INTRODUCTION AND THANKS

Pologreen,
welcome to the site..we can always use another umpire to help the discussion.....

I have always said that one of the great things about this website for me is that the questions that are asked "FORCE" me to the rule book.....

The rulings that I have come to use game in and game out, I can quote those by rule number and section...but the game of baseball is tricky and in many cases, I have sought out my reference material to study rules that posts bring up..... Calling multiple codes often enters in for me and going to the rule book allows me to be reliably refreshed on the applicable rule and award...

You are correct in using this website to get better in the offseason......go into a past thread......read the opening question......give a quick ruling in your head........then read the posted responses.....agree???....great move on to the next one.....disagree???.........pull out the reference material.........you be suprized at what you can find.

Still have a question, write it in a thread here...between the group of us, we have the proper advanced reference materials and I know we have an extensive real game experience levels to work it through........

We have fostered a very friendly association here....treat the other umpires as colleagues and you will be fine. We do not have the strife and conflict that many other umpiring websites, that most of us also frequent, have.......

I belive the www.abua.com has an online 2 man mechanics primer.....

again welcome!

I would like toecho PIAA. It's good to see new guys to help the old guys go back and look rulings up. PIAA and I are both trainers, there be others, and we stay in the books often but sometimes a question will make look at things again to refresh us.
It's a shame your assoc doesn't stress mechanics. If they did then everyone would be on the same page and know what any given umpire is likely to do. If any strange things come up whether rules or mechanics feel free to ask.

Welcome aboard POLOGREEN and thanks for the compliment. We umpires don't get many of those, you know.

There is a rather friendly atmosphere on this site and we all want to help each other. Some disagreements arise but most are of a respectful nature.

Lots of quality info to be garnered here. Take advantage of it.

Thanks Gentlemen for the warm welcome.
Piaa I only do NFHS and that seems overwhelming at times and I have gone back to previous threads and try to call the plays...its great fun. This IS a friendly board. Also thanks for the abua site.
MST Thanks for all your insights and I am studying mechanics from other sites so if I as UIC speak up during a game I’ll make the other guys aware that I am hustling.
pilsner (GREAT NAME) I do love the friendliness of this site.