LOL. Don't we know. And according to my Delaware Slow-Pitch friends, those are the only ones that are acceptable for softball.

Taken out of context, I know. But, still fun.

This is probably one of the best pieces of advice in this entire string of threads.

IMO, the "let the ball take you to the play" theory is taken too literally by some umpires, particularly rookies.

It is one of those things that has been said for years, but meant to keep you eye on the ball until it is release. See the throw and move your head/eyes ahead of the ball. I don't think so much about my head being still than I do to just get my eyes focused.

This is one case where it is probably easier to do from a distance, but that is not where we are normally stationed.

You run out of brew again? If anything, quite the opposite.

It is rare you will find me at the same place more than twice between innings during a game.

I do not promote one location over another. I have my preference & opinion and I teach the prescribed mechanics. Personally, I believe the umpires should be relaxed and quite "informal' between innings, not standing at parade rest at a certain spot. I did enough of that in the military.

And yet, I've had a number of clinicians express that the umpire should do exactly that: follow the ball like it's some sort of doctor's vision test.

I think what they're trying to get umpires to do is to watch the ball just a little longer like you said, then be at the play, body stopped and head still. Newer umpires have the tendency to assume the play is going one place or another. Often, they're right. Unfortunately, it's when they're wrong that things go to hell.

[COLOR=black]Actually, I'm not that tough on evaluations unless there is an issue that is completely out of line that could effect the game or safety of the participants (including the umpire). I prefer to address the small stuff on the side with the umpire and work with him/her to improve. An evaluator should be part of the training process, not intimidation process. Unfortunately, some people believe in fear and intimidation as a training method. I prefer pride and satisfaction with a job well done as a motivator.

As an umpire, I'm on the field to do the job assigned and do it in the fashion expected by the sanctioning body under which those players chose to participate. If I do the job properly, odds are someone is still going to be upset with something that didn't go their way. The only people I care about when working the game are my partners.

(Rant on)We've all had to deal with umpires I refer to a GAGAs. Go along to get along. We all know a few. These are the umpires who try to socialize with the coaches and players during the game or maybe a parent or two at the fence. Some are so worried that they may not get a good rating from this coach or that team, they are willing to overlook what they may consider small infractions as to garner favor. Because of this, I've seen umpires that you would probably refuse to work with get HS tournament games while others who just do their job sit at home.
(Rant off)

The only person an umpire should worry about impressing are the partners.

Don't understand this comment. Hell, half the stuff that comes out of a coach's or player's mouth is something I may not want to hear. :rolleyes: Let them talk, really don't care. My mind will not permit FYCs, so that isn't going to happen. OTOH, there may be something going on that I am missing. No such thing as too much information.

On an eval, yeah. However, that doesn't mean the umpire should not be reminded of the preferred mechanic for that association afterward.

Again, I agree (Man, this better not become a habit! ;) ). That doesn't mean an evaluation should be peppered with a ****load of little issues that bury a relatively good performance. I just believe the CS can be handled with a little counseling. Now, if the umpire blows off the UIC/evaluator/whomever and continues in the same manner, yeah, that definitely needs to be noted before this umpire moves on.

I know ASA often takes a hit on "robotics" though I don't see it, but there is more to doing things in the prescribed manner, even the CS things, than enjoying and demonstrating individuality.

How can we take a promising young umpire who wants to be the best and train him/her in the prescribed mechanics (the associations, not mine) and tell him/her the manner in which s/he has to perform to advance then have that umpire stand and watch other accomplished umpires basically do their own thing and continue to get the best assignments?

Anyone who has kids knows the "do as I say, not as I do" philosophy wears thin real quick.

Hope I didn't cut out any questions you had. :D

Nope...good job!! And good info!!:)

what the heck does CS mean?

thanks.

Chicken Sh_t.