Considering Softball

[Skahtboi]

As you are in Texas, I am sure you are well aware, then, of the long running dispute between TASO and the UIL. At this time, I would be hesitant to spend a lot of money on uniform, as the UIL may eventually change the uni guidelines. However, currently, the uniform is powder blue mesh shirt (navy/white trim) and heather gray pants.

As far as hat goes, currently it is a navy blue hat with the letters TASO on it. By January, that is most likely going to be changed.

I personally prefer the Pro 9 chest protector. The shin guards I use and swear by are no longer available, but there are many nice ones out there.

As for a mask, if you plan on working tournaments, then go with the lightweight masks. You will be glad you paid the little extra for it. If you are just going to be just working single games, then it really doesn't matter what mask you choose. Just know that the cheaper masks will be heavier.

Shoes are a very personal matter. I know some people who swear by one shoe, while others say that exact same shoes hurts their feet. Especially where plate shoes are concerned. I would recommend going to a vendor and trying some on, just as you would in the shoe store.

As far as games go, like any sports officiating, I would recommend doing it not for the time limits or money, but for the love of the game. If you think you would prefer to work baseball, then by all means work it. You will find the 2.5 to 3 hours zip by if you are having fun, compared to the 1.5 to 2 hours average of a softball game. I work FP because I enjoy it. I enjoy the game, the pace, the mechanics. But to answer your question, yes, it is true that 7 innings of softball average around an hour less than 7 innings of baseball. At least the games that I am familiar with.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

As you are in Texas, I am sure you are well aware, then, of the long running dispute between TASO and the UIL. At this time, I would be hesitant to spend a lot of money on uniform, as the UIL may eventually change the uni guidelines. However, currently, the uniform is powder blue mesh shirt (navy/white trim) and heather gray pants.

Unfortunately, this is a district thing. Galveston is Powder over Navy. Houston is as you said.

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

As far as hat goes, currently it is a navy blue hat with the letters TASO on it. By January, that is most likely going to be changed.

Agreed - I'd get a generic 6-seamer with no logo until we know otherwise.

[topper]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Unfortunately, this is a district thing. Galveston is Powder over Navy....

Not that it really matters, but this is not the case.

[greymule]

I stopped doing baseball several years ago because of the length and pace of the games. It was partially boredom, but it was also that the long games were preventing me from doing rec FP that started at six. (The money back then: $72 [check later, maybe] for one baseball game, $76 [cash on the spot] for two softball games.)

Thirty-five years ago, I would work one o'clock Saturday and Sunday doubleheaders in a semipro league, and we were usually done before six. Yet a couple of summers ago, as a mere spectator I left halfway through a seven-inning American Legion game that ended up taking almost five hours to complete. (No rain delays, no injuries, just snail's pace play.)

I can see how, with all the commercials and relief pitchers, MLB games now take so long, but I can't really explain why high school baseball games creep along so slowly.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by greymule

I can see how, with all the commercials and relief pitchers, MLB games now take so long, but I can't really explain why high school baseball games creep along so slowly.

No enforced timing rules on the batter and pitcher. Stepping out, stepping off, throwing over for no reason, etc. Plus at the younger ages, the endless jockeying between a runner 1 whole step off the base and catcher with a cocked arm that is NEVER going to throw it.

NONE of that in softball.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by topper

Not that it really matters, but this is not the case.

I don't remember the guy's name, but the older shorter guy who brought the crew up from Galveston to the TASO state meeting in League City in Jan or Feb said that was what they were going with, and that's what I was told to wear at my 2 games in Dickinson. Has it changed back?