Plate Umpire position between innings (NFHS)

[HugoTafurst]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Hugo, I believe that is up to your state association. To my knowledge, the mechanics in the NFHS Umpire Manual are not universally mandated; in Georgia, for example, the standard of the GHSA Softball Committee is ASA mechanics (primarily because they are already better known and more universally taught throughout the state, so consistency is the goal).

Could be - I was under the impression that if it wasn't listed as "state adoptble", it was't.
Could it be that that is just for playing rules (such as run-limits)?

I haven't double checked - just thought bring it up (and like the idea of using the "phrase up for adoption"

[KJUmp]

Originally Posted by HugoTafurst

I believe it is not up for "adoption", but an NFHS required mechanic.

Local HS umpiring boards or state associations are free to adopt whatever NFHS mechanics they choose to. They're free to decide where (and for what reason) they want their umpires to position themselves between innings.
As an example (from another sport), in HS basketball, it has been reported on the basketball forum that any number of local boards and state associations (mine included) have chosen to NOT adopt the new NFHS mechanic of having the trail official tableside after a foul has been reported.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by KJUmp

Local HS umpiring boards or state associations are free to adopt whatever NFHS mechanics they choose to. They're free to decide where (and for what reason) they want their umpires to position themselves between innings.

True. MS made the statement a few years ago that softball rules are more or less suggestions. To the best of my knowledge, this is true in all cases.

[SethPDX]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Hugo, I believe that is up to your state association. To my knowledge, the mechanics in the NFHS Umpire Manual are not universally mandated; in Georgia, for example, the standard of the GHSA Softball Committee is ASA mechanics (primarily because they are already better known and more universally taught throughout the state, so consistency is the goal).

This is my understanding as well. NFHS can't "require" any rule or mechanic; they just write the books. There are even playing rules that are not adopted in some states.

[HugoTafurst]

Well thanks again to this board, I am again more knowledgeable today than yesterday..

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by HugoTafurst

Well thanks again to this board, I am again more knowledgeable today than yesterday..

That's the beauty of this place, isn't it?

[argodad]

Originally Posted by HugoTafurst

Well thanks again to this board, I am again more knowledgeable today than yesterday..

Hugo, FHSAA wants us to follow the NFHS mechanics as written in the 2010-2011 Umpire Manual. So ... they have "adopted" the new between innings positioning. That's the way we will teach it in our Pensacola Field Clinic.

[HugoTafurst]

Originally Posted by argodad

Hugo, FHSAA wants us to follow the NFHS mechanics as written in the 2010-2011 Umpire Manual. So ... they have "adopted" the new between innings positioning. That's the way we will teach it in our Pensacola Field Clinic.

Pensacola???
Are you sure you don't use Alabama HSAA mechanics?

Just kidding, of course.

I'm good with the mechanics change - makes life easier for me

I just wasn't aware that the mechanics weren't universally required (unless specifically exempted)

I'll be at down South East for my clinic....

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by HugoTafurst

Pensacola???
Are you sure you don't use Alabama HSAA mechanics?

Just kidding, of course.

Kidding? Why? It's true! For decades, the panhandle of Florida has been referred to as "L.A.", Lower Alabama. There were even state-wide mags in Florida that asked that question.

And when I lived there, that was a compliment!

[argodad]

Originally Posted by HugoTafurst

Pensacola???
Are you sure you don't use Alabama HSAA mechanics?

Just kidding, of course.

It is true that I can drive to Montgomery or Birmingham faster than I can get to Gainesville or Orlando.

Several of our umps work in both states.