clawdad

Another thing you can do is have someone record your plate & base work. Even if you feel everything in your game was good, chances are you will see something in the video you never picked up on before. Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Don't worry, it will come to you. Definitely good that it was a scrimmage, with less pressure on everyone. Great way to get some reps in without worrying about a game counting in the standings. Work on clearing the catcher by "opening the gate," which is difficult at this age due to the skill level of some of the catchers. Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Yes, it is. But not only that, it will affect your mobility. Try doing a pivot wearing clunky plate shoes . For LL, the black running shoes should suffice right now - for the most part, only other umpires would notice anyway.. If they will take a polish, shine them up. If not, just make sure they are clean before taking the field. Save up some $$ and make the investment at a later time. Just watch out on wet/muddy fields - depending on the tread your running shoes have, you won't get a lot of traction which could cause injury (or at least severe embarrassment if you slip and fall with everyone looking ) Any of these would serve you well. I have the 3n2 and have been happy with them for the last couple of years (plus, they're the least expensive). http://www.ump-attire.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=UMPIRE-BASE-SHOES. If possible, get to a clinic somewhere. The best way to learn the proper mechanics, timing, etc. is by actually doing it, IMHO. Welcome to the boards.

I was tempted, but SWMABO would not have been happy. Glad I could help you out. Sent from my SCH-I405 using Tapatalk 2

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pair-Of-Original-West-Vest-by-Douglas-Baseball-Umpire-Chest-Protector-Black-/121302906483?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c3e377673 Not mine. Found it while browsing and thought I would pass it on.

Welcome..we're in the same general area (I'm about 1 1/2 hours away from Buffalo)

I thought they did away with the number of coaches in relation to roster size? They did. I believe 2012 was the first year there could be 3 "adults" (1 manager & 2 coaches) regardless of roster size.

In the OP I would still HTBT but based solely on what is written I think I would have interference. The video is similar to the play asked about but not exactly alike. F2 in the play in question has the ball roll away from him, while F2 in the video catches it cleanly. In the video, I support the interference call. Like I said the whole thing was a mess, and the ultimate ruling came from Williamsport. Sent from my SCH-I405 using Tapatalk 2

Your situation is definitely a HTBT. There are a lot of variables to take in: - How far to the right did the ball roll - Right near him, or 15-20 feet away? - Where were the batter and F2 located when he cocked his arm - Near the plate, or closer to dugout? - What was the location of R1 when the "attempt to throw" was made - 1 step from 2nd base? Halfway between 1st & 2nd? - Does the umpire feel that the play was actually hindered, or was it just a pump fake by F2? This is a judgement call for the umpire. Now if F2 had a legit chance to get the runner at 2nd and attempted a throw that nailed the batter in the helmet, or air-mailed the throw into center field, the call of interference could be easier to make. But again - it's purely a judgement call, and judgement calls are not subject to protest. The video you posted was a giant cluster. Not all the blame can go to the umpires or on-site officials, though. From what I remember, the ultimate ruling came from LLHQ

Wow....never met him, but he seemed like a great guy. Always had great ideas that he shared here. My condolences to his family and friends. Rest In Peace.

http://www.ump-attire.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=ALGLUE&Category_Code=UMPIRE_FLAG_PATCHES&Product_Count=5 I have heard and read varying reviews on this, but it's cheap enough to give it a try.

http://msn.foxsports.com/buzzer/story/daily-buzz-little-league-helmet-toss-lawsuit-mike-trout-49ers-spurrier-pablo-sandoval-marc-gasol-011514

http://nysbua.com/NYSBUAEquipment.html

I would like one as well..PM sent

Wally World has some OK rolling duffels. This one wouldn't break the bank too bad. There are others on their site as well. I got one from them, and it has held up pretty well. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Travelers-Polo-Racquet-Club-Adventurer-36-Travel-Duffel/21730700

Definitely closer. Palin can see it from her house. First of all, you dodn't search hard enough. Second, here is what would fit your budget. http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/samsonite-andante-28-rolling-drop-bottom-duffel?ID=690940&CategoryID=26195&LinkType=PDPZ1 Samsonite? I was way off! I see what you did there

I saw it. I haven't had a lot to cheer for this year being a Buffalo Sabres fan, but that was great.

New York requires fingerprint clearance for sports officials. New officials are given conditional clearance to work games until the final approval is given by the State Education Dept.

I think I found your website, and read the rule book found there. It looks REALLLLLLY complicated. Way more than it should be IMHO.

by Mike Lantiere, Assistant Umpire-in-Chief, Little League Eastern Region

What rule set do you use? Are you chartered/affiliated (Little League, PONY, etc.)? I was going to ask you in you EJ post, but forgot. If you aren't, you could look at having you league joining one of those organizations. People rip on Little League, but at least there are mechanics manuals/rule interpretations/training resources out there.

Gotcha. That's why I said what I did about your report - it was confusing. Each of you do your own report, but make sure they tell the same story. Personally, I wouldn't put the stuff about "my extended strike zone" in there. The boardwoman took it to the league and I heard later that she was the only one who voted to overturn the ejection. Ejection stood and the coach was given his obligatory one game suspension. She sent me an apology afterwards and the league says that a boardperson who is coaching can't use their power as a board member to overturn a call on the field. She was not punished though. A boardperson who ISN'T coaching can't use their power to overturn a call on the field. The game is yours to officiate, and you make calls. The coaches can protest a misapplication of the rules if they wish, and a call may get changed after the protest is heard. I wish I could get some kids around here to start umpiring young like you. Kudos to you. I hope you stay with it.

First, welcome to the board. There is a wealth of knowledge on here, and I think joining shows you want to continue to learn the craft. I know each league is different, and has their own ways, but for me: 2nd Grade game + pitching & batting restrictions like you stated + coach shagging balls behind catcher = no umpire necessary. I think the only time I would have an umpire out there for that level of ball would be for training new umpires positioning; and maybe not even then. Too many big bodies on a small field. Some suggestions (IMHO): 1. Don't tell a coach where your strike zone is. If you're going to, tell him it is what the rulebook states and leave it at that. 2. I count 3 warnings in your EJ report. For me, that is at least 1 (if not 2) too many warnings, especially arguing balls & strikes. 3. If that woman was actually on the board and did that to me, I'm leaving. I am assuming you are a volunteer, but they couldn't pay me enough to put up with that. Since you decided to continue working the game, eject her too. If she refuses to leave, send the teams to the dugouts and refuse to continue play until she goes. 4. Don't EVER, EVER put in your EJ report that you thought the call your partner made was wrong, or that it should have been different "in your opinion". If you want to discuss it between the 2 of you in a post-game, OK. But only if he asks you how you thought his zone was. If you did that to me, I wouldn't work with you again. Plus, it doesn't add anything of substance to the report. If anything, it may give the coach an avenue to have his EJ overturned by the board. 5. Your report is all over the place. You start, stop, interject something, then continue. It is also written like two people just added things as they went along. Keep it simple. - You and James were the crew for the 2:30 p.m. game at Oregon Trail Field #1 - During the game the following incidents occurred: * A gentleman was warned twice that he could no be behind the backstop. He complied and moved each time. * In both the 1st & 2nd inning, a warning was issued to Coach___________ about arguing balls and strikes. * In the 3rd inning, woman ________ approached and stated she was on the board and needed to speak with you. Time was called, and you approached the board member. At this time, Coach________ came over as well. Coach __________ resumed arguing balls and strikes, at which time he was ejected from the game. Woman __________ began berating and threatening you. you calmly allowed woman ____________ to finish her rant, then resumed the game without further incident. After the game, you filed this EJ report with the appropriate people. Again, welcome. I hope the site helps you become a better umpire. Everyone should continue to learn new things as they go along in their career.

Great video of the Crew & Joe Torre explaining why the call was made (and correct) http://wapc.mlb.com/play/?topic_id=59733688&content_id=31185803#

http://wapc.mlb.com/play/?topic_id=28898650&content_id=31185453 it looks like the leg of his uniform pants JUUUUUUUUUUUUST grazes the edge of the plate.