JonnyCat

I would just let it happen. No need for anyone to get heartburn over this. It would probably be no different if an in person translator wanted to go to the mound. I would let that happen, too.

Slow for me too. On my desktop and laptop, so it's not my system. It's been so slow, sometimes I haven't even been able to load the main page. Although, I haven't been patient enough to wait.

I agree. I'm hoping that by umpires not working games, the assigners will be forced to raise rates and change their ways. But apparently, my hopes continue to be dashed. Seems these assigners still manage to find plenty of stooges to work their games.

I don't think so, it's up the the individual leagues to raise money and set the league fees. Most of that money comes from the registration fees and sponsorships. More sponsors could result in increased revenue for the leagues, which could in turn increase umpire pay. But it's not likely. Most of the problem is umpires working for those rates. Leagues will also take advantage of newer umpires, particularly at the LL level. LL believes in an all volunteer system, so the culture is such that many LL umpires work for free, or reduced rates. Also, newer LL umpires are usually very enthusiastic about working games, and will go along with the system. To many, working games are the allure, not so much the money. Also, many youth leagues abuse the mantra of, "it's for the kids." If umpires stopped working games that pay poorly, then the pay is likely to increase. After all, we are supposed to be "independent contractors." It's a crappy system, at all amateur levels, and won't change unless umpires stop working games. Surprisingly, the nationwide shortage of umpires hasn't appreciably increased the rate of pay. Why? All we've done is get less people to cover more games. We haven't done anything to address the root cause of the problem.

Not directed at you. $36.00 and $60.00 per game is what they're paying??? $60.00 per game is F*#King ridiculous, but I don't have a word for $36.00 per game! Why the F*#K would anyone work games for $36.00? Unless those games are 30 minutes long, in my area, that's not even minimum wage. Most games are usually at the very minimum, a 3 hour commitment, and that's not including travel time. That's like $12.00 per hour. If it took 4 hours out of your day, that's $9.00 per hour. With no benefits, no taxes taken out or portions paid by your employer, and no workman's comp. Really? Why the Hell does anyone put up with this? At $60.00 per game you're being taken advantage of. At $36.00 per game, I don't even know where to begin.

Higher paying? By how much? Don't even get me started on the poverty wages we accept to work games! My stance on this is well documented on this site, so I'll spare you my soapbox....for now.

Good Lord, no. Throw that thing away. The only thing worthy in that document is asking about "legally and properly equipped." This type of instruction from whomever gave it to you is one of the reasons why bad habits get propagated. A good plate meeting is short and sweet. 2-3 minutes tops, and that may be too long. 1. Introductions. 2. Line ups. 3. Ask if players are properly equipped. 4. Ground rules. 5. Any thing else special such as time limits, etc. 6. Done. Don't ask if they have any questions. And don't ask your base umpire(s) if they have anything to add. It's your meeting, run it. A good plate meeting sets the tone for the game. When I'm a base umpire, or when I was coaching, I would just cringe at some of the long winded diatribes I was subject to. Who the Hell taught these blowhards that a lecture of over 5 minutes is a good way to start a game. Here's what many people fail to realize. Coaches aren't listening. They want to get the game going, they are still strategizing about the game. They don't want to hear a monologue about what they should or should not do. JMO

I have some shin guards that might work. Not sure if you're interested in the other items.

Yep, me either. Couldn't find any information about his company. No website, which is surprising for a tech-bro!

We use Arbiter for our HS unit, and Assignr for our LL district. Both work well, but I think I actually prefer Assignr. Yes, it is spelled that way,

Aside from a batting helmet when a player is batting, there are no requirements for face protection. Even the cheek guard or a face mask is not mandatory. Doesn't matter if the player has braces or a retainer or whatever.

You're still here?

This place functions as exactly as it should, a forum to discuss and bounce ideas off of those that wish to participate. It's not meant to be the absolute authority on all things umpiring. It's a place where opinions are very much a part of the discussions. Right or wrong, it's part of most forums. You don't have to be right all the time, and no one has to listen to you. Your opinions matters just as much as anyone else's. It's a discussion forum. People are going to dissent. Do whatever you want in your game, and others will do what they see fit in their games. Do I like how some umpires do things on the field? No. Do I have much, if any, control over it? No. I'll do the best I can to promote what I think are the best ways to umpire, but I'm not going to get heartburn over it if someone doesn't listen. Worry about those things you have control over. BTW. You've mentioned at least twice that I can remember, your regret over coming back. Don't patronize us with your threats to not participate here. No one gives a SH*# if you're on this forum or not. If you want to contribute here on this site, your knowledge and insight is appreciated. If not, STFU about it and don't participate. No one cares. Make Umpiring Great Again!

If there is no play on the BR, then he is legal to use the white base (or the orange base for that matter) when advancing. Either way, the regular rules for OBS apply. The fielder must not obstruct the runner regardless of which base the BR uses.