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So, here's some final photos of my Chest Protector project: First, I umpire softball. We don't really need the thick heavy duty protectors that baseball does, but I still wanted SOMETHING more than the flimsy Softball Only Chest protectors that most people use: I took a stock CP from Adams Protector that I bought on Epic Sports clearance: I removed the throat guard, changed out the shoulder caps to a style I liked, reshaped the chest section, added 2 layers of vinal mesh to reduce the lines from the plastic plates coming through the shirt, and added mounting points for Ray's CP harness. I also added several ventilation holes to the plastic plates. The CP is really thin - around 1/2" - 3/4". I've taken a couple shots without issue. Here's the final pics: Please let me know your thoughts. Interested to hear from @MadMax. Al

I strongly, strongly disagree with the notion that you have a better look at bang bang plays at first from B. Like, I can't begin to express how much I disagree. A shoukd stay literally for the sole reason of taking plays at first.

I think NCAA would like a word with the rule interpreter ......Maybe the powers that be should try to define the swing/strike before we go using replay. This is pulling stuff from the MSU rulebook at the highest of levels.

In a word, yes, but you're not going to like it: the rules read together answer this question. The rules, often just as written, specify when INT requires intent. The example that you cited in the OP, INT with a thrown ball, is one example. INT of a fielder fielding a batted ball, however, does not require intent, nor does INT of the batted ball itself. Part of learning the art of umpiring (or officiating any sport) is mastery of the rules. Newer officials often want shortcuts, "simplifications," "rules of thumb" that will relieve them of the obligation of learning all the rules and how to apply them. Alas, that's not a thing. Nor is the answer "umpire discretion," which among amateur officials is code for, "I can't be bothered to learn the rules adequately." Simplification becomes over-simplification, and then we're applying the wrong rule to a situation. Two conclusions: There is no substitute for mastery of the rules. As such mastery takes time, dedication, and experience, there is no substitute for patience with newer officials and support of their efforts.

As @maven often says, hinderance is the key to interference. If someone is hindered by an illegal action than interference (or obstruction) is the likely result. The potential list of what could be included is virtually endless.

Great. I didn't realize you had the version 3 shirts. How do they compare to the version 2 of your shirts with the side panels as far as fit and material? I really like those.

Ok, so this is mine as well. I painted the front of it black to reduce the glare. I have trouble seeing the numbers under lights - so I still have a noticeable stare as I tilt the indicator back and forth to get the light right. Otherwise, yes, I still peek at it sometimes, mostly, right as the pitcher toes the rubber. Never peeking instantly after the pitch. I don't need to look at it when I turn the wheels one click. But here is the thing, I don't have the feeling in my finger tips to discern the notches. Maybe I will try to learn it this winter or get my dremel out and make it more noticeable but its not a high priority. Also, I really don't notice when other umpires look at their indicators unless they stare at like they have an adult picture of their spouse/neighbor/nanny. I guess what I am trying to say is that sneaking a peek wont make an ump weak. Leering is not endearing and has the coaches' fearing.

JonnyCat has it right about coaches having to be approved and certified. This is from the California Interscholastic Federation Consitituion: The primary requirements for coaching high school sports in California are: 1. A General Coaching Education Course The most commonly utilized courses are: The Fundamentals of Coaching course through the NFHS https://nfhslearn.com/courses/fundamentals-of-coaching OR CIF Coaching Principles course offered through HKCE https://coacheducation.humankinetics.com/collections/28/products/cif-coaching-principles-5th-edition-online-course-with-print-book (with paperback) https://coacheducation.humankinetics.com/collections/28/products/cif-coaching-principles-5th-edition-online-course-with-ebook (with e-book) OR CIF Coaching Orientation course offered in a classroom setting (contact your school AD) or online through HKCE https://coacheducation.humankinetics.com/collections/28/products/cif-coaching-orientation-2nd-edition-online-course 2. A Concussion Course Concussion in Sports offered through NFHS: https://nfhslearn.com/courses/concussion-in-sports-2 3. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Training NFHS offers a free course at https://nfhslearn.com/courses/sudden-cardiac-arrest 4. Heat Acclimatization Course (Jan. 1, 2019 State law went into effect) NFHS: https://nfhslearn.com/courses/heat-illness-prevention-2 5. First Aid and CPR Certification Please consult your school district for this requirement.

Bro @HumblePie, wow. Thanks. Would love to hear from you a lot more than just the 11 times you've posted. 😁 Sounds like you're going from Oregon to Florida?

Just eliminate all positions and go to RoboUmp already!

Gentlemen ... I'm going to resurrect this thread because I just called an 11u scrimmage two Fridays ago that called for an umpire on the day-of, because they were only able to schedule the scrimmage that same day, and they just got "stuck" without time to plan. This is not a case where they were necessarily trying to save money ... they just wanted at least one real umpire calling balls and strikes instead of having a dad or mom step out of the stands to do it. Normally, I fall into the camp of not calling solo games on principle. I did this more to appease my assignor than anything else. If he had not used the word "scrimmage," I likely wouldn't have taken it. I have umpired in three states, and am about to start in my fourth state in 2025. I have seen all kinds of manipulation by leagues, by coaches, by commissioners, by schools, by ADs, by Tournament Directors, by moms, and by city officials in an effort to save money and milk all they can milk out of impressionable or weak umpires. I did five years in prison for a vigilante' crime. I have been intimidated for the last time in my life. I'm not about to be intimidated by people who have poor planning skills, and play on our sympathies by using the, "Come on, now, it's for the kids" bull****. BUT ......... I think there are a lot of facts and truths that are being unspoken on this thread that annoy me just as much, perhaps more, from our own fraternity. I'm currently in Oregon, and I'll state it this way ... the umpiring I.Q. and level of pride to wear the uniform is far superior here than in my last stop (Tennessee). There could be a hundred different reasons for it, but it's my experience. I've worked with an umpire who asked a Varsity Coach, classlessly, at the plate meeting, what day we should get paid ... and if the upcoming spring break is gonna cause a delay, because he's got bills to pay. I've had guys step out of their cars, and before we even fist bumped each other, say, "Man, let's get this S--- overwith ... I'm playing golf this afternoon." I've had guys literally say, "Let's try to get a mercy rule out of this one." I've had guys try to impose mercy rules after four innings that didn't exist. I've had guys make horrendous "out" calls late in games just to "end it" because the score is lopsided. I've had guys purposely take games they never intended to call, then cancel 30 minutes prior, to allow their partner to fly solo and make double pay or at least time and a half under the guise of a family emergency. I've had guys take conflicting games from three different assignors, knowing that they would have to turn back two of the three, just to wait as late as they could to take the best offer, then leave the others stranded. I've had guys cancel on varsity games an hour prior to first pitch because they "forgot their equipment bag, and were coming straight from work." Anyone who has umpired for even 5 years knows that you wind up with FAR more mercy rules that shorten games than you end up with EXTRA INNINGS games that lengthen them. I once had a partner walk off the field of an Adult League game because the game was tied 1-1 after 9 innings, and he suddenly didn't feel it was right for us to keep playing without getting paid extra for it. I finished the game by myself, reported it to the assignor (actually the Head Coach had beat me to it) and he was never used again. My point is ... there have been enough BAD umpires ... unprofessional umpires ... who tarnish our reputations, that if I can help out a well-meaning coach, or commissioner, or TD, by calling a game solo in a pinch, I'm probably gonna do it. It's not about the money ... it's about giving him/her a breath of fresh air that says, "Wow ... that guy and his assignor are dependable ... THAT's where we need to go for all our umpires in the future." If the pinch becomes a habit, then I'm out. I've got one final tournament to call here in Oregon before I move, and I've already told my assignor that there is one person I refuse to work with. He starts every game or every day of multiple games with the "Let's get this overwith" crap ... or talks about how tired he is, or about what he gave up to take these games. My sentiment is, "STAY THE F--- HOME! I'm here to enjoy my favorite hobby." Many years ago, there was a particular high school in Middle Tennessee that had a bookkeeper and AD who would do anything and everything to screw the umpires coming to the school to call a Double Header. The state policy was simple: If Game 2 was scheduled for no more than 90 minutes later than Game 1, meaning a JV short game followed by a Full Varsity Game, then a DH discount applied. Otherwise, we were to be paid for 2 distinct games. This particular school tried to skirt the policy, and they had enough spineless or ignorant umpires who just took what they were given and never complained about it, that I had enough. I told the bookkeeper one day of her error, and before I finished my sentence, she tried to silence me with the "No one else has ever complained" bulls***. So, after getting my corrected shortfall 3 weeks later, I stood up in an Association meeting, and in front of our Assignor and all of our Officers, I implored 115 umpires to refuse assignments to this particular school. I explained that even if you don't mind taking the discount for doing two distinct games, you're screwing all the guys that come behind you, because you've established the wrong precedent. My Assignor started to freak out, but I stood my ground and told him to use my name when he deals with that school, and I'll testify before the state board over what they are doing. Wouldn't you know it ... our Assignor finally realized he had no other choice but to tell the school that he could no longer assign them officials until they signed an agreement to abide by all the state's policies, and that if ANY umpire gets paid incorrectly again, he will immediately stop sending them officials. There's a time to acquiesce, and there is a time to shut it down.

'A' position has a better angle for checked swing appeals for right handed batters.