Umpires that need to move to Freshman/JV

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Bluedevildad
Wow, I have never had anyone take my advice so quickly LOL. As an umpire then you have more right to be critical of others in your field, as a poor umpire reflects on all umpire. People seldom remember a great umpire, since part of being a great umpire is to not detract from the game, but they always remember a poor umpire. I wish you well with your quest to improve the ranks.
I still recommend you do the research on Vanderink.

 

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BDD.

You would be wise to follow the advice of DogDad. This is one of the most knowledgeable person you would ever meet in softball. Trust me.

 

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What advise, he asked me to research someone. It will not chage my view that some are not able to umpire effectively and therefore should not.

 

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What advise, he asked me to research someone. It will not chage my view that some are not able to umpire effectively and therefore should not.

They had me looking for the advice but I couldn't find it.

 

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I still recommend you do the research on Vanderink Isn't that adviCe?

 

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DogsDad...

Thank you.

http://www.dispatch.com/live/conten...tter.ART_ART_04-30-08_C1_RIA2LQ9.html?sid=101

That is a great story about desire, dedication and triumph.

However that still does not change the fact that umpires that are physically unfit, have one eye ect...... should not be doing this game. Yes there will be exceptions at times that a person will be able to overcome their handicap in order to produce this task. But that is very few.

Again thanks she is an amazing sucess story.

 

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I still recommend you do the research on Vanderink Isn't that adviCe?

I think you are rigHt!

 

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Would much rather have an ump working hard on overcoming a slight physical handicap than one with a know-it-all attitude. Bdd, its interesting that you originated this thread as either a parent/coach and posted a half dozen times before coming out and saying you were an umpire yourself. Can I ask at what level?

 

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coachjwb:

You took the words right out of my mouth.

Look, BDD, no one is arguing that age should not be a factor in whether an umpire gets to the proper position and can call a good game. What we ARE arguing is that each umpire is entitled to an evaluation of his or her ability. I know that there are U.S. umpires who are older that are umping games in the Netherlands for The Cup competition. Knowing that, who am I to say that because they are of a certain age, they shouldn't be allowed to ump? And, like others on this thread, I keep coming back to the FACT that there are younger umps who are not in physical shape to get into position or who just don't know the rules, either generally or for the particular association that is sanctioning the game.

Turning to the question of an ump who has lost an eye. Two things: 1) I'll take an ump who has studied his/her disability to learn whether he or she can still do the job any day over the ump whose strike zone remains incomprehensible to me after as many as ten games with that ump; 2) while all this talk about how the parents, the family, and the coaches (and I am one, spending numerous hours without compensation) have worked so hard and deserve good umps resonates with me, the fact is good umps are hard to find and I don't know why we would arbitrarily rule out categories that might include individuals who are good umps. It's actually the good old University of Chicago conservative theory of economics at work (which I assume from your myriad of prior posts you adhere to): if no one else who is capable is willing to do the job (and I think we would get a Greek choir of TD's to testify to how hard it is to get good umps), why would we exclude individuals who are caught in your web of overinclusive (that's a constitutional term of art) categories?

 

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Well said cgs.

 

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I have seen more than my fair share of games and regularly watch how umpires do since I am an ASA District Commissioner, a Tournament Director, an umpire scheduler as well as umpiring (on occassions). I might also point out that I am also banging on the big 60 birthday real soon. So, my observations over the past 20 years should exclude age... I have seen horrible umpires in their 20's and 30's. As most of you have pointed out, it's the physical ability to do the job. I know one umpire who drops his jaw when he is behind the plate to get in position.... that is the only thing that drops.
We regularly see NFL football referees in the 60's and I don't think it is going to get much faster than that.
The key is, "Can he do the job"????? Nothing else, nothing more.

 

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coachjwb:

You took the words right out of my mouth.

Look, BDD, no one is arguing that age should not be a factor in whether an umpire gets to the proper position and can call a good game. What we ARE arguing is that each umpire is entitled to an evaluation of his or her ability. I know that there are U.S. umpires who are older that are umping games in the Netherlands for The Cup competition. Knowing that, who am I to say that because they are of a certain age, they shouldn't be allowed to ump? And, like others on this thread, I keep coming back to the FACT that there are younger umps who are not in physical shape to get into position or who just don't know the rules, either generally or for the particular association that is sanctioning the game.

Turning to the question of an ump who has lost an eye. Two things: 1) I'll take an ump who has studied his/her disability to learn whether he or she can still do the job any day over the ump whose strike zone remains incomprehensible to me after as many as ten games with that ump; 2) while all this talk about how the parents, the family, and the coaches (and I am one, spending numerous hours without compensation) have worked so hard and deserve good umps resonates with me, the fact is good umps are hard to find and I don't know why we would arbitrarily rule out categories that might include individuals who are good umps. It's actually the good old University of Chicago conservative theory of economics at work (which I assume from your myriad of prior posts you adhere to): if no one else who is capable is willing to do the job (and I think we would get a Greek choir of TD's to testify to how hard it is to get good umps), why would we exclude individuals who are caught in your web of overinclusive (that's a constitutional term of art) categories?

Good point cgs. While I said that the girls, coaches and parents all deserve good ump's I guess you have to take what you can get. I have no idea how scheduling is done and from what pool they have to choose but I hope it solely based on ability if there is even a way to determine that. So since I don't know and don't want to get off my arse to find out I will just sit in the stands and b*tch with the rest of the parents. Unless of course we are winning then all is well.

 

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Would much rather have an ump working hard on overcoming a slight physical handicap than one with a know-it-all attitude. Bdd, its interesting that you originated this thread as either a parent/coach and posted a half dozen times before coming out and saying you were an umpire yourself. Can I ask at what level?

Does it matter?

I have done Championship games at the 23U level and below. Does that help?

 

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Not really ... pretty evasive ... but that's fine ... you have shown your true colors throughout this thread and I am done with it.

 

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What colors would that be.

I am against one eye umpires. That makes me a bad guy? Touchy.

 

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OPINION: what if we just have yearly evaluations - making sure that the umpries can actually still do thier job - let's forget about the physical things - eyes, missings parts, whatever - i have seen deformaties and these people can still do thier job very well - it is thier evaluation of the game - I think an outside source should be hired to actually see if these guys know how to umpire. If they dont they have the option to take classes or get out

 

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What colors would that be.

I am against one eye umpires. That makes me a bad guy? Touchy.

How about hard of hearing umpires? (loaded question)

 

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I think you are rigHt!

I'm surprised you caUght that.

 

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Not against hard of hearing umpires as long as it does not effect the way call the game.

 

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Can you think of anyway a hearing impaired person would affect the way a game is called?

A person that loses an eye adapts their depth perception and perpherial vision. True, not initially but humans have this amazing ability to adapt.

I would hate to face Rooster Cogborn in a gunfight. (Think John Wayne) Also, why do sharpshooters close one eye?