ASA Should Be Ashamed

[KJUmp]

Two questions, as I know very little about the ins/outs of ISF umpiring...

1) I watched the US/Canada game on Thurs. night, the crew were wearing uniform shirts with what looked like an oval shaped patch on the left breast along with ISF hats. Were these a current ISF uniform shirt or a 'blast from the past'?

2) Included in the required qualifications umpires must meet to attain ISF certification, is there some sort of ISF mechanics component in the criteria? Training (clinic/camp) or evaluation/observation to assure that the umpire is proficient in proper ISF mechanics.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by KJUmp

Two questions, as I know very little about the ins/outs of ISF umpiring...

1) I watched the US/Canada game on Thurs. night, the crew were wearing uniform shirts with what looked like an oval shaped patch on the left breast along with ISF hats. Were these a current ISF uniform shirt or a 'blast from the past'?

The emblem on the chest should have been the ISF shield. Mizuno used to embroider their name across the back of the shirt, highlighted in gold, but I believe those days are gone. Really, not even sure if Mizuno is still the manufacturer, but those were nice shirts.

2) Included in the required qualifications umpires must meet to attain ISF certification, is there some sort of ISF mechanics component in the criteria? Training (clinic/camp) or evaluation/observation to assure that the umpire is proficient in proper ISF mechanics.

Yes, but the problem is that all ISF umpires are not trained the same nor held to the same uniform standards which is why you will occasionally see an umpire without an all-black shoe. Each NGB is responsible for their umpires. Some are excellent while others, not so much. Obviously, the stronger the game is in a nation, the better the umpires. ISF does travel to hold clinics, but there is only so much you can do in some places.

[okla21fan]

Looks like someone is listening.....

[Jake26]

Originally Posted by okla21fan

Looks like someone is listening.....

But is that an "un-American" crew?

[okla21fan]

Originally Posted by Jake26

But is that an "un-American" crew?

plate and U3 are from the DFW area

[EsqUmp]

Finally, something that Mike and I can agree on. I concur, ASA should be ashamed. ISF too.

[outathm]

After listening to my wife talk about 'branding' for many years now, I agree. ISF needs to make sure that any game, but especially a televised game has the proper and newest ISF logo prominently displayed anywhere they can get it placed. The easiest is to make sure that the Umpires, who are going to be on TV almost as much as, or more than some players are uniformed in ISF gear.

A game that will be watched by America on basic cable should not be worked by umpires in ASA uniforms.