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In Texas Fed. playoff assignments are made by the coaches and, YES, that causes some umpires to turn their heads on the IP.
I won't go so far as to say these umpires are homers but the system of playoff selections does result in some questionable no calls. The system causes some other unsavory practices by a few umpires. Umpires who try to be too cozy with coaches do themselves no favors in the long run.
Warning a pitcher or coach re the IP may be OK prior to the game starting but one of my pet peeves once the game begins is a warning. Calling the IP is warning enough. If you don't call it you are being unfair to the opposing team by perhaps trying to make points with the team in violation. Most pitchers know what they are doing and if you call it right off they will stop. As I recently read on another board, you may not believe what you saw the first time and therefore not call the first one. But once you are sure, call it.
For survival as an umpire, don't nit pick. If the foot is 1/2 inch off the back of the rubber don't worry about it. In the roll over( I think you called it) ASA 6:1,A,2 says pitcher shall take a position with both feet in contact and 6:1, c 2 says contact must be maintained until the forward step. I don't see a problem with what you are describing. What you will see is the foot sliding forward off the plate and that should be called if it is more than an inch or so.
The successful umpire will know the rule and how it applies to the game and he will not nit-pick but will call anything not border line.
The old saw about not gaining an advantage is not right. Any pitcher who is allowed to do less than other pitchers are required to do has an advantage. The key for the successful umpire is knowing how close to call things.
Jay Garner
Deputy UIC
Metro Fort Worth ASA
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