[David Emerling]

Originally posted by andrewm

Yes, but since you already know the rule, we would never have the discussion.

So, in your opinion, what would be the proper way for me to handle the situation? (Assuming we run the play correctly and the ump calls a balk.)

Ask him for HIS balk reference?
Cite it for him (without the book)?
Accept the ruling and continue to play under protest (file official protest after the game)?

Coaching hat: ON

When you suspect an umpire has misapplied a rule on what would normally be a judgment call - you should try to get the umpire to explain which rule he applied and how he applied it. You have to do this in a very non-confrontational way, or he may choose to clam up and give you the "talk to the hand" routine.

In my experience, if you act puzzled about what happened, most umpires will get diarrhea of the mouth and try to impress and educate you with how much they know, never suspecting for one moment that you may know the rule better than he does and that you already know how he has just misapplied it.

You have to get him to articulate his misconception regarding the rule. Once he does, continue to act perplexed and get him to repeat it. It is best if the other umpire is also involved.

Once he has clearly misapplied the rule - you got him! He can hardly change his story now. He's locked in.

There's no point in getting out rulebooks or making threats. In a very dispassionate manner, you state what you understand the rule to be, ask them to reconsider that they may have misapplied the rule, and once they stick with their call ... protest the game, walk away and have a seat. They now cannot proceed with the game without jumping through all the hoops required of an umpire in a protest situation. This will usually involve getting the tournament director involved.

While in the dugout, get out your rulebook, find the pertinent citation, and have it ready. Don't be concerned if they see you doing this. But keep the rulebook in the dugout the whole time!

Some umpires may ask to see the rule. If they do ... show it to them.

If the tournament director misapplies the rule ... THEN you whip out your rulebook and put it in HIS face ... not the umpire's.

This isn't about being a butthead or a rat - it's about being a COACH and protecting your team against gross misapplications that do great harm to your team. If you're not going to be an advocate for your team then who is?

WARNING: Only fight the battles that are worth fighting. There's no point proving an umpire wrong in a situation where his misapplication is of no substance. Before taking this route, always ask yourself, "Is this a hill worth climbing?" Frequently, the answer is "No."

Coaching hat: OFF

David Emerling
Memphis, TN

[Edited by David Emerling on Mar 21st, 2005 at 12:19 PM]