[Dakota]

Originally Posted by Manny A

I do, for every game. It’s not that big a deal. I chuckle when I read an umpire’s dislike of doing it. Why? It takes two or three minutes per team if they have the equipment ready for inspection. Checking it is one of the most minor of inconveniences in my games. There are plenty of other things that happen during the game that irritate me, primarily when dealing with humans. Looking at inanimate objects like bats and helmets doesn’t bother me in the least.

That said, I much prefer having the equipment outside the dugout ready for my partner(s) and me to quickly check. If a team isn’t ready, we ask them to get ready and we move to the other team or walk the field. They usually forget to have it ready, and comply with our requests by the time we return.

To me, the only pain is asking a team to get their stuff out, and they don’t because there isn’t a rule requiring it. That makes us go into the dugout and look for equipment in bags, under benches, etc. When NFHS came out with its rule last year to have teams put their equipment outside the dugout, I applauded the change. It was targeted at those a-hole coaches who didn’t want to comply with our requests.

USA Softball now comes out with a similar rule to have the equipment prepped. I think that’s a good thing as long as equipment checks by umpires continue to be required. It makes it easier for us. And believe it or not, I think it’s necessary because there are times where I do find a rattling bat or a mask missing a screw. Is it really a bad thing for the umpire to be the one who looks for and finds it? Stop being lazy and just do it.

I don't dislike it because of the time it takes. I dislike the very idea that the umpire is responsible for checking the legality of the equipment a team is using. It turns what should be the responsibility of the coach / player / parent into a cat and mouse game.