Do you think your registration amount will change? That may happen, but not because of a change in the rule book. Other than that, double zero is still zero.

And, once again, must note that I don't have the problems you are experiencing. But, then again, I make a point of not abusing them in any manner. By "abuse", I'm not speaking of intentionally testing the boundry of the binder. I just make a point of not cracking the spine, not folding back the portion of the book not being read, etc.

However, I wouldn't mind a full-size rule book and wouldn't mind paying for it.

Well, as you know, the cost isn't really zero - it's built into the registration fee (which did increase here this year). I was going by the listed cost ($9.95 is it?) and assuming we do get a bit of a discount with the registration package.

I wouldn't mind paying more for the option of a loose leaf rule book, although it would complicate matters for the local ASA office (now every umpire's package is the same).

But, actually, I would be satisfied with the quality of the book from a couple of years ago, when it held together.

I'm just not anal enough (sorry, Mike, no offense intended) to avoid opening the book a full 180 degrees (I don't bend it back, but I do open it as flat as I can for such use as these boards), however, the current binding gives way <big><b>WAY</b></big> before 180 degrees - more like 90 degrees.

As a new ump whose read and re-read several times over each of the last two years, both of my books have had pages come out from the current binding process.

How about using this as a barometer to judge whether or not an umpire is "studying" his craft enough?

If you ain't hurting the spine, then the umpire ain't fine!

Well, Mike might not agree with that!

I don't know, Sean may be Johnny F Cochran in disguise.

And I don't agree with it. Just because one doesn't abuse a book, doesn't mean it is not being used.