs feet.

[JEL]

Originally Posted by bkbjones

Yah, was in Seattle over the weekend too.

I had him in Alabama last week!

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Andy

Of course, this is all assuming that you can get umpires to come to the meetings in the first place.......

For our local leagues, we have 3 local clinics and the state clinic nearby. We require that the umpires attend at least 2 of those 4 clinics to get full pay, as well as pass the ASA exam. If an umpire fails to meet those two requirements, they don't get full pay by our org. It's to our benefit to attend the clinics and study that book!

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by azbigdawg

Dear sweet Jesus..apparently your partner works in the Phoenix area also...

And in the Dallas area as well!

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by bkbjones

We get huge turnouts. The key: free asparagus and pickled pigs feet.

Is that what they get if they don't attend???

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Is that what they get if they don't attend???

Nah, they just get assigned to Men's Modified games.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by azbigdawg

Dear sweet Jesus..apparently your partner works in the Phoenix area also...

Care to expound on this, Darrell????

Is this based on some of your recent HS games?

You wouldn't believe some of the reports I have been getting....on second thought...yeah, you probably would....

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

And in the Dallas area as well!

Apparently, he only works in big States. If he has been to MD or DE, he has been hidden from me. Wait, he might have been at a tourney I worked years ago, 1995 I think.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

Apparently, he only works in big States. If he has been to MD or DE, he has been hidden from me. Wait, he might have been at a tourney I worked years ago, 1995 I think.

You can have him back, if you want.

[bkbjones]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Is that what they get if they don't attend???

One year for our big social night, we had one of our finest blues actually stuff asparagus into his jacket pocket for later snacking. To this day, all I have to say is, "Let's have a veggie tray with LOTS of asparagus" and she gives me a "if looks could kill" look.