May 2009.
Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA)

I guess we don't read & retain ... (at least not irrelevant information - irrelevant to me since I don't own nor contemplate owning a HSM).

I'll admit I never paid much attention to that statement, as it did not pertain to me at the time (calling only SP).

I've got a lot of catching up to do...

We have one oldtimer around here that uses a hockey-style mask and an outside balloon chest protector. Now that is a strange combination!

I'll see your oldtimer and raise you a newbie.

First tournament of the year for us and we're breaking in a couple of new umpires. My partner shows up to a field that I had been working. I'm now going to bases, and he'll do the plate. He's carrying his mask and CP.

I asked him why he didn't put on his CP in the parking lot with his other gear. Says, no problem, I'll just put it on now, and proceeds to start to put it on over his ASA shirt. No, no, I tell him. The CP goes UNDER the shirt. He's a bit miffed, but complies.

Then he tells me he doesn't wear a hat when he wears a mask (which might be the first time at this tournament). I said a hat was mandatory - no HSM, just standard mask. He's miffed again, but tries it. Hat on, mask on, mask off including an embedded hat. OK, I tell him to ditch the hat.

He told me he had his leg guards on. Good, I said and noted they were being worn under his pants.

He did have a white t-shirt on under the navy shirt. I mentioned that to him. Claims he didn't have a navy t-shirt. I told him he'd have to buy one. Miffed again, he says he's already down over $400 and doesn't plan to buy a navy t-shirt.

I briefly considered asking him if he had a cup on, but just as quickly decided I didn't really want to know. TMI.

As far as his first game, on a scale of 10, he's a 4. Lot's to learn, including not standing right behind the catcher fiddling with his mask while pitcher is warming up. I had to intervene in that case just to make sure he didn't leave the field on a stretcher.

Steve:

Thanks for the clarification. It goes without saying that you should take your sunglasses off when speaking with a coach, but when I take mine off that action automatically fires "The Stupid Comment by a Coach Death Rays" from my eyes. Unless the coach is a pretty female softball coach then I use my Superman X-ray Vision, :D.

MTD, Sr.

June ASA Plays & Clarifications
 

Hockey Style Umpire Mask:
We have received questions about wearing the Hockey Style Face Mask as the plate umpire. We have for a few years now allowed this style mask for ASA play. When wearing the hockey style mask as the plate umpire you are required to: Wear a hat to the field, during the home plate conference and then when you leave the field. You can put your hat during the game in a place like you would put your jacket or such, in the out of play area. We do not want to require the umpires to take up room in their ball bag or in the screen. Put it somewhere so the umpire can put it on after the game for the long walk back to the umpire room.