Who the HELL are you!!!?

[wadeintothem]

OK

I'm chuck. I've been umpring FPSB since 03. Before that did some little league and other garbage bb. Prior and even after starting umpiring I was a Rec League coach. For 8 or 9 years before that, I was a trainer/medic and some times asst coach for youth football and up to frosh and JV football.

Unlike most of these long time vets, I've only done 2 nationals, but worked sunday in both! phew! I've been awarded the 18A in Hemet next year, for my 3rd. I am a local UIC and board member within our association. My area covers 2 rural counties. My ultimate Goal at this point is the 18G. I start NCAA ball in Nov this year and will give it another run to selections with the ISC for men's FP. I didnt work NFHS last year, but might do a little this year.

I ***** and moan and have my own ideas about mechanics and applications, but when I walk on the field, I'm all ASA and strictly by the book (unless I screw it up ).

[gumpire]

Thanks and good to meet you Dave & Chuck.

BTW: I forgot to mention, my name is Greg and I'm in the Portland, OR area.

[shipwreck]

I'm Dave from Crete, Nebraska. Been doing ASA since 1987. NFHS since 1996. I worked our NFHS High School State tourney the past 5 years. Started doing College ball 3 years ago. Learned a lot by reading this forum. Dave

[Andy]

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!

[azbigdawg]

Ive never been too big on stating where Ive been or what Ive done...but

Im Darrell. I live in Gilbert, Arizona. Ive been umpiring since 1993, fast pitch since 2001..Ive been involved with 11 ASA nationals in some capacity (both fast and slow). I do a little JC ball on the side... DIE HARD ASA lover, despite its multiple and serious faults....

Theres more...but thats enough.....

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by azbigdawg

Ive never been too big on stating where Ive been or what Ive done...but

Im Darrell. I live in Gilbert, Arizona. Ive been umpiring since 1993, fast pitch since 2001..Ive been involved with 11 ASA nationals in some capacity (both fast and slow). I do a little JC ball on the side... DIE HARD ASA lover, despite its multiple and serious faults....

Theres more...but thats enough.....

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

[azbigdawg]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

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

I got lucky with my regional UIC several years back, he pressured me into mastering both the 12" and 16" (sp) game...and in 2001 I learned the FP game...it kinda opens doors when you know both sides of the game. Ive also just been in the right place a few times..

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

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

Ever try kissing some @$$?

jeez.

[gumpire]

Originally Posted by Andy

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!

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.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by gumpire

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.

You make a good point here: the anonymity of the internet. Those of us who have been on the forum a while have gotten to know who's who (for the most part). Unfortunately, we don't have name badges here other than our signatures, and not everyone uses them (or is willing to use them).

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by gumpire

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.

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.

[azbigdawg]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

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.

Steve is overrated........

[DaveASA/FED]

Originally Posted by gumpire

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.

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

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.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by DaveASA/FED

Worst thing in the world you can do is get into a game and say well, Steve told me that is the way it is coach so thats just how it goes.

That usually works in Georgia, believe it or not!! 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.