Austex

I don't think Kylejt was attempting to weigh into the trustworthiness of modern politicians, rather the idea that Perception IS Reality. Regardless of what the reality is it matters only how people perceive it. PS I go clean shaven since my day job says I can't have a beard.

I know summer is close to wrapping up but just thought of adding something. The vest coolers are very nice and indeed add much needed comfort, however from a heat safety standpoint they are not the most efficient cooling systems you could be using. We all know that best ways to cool down in a hurry is to cool your neck, this is due to the fact that we have major blood vessels (carotid artery) which are very close to the surface of our skin in this area of our body. If you cool down your neck you are getting the biggest "bang for your buck" with all the blood that you're able to cool in a relatively short time. I say all this because you can find a simple neck wrap for $10-$15 just about anywhere. Dunk them in water and wrap your neck. They come in black and worn with a shirt and mask would be hard to see, or you could at least wear them between innings. I grew up in a part of the world where 120f was normal and now live in north Texas (and work outside for a living wearing 30 pounds of gear everyday), it's hot, umpires are a highly susceptible group. Please take precautions. And of course drink water and avoid caffeine and alcohol, both of which dehydrate you. Sorry for the rant, just want everyone to be safe out there so we don't have anymore falling out due to heat related issues.

For thunderheads, So I don't know how to add the smiley to the list of options but there you go .

Well in for the sake of getting us to 1000 I will add my... 1 573 :rolleyes:

I tried to do a search of the forums looking for input on different clinics around the country but came up pretty dry. For all intensive purposes I'm brand new to the umpire side of the game but have a drive to truly improve and step up my game and to help me do that I'm looking for a clinic to attend. I've done two years at the youth level, up to a few 14u games, but received a grand total of ZERO minutes of training. I'd like to make the jump to High school and have some idea of what I'm doing when I get there. Location of a clinic doesn't really matter as I love to travel. I can take a week or two off of work no problem, but money is a concern for me (I'm a low paid city employee). So that's what I have and I would love some input on clinics out there that would help a complete rookie prepare for High School ball. Thanks Guys!

I do not have any sources to cite but was watching the following game and the pitcher was suited up and smiling, looks like he's going to be ok. Tough to watch though. Can't imagine watching that if I was his parent.

Punish the offense for an overthrow, I can't imagine doing that. I think you have to go with OBR 7.05 .... ball thrown into the bench. Is it possible to have ground rules that supersede this rule??

Thanks for the help, I should have referenced that I had read 8.01 last night. I guess after a long day at work and a couple games last night I was too tired to sit down and wrap my head around the ruling.

MrUmpire... In the spirit of your signature "don't just settle" is there something i can refer to as irrefutable for future reference. Thanks in advance for the help.

So I'm braving the sea of blue to ask my first question from my rookie season, here goes. The question is in regard to the pitcher in a 14u game pitching from the windup. He starts in the natural position feet together heels on the rubber hands to the side. His pitching motion is to bring his hands together, step and pitch all in one motion with no stop whatsoever. My partner who is PU has 8+ years umpiring and when I asked him about it between innings he said it was a perfectly legal pitching action. I thought from the wind up you need to bring your hands together and come to a stop before delivering the pitch. I let it go and watched this pitcher for the next 2 innings and something just didn't seem right to me. Am I completely missing something here?

I have to say I am jealous of the part when people talk about having partner's that are willing to post game with them, much less an actual evaluator. I try to post game with the veteran umpires in my association to see what kind of rookie mistakes I'm making but I get ignored each and every time. And heaven forbid our UIC actually thought of having evaluations. I don't know how I'm supposed to get better besides find a new association next year.

txump81, can you send me a pm or anything on these forums? i can't say I'm in the know as far as what you're talking about. I'm excited to get more involved here in the dallas area so any info would be much appreciated?

Yes, we learned that lesson at the Alamo. I miss West Texas, spent 6yrs in Lubbock

Hello all, Like other new guys I have been lurking her for a while just absorbing it all in and gleaning some great information. I'm 26, I did some work in college and am just know getting re-addicted, working youth ball (USSSA) and looking to get involved with my local TASO chapter very soon. Thanks to all of you who created and contribute to this site, I've found it OH-SO-USEFUL.

The video I believe Roger K is referring to can be found at the following link: