2009 NCAA Test

[UmpTTS43]

The online test is usually up by now on eOfficials under the affiliate area, NCAA. There is a practice test called "2009 Baseball demo (Test)." This can be found under the members area, practice tests, search for college, baseball, practice tests.

This is a 90 question test and encompasses the new rules and interps for '09. The "official test" is usually 50 questions out of a pool of 90. This is probably the pool for the 50 questions.

Just an FYI for those looking.

Troy

[Majordave]

According to Gene McArtor and Tom Hiler at this past weekend's NCAA clinic in Atlanta the test will become available on 1/25 and the test window will close at midnight on 2/13. Background check info must be completed online during the same window.

two tries, 80% score required to work post season.

Anyone can take it. Even if not working NCAA baseball. Some quirky rules in NCAA that are hard to follow-DH rule being one of them. It is so weird that Honig's sells a special laminated NCAA DH rule card to carry or study from.

All of the NCAA level presenters stressed and stressed the pace of play. According to the rules committee everyone associated with the NCAA version of this game wants the pace of play sped up. It will be interesting to see what dent, if any, can be made in that little trouble spot.

[UmpTTS43]

Thanks Major,

I was unable to make it this year. Wife decided to turn 40 this January and wanted a party, go figure. I have heard good things about the meetings this year. My group will be at the one in Chicago this weekend so I'm sure I will get updated.

[okump96]

just flunked the test. man that thing is tough! some of the questions are worded worse than the fed test.

[BT_Blue]

just flunked the test. man that thing is tough! some of the questions are worded worse than the fed test.

I agree. I just passed but barely. I got 82%! But I went back and looked at the ones I got wrong and still cant figure out where i went wrong. And I had my rulebook, my CCA manual, my notes from the NCAA clinic and the 2009 NCAA studyguide. And I still barely passed... but I did so B)

LOL

[okump96]

I agree. I just passed but barely. I got 82%! But I went back and looked at the ones I got wrong and still cant figure out where i went wrong. And I had my rulebook, my CCA manual, my notes from the NCAA clinic and the 2009 NCAA studyguide. And I still barely passed... but I did so

LOL

the only good thing about not passing it is i don't work post season...YET!

[UmpTTS43]

You do get two opportunities to take the test. If you are a member of eOfficials, you can find the practice test under the practice test section. Here it has all 90 questions. The required test pulls 50 out of the 90. If you are not a member, PM me and I will send you the 90 questions. The only thing I ask is that you understand the correct answers per the rules. I do not wish to give the answers just so people can pass the test. I put my time in and expect the same from others.

Edited January 31, 2009 by UmpTTS43

[BT_Blue]

Ive got a study group coming up on Monday night for the test and then Im going to take it again probably the weekend of the 7th. No games that weekend so why not right?

[ump81]

Guys, I usually take it once and wing it then go in and put extra time and careful review into every question, got an 84 first time around this year, but I'll probably re-take it also to get a better score and have more of a question bank for others in my association. I also had the rules, the study guide, CCA manual and the notes. Some clearly had two good answers. I rationalize the test by thinking its an open book test and they want you to look deeper into the rule book than you ever have before. I usually get with a few others and brainstorm before I submit it a second time and usually get in the low 90%. No doubt its a tough test that you just cant go off the top of your head and answer. My conferences demand an 80% to be on staff not just for post-season, some of the D3 assignors are demanding we take it also. They have really cleaned it up though, first few times I took it years back the format was not multiple choice with 1 correct answer, they had up to 6-7 possible answers and you had to check ALL that applied, it was impossibly unfair. If you flunk first time do not despair, you will get many of the same questions the second time around, never check an answer without verification by the rule book, that is my only secret! take care, be safe! My first game a D2 Feb 15th! Cant wait to get on the field.

[Majordave]

I think I heard either Gene McArtor or Rich Fetcheit say that if you got a passing score the first submission then that was it. The second try was for those who didn't pass the first time.

I may be wrong but don't be surprised if you passed and only get one chance.

Dave

[mazzamouth]

Here is one that I missed on the test...

R1, R3. With a left-handed pitcher and a three umpire crew, when F1 attempts to pick off at first and a balk should have been called on a illegal step, which umpire has the primary responsibility for making this call

A. The plate umpire.

B. The replay booth.

C. U1.

D. U3.

I said that the U1 has this call on a illegal step and in the 09 CCA it says the same thing... but I got tit wrong.. I dunno

[BrianC14]

Here is one that I missed on the test...

R1, R3. With a left-handed pitcher and a three umpire crew, when F1 attempts to pick off at first and a balk should have been called on a illegal step, which umpire has the primary responsibility for making this call

A. The plate umpire.

B. The replay booth.

C. U1.

D. U3.

I said that the U1 has this call on a illegal step and in the 09 CCA it says the same thing... but I got tit wrong.. I dunno

I think I might have said (A), since he would have the right angle on whether any distance was made on the step. (my assumption here is that the 'illegal step' means that F1 didn't gain distance).

[okump96]

Here is one that I missed on the test...

R1, R3. With a left-handed pitcher and a three umpire crew, when F1 attempts to pick off at first and a balk should have been called on a illegal step, which umpire has the primary responsibility for making this call

A. The plate umpire.

B. The replay booth.

C. U1.

D. U3.

I said that the U1 has this call on a illegal step and in the 09 CCA it says the same thing... but I got tit wrong.. I dunno

same answer i gave mazz. u1 is looking straight at it. it should be his call imo.

[mstaylor]

Their answer is based on the premise that the PU has the rubber to guage the step.

[MCLEOD36]

In this case, PU, since they are looking at angle and distance. The BU1 might miss the distance.

[BT_Blue]

The answer is plate umpire. I know this cause I got it wrong on the test and it was either U1 or PU and I picked U1.

As for being able to take it more than once... I hope I can. I got only an 82 and I want to get better.

Edited February 7, 2009 by BT_Blue
forgot something

[UmpJM]

So, I just got done taking this test for the first time in my life.

I found it pretty challenging.

There was ONE question I got wrong that I'm pissed at myself about - by the time I'd "thought through" the options, I'd forgotten the NOT in the question.

Personally, I think the question I answered (as opposed to the one the test actually asked) was a much more difficult question, and I believe I got it right.

The other ones I missed, I just didn't know the right answer.

There was one other question I didn't know that I got help on from an experienced guy in my association.

So, I guess that "balances out" the one I "knew" that I got wrong.

JM

Edited February 12, 2009 by UmpJM

[mstaylor]

The answer is plate umpire. I know this cause I got it wrong on the test and it was either U1 or PU and I picked U1.

As for being able to take it more than once... I hope I can. I got only an 82 and I want to get better.

My understanding is you have to have an 80 to pass and you can take it twice but if you pass the first time you can't try for a better score. :crybaby2:

[BT_Blue]

My understanding is you have to have an 80 to pass and you can take it twice but if you pass the first time you can't try for a better score. B)

I did take it again. Got one extra question right so I got an 84% my second time.

Now the question is, what does passing the test do?:

[UmpJM]

I did take it again. Got one extra question right so I got an 84% my second time.

Now the question is, what does passing the test do?:

BT_Blue,

Getting a score of 80% or better is one of two "necessary but insufficient" requirements for being considered for NCAA D1 post-season play (the other being getting in your background check paperwork by today).

I understand the results are also shared with the NCAA conference assignors so they get a peek at who does and doesn't have a decent grasp of the NCAA rules.

JM

[UmpTTS43]

As far as the NCAA is concerned, JM is right in that the test score of 80 or above is required for championship consideration. A lot of assignors that I know also require a score of 80+ in order to work in their league/conference. With rule modifications, points of emphasis and interps being added/changed every year the test sees to it that you are up to date.

[BT_Blue]

JM,

Since I am have not made it to D1 yet the first section doesnt matter to me. However I just talked to a mentor of mine in my association (shortly after I read what you posted) and he told me that our assignor does use the tests to see who has a grasp on the rules and will use it also in selecting post season assignments for our area.

[Majordave]

Scores are a measuring stick. One of the few objective ways of measuring an umpire.

[UmpTTS43]

I agree with Major. Once umpires get to certain levels in college, the small things set you apart. Everyone is able to call balls/strikes and outs/safes. Upward progression comes down to the smaller details: test scores, uniforms, demeanor and the like. And remember, the test encompasses more than just D1. NCAA rules are used in D2, D3 and NJCAA, sometimes with minor changes.