ASA Should Be Ashamed

[IRISHMAFIA]

ASA is the host of the WCOS. Since the onset, they have been emphasizing that this is INTERNATIONAL softball played under ISF rules.

Yet, there are umpires wearing ASA uniforms and equipment. If they cannot afford to properly equip the game officials, they shouldn't be running the tournament.

And I understand these are not all ASA-trained umpires, but some of the mechanics I've seen tonight are questionable.

JMHO

[okla21fan]

Actually Mike, this 'issue' occurred two years ago as well. Speaking with umpires who called the tournament, the problem is not ASA, but the ISF does not have enough inventory of 'logoed' gear for the crews.

In Canada last year, all the crews received 'proper' gear for both on and off the field, but for some reason, ISF does not do this for the World Cup games.

I would rather see them wear ASA uniforms, than 'blanks'

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by okla21fan

Actually Mike, this 'issue' occurred two years ago as well. Speaking with umpires who called the tournament, the problem is not ASA, but the ISF does not have enough inventory of 'logoed' gear for the crews.

In Canada last year, all the crews received 'proper' gear for both on and off the field, but for some reason, ISF does not do this for the World Cup games.

I would rather see them wear ASA uniforms, than 'blanks'

That is a load of shit, Phil. They told us the same thing when I worked in Plant City in 2002.

GMAFB, the shirts are sponsored by Mizuno. The shirt the 3B umpire was wearing tonight is the same style they were wearing 10 years ago.

It isn't like they have to provide hundreds of shirts, just enough for the crew they know they are going to have months in advance. This should be a no brainer for ASA, then again, we are talking about ASA putting out a few bucks for umpires. Oh yeah, never mind.

[okla21fan]

but who is 'they'? who is actually driving this bus?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by okla21fan

but who is 'they'? who is actually driving this bus?

The WCOS is purely ASA. Then again, you would think ISF would want to have their brand promoted on TV especially with the IOC vote approaching.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

The WCOS is purely ASA.

So now I'm confused. Sorry I didn't see this earlier in the discussion.

If this tournament is "purely ASA", why wouldn't the umpires wear ASA? And what is the tie-in with ISF? Is there some sort of agreement between the two organizations to conduct this thing? Why isn't the championship "purely ISF"?

[shagpal]

Is your concern with marketing and branding? The connection to the ASA seems to be a liability.

To me, if the umpires call good games, have uniforms alike, fit, are clean and neat, doesn't matter if its back to elbeco and balloon.

If you want appeal on TV, model it like the NCAA does.

[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?

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

ASA is the host of the WCOS. Since the onset, they have been emphasizing that this is INTERNATIONAL softball played under ISF rules.

Yet, there are umpires wearing ASA uniforms and equipment. If they cannot afford to properly equip the game officials, they shouldn't be running the tournament.

And I understand these are not all ASA-trained umpires, but some of the mechanics I've seen tonight are questionable.

JMHO

Most of the general public doesn't give a hoot about what logo is on the umpire's hat.

Perhaps ASA is doing this intentionally to put their brand out there?

ISF is the one dropping the ball on this, it seems to me. If the tournament is sanctioned by ISF, it is their place to state requirements to the host, such as umpire uniforms.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Most of the general public doesn't give a hoot about what logo is on the umpire's hat.

Perhaps ASA is doing this intentionally to put their brand out there?

ISF is the one dropping the ball on this, it seems to me. If the tournament is sanctioned by ISF, it is their place to state requirements to the host, such as umpire uniforms.

No, ASA is the host, it is their responsibility. Just like those who do college and wear a conference hat. The conference school is the host, but the game is sanctioned and played under NCAA rules.

[Dakota]

Who is the host of the NCAA Division I Softball Championships? ASA? It is at their (ASA's) stadium, just like the World Cup. I seriously doubt ASA could get away with having the umpires wear ASA uniforms in the WCWS.

[okla21fan]

ASA has nothing (and I mean nothing) to do with the CWS other than the NCAA leases the stadium from ASA. Ask someone from the National office next time if they could even get you 'comp' tickets or some such to a game.

World Cup is a much different story though. That Tournament is run by ISF in conjunction with ASA.