Drizzle tips...

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

The Under Armour gear is for hot weather, not cold.

Actually, Under Armour also has a line of cold wear that does a pretty good job.

The lined jackets are a joke, and the closest thing ASA has towards "cold weather" gear are the long-sleeve shirts.

The jacket works fine for me. If anything, it is too warm at times. Like any other cold weather situation the difference is proper layering.

I keep a very close eye on the field conditions as BU and PU. I check the bases every half inning, unless the half inning is taking a while. Then I will do subtle, periodic spot checks.

What about the fielders? Their cuts and direction changes are much more stressful and dangerous than that of a runner.

Another reason I walk the entire field before the game. During the game, I tell both coaches to inform their outfielders that if they see anything questionable during the game, they are to notify me right away.

Which is an area where many of us become too complacent.

A couple years ago, I caught hell from a league organizer for calling a game after two runners in a row slipped rounding 1B before the end of the top of the 1st inning.

Unless the league organizer is your lawyer, I really wouldn't care what he said. I don't "need" to work their games.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Actually, Under Armour also has a line of cold wear that does a pretty good job.

The jacket works fine for me. If anything, it is too warm at times. Like any other cold weather situation the difference is proper layering.

Oh trust me, I'm originally from WI. I definitely know how to handle cold weather, and yes, layering is helpful. However, my point is that ASA could do a better job of providing us guidance in cold weather scenarios. The jackets don't help when it's 30 degrees out.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

What about the fielders? Their cuts and direction changes are much more stressful and dangerous than that of a runner.

Just because I didn't mention them doesn't mean I don't include their safety in my evaluation of the field.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Which is an area where many of us become too complacent.

Agreed. Very few actually check the fields, especially when it starts getting wet.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Unless the league organizer is your lawyer, I really wouldn't care what he said. I don't "need" to work their games.

Exactly why I don't call there anymore.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

...However, my point is that ASA could do a better job of providing us guidance in cold weather scenarios. The jackets don't help when it's 30 degrees out....

I was wondering... about how many Championship Play games are there each year when it is 30 degrees out?

We do games (HS season starts in April; fall league goes into Oct) each year in those conditions, but we wear what is necessary.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Dakota

I was wondering... about how many Championship Play games are there each year when it is 30 degrees out?

We do games (HS season starts in April; fall league goes into Oct) each year in those conditions, but we wear what is necessary.

Championship play or not, I still want to wear a uniform that is 100% ASA. I just wish ASA would give guidelines on cold weather uniforms, rather than leave it up to the individual umpire.

For example, I know for a fact that there have been Nationals held in WI. Being from that area, I know that it's not uncommon to have it cold enough to snow in August or September. A bit odd, yes, but it does happen. Hell, in July of 2004, it didn't get above 60 for the entire week that I was there.

Just a hint from ASA would be nice, you know?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Championship play or not, I still want to wear a uniform that is 100% ASA. I just wish ASA would give guidelines on cold weather uniforms, rather than leave it up to the individual umpire.

For example, I know for a fact that there have been Nationals held in WI. Being from that area, I know that it's not uncommon to have it cold enough to snow in August or September. A bit odd, yes, but it does happen. Hell, in July of 2004, it didn't get above 60 for the entire week that I was there.

Just a hint from ASA would be nice, you know?

ASA DID have winter/foul weather gear, but discontinued the line this year due to lack of sales.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

ASA DID have winter/foul weather gear, but discontinued the line this year due to lack of sales.

Then perhaps they should put something in 10-5?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Then perhaps they should put something in 10-5?

A jock strap or cup isn't included in 10.5 either, but people still wear them. Then again, if you aren't smart enough to wear them, shame on you. If you live in a cold weather region, you probably have cold weather undergarments and, if you aren't smart enough to wear them.....

BTW, the gear of which I am speaking was a navy jacket with an ASA logo over the left chest.