Safety base

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Actually, it does. 2.3.H clearly states the first base is 15" X 30"....

I'll leave your domestic conversations to between you and your wife, but this is exactly what I meant. Rule 2 defines the dimensions and placements of the components of the playing field, not the rules use of the field. To leave the clear statement that this is one big base of all purposes except BR to be inferred from the dimensions is, as I said, not clearly stating it. Apparently, it is not quite as obvious as you claim if it had to be stated clearly in the umpire clinic guide, whose intended audience is the most experienced umpires in ASA whose job is to teach other umpires. I guess they needed it to be clearly stated, not left to be inferred from the dimensions. Is it asking too much to add the statement from the clinic guide so all of us non-clinicians can read it, too? Especially since this was a change in interpretation (not change in dimension or placement)?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Dakota

I'll leave your domestic conversations to between you and your wife, but this is exactly what I meant. Rule 2 defines the dimensions and placements of the components of the playing field, not the rules use of the field. To leave the clear statement that this is one big base of all purposes except BR to be inferred from the dimensions is, as I said, not clearly stating it. Apparently, it is not quite as obvious as you claim if it had to be stated clearly in the umpire clinic guide, whose intended audience is the most experienced umpires in ASA whose job is to teach other umpires. I guess they needed it to be clearly stated, not left to be inferred from the dimensions. Is it asking too much to add the statement from the clinic guide so all of us non-clinicians can read it, too? Especially since this was a change in interpretation (not change in dimension or placement)?

Okay, the base is 15" X 30". Touch the base before being put out, you are safe. Tagging a base before the runner gets there, the runner is out.

Doesn't get simpler than that. If you are an umpire, it is YOUR responsibility to read and understand the rules. I will NOT support anything which adds to the stupification of America. The only things which needs clarification is the exception to the norm and that is done in 8.2.M

It is bad enough there has to be a special piece of equipment because the coaches and players are not smart enough to respectively coach and play the position properly.

[KJUmp]

Being as how the clinic guide is on the same CD with the casebook, I would think ASA wanted to make the intended audience any ASA umpire who wanted to invest $15.00 for the CD to expand their understanding of the rules, and not just clinicians.
Umpiring in an area where our ASA organization is not proactive in conducting clinics, I've found the CD to be a great help and well worth the money.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Okay, the base is 15" X 30". Touch the base before being put out, you are safe. Tagging a base before the runner gets there, the runner is out.

Doesn't get simpler than that. If you are an umpire, it is YOUR responsibility to read and understand the rules. I will NOT support anything which adds to the stupification of America. The only things which needs clarification is the exception to the norm and that is done in 8.2.M

It is bad enough there has to be a special piece of equipment because the coaches and players are not smart enough to respectively coach and play the position properly.

What makes it less simple is most of this was exactly the same when the orange base was considered part of foul ground before the rule change. If it was so blindingly simple and well covered in the rule book, why does the clinician guide get more explicit? I'm not confused by this, but the OP was, and I can understand why.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Dakota

What makes it less simple is most of this was exactly the same when the orange base was considered part of foul ground before the rule change. If it was so blindingly simple and well covered in the rule book, why does the clinician guide get more explicit? I'm not confused by this, but the OP was, and I can understand why.

Becasue the clinic guide is an aid for those giving a clinic, not to be taken by those receiving it. And on top of that, as quoted, was incorrect.

Remember the old D3K? It was so specific, it excluded a common scenario. Even when brought to the attention of those responsible to correct, it took two attempts to clean it up which was accomplished by reducing the specifics.

K.I.S.S.