NCAA SUIP rumor

[AtlUmpSteve]

I was just told a third hand report (rumor?) that the NCAA has not renewed the contract of Kathy Strahm, and that the other members of the SUIP, Emily Alexander and Ed Crane, have resigned. Speculation is that the nonrenewal was fallout from the illegal pitch issues at the WCWS, and that the other staff members have resigned in support of Kathy.

I don't expect to be on the inside, or with any additional information, just throwing out what I was told.

Anyone here have any further insight or information?

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

I was just told a third hand report (rumor?) that the NCAA has not renewed the contract of Kathy Strahm, and that the other members of the SUIP, Emily Alexander and Ed Crane, have resigned. Speculation is that the nonrenewal was fallout from the illegal pitch issues at the WCWS, and that the other staff members have resigned in support of Kathy.

I don't expect to be on the inside, or with any additional information, just throwing out what I was told.

Anyone here have any further insight or information?

I heard much the same via an email I received earlier today. That's a big loss.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Steve M

I heard much the same via an email I received earlier today. That's a big loss.

I'm told that all three are out as a fact of life.

It will be interesting seeing how this shakes out.

[topper]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

I'm told that all three are out as a fact of life.

This is correct as I understand it. Kathy was the only one of the three hired by the committee. Emily and Ed were her appointees.

I'm not so sure that this is largely due to IPs.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by topper

This is correct as I understand it. Kathy was the only one of the three hired by the committee. Emily and Ed were her appointees.

I'm not so sure that this is largely due to IPs.

Now the good stuff starts. Where do they go from here?

[AtlUmpSteve]

In what may (or may not) be related, NCAA is also advertising for a replacement for Dee Abrahamson. The ad (seen on NFCA) notes 4 year term, with a possible 2nd term; wonder how/if that ties in.

[KJUmp]

Originally Posted by topper

This is correct as I understand it. Kathy was the only one of the three hired by the committee. Emily and Ed were her appointees.

I'm not so sure that this is largely due to IPs.

On the Camps&Clinics link on the SUIP site, the notice for the upcoming College Umpire Camp for NCAA Umpires in Rock Hill, SC; Emily and Ed are each now listed as former SUIP Supervisor.

[SergioJ]

Originally Posted by KJUmp

On the Camps&Clinics link on the SUIP site, the notice for the upcoming College Umpire Camp for NCAA Umpires in Rock Hill, SC; Emily and Ed are each now listed as former SUIP Supervisor.

Yeah, I'm going to that camp. The bad thing is that we were supposed to be evaluated by Emily and Ed for possible consideration for post season. I'm sure we'll still be evaluated by them, but don't know what this will do for our post season chances. Nevertheless, still looking forward to going to camp with both Emily and Ed.

Serg

[KJUmp]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

I was just told a third hand report (rumor?) that the NCAA has not renewed the contract of Kathy Strahm, and that the other members of the SUIP, Emily Alexander and Ed Crane, have resigned. Speculation is that the nonrenewal was fallout from the illegal pitch issues at the WCWS, and that the other staff members have resigned in support of Kathy.

I don't expect to be on the inside, or with any additional information, just throwing out what I was told.

Anyone here have any further insight or information?

Why does Kathy have to take the hit? She was put into the impossible situation during WCWS and the regular season by the higher ups in the NCAA to assure the enforcement of IPs (the most unpopular call in the game) by NCAA umps. She, Emily, and others did the best they could to carry out this mandate. From the SUIP manual, the clinic CD-rom, SUIP bulletins, and videos posted on the SUIP website, IP's and their enforcement were front and center.
To any of you who have been around the NCAA a long time, what kind of directive (if any) do you think the WCWS crews were given on calling IP's?
So what's next? Who takes Kathy's place? Who fills the void of no Emily Alexander or Ed Crane? What will the NCCA's position on IP's be next season? Do they change the rule? Do they change the penalty?
Crappy deal in IMO. kudos to Emily and Ed for supporting Kathy.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by KJUmp

Why does Kathy have to take the hit? She was put into the impossible situation during WCWS and the regular season by the higher ups in the NCAA to assure the enforcement of IPs (the most unpopular call in the game) by NCAA umps. She, Emily, and others did the best they could to carry out this mandate. From the SUIP manual, the clinic CD-rom, SUIP bulletins, and videos posted on the SUIP website, IP's and their enforcement were front and center.
To any of you who have been around the NCAA a long time, what kind of directive (if any) do you think the WCWS crews were given on calling IP's?
So what's next? Who takes Kathy's place? Who fills the void of no Emily Alexander or Ed Crane? What will the NCCA's position on IP's be next season? Do they change the rule? Do they change the penalty?
Crappy deal in IMO. kudos to Emily and Ed for supporting Kathy.

Who knows what else has gone on behind closed doors? KS had some issues last years NCAAs in OKC, so maybe that is why they "targeted" her. Personally, I don't buy into the sympathy resignations as a good idea for the sake of support. I could understand if someone else has been named with whom Emily and Ed felt reluctent to work with, but we really don't know and unless someone from the inside speaks....

If this was completely over the IPs this year, then I wouldn't blame everyone from running away as fast as possible. No good reason to jump on a bus if the driver is just going to throw you under it.

[MichaelVA2000]

All umpires involved with NCAA Softball should be getting an email from Sharon Cessna.

Sharon is one of four championships directors with oversight responsibility for all NCAA Division I Championships, she has been with the NCAA for 20 years and has had the opportunity to oversee the DI softball championship for the past 8 years. Sharon coordinates all aspects of NCAA softball, the most publically visible responsibilities being oversight of the SUIP, the 64 team DI championship and especially the Women’s College World Series. In addition, she is the liaison to the DI Softball Committee and the NCAA contact with the NFCA. One of her most recent responsibilities will be to coordinate and oversee this transition and the search process.