ASA Robot Umpires

[socalumps]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Of course, we are beating a dead horse.

You folks talk about having an open mind, yet you have nearly zero tolerence for ASA doing things differently if it conflicts with the NCAA methods.

The NCAA, like MLB, trains their umpires to a particular game and number of a crew. ASA doesn't have that luxury. As noted before, some of the mechanics need to be simplistic and not necessarily scenario specific. But please don't take that as a dummying down for not-as-smart umpires than those at the NCAA/MLB level.

Just because someone doesn't work that level, does not make them any less an umpire than those who do. Nor does it makes those who do any better than those who do not.

There are many umpires who are very good umpires, but they have issues that prevent them from working NCAA levels. They are called career and family. On the same topic, there are many umpires who get great assigments that are not necessarily deserved simply due to availability, while there are many deserving umpires that do not get these assignments simply because a slot is not available.

Nonetheless, just because the NCAA methods support something different, it doesn't mean it is better. It just means those in charge of instructing their umpires believe it fits their game.

For example, 3blx. For some calls, it works fine, though I believe some umpires get too far away. However, it is not the be all to end all positions and leaves an umpire not in good position to adjust.

Meanwhile, the ASA game often have plays at the plate where the runner comes directly into the plate and catcher. In this circumstance, the 3blx is the one place an umpire should not be since they cannot see through the catcher.

I just don't agree with the "this is where you need to be, end of story" mentality. I would hope that doesn't exist anywhere, but from how some umpires act on the field, it certainly seems that their mind is on the position, not the play.

Good post. I don't know that the claim has been made that any one set of mechanics is the end all, or that "this is where you need to be, end of story" is any affiliations mantra. I know these thoughts are not currently promoted by the SUIP nor are they suggested in the current NCAA manual. Some umpires seem to be confused on these issues. I would hope that any umpire who has attended an NCAA regional clinic in the past 2-3 years or is familiar with the manual and current teachings and philosophies would aknowledge that. The X marks the spot days are over and have been for a couple years. The promotion of a "thinking-adjusting" umpire is prevelant and extremely effective in my opinion.