"how long did it take you"......

[LMSANS]

I've never understood why softball umpires have their base umpire use an indicator. Between that and the guy who uses a brush to clean off the pitcher's plate, there are few things that look so.... well, "Smitty".

Because ASA says that is the way they want their umpires to work.

[BrianC14]

Because ASA says that is the way they want their umpires to work.

Well, I question the need for it - I'm of the opinion that it can lead to more trouble than it's worth.

[mstaylor]

Softball mechanics are softball mechanics. If you don't like them, don't work softball. I don't so I don't.

[BT_Blue]

I got lucky. I too am a former catcher but I was umpiring before I started catching so it wasnt to much of a problem.

[Majordave]

tread lightly:BD:...what is wrong with looking like a softball umpire?

My association wants the BU to have an indicator. nuff said.

Sorry Larry but if you saw the softball umpires around here you would not want to be associated with them. Most of them are so big they cannot tuck their shirts in. They ask for their check the second they arrive at the field. They meet and talk every half inning. They stand with their hands in their pockets the whole game. They nevereven try run to any play. They call plays standing straight up from across the diamond behind the play.

They are the antithesis of hustle. The word Sloth comes to mind right now.

Sorry, but your softball brethren in Kentucky are not good examples. I didn't mean to overgeneralize. Hopefully they aren't that bad everywhere.

The NCAA softball guys I saw in Atlanta in 2008 were pretty close to what I described for our HS and Rec league softball guys.

[LMSANS]

Yeah we have plenty of them too...working baseball and softball.:BD: