Just got my 2015 NFHS Kansas HSAA Packet

[Majordave]

Included in it was an official "KANSAS" Mechanics Manual. Interesting to me.

Quick browse has illustrations of box, scissors, "knee" (WTF?) and Hands on Knees plate positions.

States that only PU should carry indicator and explains why.

Interesting contrast to what JaxRolo posted on base umpire starting stance is they want us Hands on Knees Set (HOKS) at time of the pitch delivery while working on bases.

Not a bad manual so far.

I'm sure I'll find something I'll have issue with but, for an NFHS sponsored product it's way better than anything else I've seen from them. And, it's a bigger height and width manual than the rules and case plays manuals.

Anyone else getting an "Official" (_Insert Your State Name Here_) manual with their NFHS registration?

I'm also registered in Missouri. Curious to see what they send me.

[Umpire in Chief]

I'll receive mine from my HS Association in a few weeks.

[DVA7130]

Got mine last weekend. Threw the mechanic manual away on the way home.

 

BUT Georgia is requiring field umpires to carry indicators :no: :no: :no:

Mine will remain safely in my back pocket "in case his breaks"....

[spiffdawg7]

I hate that Georgia is now requiring us to carry indicators on the bases. I stopped using one on the plate last year but now I need one on the bases? Before long we will probably be required to carry a brush on the bases as well.

[GreyhoundAggie]

Texas issues a manual from our state organization. It's the way they want you to call it so everyone is consistent. Especially come playoff time with mixed crews.

 

They make adjustments to it every year, but have not re-issued. They still have some dumb mechanics that don't agree with the CCA way or what is taught at clinics. That is why I just pre-game what we will be doing and who has what.

 

It is a good intro for a beginner umpire though.

[zm1283]

Included in it was an official "KANSAS" Mechanics Manual. Interesting to me.

Quick browse has illustrations of box, scissors, "knee" (WTF?) and Hands on Knees plate positions.

States that only PU should carry indicator and explains why.

Interesting contrast to what JaxRolo posted on base umpire starting stance is they want us Hands on Knees Set (HOKS) at time of the pitch delivery while working on bases.

Not a bad manual so far.

I'm sure I'll find something I'll have issue with but, for an NFHS sponsored product it's way better than anything else I've seen from them. And, it's a bigger height and width manual than the rules and case plays manuals.

Anyone else getting an "Official" (_Insert Your State Name Here_) manual with their NFHS registration?

I'm also registered in Missouri. Curious to see what they send me.

 

The same thing they do every other year. 

 

I hate that Georgia is now requiring us to carry indicators on the bases. I stopped using one on the plate last year but now I need one on the bases? Before long we will probably be required to carry a brush on the bases as well.

 

Get the smallest one you can and leave it in your pocket. That way you technically carried it. 

[kstrunk]

I hate that Georgia is now requiring us to carry indicators on the bases. I stopped using one on the plate last year but now I need one on the bases? Before long we will probably be required to carry a brush on the bases as well.

I'll bite, why do some guys not use indicators behind the plate, and what's the big deal about using one on the bases. I'm asking objectively as a 2nd year ump. I used one on the bases last year and found it very helpful? Can't imagine not using one behind the plate, though I've worked with guys who didn't use one on the plate and saw the count dropped regularly. 

[spiffdawg7]

I showed up to a game last year having left my indicator at home and just decided to try working the plate without it. I found that I kept better focus on the game and also never had anything in my hand to potentially distract my eyes from the field. Carrying an indicator on the bases is seen as a softball thing.

[Majordave]

@kstrunk

It's been discussed over and over here and other sites. Please do a search when you have time then let's see if you have questions. Nothing personal. There is A LOT of good info already on here.

[DVA7130]

I hate that Georgia is now requiring us to carry indicators on the bases. I stopped using one on the plate last year but now I need one on the bases? Before long we will probably be required to carry a brush on the bases as well.

I'll bite, why do some guys not use indicators behind the plate, and what's the big deal about using one on the bases. I'm asking objectively as a 2nd year ump. I used one on the bases last year and found it very helpful? Can't imagine not using one behind the plate, though I've worked with guys who didn't use one on the plate and saw the count dropped regularly.

It's as smitty as a backwards hat.

[ricka56]

If one is more likely to forget the count without an indicator, use an indicator (plate or pads). If your PU partner is likely to lose the count during a game (with or without an indicator) use an indicator on the bases if you can't  always know the count without one. If your PU partner is competent, and you don't lose the count during a game, then no need to use one on the bases.

 

Theoretically, if we are in tuned THROUGHOUT the game, we'd never need an indicator. I'm just not that good, so I use one on the plate and pads. I never want to reply to F6 asking me for the count with, "dunno, ask my partner". 

 

It's just tool...use it if it keeps you out of trouble.

[Majordave]

Revisiting my original post and the final question?

 

Has anyone received a Mechanics Illustrated manual for their state as the "official" mechanics manual for ___(insert your state name here)___?

 

Mine states that on the cover and included the KSHSAA logo on the cover of the book.  

 

Just wondering.

[law_reb]

No mechanics manual in Mississippi.  I'd be very surprised if the state produced one here.  We got a rule book, case book, and a couple of new patches.  

[JaxRolo]

Revisiting my original post and the final question?

Has anyone received a Mechanics Illustrated manual for their state as the "official" mechanics manual for ___(insert your state name here)___?

Mine states that on the cover and included the KSHSAA logo on the cover of the book.

Just wondering.

Got mine in Florida.

[StrikeToWin]

Got my Oklahoma packet the other day and it included a mechanics manual.  Had the OSSAA logo on it and everything.

[Majordave]

Got my Missouri packet last night. No customized Miissouri mechanics manual.

[zm1283]

Got my Missouri packet last night. No customized Miissouri mechanics manual.

 

It will be a cold day in hell before Missouri puts enough effort into baseball to produce their own mechanics manual. They're convinced it is still 1993.

[bds53]

Got my Missouri packet last night. No customized Miissouri mechanics manual.

 

It will be a cold day in hell before Missouri puts enough effort into baseball to produce their own mechanics manual. They're convinced it is still 1993.

1993 is giving Missouri too much credit...

[WIUMP]

WIAA (WI) contains only Fed publications; rules book, case book, umpires' manual. No state publications at all. I kinda feel like I'm missing a few pieces from my envelope. There are a few documents on the website which serve as addendum to the Fed publications. The state adaptions are also listed on the web.

[Magic]

My Association gives the Fed books. Our State(CA) adopted a few changes but other than that we are required to follow the Manual or risk losing playoff assignments.