Game Manager or Rules Guru?

[ASA Ump MN]

Originally Posted by UmpireErnie

OK I'll play..

While I don't want to downplay rules knowledge at all.. all the rule knowledge in the world will not help you if you can't run a smooth ballgame.

With game management I am lumping in good mechanics as well. If you look the part, can handle dealing with players and coaches it a positive and professional manner and can be at the right place at the right time you have a pretty darn good chance of having a good ballgame even if you f-up some rule interp along the way.

I'd have to agree with Ernie....If you had to actually pick between the 2.

Kind of like a good salesmen that knows his product isn't the greatest but can make it work and close the deal for the most part.