Umpire rule knowledge is down this year

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by DeputyUICHousto

When we give our clinics we have had umpires show up with the test already completed! I have no idea where they are getting it but they do. My personal opinion about the declining rules knowlege is that the new umpires don't care to learn. They want their game fees and then to head to the house.

Copies of the test are on-line in January. I encourage umpires to download it or print it and get a head start on everyone else.

They have been talking for at least three years of a program which would allow an umpire to take the test on-line, submit it and ASA would have the relatively auto-graded test forwarded to the UIC or someone at the local level. The ease and the $$$ saved on printing, shipping and correcting errors would be worth the money involved in it's development. I have no doubt such a testing program is already developed and would just require some massaging.

[wadeintothem]

Our ASA test was available online this year with immediate grading and the program was very successful with more umpires submitting their tests that ever before and a better ability to manage and review them. It worked great. The results were submitted via email to the UIC and the Local UIC of the umpire taking the exam.

One thing that did shock me was the # of long time umpires that did poorly. I bet next year they study up.

So cal, nevada, Cen Cal, and SF have looked at the system and may be implementing it.