NCAA SUIP rumor
 

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.

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.

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

It will be interesting seeing how this shakes out.

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?

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.

I noticed this a couple of weeks ago, maybe longer. I just assumed she'd reached her term limit. For now though, hmmmmmmmmm - I wonder.

So, Steve, send in your application yet? :rolleyes:

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.

The two events are unrelated. The NCAA, in an effort to reach some consistency across all sports, instituted some new regulations. One being a two year rule cycle, which softball is now under. The other being that rule interpreters can only serve for a max of 8 years. Dee was allowed to serve longer as a matter of transition.

Just in.

NCAA is meeting next week with ASA to discuss taking over the umpring of the college game.

Ronald

Full circle.

Would such a change be a positive or a negative?

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.

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

I think it would have both aspects.

I would think ASA would be pretty much forced to open up a little bit to different ideas.

It would still be as political as it is now.

There will be umpires that are not as good as some trying to work their way up the ladder through politicking and gladhanding, which already happens to some point, but I don't think as much in the NCAA game.

Maybe, just maybe, it would bring to fruition Billy P's philosophy that it should not be an Advance Umpire School (which isn't as strong as it should be), but a School for Advance Umpiring which would be restricted in attendence. If there is one thing most good ASA umpires will agree, the ASA national schools have become diluted through unrestricted admittence.

Umpires in my area come home frustrated.

This

It was pretty fruitless to be in college station last year. The weather didn't help much, but the instructor/student ratio was close to 1 to 40. Lots of down time and 'standing around'.

Just in from where?

Ronald and I went to the NUS in Virginia last year, and the student/instructor ratio was around 20 to 1. There were also numerous UICs and Deputy UICs (5 or 6, I think) present to assist in the instruction and drills. I was quite satisfied with the school.

I do wish that we could have higher level schools that aren't just once per year. I would like to advance, but it's difficult when there is only one advanced slow pitch camp per year. If there were more choices or locations, I think attendance would improve.

It's unfortunate that ASA, at least in my experience here in Houston, does a poor job of enticing experienced umpires to volunteer to help train at clinics.

Case in point; I was asked to be a clinician at a youth certification clinic a couple of years ago. I accepted and thought I could pay my yearly ASA dues and get my certification. Unfortunately, I was told that even though I would be one of the clinicians and present for the entire 8 hr clinic, I would still have to attend another clinic to be ASA certified. So the young people attending the clinic would be fully certified, but I wouldn't? Completely asinine. I canceled as a clinician and have not certified ASA since.

So, for me, the prospect of ASA involvement in NCAA officiating is a bit unsettling.

Yes.

My question is, what does the NCAA get from hiring ASA to manage training, evaluating, and post-season assignments? These are two big organizations and this segment of ASA will be under the direction of NCAA; that can't sit will some of the people at the National level of ASA. With some of the egos that could be involved on both sides, I can see alot of butting heads between organizations.

And, how does ASA manage their responsibilities within the organization at both a National level and a local level? My biggest concern has to do with the 'old guard' of the ASA. It has been my experience that this group within ASA has had contempt for the NCAA; to which I can sympathize as the NCAA has had more success (IMO) promoting softball at HOF stadium than ASA has.

I guess the way I envision this possibly shaking out would be ASA creates a new 'branch' within the National office; the NCAA liason, for example. That person fulfills Kathy's role as head of the SUIP. ASA then assigns people to roles similar to those of Emily and Ed, possibly regional directors similar to ASA's existing structure (Regional UICs). These regional directors would be in charge of working with Conference Coordinators (whom they have no control over in terms of who fills these roles), regional evaluators, umpire training, and post-season recommendations.

A couple of the problems I can foresee:

~ The manual; I don't think ASA will be very accepting of what Emily (and many others in support) have put together. To your point, Mike, regarding Billy P's philosophy (which I completely agree with); the fact that his philosophy has not been more widely endorsed throughout ASA is the heart of this issue. On the other hand, maybe this provides the ASA with an opportunity to create this alternate advanced umpire training because they no longer have to always be 'of the masses'.

~ Non ASA registered umpires working NCAA softball. I don't see how ASA will not want to require umpires to register with ASA, nor do I see the NCAA allowing the ASA to make such a demand. Someone will have to give in to the other.

A couple benefits (for ASA and its umpires) I could see coming from this:

~ ASA could provide umpires with additional avenues to Elite and ISF status by adding NCAA post season assignments to their list of 'Major' tournaments.

~ By teaming with the NCAA, ASA would enhance their connection to the highest levels of Women's fastpitch softball. With the loss of the Olympics, the International game is dwindling; countries are not funding their teams to the same level and that is reducing ASA's exposure at the top level of televised (therefor widely visible) softball. The top draw (I think, no actual numbers to back this up) is the WCWS. ASA's only connection to this event has been HOF stadium. By taking over the SUIP, ASA would increase its exposure.

I'm sure there is alot more but I've written enough for now.

Just where do you think umpires for these games came from before the NCAA got involved in softball officiating?

In many cases, if not most, the schools would contract local associations, many of which were ASA. Not that long ago, the NCAA softball rules were nothing more than an addendum to the ASA rule book.

So, this really isn't something new. ASA registration does include the insurance coverage and I don't see an issue with making a deal with the carrier, Bollinger, Markel or whoever, in including NCAA games as part of the coverage. This would also allow the umpire to register once for both. For that matter (God help me for thinking this out loud), this may be the predecessor to ASA taking insurance "in house".

I can only see a positive for the umpires as it comes to the administrative side of the issue. Obviously, a lot of legalese will be bantered about between the two.

How it turns out on the training side, I'd rather not even guess on that point.

came from one of the regional uics.

According to the NCAA (Sharon Cessna) this statement is not accurate.

That regional UIC is inaccurate, thinking wishfully , or wrong.

Or that regional UIC was mis-interpreted or mis-quoted.

Or visa versa with the NCAA.

could be any of the above. don't know why he would say what he did unless he got it from somebody up in the national office. we will see what plays out.

I agree.

Might be a an opinion, a guess, a possibility, wishful thinking, or "important" talk, or an actual insight.....

Supposedly nothing is scheduled......

Let's see how it plays out.......

Considering who it may be, I would say this was not an original opinion, but something repeated.

Whatever it may be, at least talking about it cannot hurt and may actually be a positive if people can keep egos and preferences out of any discussions.

two things.

1) uic told another guy that they met this week. so i misheard or they are meeting again.

2) lurine hamilton (think this is right) is aware of the held or to be held meetings. if it comes from her on the ncaa side, you can take it to the bank something is happening between the two organizations. and that source is one of her evaluators.

Okey dokey...then.

Sounds like a little bit of "one summer I went to band camp"....and the brother of my best friends sister heard from the kitchen cook that she had heard from the band teachers brother that......

I guess we'll see...

First, to the general topic, I am hearing more and more from more highly credible sources that this is actually happening; not a band camp moment (which was pretty funny, I liked that analogy). To your points, Mike

I agree with that fact, Mike, however in the past ten years, as the SUIP has developed, the two groups, specifically in regards to mechanics, have been diverging. I'm not claiming either one is any better than the other at training umpires only that the SUIP has had the luxury of focusing on advancing or advanced umpires. Also, the purpose of the SUIP was to create a more consistent application of the rules and mechanics because the NCAA wasn't getting that consistency from the, often ASA, local/regional umpire groups. Again, I refer to your comment on Billy P. and the lack of that level of training yet established by ASA at a National level.

Again, I agree with your assertion regarding the 'grass roots' umpires and the adminstration thereof . For me, though, it isn't the training that is the big question, it is the upper level management of the process. Of course, I am speaking from my micorocosm here in the Northeast and only have a distant and not very focused view of the detailed inner workings and activities at the National level so I may be misguided in my perception. The fact is, I like alot of what the SUIP has done and how it was conducted better than how ASA has operated. I, personally, would hate to see those aspects lost in the process.

I've been an ASA member since my dad got me started 25 years ago. I greatly appreciate what they have to offer umpires in the form of training, assignments, and levels to which one can aspire. I just think there should be another level of training available and that the Elite umpire program could/should be a part of that process. Maybe this is an opportunity for ASA to adopt something (advanced umpire training) that is fairly well developed and use it to their advantage.

I think we are on the same page. Part of what needs to be remembered is the differences in market. ASA training addresses umpiring all division, classifications and levels of each game. The SUIP only had to deal with a select group with a single target in a very controled environment.

I believe the administration is going to be the sticking point, if any. Will the dictation to call a violation if you see it remain and actually effected, or will it go by the way of satisfying the coach's whim and fancy?

I guess it will be interesting, if nothing else, to see how this may unfold.

As someone watching this from outside, this seems to be the crux of the issue that led to the departure of the three in the first place. If I was representing ASA in these talks, that is the first issue I would insist on being answered by the NCAA, and answered honestly. The NCAA's response would go a long way (again, if I was representing ASA) in determining if I even wanted to step into this mess.

The excuse given me by a coach when NCAA decided to develop their own brand was that they did not want ASA on the field as, according to them, it gave the impression the NCAA was using umpires who just chase little girls around the field.

Hey, not my explanation, but is sounds a lot like the same crap I use to hear from a certain Texan baseball umpire, Carl C.

However, I would venture to say that this would be more of an agreement to provide the training, not take over as an official interpreter for the NCAA. I would bet they keep such a position in house.

nah,

This is more like the lieutenant heard it from the major who heard it from the general who heard it from the chairman of the armed forces. On second thought, the general was probably right there with the chairman.

We all know what comes from listening to coaches.

IF, and that's a big IF, this move was being seriously considered, ASA would have to assume the role of contactor to the NCAA Softball Committee as opposed to running their own organization arbitrarily. The committee has a record of making changes to their game far more often than ASA does. It would be interesting to see how ASA handles this much fluidity. Although it could be argued that the former staff's knee-jerk reactions to the committee's every whim created some of the issues that led to their dismissal.

That is the difference between a democratic (probably not the proper label, but gets the point across) system and a dictatorship.

When it comes to rules, the process doesn't need to be, but can be difficult to navigate since any change can affect multiple games and scenarios whereas the NCAA only has to deal with a single game at a single level in a closed shop.

I would assume the NCAA rules would be handled the same as the modified or 16" or masters/seniors game, as exceptions to some rules with some specific special rules for their game only.

However, I don't see this as a total merger, just one that may allow the ASA to complement the NCAA umpire program, more administrative as opposed to legislative.

BTW, I have heard from a separate source that pretty much confirms what Ronald has indicated as to the level of those who were discussing this issue.

I doubt the NCAA Softball Committee is looking to ASA for rules making assistance. The SUIP existed primarily for one reason; to select officials for the postseason. The training and guidance they provided umpires was a means to that end. I assume that is what would be asked of ASA as well.

All criticism of ASA aside, I am trying to understand how it would complement the program.

As am I.

The SUIP Coordinator's position is listed as a "want ad" on the SUIP site. If any of you are interested, here is the job posting:

SUIP National Coordinator Position

So, it would seem that the NCAA is planning on staying autonomous from any other organization.

I wonder if that job description has changed from when Kathy Straham was hired?

I would guess the job description has changed fluidly!! And the current one is what was created by the last SUIP!! The NCAA might not know what THEY want...until they survey their various committees...and constituents!!

Good point. I guess my question would be what type of position do they need to fill? Is it someone to work for the coaches in determining how the game should be called? Someone whose responsibility is to train and evaluate?

I'm asking because I really don't know, but who is the "czar" (hate the term, but it makes the point) of NCAA softball? Who carries the lone, final word in the decision making process in the sport at this level?

The NCAA Softball Committee.

That does not fit what is needed.

To answer your question, or to carry the final word?

Maybe he means that, by definition, a committee cannot have the "lone, final word".

You're so literal!!!:eek::p:p:D

Or a different word that ends in "al". :p :)

Liberal?

Dem's fightin' wurds...

Maybe, but his reading is exactly what it meant.


See above.

There needs to be a boss. Committees are fine and dandy for discussion purposes, but when it comes down to the last word, it cannot be a simple majority of any more than one.

There needs to be one person who is responsible for a decision, not a group of posturing folks who simply point fingers when an unpopular opinion is acted upon.

The problem is the NCAA in general is a very politically and financially motivated group that hedges every turn made during the course of just about any action. No NCAA committee/group is ever at fault, but there always seems to be a scapegoat, and I'm not talking about softball.

Then I would guess that Sharon Cessna, based on her duties, would be the closest.

Since I don't know; does ASA have a "boss" as you've described?

For membership, that would be C Cress. But I don't think you can compare the two.