live18

Just got back from San Jose. It was a good clinic. We didn't have to sit there for 5 straight hours and had plenty of access to the equipment rooms. Emily, Dee and Kathy gave great presentations about new rules mechanics and situations. Plus had lots of time to get with old freinds and talk, eat and have a great time. The hotel was top notch. It will be interesting if the clinics are online next year like Kathy wanted. We'll see if that actually happens or not.

I have seen people with the NB blackened out and they seem to like them. Most people I know just you a big Sharpie and black out all the white. Sharpies are waterproof and that combined with black shoe polish should keep the shoe black enough. Though it may take a couple of layers of black Sharpie.

I have been a fastpitch umpire for 10 years, and find the speed and pace of the game much more preferable than that of baseball. At most levels especially ASA and local leagues there are time limits. I can do two fastpitch games in the time most take for ONE baseball game. I know what you are thinking: I don't understand the nuances of baseball. WRONG. I have done baseball and find the time it takes to deliver a pitch and have any kind of result boring. There are time limits between pitches in fastpitch and none is baseball. Shorter bases and pitching distance makes for a faster, quicker game. And yes, refereeing volleyball is stealing. I have done it and plan to get back into it.