Quote:
Originally posted by jumpmaster
as officials and respresentatives of baseball we are leaders on the field. Leadership positions, by the nature, acquire certain responsibilities. One of those is to ensure the safety of the participants of the game, for example, the malicious contact rule.
I would challenge that as an umpire we are responsible for observing players and our partners for signs of heat stress or cold for those of you above the Mason-Dixon line.  When observed, we have an inherant responsibility to act, anything less is simply wrong.
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Alan,
I don't disagree that if we see a problem, we take care of it. You missed my message, though. Re-read the quotes. You are not being passive, you are directing your guidance and concern to the people directly in charge of the players. Chatting with a catcher as he warms up and asking him he got a drink is good - and if he has manners, he'll ask about you.
But, I don't replace bases when they get dislodged, I don't tend to injurd players, I don't chalk the box or lines, I don't close gates and I don't act like their parent out there. I will be kind and considerate, but my JOB is to be an adminsitrator. I will make sure that the field and playing conditions are safe. I will watch the weather or look for dangerous impediments and I will encourage the coaches to keep an eye on their kids. I work a level of baseball that affords a lot more freedom to concentrate on the game and not the players. I respect the fact that many of our members love working youth baseball and may have different concerns. My advice is not meant for all, it is intended to help you administrate the game and encourages professionalism.
As a fan, I like umpires who are polite and are concerned...concerned about doing the best job they can.
Finally, I can assure you that the Moms, Dads and coaches involved are far more culpable than the umpire with regards to the incident cited. Where were the kids parents and why weren't they concerned enough to get the kids liquids?