834k3r

I guess the way I'm looking at it is from the other side: are we going to reward the defense for OBS by not counting the run?

I get what you're saying. The inconsistency is why our association uses the dirt circle as the definition. It's a visual cue for everyone (at the pre-season rules meeting with the coaches we all talk about it) so no one's surprised. Well, the players tend to be, but that's a different thread.

Assuming the 54' pitcher's plate is within the dirt circle, I'd balk it. Our association uses the dirt circle as the definition of "approximately 5 feet." But on the other hand, he's a freshman. So maybe a "don't do that" warning, then a balk for the next occurance.

That's my plan moving forward. I'll keep the gouged ones for JV games, and have another pair done for Varsity games. See, @Velho? This is why I have multiple pairs of plate shoes. 🤣

I am as well. But the crying isn't limited to once. I had my plate shoes shined by Leather Luster, and the JV F2 in front of me on Saturday stepped on one of them as he had to quickly move to the side as he stood to catch a ball well outside and high. "Did I step on your foot?"

I'm sure parents hate it--parking looks extremely inadequate for a tournament that size.

Doesn't even have to be the midwest. Any place rural enough and north enough will have plenty. Deer up here aren't even special--and they multiply like rabbits. Personally, I like the technical fabrics better anyway, but I know plenty of folks like leather. Cue Ricardo Montalban.

💯 When I started umpiring however many years ago, I received an equipment "scholarship" from Battlefields2Ballfields (great non-profit, BTW) and all the gear was Champro and 3n2. Then I found this site and saw the folks talking about better gear. I simply didn't know how much better the gear was or where to find it. The other battle we have to face is that the allure of a "starter kit" (cheap and convenient) is immensely attractive to a prospective umpire.

I think both are hurting as far as membership, too.

Agreed. No apologies needed--I didn't have any awareness of the davisofficials website. Now that I do, I'm good to go!

Wait. Is that where I was supposed to look for the pad socks? I've been looking on gerrydavis.com...but didn't even know about davisofficials.com...

How is @MadMax not all over this post?

I will add that the Japanese model has a slightly wider toe box than the US version (I have photos of the two side by side somewhere on this site...).

Kinda what I was thinking.

It would be helpful to see the interior padding in the video.

I tend to agree with the OP, with some (albeit circumstantial) evidence. But I would also add that it's not only the spectators, coaches, and players whose attitudes towards an official is affected by how the official appears--it also affects how the official's perceived by the evaluators, trainers, and other senior members of whatever association they're working in. I've worked many baseball games with several guys whose appearance is...lacking. a couple of them have tremendous rules knowledge, but yet they're constantly challenged during games on sometimes fairly routine calls. That, in turn (in my opinion), has had an adverse affect on their self-confidence, which makes matters worse. My perspective is this: there are three teams on the field in a baseball game. The teams playing the game put in effort to practice and be the best they can. If the umpire(s) show they've put in effort to look the best they can and know the rules the best they can, it sets us up for success.

I have a similar process, but I have to copy and paste the 50 questions from the website. I have a question bank document (Pages/Word document) that I refer back to for questions asked in years prior. Then I work the questions, first from memory, then again referencing the rule book to ensure correct answers. YMMV.

I concur. I would also opine that there's a lot of HTBT in the OP. Knocking F4 "on his arse" may or may not be MC for NFHS--but it would depend upon a lot of things that would only be seen in person.

There are many opinions when discussing DF, but I find it easier and more friendly than Arbiter. I do wish you could see which peers were on which game, but overall DF does very well what I need it to do. Just remember your assigner will appreciate you putting in schedule blocks (times/days when you're not available) as soon as you know about them, as well as accepting assignments as soon as you can (so he can not worry about you covering as he's scheduled you to). Happy to help you navigate DF as you need--drop me a DM.

Bought a pair of Mizuno plate shoes from @Thunderheads--yes, @Velho, another pair. 😏 Super flexible and responsive. Thank you sir!

It took me a few games to get used to them, but I prefer them in every way over the T hooks (rust, snags) of my first CP and the plastic buckles (lower profile, more resilient) of my Cobalt.

I love(d) my Cobalt--but my Enduro is my gamer now. Cobalt's been relegated to my backup (only because I'm too lazy to take off the decals).