Illegal pitch mechanic

[fiasco]

So, arm goes out and you verbalize as soon as you see the illegal pitch?

[wadeintothem]

To be honest, because I am a slow caller on just about everything I call, I dont jump on it. Usually its after the pitch is delivered by the time I've said and done all that. They pitch pretty fast...

The exception would be like stepping on the plate with hands together, which i see well before the pitch is thrown.

Something like a lane violation, I dont yell stuff that quick.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by fiasco

So, arm goes out and you verbalize as soon as you see the illegal pitch?

Umpiring 101

[kcg NC2Ablu]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Umpiring 101

agreed

[BretMan]

Well, at least ASA Umpiring 101...

Your mileage might vary depending on what sanctioning body you're working for.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by BretMan

Well, at least ASA Umpiring 101...

Your mileage might vary depending on what sanctioning body you're working for.

Are you telling me that there are organizations that let umpires on the field without at least telling them how to call an IP?

[DaveASA/FED]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Are you telling me that there are organizations that let umpires on the field without at least telling them how to call an IP?

Well YA, most of them do. ASA and FED will let you on the field as a registered umpire without telling you how to call an IP. The information is in the book, and they assume you read it prior to umpiring a game, but neither tests you on your mechanics prior to registering you. Most states require you take a NFHS test prior to getting your license, and there are a few mechanics questions on there so it MAY be covered, but possibly not. ASA usually is a send us your money and info and we will send you a book and card. ASA does do a GREAT job, IMO, in my area, of providing schools and clinics to learn these things (that attendance is required prior to working state sanctioned tournies) but to work league games all that is required is to pay your registration fees, from what I have heard most states are also this way.

[fiasco]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Are you telling me that there are organizations that let umpires on the field without at least telling them how to call an IP?

Oh please. Don't be so naive.

Next, you'll be shocked and appalled when I tell you there are basketball referees out there officiating adult men's league games that aren't explicitly taught the proper mechanic for calling and reporting a timeout.

OH THE HUMANITY!!

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by fiasco

Oh please. Don't be so naive.

Me, naive? Yeah, right. Wake up, the coffee's brewing.

ASA, NFHS, NCAA and I'm sure a few others absolutely provide the information and instruction.

If an umpire does not get it, you cannot blame the organization. The information is there in a very timely and multimedia fashion.

I can only think of three reasons why someone would be put on the field without proper instruction:

The local association is too lazy to provide the appropriate training;

The local association needs umpires and people join too late for the clinics; or

The person just doesn't want to be bothered learning the right way to do things, just give them a schedule and tell them how to collect their money.

While they cannot be everything to everyone, the associations with which I have been involved always made their best effort to provide the appropriate training. If anything, our training is poached, but that's another issue.

Again, some people (they certainly are not umpires) don't want to learn or think they know better than the years of development and adjustment.

The sad part is when the training is not available or the person thinks they can skate by asking everyone else how it is done. This is why I get skeptical when someone comes on this or any other site with a litany of very routine questions.

I don't mind helping people. If I did, I certainly would do what I do. However, a web site is no place to learn how to umpire or the basic rules and applications. God help the umpire who tells an evaluator or UIC, "but that is the way they told me to do it on officiating.com".

[BretMan]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Are you telling me that there are organizations that let umpires on the field without at least telling them how to call an IP?

No, that wasn't my point.

What I meant was that not all softball organizations instruct their umpires to call an illegal pitch as soon as it happens. ASA does, of course.

There do exist sanctioning bodies that instruct their umpires to call the illegal pitch when the ball reaches/crosses the plate, regardless of when the infraction actually occured.

Since the OP specified no organization or version of softball, calling an illegal pitch as soon as it happens might not necessarily be Umpiring 101 in all cases.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by BretMan

No, that wasn't my point.

What I meant was that not all softball organizations instruct their umpires to call an illegal pitch as soon as it happens. ASA does, of course.

There do exist sanctioning bodies that instruct their umpires to call the illegal pitch when the ball reaches/crosses the plate, regardless of when the infraction actually occured.

Since the OP specified no organization or version of softball, calling an illegal pitch as soon as it happens might not necessarily be Umpiring 101 in all cases.

Of course, you are correct. Obviously my point was to training the umpire to do it correctly, however it may be for that particular organization.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by BretMan

No, that wasn't my point.

What I meant was that not all softball organizations instruct their umpires to call an illegal pitch as soon as it happens. ASA does, of course.

There do exist sanctioning bodies that instruct their umpires to call the illegal pitch when the ball reaches/crosses the plate, regardless of when the infraction actually occured.

Since the OP specified no organization or version of softball, calling an illegal pitch as soon as it happens might not necessarily be Umpiring 101 in all cases.

Please tell any examples you know, so we can avoid them.