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There are many things that are required or stressed to do of umpires that I don't understand. Let me try to name a few that come to mind.
1. Alternating where the PU stands between innings. You can see fine from anywhere we are asked to stand. 2. Sweeping off the PP between innings, when with some pitchers, it will be back to dirty after only a few pitches. 3. Never laying your mask down. There are many more that just don't come to mind. Any one want to add to the list, just for fun. Dave |
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I don't believe we are required to agree with the rationale for all mechanics; those that can make the rules, do, and our job is to try to conform to get ahead.
And, I am also a former catcher that never got past the mental and muscle memory of taking the mask off with the right hand; I also swap immediately. That said, here are some responses I have heard over the years to justify questions. Mask; if you always have it in the correct hand, there will never even be a possibility that you would signal (particularly overhand or punch out) with the mask and lose it, or hit someone with it. We alternate between innings to make sure there is no perceived favoritism by being closer to one dugout (and coaching staff) all the time. We sweep the PP to see it; when a pitcher covers it again, she gets no benefit of doubt if there is an issue. We can also resweep it anytime if necessary; but setting a standard time makes it less apparent if we are watching one pitcher more than the other. We always do it between innings because that is the least obtrusive moment. The mask is the most visible symbol of the authority of the PU; setting it down also can be perceived as setting aside that authority.
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Steve ASA/ISF/NCAA/NFHS/PGF |
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I understand the rationale about alternating where we stand between innings. I guess my real question is why don't our umpire manuals just say to alternate each half inning, instead of telling which side to stand each half inning? Also, I have never seen in writing the not laying our masks down. I don't lay it down now, since I was made aware of it on this forum. Dave
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Right handed catcher as a kid. However, as a catcher, you rarely have to get the mask off as quickly as an umpire. Started umpire when I was still playing, but, as previously stated, had no problem using my left hand w/indicator. BTW, the masks back then only had horizontal bars, not the cages you have now.
Everyone has a comfortable way of doing things, guess I'm lucky I had good mentors at the time. AFA laying down my mask, I just don't do it. To me, it is a piece of my uniform and tool of my trade. Not to mention I feel it is unprofessional on my behalf.
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The bat issue in softball is as much about liability, insurance and litigation as it is about competition, inflated egos and softball. |
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Dave I haven't decided if I should call it from the dugout or the outfield. Apparently, both have really great views! Screw green, it ain't easy being blue! I won't be coming here that much anymore. I might check in now and again. |
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What I love is when the umpire asks, "How am I supposed to read or write with a mask in my hand?"
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The bat issue in softball is as much about liability, insurance and litigation as it is about competition, inflated egos and softball. |
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One of the local clowns has an answer to that, Mike. He's got one a clip on his belt and hangs the mask there. Wasn't sure if I'd wet my pants laughing or fall over - glad we had navy pants on..............
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Steve M |
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[NIT}Also, mask under arm s/b top facing forward. [/NIT] ![]()
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Officiating takes more than OJT. It's not our jobs to invent rulings to fit our personal idea of what should and should not be. |
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The bat issue in softball is as much about liability, insurance and litigation as it is about competition, inflated egos and softball. |
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I like to keep mine clean. Laying it down in the dirt doesn't really help that! At least a couple of times a year I'll disassemble the whole thing to really scrub the frame, pads and harness, and I try to keep it wiped down between games. |
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The mask, like the cap, is a symbol of authority. Either looks bad sitting on the ground
Last edited by Crabby_Bob; Sun Sep 04, 2011 at 05:33pm. |
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