Had a bad weekend on the field...

[Texarkana]

I enjoy watching softball (hs girls and above) because I love small ball. But I have never considered umpiring it. For me, it could cause mechanics issues. I actually exercise using motions that ingrain proper muscle memory in my signals. I do not need that screwed up. I am not going to disparage softball officials. It is just not for me, but I am sure some of them work just as hard or harder at being good as I do.

What I did notice was that Scott started off with two veteran umpires who made snide remarks to him. That in itself speaks volumes. There is either an issue where vets are unwilling to train younger guys or younger guys unwilling to listen to guys who are helping. I have seen both. I remember a guy who had went to 5 week school (did not get picked) but came back and thought he was the second coming. His mechanics were sharp but his game instinct and management skills lacked. I was with him one game where he kicked THREE calls on the bases. But what bothered me the most was he would fraternize with coaches after a game. I tried to guide him. He would not listen. So I told the assignor to scratch me as his partner. If a guy will not take training, go call with someone who does not care.