Who the HELL are you!!!?

[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........

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by azbigdawg

Steve is overrated........

Don't be jealous over beer.

[azbigdawg]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Don't be jealous over beer.

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

[DeputyUICHousto]

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.)

[Dutch Alex]

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

[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.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

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.

The converse of that are the coaches that come out of the dugout with:

Hey, blue...are you sure about that call? You know Emily (Alexander) said...blah blah blah.....

Most of the time, what comes out of their mouth is not even close to anything that Emily would say....Steve, do you have this issue as well?

[Welpe]

I'm Monty...I am but a peon in the softball umpiring world (maybe that's just the world). Don't pay attention to me, my opinions are irrelevant and not valid.

To quote Popeye, I yam what I yam.