There is no
bigger fear for an umpire than to be unclear of a rule interpretation and then
have that infraction happen right in front of them during a game.
The first
reaction is to have a delayed call or worse a no call, the famous “deer in the headlights
syndrome.” Hostile fans, coaches,
players all either doubt your call or wonder if you are even qualified. That’s
when it can get ugly. This scenario
plays out hundreds of times across this country every baseball season.
Mainly newer
officials are subjected, but even seasoned officials are ultimately challenged
by important game situations in conjunction with difficult worded rules. Pressure of a game or play and a complicated
rule can easily rattle and cause any official to struggle.
Over five
decades of either playing, coaching or umpiring baseball I wanted something
available to help teach both new and old umpires difficult rule
interpretations, including myself.
My objective
was to make difficult rules easier to comprehend so that they would be easier
to retain and apply in those difficult games or plays. This would increase the
chances of a decisive and correct call on the field. I have seen both rookies’ and veterans’ field
performance greatly improve after reading, comprehending and applying their
newly gained rule knowledge from Baseball Rules in Black and White. Making
calls in an automatic reflex action tells everyone that you know the rule and
have made the correct call.
I did not rewrite the whole rule
book, nor am I trying to replace it. I have written a baseball rule clarification book that is
an enhancement to the high school baseball rule book. The introduction in the
book gives an excellent overview about Baseball Rules in Black and White. I
believe it is not only another tool for your toolbox but an excellent tool that
has been missing until now. This book is an excellent accelerator for new officials.
Yes, this is
a repeat post, but it is so awesome I had to share it all over again.
www.amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com
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