[IRISHMAFIA]

I have no problem allowing a coach to make multiple changes at any time as long as they do not involve the same spot in the batting order. I will not take them as a group as I will call the coach over and repeat every change he gave me to make sure what I heard is really what he wants. I also make sure they know that all changes take effect immediately.

NFHS does not permit "projected" changes. I read that to involve, "Blue, if the order gets to #5, substitute #3 for her" type of change.

If s/he wants to make wholesale changes and to the best of my knowledge they are legal, I just as well get them out of the way at the top of the inning.

If a player gets injured in the dugout or on deck, I see that as a coaching concern, not the umpires.

Short story. I once had a coach who made a change. The names have not been changed to protect the idiot....er, innocence.

COACH: Blue, Jimmy is hitting for Earl. Earl will re-enter.
ME: Coach, give me the re-entry when it happens.
COACH: I'm giving it to you now.
ME: Coach, give me all re-entries when they happen.
COACH: Why? I'm telling you now, I shouldn't have to do it again.
ME: Coach, are you saying that you are announcing Earl's re-entry?
COACH: Damn right, I am!
ME: Fine, coach, you're the boss. Sam (opposing coach), re-enter Earl.

Jimmy gets a hit and moves a runner to 3B. Before next pitch,

SAM: Blue, I'd like to point out that the player that just got the hit was illegal at the time.
ME: Right you are, coach (SAM). Coach, Jimmy was an illegal re-entry. He is out and done for the game. Move the runner back to 1st base.
COACH: But I gave you the change.
ME: That's correct, coach. Then YOU insisted on reporting the re-entry though I asked you not to until it was to occur. YOU insisted on doing it and told me point-blank to re-enter Earl. So I did what YOU insisted I do. By the way, don't forget to tell Earl he missed his turn at bat.

True story. Sometimes no matter how much you try to help them get it right, it just doesn't sink in. To be honest, I knew what was going to happen before it did because the opposing coach, Sam, is an umpire and knew what I was trying to do for his opponent.

Dirty trick? Yeah, I guess you could say that, but occassionally people just get what they ask for.