Hello from eastern PA

[Triguy29]

Hello everyone. I'm a new umpire, just started last spring. I played baseball in highschool and even coached a middle school team but found my calling of umping. I have really jumped into this and have had the oppurtunity to work with some of the best umpires in my county. I'm here to learn and talk to fellow umpires about a great game and a great way to make a little extra money.

[JaxRolo]

Welcome!

Read and Learn the Rules :lookup

[hojo20]

Welcome. I am from the Scranton area. How about you?

[mstaylor]

Welcome to the board. How did you happen to cross to the dark side? I am south of you in MD.

[hckyosgood30]

Welcome aboard Trig! Glad you've came to the right side. Ask a lot of questions and have fun.

[Triguy29]

I'm in the Reading area. I was actually on Umpireteacer.com and there was a link for reviews and this website got the best reviews. I just want to be as immersed as possible and learn everything that I can. I am really working on the rule. I've read the rule book and case books multiple times. The problem is that they aren't always clear with the rule or the penalty. Are there any other books or videos that will help explain things.

[mstaylor]

There are many but it depends on the level you are interested in learning. You are correct that it is tough to just read the rulebook, many times it is hard to understand and you may have to string rules together to get the ruling. Root around the board a little and start asking questions. It's slow this time of the year so you will get plenty of responses. The advice I always give when learning rules or mechanics, ask about it, study and understand it, then ask another question about it. I have found many times when learning a new concept, you don't always get it all the first time.

[Umpire in Chief]

Welcome Tri. Glad to have you here.

[UMP45]

Welcome Triguy. Just a few things,one, as an umpire you need to turn the player and coach switches off. Two, know the rules, know how to apply the rules, and know the spirit of the rules. And three, know the history behind the rules.

[Triguy29]

There are many but it depends on the level you are interested in learning.

Right now I'll be starting in middleschool. I will also be doing legion and 14u and 16u summer and fall ball. My goal is highschool and possibly college in a few years. What good books or videos can you reccommend.

[boyinr]

I highly recommend "Maximizing the Two Man System" by Jim Evens. You will need to go to www.umpire.org to order it. It is not cheap but it is worth it. It will teach you everything you need to know about the mechanics of umpiring. I have a son in Allentown (muhlenberg) and a daughter in Carlisle (dickinson). I will wave to you on my way by next time I visit.

[Triguy29]

I actually just ordered it. I have some really good Dvd's from UmpireTeacher.com but most of the stuff is on mechanics and I'd like some more comprehensive rules informaton.

[mstaylor]

If you are joining an association to get Middle and JV games they will give you your NFHS rulebook and casebook. Become very aquainted with your casebook. To help with HS rules, "Rules by Topic" is excellent. It doesn't really give you a lot more than the rulebook and casebook but it is organized so you can find things easier and you won't miss anything. All the batting is one section, pitching another and so forth, when you have to piece several rules together it is great.

[JaxRolo]

The rule book and case book for 2012are available through the NFHS Arbiter site

(null)

[hckyosgood30]

The BRD is a good book for rules to have, next would be the CCA manual for college mechanics. And then Jim Evans has some good DVD's and MLB/PBUC has an interactive DVD that would also fit well in your library.

[ukce1861]

Nobody's suggested the Wendelstedt Umpire Manual, which surprises me, so I will. The WUM is a great rules resource. I don't have J/R or the BRD, so I can't comment on them, but even for a High School guy, I think the WUM would be a very valuable addition to your library.

[mstaylor]

Just remember that WUM,J/R, JEA and other manuals address pro rules not HS. The BRD and Rules by Topic both directly address HS. Now for other leagues, all the others are invaluable.

[umpire78]

Welcome Triguy29. I found umpiring to be a great part-time "hobby" and I have worked with some of the best umps in the various associations I've been in (6 Associations over 32 years). My advice to you is keep an open mind and you WILL learn something new. Also, learn from your mistakes because you WILL make them. Finally, have fun. That's why they call it a "game."