UMass and 3BL Extended

[Andy]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

...IMO ASA ignores 3BL Extended to our detriment and for that play, that is the best position, and it is a teachable position for that play. It could be in a little diagram and everything

I don't disagree with you that 3BL extended is a good spot to rule on the swipe tag and it is a teachable mechanic. Here is the key...

Originally Posted by SethPDX

...if you have experience and know when to use it it's a great position.

The CCA manual is written for the experienced umpire and one of the goals of the SUIP is to get umpires to "think" and adjust to plays rather than just going to a set position for any a given play.

ASA does not have the luxury of only providing mechanics to "experienced" umpires like the SUIP does. ASA has chosen to teach a base set of mechanics and expect all of their umpires to follow them. This way, an experienced umpire can work with a newbie and they both follow the same set of mechanics.

Do I think the CCA mechanics are better? Personally, yes.

Do I think that ASA should allow for some flexibility in their prescribed mechanics when experienced umpires are working together (like at nationals)? Yes.

However, in my experience at "national" tournaments, both ASA and others, I would not put some of those "experienced" on a local 10U rec game!

So I can understand ASA's position of having one set of mechanics for all umpires. Maybe it will change someday. Until then, I'll follow ASA mechanics when working ASA games.