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I'm not sure what your beef is.
As a coach, have I ever used my knowledge of the rules and how umpires operate to gain an advantage? Hell, yes! Do you think that is an unfair advantage? I don't see why since the opposing coaches have access to the same information. It' up to the umpires to make sure nobody gets an unfair advantage.
No, it's up to the umpire to administrate the rules...you can still gain advantages (i.e. stealing signs)...it is up to the coaches to teach the players not to cheat and keep themselves from doing anything unethical. I have no problem with sign stealing, as I've said. I just don't like confusing younger umpires with protocol vs. technical. It is either a violation of the rules or it isn't. A lot of rookies are influenced by "spirit of the rules" comments from coaches and that is where I took exception. This is not a "J/R don't do that". In no way should an umpire step in and take issue with this. A rookie may have read it the other way and I thought I would clarify it. In the coming weeks, we will undoubtedly see another post that involves an umpire that involves himself in a "protocol" issue. I teach a lot of clinics and believe that good instructors provide all of the information or they don't discuss the issue. I don't like confusing rookies, the job is difficult enough. "My problem" was that you failed to identify what a "protocol" issue is and I'm sure a few guys may have come away with the wrong interpretation of your post.
"That is what I said, you fool." Inspector Clouseau
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