ASA Rule; Access to,

[NCASAUmp]

Well, going this route is obviously a bad decision of whomever is coordinating the tournament, and it shows a fundamental lack of understanding of what it takes to be an umpire within each association. Granted, about 90+% of the rules between almost every association overlap either in their wording or in their effect, but it's those last few percentiles that can become the real gotcha.

Unfortunately, not every rule association has the same kind of presence as other rule associations, and finding registered umpires in the area that won't require lodging and travel reimbursement can be a challenge. For example, I know of VERY few NSA umpires in NC, simply because most of the ball played around here is ASA.

Regardless, it's up to the TD to weigh the choice between using the book they wish to use (for whatever reason) and using the umpires in the area who are (or at least more likely to be) properly trained. However, hey... You get what you paid for.

I'm with Mike on this one, but I can certainly see both sides.

[Skahtboi]

And I have, in the past, entered in on how I feel about this one. I know that Mike provides free training for umpires in his area. However, that is not the case in the area I am in. All ASA training around here, local, metro, state and national carry with it a fee. In some cases, a fairly substantial fee.

So, my belief is, just as the student in college, if I pay for my education, then you, the institution, have no right to tell me how to use this education. If I go to Baylor Medical School, they cannot tell me, that for the rest of my life, I have to work in a Baylor Medical franchise. Likewise, when I pay ASA for my training, they have no right to tell me that I can only use that training for ASA purposes. I am entirely within my rights to take the skills I have purchased from ASA, and go to Brand Z, Brand X, Brand Dos Equis, or whoever, and contract my services even though my skills are primarily those of an ASA umpire.

Just my .02, though looking at the way the market is going, it will on be my .0125 by the end of the day.

[azbigdawg]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

And I have, in the past, entered in on how I feel about this one. I know that Mike provides free training for umpires in his area. However, that is not the case in the area I am in. All ASA training around here, local, metro, state and national carry with it a fee. In some cases, a fairly substantial fee.

So, my belief is, just as the student in college, if I pay for my education, then you, the institution, have no right to tell me how to use this education. If I go to Baylor Medical School, they cannot tell me, that for the rest of my life, I have to work in a Baylor Medical franchise. Likewise, when I pay ASA for my training, they have no right to tell me that I can only use that training for ASA purposes. I am entirely within my rights to take the skills I have purchased from ASA, and go to Brand Z, Brand X, Brand Dos Equis, or whoever, and contract my services even though my skills are primarily those of an ASA umpire.



Just my .02, though looking at the way the market is going, it will on be my .0125 by the end of the day.

And therefore supporting an organization that doesnt care enough about umpiring to train its own.They would rather steal ASA trained umpires....and WHY would you work for an organization such as that?

[SRW]

Mike, are you lumping in the "published" rules availability with the mechanics and training availability? There's a fine line between the two when it comes to ASA in particular... but the two issues are separate, IMO. What do we care if Person A comes and trains and learns our mechanics, then leaves and goes to Brand X and works with our mechanics?

However, I am with you 100% when it comes to Brand X working Brand Y's games and trying to use Brand Y's rules and mechanics.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by SRW

Mike, are you lumping in the "published" rules availability with the mechanics and training availability? There's a fine line between the two when it comes to ASA in particular... but the two issues are separate, IMO. What do we care if Person A comes and trains and learns our mechanics, then leaves and goes to Brand X and works with our mechanics?

However, I am with you 100% when it comes to Brand X working Brand Y's games and trying to use Brand Y's rules and mechanics.

The issue becomes a matter of availability. If ASA-registered umpires aren't able to get into clinics because they're overbooked with non-ASA umpires, then that's a problem.

[MichaelVA2000]

Originally Posted by azbigdawg

And therefore supporting an organization that doesnt care enough about umpiring to train its own.They would rather steal ASA trained umpires....and WHY would you work for an organization such as that?

As an independent contractor I have the right to work for any organization that is providing games. I stay current with the various rules and attire.

ASA Fast pitch seems to be on the decline in the Metro DC area. I'm seeing more and more teams that used to only play ASA ball competing at NSA, U-Trip and PONY tournaments.

[azbigdawg]

Originally Posted by MichaelVA2000

As an independent contractor I have the right to work for any organization that is providing games. I stay current with the various rules and attire.

ASA Fast pitch seems to be on the decline in the Metro DC area. I'm seeing more and more teams that used to only play ASA ball competing at NSA, U-Trip and PONY tournaments.

Of COURSE you have that right......but WHY wouldnt you stay loyal and support (and Improve) the organization that make the effort to actually train you? For a paycheck?

[MichaelVA2000]

Originally Posted by azbigdawg

Of COURSE you have that right......but WHY wouldnt you stay loyal and support (and Improve) the organization that make the effort to actually train you? For a paycheck?

When there's no ASA games during the week or tournaments on the weekends, I'm umpiring where the games are played.

I support ASA by paying my dues, attending their clinics and umpiring ASA games when they are available.

[bkbjones]

Well, I feel differently from some of you, and I know I am not alone in feeling the way I feel.

I have been afforded many opportunities in ASA. Perhaps it's the leadership role taken by SMSUA. My first year as an SMSUA member, I worked the dish at a regional final and worked a Western National. I've had numerous other opportunities in ASA, high school and community college ball under the auspices of SMSUA.

As a trainer and mentor here, I do have a problem with folks working for Brand X, Y or Z. We are very fortunate in that we have an ASA JO invitational type tournament every weekend from March through July, and September-October -- unless we have ASA championship play scheduled for a weekend. So, we have lots of opportunities to wear our ASA uniforms.

I feel those folks who are working the other brands up here are taking money from my pocket and from our umpire organization. It is no secret that our training is superior to that offered by others (if they even offer training -- and from the horror stories I have heard I doubt they do much if any training). Heck, one of the high mucky-mucks from Brand X went through our SMSUA training.

I feel someone who goes through ASA training in our association should be loyal to ASA if they seek assignments to championship play. IMHO, no matter where they are located, umpires working for other softball organizations should not openly expect assignments to ASA championship play.