Silly NCAA runner assistance rule...

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Okay, I know this will tick off somebody, but here goes.

If someone is using NJCAA as a "proving ground", there is a problem. OTOH, you also need to remember that though these umpires are often very good umpires, it doesn't make them the "best" of all umpires. It makes them the best available umpires.

Not everyone can dedicate the time needed to get to the highest level, but doesn't make them any less an umpire than those working the NCAA Championships.

I have an umpire in my area that has been offered more than a dozen ASA nationals, FP & SP, but due to his job and family commitments he has not been able to accept any. However, if I got a call from KR telling me he needed an umpire for 18U Gold championship, I wouldn't have any problem recommending him.

So if you're an assignor with a new person in your crew with whom you have limited to no experience, you wouldn't send them to the lower levels first and see how they do?

You're correct that not all umpires approach their duties the same way, and you're correct that they all have their own reasons. If they're honest with themselves and they're honest with their assignors, I see no problem with it whatsoever.

We've all spent our time in the trenches, and many of us are still taking grenades there during the week.