[ASA Co-Ed] Sub & Pitching Questions

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by rwest

The female batter has a choice to either bat or take 1st base. But this is only with 2 outs. The umpire does not automatically award the base.

I wasn't referring to this situation, but I see how my words could have been unclear. I was referring to two different base on balls.

When a female batter is walked, she gets 1B. When a male batter is walked, he gets 2B. If there are two outs, and a male batter is walked (either intentionally or from 4 called balls), the female has the option to walk as well. If there are less than two outs, the female batter must bat.

Guess I said it too quickly.

[rwest]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

I wasn't referring to this situation, but I see how my words could have been unclear. I was referring to two different base on balls.

When a female batter is walked, she gets 1B. When a male batter is walked, he gets 2B. If there are two outs, and a male batter is walked (either intentionally or from 4 called balls), the female has the option to walk as well. If there are less than two outs, the female batter must bat.

Guess I said it too quickly.

It makes sense when I read it as you meant it to be read!

[Stat-Man]

NCASA (and others who answered the rule questions):

I thought the sub rule was consistent with what I know from NFHS FP. Uusually, we're lucky to have 10 of our 12 show up for a game, so having 11 or 12 is almost a foreign situation for us.

And thanks for the clarification on the EP terminology. I'm not sure why our manager thinks putting an EP in the field is a sub, but just maybe I'll be able to educate him (if he's willing to listen).

Lastly, thanks for the information on flat pitches and the IP penalty. I realize that it's umpire judgement and that the stands isn't the best place to judge height, but the pitches didn't even seem to come up to the pitcher's neck, and he was a bit of a smaller, squat guy. However, our team can hit flat pitchers a lot better than pitches with a lot of arc, so this may be to our benefit when we play that team next week.

Welpe:

If I didn't like the scoring and statistical aspects of the game as much as I do, just _maybe_ I'd consider it, especially since I once had a CYO player's grandparent tell me I should consider officiating after I had to fill in when no officials showed up for our 6th grade boys game. Of course, if I wanted to call SP in my city, I'd be calling games involving people I know rather well -- such as the friends on this particular team whom I interact with on a regular basis outside of the team, or those I know who are on my church's city team in the men's division. I think that would be a touch too awkward

Also, to do what I do, I feel I need to be well-versed in the rules, so I try to have a decent grasp of them. That's why I've had quite a few questions this summer as I've shared my experiences. And if I haven't come out and said it before, I do appreciate all the feedback.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Stat-Man

And thanks for the clarification on the EP terminology. I'm not sure why our manager thinks putting an EP in the field is a sub, but just maybe I'll be able to educate him (if he's willing to listen).

It's actually a common mistake. I've had a lot of teams tell me they want to sub in an EP for a defensive player, and they think it's a substitution because two players are trading places on the bench. I don't think it's a misconception that will easily go away, as the EP has been around for years.

Originally Posted by Stat-Man

Of course, if I wanted to call SP in my city, I'd be calling games involving people I know rather well -- such as the friends on this particular team whom I interact with on a regular basis outside of the team, or those I know who are on my church's city team in the men's division. I think that would be a touch too awkward

I'm glad you realize that personal contacts can be an issue when calling ball. I've seen umpires get a lot of unnecessary grief while calling the games of their former team. If you call long enough, you will inevitably get to know players, and some may even become friends. However, camaraderie can have negative effects, in particular when you have teams that are new and don't have a feel for the league yet. If they see an umpire socializing with players or coaches, they will automatically assume you're biased, and there's absolutely nothing you can do to shake that perception. Perception and integrity are all we have on the field, and they will make or break an umpire.

If you really want to call, perhaps there's a neighboring town that has leagues requiring umpires? Clean slates are actually much better than dealing with teams that know you from something outside of officiating.

Originally Posted by Stat-Man

Also, to do what I do, I feel I need to be well-versed in the rules, so I try to have a decent grasp of them. That's why I've had quite a few questions this summer as I've shared my experiences. And if I haven't come out and said it before, I do appreciate all the feedback.

This is actually one of the best attitudes towards officiating an umpire can have. It's setting a goal of improvement, and recognizing that umpiring is a continual process of evaluating and reevaluating yourself as an umpire. It took me about 16 years to get where I am now, and I still have a lot of growing to do. We all do. Recognize that umpiring requires constant learning. It's a good attitude to have, and it will serve you well.

When you're welcome to officially join the ranks, let us know! We'll definitely be here.