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Good discussion, guys.
Regarding warnings...
I make a distinction based on level of play. For "A" level travel ball, I don't give warnings, either pre-game or especially during the game. An A level pitcher should know what is legal.
For "B" level (especially younger ages early in the season), I will bring questionable motion to the attention of the coach pre-game. I don't give warnings while the pitcher is on the field (I either call it or not).
But for rec ball, I will instruct the coach at the half inning what I am seeing and ask that he work with his pitcher at their next practice. Understand, most of these rec pitchers are struggling to get into the strike zone, so calling IP is rather pointless.
If I see a clear IP in travel ball, I will call it as soon as I am sure of what I saw. The earlier the better.
Regarding coaches redlining and/or selecting their "own" umpires for games or playoffs, if the state federation can't see the clear conflict of interest this places both coaches and umpires in, they have blinders on. I know it is a common practice in school ball, I just find it amazing that it is allowed to continue.
For those of you who visit eteamz and/or the NFHS boards... My guess is that this is at the bottom of the complaints with the Nebraska HS playoffs.
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Tom
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