Although the 2009 Florida season has just begun the early reports on the umpiring are promising. Following the first couple games of the season I was asked how the umpiring was. I stopped dead in my tracks and was forced to reply that I hadn’t noticed!
I was shocked to realize that the umpiring was going so smoothly that I had barely noticed it was present at all.
“I think our adaptation of the English rule (the one tap rule) has made it simpler to call the game,” said International Polo Club manager Jimmy Newman. “There’s no more ring around the rosie, the game is allowed to play out.”
Five games into the season and players and spectators across the board have to agree that the pace of the game is faster, the play cleaner.
No little credit has to be given to Rick Sears who is in charge of the Umpire Program.
“I think the no talking restrictions between players and umpires has made a big difference,” said Sears. “It allows the umpires to concentrate more on the game and not have to defend their every calls to the players.”
Sears cites the successes in Santa Barbara and Aiken last year, and is comfortable with the progress at IPC this season.
Additionally, Sears is working new umpires into the rotations to allow the program to have backups and alternates.
“The current economics of the game have slowed down our rotation efforts,” he admitted, “but the efforts are there, and will continue.”
The first tournament is moving into its championship weekend with the umpiring getting little attention-and that’s a good thing.
The recent rule changes have allowed for a more open game and Sears’ implementation of the “no-talk” rule has improved conduct on the field while allowing the officials to concentrate on their jobs.
Rick and company, keep up the good work.