OMG Did I hear this correctly?

[IN ASA BLUE]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Bingo. In addition to training differences Mike mentioned, there are also cultural differences, especially in handling disputes, how important "face" is, etc. I would be astonished if these issues did not affect umpires, since they surely do affect business relationships between Americans and Asians (for example)... I know this from personal experience. Suppose an umpire on an all-American crew makes a call, and would ordinarily go to his partner if questioned by the coach. Now suppose it is an international crew and the cultural ways of even simple things like dealing with coaches (conflict) or going for help (face) are different. I don't know if international umpires get any training in cultural differences and how to deal with them, but if they don't, it will most definitely affect the performance of the crew even on simple things.

I agree with you Dakota, but would add that I would think there has to be some sort of cultural training, especially in this day. Back when I was a Paramedic I got the chance to work the 1987 Pan Am games in Indy. Before any of us were assigned our first venue we had to go through a short culture class. It was not extensive at all but covered some things like making the "OK" sign is not acceptable in many countries and several it is actually an offensive sign.
I would think with today's much higher awareness of cultural differences that in an international event these differences would be covered at some point. As far as the ISF, I would think it would be part of training, but do not know this.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by IN ASA BLUE

I agree with you Dakota, but would add that I would think there has to be some sort of cultural training, especially in this day. Back when I was a Paramedic I got the chance to work the 1987 Pan Am games in Indy. Before any of us were assigned our first venue we had to go through a short culture class. It was not extensive at all but covered some things like making the "OK" sign is not acceptable in many countries and several it is actually an offensive sign.
I would think with today's much higher awareness of cultural differences that in an international event these differences would be covered at some point. As far as the ISF, I would think it would be part of training, but do not know this.

Well, guess I'm gonna be the insensitive guy, but I'm a believer of when in Rome, I will do what the Romans do. IMO, it is up to the people visiting an area to adjust, not those who live there, to that culture.

[mach3]

Mike, what does that mean in an international crew? Maybe there is no Roman around

As far as the ISF clinic go: they try to organize it regionally - to lower cost for the pax (or national federations). Therefore at each clinic the pax come from one region (e.g. europe). In my clinic in The Netherlands there was only one pax from the US the rest were from europe - where there are still cultural differences but you basically know the people from tournaments in Europe.

But if it becomes cross-regional that's where the differences grow.

Raoul

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Well, guess I'm gonna be the insensitive guy, but I'm a believer of when in Rome, I will do what the Romans do. IMO, it is up to the people visiting an area to adjust, not those who live there, to that culture.

I may agree with this in interaction with society in general, but what we're talking about here is operating as a cohesive crew and interacting with international coaches.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Dakota

I may agree with this in interaction with society in general, but what we're talking about here is operating as a cohesive crew and interacting with international coaches.

Agree....to a point. The host is going to have the majority of the umpires, so which group should, and would it be easier, to allow for an adjustment.

I understand what you are saying, but if I'm working a game in Mexico, I would not expect the multitude of Mexican umpires to accommodate my language, but my responsibility to learn how to communicate with them.

[Skahtboi]

Why continue to be amazed at THs who do softball games on television??? The other day, during the USA/Canada match, I think it was, when the umpiring crew was wearing pink shirts, the male TH said, "I am sure this is a welcome change in this heat from the black shirts they normally wear..."

[txump81]

I remember thinking WTH? Sometimes the best humor comes from listening to the THs and their unintelligible comments.

[DBull]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Why continue to be amazed at THs who do softball games on television??? The other day, during the USA/Canada match, I think it was, when the umpiring crew was wearing pink shirts, the male TH said, "I am sure this is a welcome change in this heat from the black shirts they normally wear..."

Originally Posted by txump81

I remember thinking WTH? Sometimes the best humor comes from listening to the THs and their unintelligible comments.

The TH makes sense to most of the TV audiance, they are not directing their comments to umpires who have a language all their own. I have called ball for almost 40 years and those guys don't upset me at all.

[HugoTafurst]

Originally Posted by DBull

The TH makes sense to most of the TV audiance, they are not directing their comments to umpires who have a language all their own. I have called ball for almost 40 years and those guys don't upset me at all.

Despite the fact that I may title a post "OMG", or "WTF" or something like that, of course I'm not amazed, surprised or upset with what they say....
It is just a vehicle to share my amusement with people here who DO know the difference.....

On the other hand, I have sometimes been upset when umpires get thrown under the bus and then run over repeatedly by these same TH's.
(As I saw most recently in the FL HS State Championships)