You can get it anywhere that sells umpire gear, such as http://www.stripesplus.com, or http://www.lestersupstatesports.com, or even http://www.honigs.com.

Lester Upstate Sports Intera Wear page

Honigs Intera Wear page

Rachel,

Didn't say NCAA taught it, but then again, NCAA has yet to take full possession of softball umpires. I'm sure they will soon enough.

I think it is more emulation of MLB umpires and other baseball influences than it actually being taught. My complaint though is that you bust your hump to train and work umpires to the point they will show well at a National, only to be contradicted by someone at the tournament.

I can understand adjustments for upper levels of competition as Billy P teaches. I worked for Billy a couple of years ago and one of my deputies just worked for him last week. We both ran into mechanic changes brought up by Billy. For the level of competition, the suggested changes made sense and we both adjusted at our respective tournaments.

Like what?

Please explain?


From what I heard at a clinic, I agree and will buy it for next year.

I believe you can get it online from the NCAA for free.

Here is a link.

http://www.ncaa.org/library/rules.html


Now on the subject of mechanics. ASA has definitely raised the uniformity in regards to mechanics. When I started in the 80's most of the mechanics were baseball oriented. This allowed a little more flair and individualism.

What I think has developed in the softball officiating ranks is that everyone wants the mechanics so standardized that umpires focus too much on that part of their game. When I hear the local UIC being more concerned that an individual did not get in the set position before making the call, rather than telling that individual he did a good job on the call, I get concerned on the focus of what we are supposed to be doing.

I don't care if people know I sweat, but I would hope if it causes my uniform to have an embarassing appearance, someone would tell me. That goes for anything that would be embarassing, regardless of the reason. Even if it's the pitcher's father passing behind the backstop and telling me a seam is split (true story). Never was so glad to have spares and a nearby locker room. :)
Seriously, would you tell your partner if he needed a change?

Well, I doubt many TDs would understand if an umpire suspended a game to change a pair of sweat-laden pants. My comment about the heather grey's is that those who prefer them always seem to boast how "sharp" they look with the navy shirt. Personally, I don't think they look sharp at all when the umpire is sweating.

Yes, the blue pants show the dirt, but so do your shoes and can just as easily be cleaned. However, once the greys get stained, it is possible the only way to get them back into shape is through laundering them.

JMHO,

This is the best blue-gray battle since 1865.

NCAA still wants us to walk the line when there is not a runner on base. Once 1 umpire goes set, then we all do.

ASA is implementing umpires staying set at all times. At first, this seemed kinda awkward, but after a few games I grew to like it.

As for NCAA Umpire Manual....It is a great resource, one that I believe all serious umpires should possess.

This is the best blue-gray battle since 1865 - Reply
 

Which is why we wore black a lot locally until Fed. & LL both made a big deal about gray. Now, it even matters what manufacturer's grays you have.

I also found it interesting that the LL softball Championships had the umpires in navy, after a big push for the light blue for softball, dark blue for baseball, this year. And, someone noted the red jersey one plate umpire had. I also liked it, but I'm one that goes back far enough to still own a red shirt from before. Would personally like to see red make a comeback.

What I find odd is that after all the discussions we have had about legal pitching motions, correct calls on interference & obstruction issues, and a lot of other problem calls, etc., the main emphasis from so many sanctioning bodies & others seems to be on uniforms and what motion was used to signal an out.

Has anyone ever seen the color of a ball bag affect a play? Are runners less out if the hammer is in front of the umpire, instead of over his head?

I like to look good, and see other umpires look good too, but there has been a lot of style over substance lately. I'd rather see the attention on getting the rules differences reduced, and improving the umpires that don't work on their rules awareness as much as the professionals (paid or not) that use this board to better themselves.

Re: This is the best blue-gray battle since 1865 - Reply
 

I disagree with this sentiment, and I'll tell you why. One of the easiest rules for an umpire to apply are the ones that apply to himself / herself. If s/he can't even do that????

Taking the extra effort to always wear the proper uniform, and to always look sharp and to always use proper mechanics - whether calling the plate in the 18U Gold National Championship Finals or calling a local rec league 12U game solo - shows the umpire has a pride in personal craftsmanship, in doing the job right, and will put in the effort to not just learn and apply Rule 10, but all the other rules, too.

OTOH, an umpire who won't even spend an extra $15 to replace his old vinyl gray ball bag with the prescribed navy bag indicates a sloppiness and a corner-cutting attitude that most likely shows up in the other aspects of his / her game.

JMO.

I don't disagree with Tom "Dakota"'s sentiments. To clarify my observations, I agree with using the "prescribed" equipment. What I was addressing is the ongoing debate here and within the industry about how specific or general the "prescription" should be.

For example, there was an observation recently about using what was either a black or navy bag with gray slacks. That must have been approved in the case at hand, or umpires working a game on national TV wouldn't have been so attired. I agree, old vinyl bags should be gone. But, IMO, I see no problem with some variety in choice of uniforms and equipment, color and style.

I also differentiate the elements of mechanics related to being in position to see the elements to correctly make a call, and the "mechanics" of communicating the call. It is important that all concerned know what the call was. If that isn't accomplished, nothing else matters. OTOH, if it is accomplished, what added value does a given motion have vs. another?

I realize many of us have a military background that stresses the elimination of any trace of individuality.

OTOH, attracting new, upwardly mobile types into our line of work is important in many localities. In the society we live in, many of the people we need to attract as new participants, as well as spectators (read supporters), value individuality, freedom of choice, and, yes, colorfulness. If all the diamond sports are to remain viable, we need to appeal to new blood. Like it or not, we are competing with every other diversion out there whenever we step onto the field.

I am by no means proposing WWE Wrestling as our marketing model, but I am suggesting making sure we "appeal" to diverse "markets".

questions from yesterday
 

Can anyone answer my questions from yesterday around 3:00 PM?

Depends on the change you are talking about. I have told partners when their uniform needed adjustment (everything from shirt collar up in back to fly open to split in the pants), but sweat? Not during a game. Maybe in the umpire's area between games.