Quote:
Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA
Actually, it is the umpire's job which now becomes more difficult as there is no preventive applications taking place.
You know as well as I that many of these coaches are not that savvy on equipment. Now, I suspect umpires will have to deal with "in game" challenges from opposing teams which will not bode well for the flow of the game or an umpire not well prepared to deal with such things.
IMO, it may be a problematic move that in the past was preempted by the pre-game check.
IOW, I do not trust some coaches to not take advantage by making this part of their game strategy.
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IMO, the only real loss here is a safety check, not an illegal equipment check.
I don't recall ever finding an actual illegal bat in a high school game equipment inspection, but I have found numerous helmets with face masks missing screws or nearly in danger of falling off (it seemed) and once a cracked helmet. I have tossed a number of bats for being loose/wobbly.
If a coach / player has an intent to use an illegal bat, it is unlikely they will be putting it out for inspection anyway.
As far as unprepared umpires, such an umpire would likely have "allowed" the illegal bat during inspection.