InDaZone

Oh. That makes sense.

Welcome Royal, I'm kinda new here too but from what I can tell this board is awesome! A lot of good knowledge here at all different levels of play. Have Fun! ~Zone

Hey Cato, why do you think programs switch over after LLMajors? [We've done the same thing in my town in the past, as far as I can tell- reason i think that is because they call it "PONY" but at this point I believe they play under their LL charter at those 13-18 age groups.] But, I guess my question is why do you switch to BR after the kids turn 13? Wouldn't your town just be able to pay one charter fee if they kept it LL through 16-18 or whatever? idz

You had the best seat in the house! and people wonder why we do this.

Yup, this board just saved me 100 clams too. I was going to get the catcher's one from a magazine that came this week, but I think I would've been disappointed. I'll hang on for a little more overtime and get the titanium one.

I'm thinking of adding a spin move to my K3 mechanic. (just kidding) I actually just about hate all my mechanics. Probably because I never really settled on anything in my vast 2 years experience (and not that many games really). I'll be attending some clinics this spring (ASA and LL) and try to force myself to really go back to basics, forget about trying to emulate the MLB guys for now. Positioning will be a focus and communication with my partner once I start doing more games. I think I'm pretty steady behind the plate, but when working alone I tend to be moving on plays at the bases (probably trying to get closer, instead of remembering 'angle over distance') -I'll be looking for some feedback. That's kinda like a change in mechanics since i've had NONE so far. Once I get more comfortable, I might add the moonwalk to my 'out' mechanic on a banger at first. -Zone

I'd be inclined to feel bad for you, but, um after what they did to my Spartans, well.....:boohoo: We'll see you at the Dance.

man i love this board! I knew as soon as I threw it out there that someone would jump in with some info about PLI. Thanks a bunch guys and you bet I'll sign up for that - your advice is highly respected. -zone

Never had much interest in umpiring SB. Until now. what's the slogan...."Delightfully Tacky....."( o Y o ) idz

Very impressive, MS! And on a holiday-ish weekend no less. Anyway, yup, the "league" has been made aware of the subject on more than one occasion over the past several years (well, three). At this stage I'm in more of a self-preservation mode and simply looking to see that I am not putting myself in undue legal risk by umpiring on this field (in the event that they continue to ignore the regulation in 2009). I think I'll look into some PLI just to be on the safe side. Zone

There is one other consideration about the HSM. Just before a game (LL Majors) I went to put on my bucket and it wasn't where I thought I left it (in the plate area). So I'm getting all frantic, looking here, looking there. I even went out to the parking lot 'cause I had been there for something not too long before. Finally I had to start the game, so I grabbed whatever was in the bin (a regular mask) and went back to the field. On my way to the plate I finally spotted my HSM.....on the catcher's head! I suppose that wouldn't have happened if I used a regular mask. ~idz

I've been wandering around on this site for what about a month now but I had never taken notice of it's inception date. Now, based on the shear volume of posts, not to mention the quality of the discussions, I gotta say I'm totally shocked that this site's only been around for a year. That is an accomplishment. As to the assignment of distinct responsibilities within the board; what a super idea! Warren, it takes a certain kind of leader to delegate and recognize you can't be an expert in every area. Based on the posts I've read you certainly have the right folks in place to give the site an added element/dynamic. I'd like to thank you and your new "crew" for taking the extra time. It may be difficult to grasp how powerful this resource is for guys like me just starting out, but I consider myself very fortunate to gain from the vast experience of guys like yourself willing to share their expertise. Here's to year two of UmpireEmpire! ~Zone

I've worn HSM for three seasons, but keep in mind I don't do that many games. I originally chose it because the traditional FM's available (league owned) seemed heavy and pulled on my neck; so, I liked the balance from the HSM. Since then I've found out that there are really light ones and heck, I might have had it adjusted wrong; so I may try it again. Anyway, I also like the extra protection from the HSM. I don't find it hard to remove- it becomes second nature pretty quickly. I've left it on in some circumstances to make a call, but that's probably just bad mechanics on my part. Carrying it around is more cumbersome, obviously. I noticed a lot of guys, if not all, at the LLWS games used them- can anyone comment on that? I suppose it's hotter than a mask, but that never occurred to me as a problem. I've never taken a direct shot with a mask on, but with the helmet you do get the added experience of all that plastic vibrating and creating a 'ringing in the ears' sensation. Bottom line, I've really liked my HSM. But, my son might inherit it this year as he will be doing some catching, so I am highly considering trying out a good FM which is adjusted correctly for me and get a comparison. ~zone

MST, The "throwdowns are breakaways" mentality is a concern of mine. 1.06 states that the bases must be "securely attached to the ground." Although the throwdown base "disengages" (further down in 1.06 and bold), it does not have "an anchor." For this reason, I believe leagues should be responsible and fork out the 800 clams to get bases which comply to both regulations simultaneously. And the leagues that don't are putting themselves in some, perhaps miniscule, legal risk. But I don't really care about that. I care about my own legal risk. Which is why, as I mentioned in my OP, I have been reluctant to work these fields; a LL minor field in our area to be specific. My real question is whether LMS above is correct. Is the fact that LL has conflicting documentation from one publication to another give the umpire (and his/her lawyer) a 'legal out' from the uncomfortable situation resulting from some kid breaking a wrist because first base slid out from under them like a banana peel? ~idz