Umpire Inattention

[Skarp]

lol...you guys crack me up. The OP didn't name anyone. Didn't even identify a location. He just brought up situations which may as well have been pure hypotheticals. But in Umpireland it's not even permissible to hypothetically criticize umpires.

Hell, he didn't even criticize anyone. He merely asked a question. Get over yourselves already.

Relax, no one jumped on the OP and his alleged incidents and alleged umpire.

For all we know, this is just sour grapes. I mean after all, there isnt a SINGLE experienced umpire who hasnt heard these same accusations when you watched the entire play. We were nice enough to even give him the benefit of the doubt and take his post at face value despite parental and coach proclivities at gross exaggeration.. what more do you want Mr. Johnny Cochran of Heybucket? An e-greet sympathy card for the OP?

Right. It's always sour grapes and gross exaggeration when someone on here suggests that an umpire may have been less than perfect.

How many times have you and/or MTR belittled someone for relating their personal observation--whether or not you were even in the same state as the actual event? It's comical really. I can almost predict the verbiage of your response when I read the OP.

Absent knowledge to the contrary, why not try giving someone the benefit of the doubt. Maybe your "sour grapes" assumption doesn't apply to everyone. After all, if the glove don't fit, you must acquit.

[bucketdad96]

You know, now that I think about it, his face was a little flushed for a while after.

[wadeintothem]

You know, now that I think about it, his face was a little flushed for a while after.

See, you and skarp you heckle this poor fellow in the midst of a medical emergency.

[wadeintothem]

ct.

How many times have you and/or MTR belittled someone for relating their personal observation--whether or not you were even in the same state as the actual event? It's comical really. I can almost predict the verbiage of your response when I read the OP.

Absent knowledge to the contrary, why not try giving someone the benefit of the doubt. Maybe your "sour grapes" assumption doesn't apply to everyone. After all, if the glove don't fit, you must acquit.

Skarp, do you need a hug?

Hey are you going to Fresno Force?

[Skarp]

ct.

How many times have you and/or MTR belittled someone for relating their personal observation--whether or not you were even in the same state as the actual event? It's comical really. I can almost predict the verbiage of your response when I read the OP.

Absent knowledge to the contrary, why not try giving someone the benefit of the doubt. Maybe your "sour grapes" assumption doesn't apply to everyone. After all, if the glove don't fit, you must acquit.

Skarp, do you need a hug?

Hey are you going to Fresno Force?

Damn straight. Will that be my first opportunity to heckle you??

And now that you mention it, I believe I do need a hug.

[wadeintothem]

ct.

How many times have you and/or MTR belittled someone for relating their personal observation--whether or not you were even in the same state as the actual event? It's comical really. I can almost predict the verbiage of your response when I read the OP.

Absent knowledge to the contrary, why not try giving someone the benefit of the doubt. Maybe your "sour grapes" assumption doesn't apply to everyone. After all, if the glove don't fit, you must acquit.

Skarp, do you need a hug?

Hey are you going to Fresno Force?

Damn straight. Will that be my first opportunity to heckle you??

And now that you mention it, I believe I do need a hug.

Maybe! Hopefully I get the call. There is a new UIC there. I know him, but not sure whats going on. I usually do go though.

If I do, be gentle the first time Skarp.

If I go I'll try and stop by whatever meet up is arranged. I cant hang out and let you guys take advantage of me though. Woudnt be proper...

[GSB]

I only posted this as an observation. Although not as highly trained as an umpire, I am a trained observer. I didn't want to lay anyone out or give dates and times. I don't think I need to as you only have to go to any weekend friendly or tournament in SoCal to see it over and over.

You folks on Heybucket do not seem to be the problem umpires that I see. I have watched your posts and you seem to be very professional in your approach to the job. I just wonder if additional training or ASA requirements for new umpires needs to be addressed. Maybe even a system of self policing were umpires can anonymously report problem umpires. Another method would be to hire professional umpire watchers who would watch random games and have the power to decertify umpires that they observe doing stupid things. (like not paying attention or making obviously bad calls time after time).

I always hear the jokes about blind umpires. You know, the seeing eye dog thing. LOL.. But seriously, is there any requirement for umpires to have their vision checked on a routine basis?

Anyway, I never have seen it so bad as this year. Maybe it is just a bunch of new umpires. Maybe not. If enough parents coaches, managers take the time to compile evidence and write the powers that be. Maybe something will be done about it.

This post is not about bashing umpires. It is about what can be done about a growing problem in the softball community. It is obvious by other posts and conversations with others that I am not the only one seeing this as a growing issue. I had a conversation with an umpire recently who actually brought up the problem in the conversation. He has been seeing it more and more as well.

Just like any job. You have folks who do a terrible job and folks who are outstanding. No other job with the exception of judges get to work with total impunity. There should be a method in place for dealing with the bad apples.

[GIMNEPIWO]

GSB writes:
Situation #3: Umpire makes calls, 3 to 6 seconds before the play even happens, then turns his head.

Judging by how fast everyones DD's are ... this means as they are rounding first they are getting called safe at 2nd or 3rd ... ~funny visual picture ~

[GIMNEPIWO]

Although not as highly trained as an umpire, I am a trained observer.

Just where can I pick up the Trained Observer Manual ... I tried googling it and couldn't find it ... thanks in advance !

Another method would be to hire professional umpire watchers who would watch random games and have the power to decertify umpires that they observe doing stupid things. (like not paying attention or making obviously bad calls time after time).

That could work ... maybe a system were you would first have to be a an Umpire, then a Trained Observer for a year or two, like an apprentiship, and work your way to Umpire Watcher ... in my case, I got it all bass ackwards though ! ... if ya throw Coaching somewhere in that mix of over-laps

I always hear the jokes about blind umpires. You know, the seeing eye dog thing. LOL.. But seriously, is there any requirement for umpires to have their vision checked on a routine basis?

No, but I understand that the are starting to require this for Trained Observers

If enough parents coaches, managers take the time to compile evidence and write the powers that be. Maybe something will be done about it.

Not saying I agree, but at an ASA clinic this past weekend, they said the Coaches this year were going to be given a card for grading Umpires at the start of each game ... but I believe they were just talking to the slow pitch group for league play and not tourny's, but they never really said so I'm not sure if this is national or local, fast, slow or both ... the 3 hour clinic was already over 4 hours so I wasn't gonna ask

Just like any job. You have folks who do a terrible job and folks who are outstanding. No other job with the exception of judges get to work with total impunity.

You forgot Weathermen

[MTR]

How many times have you and/or MTR belittled someone for relating their personal observation--whether or not you were even in the same state as the actual event?

Actually, what I find comical is the point many on here make that if it is said by an umpire it must be a defensive attack of a personal nature. The "umpire is always wrong" mantra is boring. God forbid an umpire make light of a situation or offer an alternative cause and effect.

You ever wonder how a 3B coach can see a catch on the LF line and then argue with the umpire that his runner on 1B didn't leave early? Happens all the time. How can someone keep such a close eye on every movement an umpire makes and actually see the entire play?

There are more games than there are people willing to umpire. And that will always be as long as the "softball community" maintains an "if we play, there will be umpires" attitude. Yeah, there are guys and gals out there that don't belong, but I've said it before, what are your alternatives? No umpire? I do not condone the lazy umpire or the one who is in it for the money and couldn't care less about the job they are doing (BTW, with the economy, expect to see a lot more of these "greens" working games). But, at least, they are making an effort to fill a void the softball community created.

Absent knowledge to the contrary, why not try giving someone the benefit of the doubt.

That is a two way street, Bubba. You never seem to be shy about instant condemnation of the umpire, in general.

Maybe your "sour grapes" assumption doesn't apply to everyone.

Ya think? You will not believe it, but the umpires most severe and demanding critic is an umpire.

After all, if the glove don't fit, you must acquit.

As dumb as it sounded, it worked, didn't it? It was such a strong sound byte, you are still referrencing it.