Originally Posted by NCASAUmp (Post 620448)

Man, I must be a slacker. I started the same year as you, but I've only gone to one National so far. ;)

Originally Posted by wadeintothem (Post 620455)

Ever try kissing some @$$?

jeez.

Originally Posted by Andy (Post 620428)

Greg - the point of my previous post was that it really shouldn't matter whether you are in a rules or mechanics discussion with a raw rookie or NUS member or anyone in between. We are all umpires.

We have had this disucussion before, but the level of ball that you call does not necessarily lend you any more credibility as an umpire than the next guy. Some guys think "college ball" is the be all-end all of umpiring, but I have seen some people working college games that I would hesitate to use in the local rec leagues! We have had people working our HS state playoffs that should be doing freshman games.

All I'm trying to say is don't base your opinion of the postings on here on a posters "resume". Take each one, evaluate it on your own terms, use what you can, and toss the rest.

FWIW, I'm Andy, I live in Peoria, AZ. I am a FP only umpire at this time, but looking to start working in some SP tourneys to have a better handle on that side of the game. I have called in our state JC league for the past five years. I have been working ASA and HS ball for the last ten years. I am Vice-President of our local HS association. I have worked two ASA Men's Nationals, with a third to come in September. I have also worked several JO Western Nationals at different age levels.

I am proud of what I've done, but I know I can get better..that's what I'm shooting for!

Originally Posted by gumpire (Post 620466)

Andy;
I'm trying hard to improve my game as well. My thread was begun as a way for me to know when I have been given the "official" ruling or just another opinion. It seems pointless to me to continue to raise my arguments why my opinion of a rule is valid and yours isn't, when in-fact, you are part of the rule make (and interpreting) authority.

I would rather know that that is who you are, accept the ruling, and apply it in the future.

If you are another umpire with a different opinion, your thoughts are appreciated but do not represent ASA (in my case).

I learn from all discussions, but I feel some are left open-ended and I, for one, would really appreciate a final "correct" ruling.

Originally Posted by argodad (Post 620468)

If you really care...

I am Larry in Pensacola FL. I've been calling FP since 1993 (but didn't have much time get serious about it until I retired from the Navy and my DD finished her college career). I now call college, HS, ASA, and some local rec ball. 2008 was a great year -- Florida HS finals, Florida JUCO championships, and ASA/USA 12U Nationals.

Unfortunately, I had to sit out 2009 as I had my leg amputated in February. :( Once it (finally) heals, I'll be back on the dirt. :cool:

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp (Post 620472)

Hey, how's that coming along? I remember you mentioning it before. Healing okay?

Originally Posted by argodad (Post 620476)

Thanks for asking Dave. I messed up big time by falling (on the stump) shortly after the amputation. To save the knee, we're now going through an extended process to remove all the crushed bone and tissue and fill in the hole with "granulation tissue." Unfortunately, the amount of radiation that originally caused the amputation has made me very slow to heal. :( But I WILL get there, and I will be back on the field. My goal is to be the first amputee to umpire a FHSAA championship game. :cool:

Originally Posted by argodad (Post 620476)

Thanks for asking Dave. I messed up big time by falling (on the stump) shortly after the amputation. To save the knee, we're now going through an extended process to remove all the crushed bone and tissue and fill in the hole with "granulation tissue." Unfortunately, the amount of radiation that originally caused the amputation has made me very slow to heal. :( But I WILL get there, and I will be back on the field. My goal is to be the first amputee to umpire a FHSAA championship game. :cool:

Originally Posted by PtotheB (Post 620523)

Somewhat of a new guy but FP only for now. Active duty Army but will retire next year. Hope to land a job that will allow me to increase my tournaments etc. ASA and NFHS (TASO that's Texas talk) are the only two governing bodies I work with.

Originally Posted by gumpire (Post 620466)

Andy;
I'm trying hard to improve my game as well. My thread was begun as a way for me to know when I have been given the "official" ruling or just another opinion. It seems pointless to me to continue to raise my arguments why my opinion of a rule is valid and yours isn't, when in-fact, you are part of the rule make (and interpreting) authority.

I would rather know that that is who you are, accept the ruling, and apply it in the future.

If you are another umpire with a different opinion, your thoughts are appreciated but do not represent ASA (in my case).

I learn from all discussions, but I feel some are left open-ended and I, for one, would really appreciate a final "correct" ruling.

Originally Posted by wadeintothem (Post 620543)

Well, pretty much the only uber umpire in Irish. The rest of use are just schmucks of varying levels. I would guess probably Altumpsteve is 2nd in the ASA hierarchy here, but still, hes not at the rank a Irish, but hes been around. If you got altumpsteve and irish telling you youre wrong, you can pretty much take it to the bank. Dakota is no slouch. I think Bigslick is pretty good on the NCAA stuff...

If WMB agrees with you, thats another good way to know ur wrong. ;)

The rest of us, we just like to complicate it, if only for something to do.