I thought it was getting better...

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

Watching the D2 championship game right now. Bottom of 3rd, CDO catcher blocking plate without ball, no obstruction called.

Well, assume you are talking HS since NCAA hasn't started yet.

My contention is, as stated before, too many alleged umpires believe the clinics, schools and seminars are more of a "suggestion" as opposed to direction.

Obviously, they learn more by watching their son's LL or HS baseball game or the MLB game on TV at night. Way too many wannabe's that have a better concept of the game than those who have been working and studying it for years.

AFA how assignments come about, each state has their own procedures. I just returned from a rating committee meeting which offered the qualified umpires for the Northern half of the state. The order of the list is based solely on rating submitted by partners and observers along with personal observances of committee members.

Unfortunately, this list goes the the state HS assn to be compared with the team coaches' selections. It isn't that far off most years, but the coaches definitely slide some "socially adept" umpires up the list for playoff assignments inspite of their lack of skills or willingness to actually enforce all the rules.

[RKBUmp]

Yes, AZ high school division 2 championship game.

[azbigdawg]

Since Andy can't just come out and say it..... There is a HUGE difference between Phoenix umpires and the outlying areas..... The Phoenix area HS crew does an amazing job with training.... and they can be a little more selective with state tournament assignments. The Championships are usually split up between different parts of the state with Phoenix usually getting the top level(s). The outlying areas are less likely to send a well trained umpire over a buddy.....regardless of the type of season the buddy is having. It gets sickening....same bad mistakes from the same bad umpires. Not saying Phoenix has all the good ones, because there are some GREAT ones from Tucson.... but that's the general rule of thumb

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by azbigdawg

Since Andy can't just come out and say it..... There is a HUGE difference between Phoenix umpires and the outlying areas..... The Phoenix area HS crew does an amazing job with training.... and they can be a little more selective with state tournament assignments. The Championships are usually split up between different parts of the state with Phoenix usually getting the top level(s). The outlying areas are less likely to send a well trained umpire over a buddy.....regardless of the type of season the buddy is having. It gets sickening....same bad mistakes from the same bad umpires. Not saying Phoenix has all the good ones, because there are some GREAT ones from Tucson.... but that's the general rule of thumb

That seems to be relevant in many areas. Some take their umpiring to the extremes on training while others seem to be "here's your hat, here's your schedule, see you in three months" type of associations.

Really don't care how some people feel about training, it can only put the umpire in a better position to succeed on the field, locally and nationally. There is no such thing as too much training.

[gdc25]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

There is no such thing as too much training.

Could you PLEASE convey that to the "veterans" in my state that think they should be able to test out of training every year.

[DaveASA/FED]

Originally Posted by gdc25

Could you PLEASE convey that to the "veterans" in my state that think they should be able to test out of training every year.

I think I would take that bet with just about any of them I know....I will give them the test that was presented at this years clinics. I bet 95+% of them could not score over an 80% of it!! Would that help their "I don't need this attitude"?? Probably not but it would reassure us they don't have a clue!

[gdc25]

Originally Posted by DaveASA/FED

I think I would take that bet with just about any of them I know....I will give them the test that was presented at this years clinics. I bet 95+% of them could not score over an 80% of it!! Would that help their "I don't need this attitude"?? Probably not but it would reassure us they don't have a clue!

Uhh.... do we really need reassuring?

oh, and can you try to be more entertaining next year?

[UmpireErnie]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

My contention is, as stated before, too many alleged umpires believe the clinics, schools and seminars are more of a "suggestion" as opposed to direction.

This is too true. Our assn hosted an ASA State Umpire School with two very good out of state clinicians brought in. The turn out was very disappointing.