Don't be jealous over beer.

That stuff wasnt beer. If it hadnt been for the good company, I would have run away......

"Resume'"
 

I'm Brian from Houston, Tx.

I'm in my 20th year. I'm mostly a slow pitch umpire but have several years of fast pitch as well. I've called numerous Nationals and take a crew of umpires to Panama City every Sept. to call the "cry babies" that play adult t-ball. I am a Deputy Umpire in Chief locally (but only because I volunteered, not because of my umpiring.)

OK reply from oversees
 

My name is Sander, I've been calling FP-games in "Nederland" (The Netherlands) since I've turned 15, only for our club. After I've quit playing FP at the age of 29, I've started to call for the dutch federation. First in regional games, after a view years in the top-leagues. I work both in men's FP as in women FP.
Youth-games are not my thing, I've worked only one DH last year, none this season...
Two years ago I earned my ESF-licence. The European way up on the International-stairs. Last summer I went to Bulgary, this summer I don't call International. Thanks to my work, got only 2 weeks vacation. This year I must be allowed to take 45 day's off...
I've worked twice at the IndoorCup in Schiedam. Here I've met and worked with some USA and GB-umpires. Some of those are indeed also registered here... I'm inviting them to introduce themselves:)

I'm Steve - as the user id suggests - but not the Steve that Mike sez is over-rated.:D - at least not in that thread.
I have umpired some baseball in the past, but gave it up this year.
I currently work some youth ball as sanctioned by ASA and PONY. I work high school games under PIAA - using NFHS rules. I work all divisions of NCAA ball. I work some pretty good men's ball under ISC's banner. And I've been fortunate enough to work NPF games in Pennsylvania.
I'm also one of those that Sander referred to. I've worked one of the European Indoor Cup tournaments and will work my second next year. That was a terriffic trip and I'm looking forward to the 2010 version.

My name is Larry and I live in Texas. I am one of the people that has had the good fortune to work with Sander at the infoor cup and call him my friend. I am gradually working myself up to be able to call some upper level youth fastpitch. Maybe oneday I can get to the 16 and 18 level to see the type of ball you guys get to enjoy

Hang on, Bubba. Mike said Steve was underated.

OK, so I've had a few tonight.:o

Let's be clear; Darrell said I was over-rated. This after I seriously kicked his (and his teams') a$$ at the Rules Case Play Jeopardy game at the UIC Clinic. The moderator even tried to give his team extra chances to keep from looking so weak, but my team RULED!!

Go on, Darrell, deny it; Mike is a witness. You owe me beer!! That's why you're out there trying to sell your story!!

Rematch in February 2011 (unless you come to Reno in November). Bring your wallet.

You won because I was kind enough not to try to answer any questions...

Reno it is....

lol@ darrell

The truth comes out.

You homies better hope I dont show up in reno or you all will be buying me beer. Not to mention dinner. And some stuff from the gift shop. And a tshirt.

I understand what you are getting at in trying to understand who is who and who you should listen to and who might be full of it :p

The only reservation that I have is don't take anything anyone says as the final word, without making sure you understand why it is the way it is. Yes some people here have direct lines from the ASA top brass so to speak, and yes they are providing you with the "official" rulings many times. BUT make sure you continue to add clarity to their rulings until you can explain it to a coach if need be. Worst thing in the world you can do is get into a game and say well Irish (or Steve) told me that is the way it is coach so thats just how it goes.

I don't think that is what you would do but just making sure as this is a sore spot for many people with these types of internet boards!

BTW, I'm Dave I've been umpiring ASA for 12 years (did my 5th JO fastpitch national this year), NFHS for 10 years.

That usually works in Georgia, believe it or not!!:eek::D Tell them, rwest; you've seen them back off, or not even come out.

Seriously, Dave's point is well taken. It is one thing to listen when there are several possible answers, and accept the "official"; I know I always try to explain how, why, and precedents that apply. But if you just can't understand why "we" say there is just one right answer, we should be able to give you more.

Personally, I only stop answering when it has been explained ad infinitum, and someone just wants it to be another answer, no matter what the reasoning.

North Carolina is your southern redemption!

:D Now that's funny!