UIC Clinic in OKC
 

Who's planning on going? I will be there.

Yeah, but you didn't talk to anyone the last time. ;)

Speaking for Mike (and me), you can certainly catch us at Chisholms (country bar in the back) after hours if you wish.

Darryl, are you coming back? After all, they don't see you or your type there much, you told us. Hope you can/will.

I expect you can also meet SRW, although he has been somewhat inactive here, out there too. I know I will talk to him this weekend in Plant City (ISF Youth World Cup), so will ask him.

My apologies
 

We had to spend an entire evening with a web site designer. Not how I really wanted to spend one entire evening. Sorry.

As Steve noted, you can find us at Chisholm's. For that matter, there was at least one night half the staff clocked out and left before we did :rolleyes:, so it was never too late :D

Okay, so anyone else coming?

I'm planning on being there.

Yeah, I should be there. Probably should get that lined up soon, shouldn't I?

I will be there....

Steve and Mike, I'm sad to inform you that Darrell is no longer involved with Arizona ASA, so he will not be attending. Although Darrell and I are roughly the same size, my tan is not as developed as his. I do, however, plan to spend some time at the infamous Chisholms that I have heard so much about!

As I am not a UIC, I really have no plans to be there. Though it sounds like you all are planning on having a great time.

You don't have to be!
 

No need to be a UIC!

I'll tell you one thing... It's not a position I envy. Ever.

Now to the obvious question....why is it called the UIC Clinic, then????

1. Is it good if a vacuum really sucks?

2. Why is the third hand on the watch called the second hand?

3. If a word is misspelled in the dictionary, how would we ever know?

4. If Webster wrote the first dictionary, where did he find the words?

5. Why do we say something is out of whack? What is a whack?

6. Why does "slow down" and "slow up" mean the same thing?

7. Why does "fat chance" and "slim chance" mean the same thing?

8. Why do "tug" boats push their barges?

9. Why do we sing "Take me out to the ball game" when we are already there?

10. Why are they called "stands" when they are made for sitting?

11. Why is it called "after dark" when it really is "after light"?

12. Doesn't "expecting the unexpected" make the unexpected expected?

13. Why are a "wise man" and a "wise guy" opposites?

14. Why do "overlook" and "oversee" mean opposite things?

15. Why is "phonics" not spelled the way it sounds?

16. If work is so terrific, why do they have to pay you to do it?

17. If all the world is a stage, where is the audience sitting?

18. If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?

19. If you are cross-eyed and have dyslexia, can you read all right?

20. Why is bra singular and panties plural?

21. Why do you press harder on the buttons of a remote control when you know the batteries are dead?

22. Why do we put suits in garment bags and garments in a suitcase?

23. How come abbreviated is such a long word?

24. Why do we wash bath towels? Aren't we clean when we use them?

25. Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?

26. Why do they call it a TV set when you only have one?

27. Christmas - What other time of the year do you sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of your socks?

28. Why do we drive on a parkway and park on a driveway?
I dunno, why do we?

:D :D

Thanks, Cecil...now my brain hurts!

Because it is based upon teaching the UICs to take the information back to the local associations. IOW, it is more about teaching the teachers how to teach the rules.

It is also first hand information given to those who care from those who developed. Some of the times when you hear about umpires enforcing absurd or extremely outdated rules or interpretations, it is often a result of the UIC not attending this clinic (and too many do not), or they do not bother taking the information back and passing it along.

That leaves the some of the local rules interpreters on their own to offer what they believe to be the proper interpretation and/or enforcement.

Just to expand on Mike's response.

ASA pays for all the association UIC's to attend. The basic premise is to attempt to develop consistency in interpretation, understanding, and to assist in training in multiple areas (to include recruitment, retainage, technology advances, and more). They also invite anyone the associations believe would benefit at this level; Zone, District, Deputy, Training Directors, whatever the applicable title.

On a real world level, this is a tremendous opportunity to meet and learn from the ASA movers and shakers; and some from outside ASA that come to learn from their counterparts. I know that ISC, ISF, NFHS, and other organizations have participated in the past; I know for a fact that the Softball Canada UIC, the ISF Director of Umpires, and the ESF (European Softball Federation) Director of Umpires plan to attend this year, as each has told me that personally.

So, it is ideal for anyone that can get local approval to learn from some of the best, not just the ASA National Staff. Granted that some will not benefit, as their direction isn't ASA. But, many more than just the UIC's can share the knowledge, and the contacts you can develop.

Now you're just bragging ;)

This year, all, but one of my staff is attending, so when the clinics are conducted, the information is as fresh and direct as an umpire can get.

Hey, Sergio, haven't heard from you. Is the old Tabasco bottle visiting the Biltmore?

So....let me get this straight. I can pay my money and go of my own accord, just to get information directly from the proverbial "horse's mouth," without being recommended or sent by my UIC or local organization?????

Then why haven't I been doing this all along?

Is there anything else y'all have been keeping from me?

Yes, we are also out of coffee.

(it's a bit late, but that's for you, Mr. Nielsen)

Actually, your application is supposed to be endorsed by your ASA Commissioner.

BTW, who is bringing the Boone's Farm? Slick?

Slick, Love the 'airplane' reference. See ya' in Shippensburg. I'll be watching your boiys kick some butt on Friday in Hampton

Hey, I stated earlier in this thread I was in Plant City for the ISF Youth World Cup. So, that is several of those from Canada and Europe (Netherlands, actually) that stated they planned to attend. I wasn't suggesting that I have regular conversations with them.

They still using that toolshed for an umpire dressing room?

Oh yes, there will be Boone's.

I guess they are a pretty good squad, number two nationally I think. That isn't one of the sports I follow here in the Valley.

Boone's? Dear god, you can't get drunk off Boone's. Not even a buzz. Just doesn't happen...

Believe me, I've tried! :D

Boone's is sort of an inside joke at the meeting. A few years ago, a couple of jags* from Region 3 brought Boone's** to the dinner. They dressed it up real nice, using their ice buckets and serving with the cloth napkins. It morphed into a "pass around toast" at the Region 3 table(s) and anyone else who sits in the proximity of Region 3 (I think people get there early to avoid such situations). The display at the last dinner is the leading factor in the choice of the hospitality hosts this year :D.

*Pittsburgh (i.e Da'burg) slang, short for "jag off", someone who is a goofball
**Boone's is no longer the "wine" we remember from our teen years. It is now a "malt beverage" at about 6% alcohol (which is better than that 3.2% crap in OK)

Yes, me and my old Tabasco bottle are visiting the Biltmore this year. Will send in my application next Monday since I need my commissioner to sign it this weekend. And you're right, I'm not a UIC, but I always enjoy the comradeship amongst ya'll. So, hold a place for me at Chisholms!

Serg

Tell Henry I'll sign it for ya :D

Yep, unless you are in the stadium. I drove (it's only 500 miles and 7 hours for me), so I could work out of the back of my car and avoid the cattle call van trips.

It's got a shower!

Crap!!!
 

I was just told I have to be at a meeting at 6:30 Thursday night. Guess I get to take an extra day off from work. Shucks!

That's the meeting that makes you eligible to be a UIC or Asst UIC at an ASA National. Well worth the time spent.

And since you are already there, you can then partake of the hospitality that night. That's also a good thing.

Awesome
 

I can't wait!

Got my flight
 

Flying in Thursday at 4pm. Just in time for meeting.

Really? Thought you would drive, if for no other reason than to have a vehicle available.

Irish,

He might be able to get a deal on flight and a car to Oklahoma City. When i went i did. Got the car for about 10-12 dollars a day. could not believe it.

Ron

I was going to.
 

Until I found out I had to be at this meeting...can't get off work in time to drive. So I have to fly. There will be others from my association that will be driving up so I'll have wheels.

I will be there. I cant wait to meet you those of you I havent met and I look forward to seeing any of my friends Ive met along the way. :)

Think we've heard this before, didn't we Steve? :confused:

Just kidding.

No .. for real!! i got a ticket and everything .... :P

Look forward to seeing you there, buddy.

A ticket? From who, the US Forest Service? Did they catch you inhaling downwind from that marijuana burn-off up in the mountains? :eek:

Have a safe trip.