Quote:
Originally posted by IRISHMAFIA
As a 12 yo is being loaded into an ambulance with a broken ankle, arm, torn-up knee after being the 10th batter hit by a pitcher, I would like you to turn to the parents and tell them that is wasn't your issue. I'm not talking about changing or making up rules, but strictly working within the wording of the book. Just because I have $5,000,000 liability insurance doesn't mean I want to test my coverage.
ASA made the "injury above rules" statement when they permitted umpires to stop play and award bases due to an injured player. I don't necessarily care for it, but it places the onus on the umpire to be an authoritive figure on the field when it comes to a player's well being. Telling a jury that you didn't do anything because it isn't covered in a rule book probably will not get you off the hook. If asked for a rule book reference, I would undoubtedly cite 10.1.
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I don't agree with your views on an umpire's obligations in these situations.
Stopping play so the proper folks can care for an incapacitated player is completely different from being obligated (legally or morally) to remove an unskilled player because her lack of skill may pose a somewhat increased risk of injury than would a more skilled player.
Speaking ASA, unless we were talking about a real fireball pitcher with no control, I think it is unlikely I would ever use your "make him an offer he can't refuse" approach. However, if the need arose, I think it would be a useful tool.