[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by BHBlue

I hope you would agree, Mike, that how an official is perceived can determine how he/she is treated by coaches during a game. At the college level, it may mean the difference between recieving and not receiving assignments. It certainly affects post-season assignments. Rule knowledge, good mechanics, and sound judgement are expected. The little things often separate good officials from great ones.

Furthermore, when a coordinator makes a "suggestion", it is expected to be followed. They, not I, determine "what it takes" to work for them. As a state UIC, would you not expect your officials to follow any directives issued by your office?

I, personally, throw the ball to the pitcher at every level I officiate in order to stay in the habit. That is, unless my UIC tells me not to.

I let the ability level of the pitcher determine the pace of the ball and make sure she is indeed paying attention before I do so. I certainly have no desire to injure any player at any level.

What happens when you are told to throw the ball to the pitcher and it ends up in the outfield? What's the coach's perception going to be then?

I understand what you are saying, but a coach's perception of an umpire is only going to be as good as the last call which affected that coach's team.

I've been involved in coach's evaluations (HS level) of umpires and without knowing or seeing the game, I could determine the outcome of the game EVERY time simply by reading the evaluations.

I've always believed the umpire should handle the ball as little as possible and that includes throwing to the pitcher.

When I give the ball to the catcher, very few people even realize it. If after a HR, I'm inside the diamond following the runner, as the last runner is approaching the plate, I will pull the ball from the bag and once the plate is touched, hand it to the pitcher.