|
I started doing this on my own, and it's help avoid scoring misundestandings and also helped to keep games moving. After every half inning I check with the scorekeepers for how many runs scored during that half inning and I announce it to the other team to make sure that they agree, or, if they don't keep a book for the opposing offense, that at least they heard how many runs were scored against them. I write the number of runs and totals for each team on a card, where I also note HR's hit by each team and the player's uniform #, as we use the 3-HR limit/progressive rule. This has also helped eliminate confusion, especially when teams are going to their 4th, 5th, and 6th HR's. At the start of each half inning I announce the inning and score. (Top 6th, 8 to 5. Play) That way it's clear to me and all players what's going on, and prevents questions/arguments when mercy (run-ahead) rule situations apply. I don't have to stick around while teams are trying to sort out/argue about their scorecards. I've also been complimented by many spectators, who've said that they otherwise wouldn't know the accurate score/inning. I understand that this is not our responsibility as an umpire, but since I work mostly 1-man PU games, it helps me to demonstrate and keep control of games when teams are confident that I know the score, inning, out, ball and strike counts, etc at all times. Yes it's extra effort, but for the problems it avoids, it's well worth it. It also helps get the innings started quicker as both offense and defensive teams are used to commencing pitching and batting immediately following the call.
|