July 27, 2015 BadCallBlue | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: SSUSA Needs to review bat rule Sparky1 as a SSUSA umpire and Previous ASA and USSSA umpire of 20+ years, let me address some of these. 1. Correct Arc Heights, Limits and Calls 2. Correct Field Positioning 3. Correct Field Mechanics 4. Rule Interpretation 5. Dress Code 6. Correct Vocal Mechanics 7. Update availability on New Rules #1 6 ft is sometimes not above the Batters eyes. If a person is 6'3" then it looks flat. A flat pitch coming in we sometimes wait until it reaches peak and by that time it at coming in faster and right in the middle of the swing when we call illegal. Not an easy call. #2 Some umps rarely work a 2 man system and are not familiar with the mechanics. #3 Same as #2 Its frustrating for us too as I have been left hung out to dry because my partner did not know what base-runners were his responsibility. But in a one man, one should be in position to make the call. Are we referring to getting out from behind the plate here? After 5+ games in 90+ heat, some umpires are spent. #4 No excuse but this is not a full time position for me, I call 10 different associations in 5 different sports. #5 No excuse here. This too is a pet peave of mine. Directors do need to be more diligent on this one. #6 ?????, did you have a bad experience?? #7 ?????, how is this an Umpire responsibility?? Our Core crew meets in the spring with the SSUSA UIC to go over these. Just a note to help you understand where the UIC's and Umpires are coming from. This is not a big pay day. I do it because I love it and enjoy the Seniors. They are very appreciative of my hard work, knowledge, professionalism and the ability to call a good game. Some larger tournaments it's difficult to find umpires to fill the need. SSUSA had grown tremendously in the last 5 years and I am not a fan of a 40 division. I see guys registering the morning of tournaments and a quick tutorial of the rules. Yes, these are the ones that struggle. Now to answer your question, Good luck getting all umpires on the same page. Has not happened since I started calling in the late 80s and will not happen in my lifetime. |