2. My (Part-time) Life as an Umpire “How to earn a little money, and a whole lot of aggravation”

3. Organization & Credibility American Softball Assn. Requirements –Lengthy Rule Book –Years of Training (well…a few hours…maybe) –Willingness to pass yearly rule test –Willingness to pay $35/Yearly Fee in order to take the test

4. Necessary Accoutrements Uniform: 2 pair of trousers, (1) blue,(1) grey; 4 shirts, 2 ea. dark & light blue; 1 pair of plate shoes; 1 pair of base shoes, caps. Umpire accessories: face mask, chest protector, shin guards, ----strap, plate brush, pitch indicator.

5. PREGAME or “Where the ---- is everybody,and will we ever get this game started?”

6. THE TEAM ARRIVES “Toto! I don’t think we are in Kansas anymore”

7. THE FAMILY ARRIVES They arrive late (is always better to be in the appropriate fan attire than to be on time)

8. THE GAME BEGINS (THE AGONY & THE ECSTACY)

9. THE AGONY THE “QUESTIONABLE CALL” “Read my lips: he’s out because I said he was out”

10. THE ESCTACY GAME ENDS WITH: Good sportsmanship A cold drink A trip to the restroom, or wherever.

11. Credits http://images.google.com http://soundamerica.com /i/ihttp://photos.k12.sd.us