Umpire rule knowledge is down this year

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I have noticed that So-cal ASA umpire rule knowledge has been on a steady decline over the past few years. IMHO this is a direct result of the open book test. In So-cal we receive the test at the mechanics clinic and then have two weeks to complete the test. It is open book and I know some umpires that get together as a group to complete the test.

ASA needs to go back to a closed book test and force the umpires to get in to the book to correct their mistakes. I know So-Cal ASA went to open book to have more umpire qualified for Championship play, but are they really qualified?