Wed Feb 15, 2006, 11:57am
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Official Forum Member
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Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: USA
Posts: 14,565
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Quote:
Originally posted by wadeintothem
Quote:
Originally posted by IRISHMAFIA
Portion lifted from another topic.
Quote:
Originally posted by Andy
This runner is out for violating the LBR. Don't like it and would expect some heat from the offensive coach, but really don't have any choice. Ball is live, this is not a life-threatening injury, I have no rule basis to kill the play and place this runner on either first or second base.
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Maybe in this scenario where you've been given the cause.
However, let's look beyond that. How do you know it's not a life-threatening injury? Even a doctor, nurse, EMT, etc. is not capable of an immediate, long-distance diagnosis.
This is the only problem I have with the rule from the umpire's side. What is to keep a player realizing they may be in trouble if F8 really lets one loose, so s/he just drops and howls as if in pain? Or just goes down silently!
I'm not against getting a player medical attention as soon as possible, but I don't care for the burden of determining what is a minor or serious injury. I can only invision an umpire thinking a player pulled up lame and not stopping the play only to find out that the individual may have had a stroke.
I can hear it now, "that umpire caused this by not calling time." Next thing I know, I'm getting a call from a lawyer. Thank goodness, we are insured, but to be honest, I'm still uncomfortable with the responsibility.
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I have some medical back ground and worked as medic for years for PeeWee and Freshman Football - personnally a player going down silently for no cause would be an IMMEDIATE grave concern as opposed to the Shortstop or someone howling in pain because they scraped their knee or whatever. Many many times I trotted 50 yards for a young football player who was writhing on the ground because he jammed his thumb, but then I think of the times I had real serious injuries - unconscious, broken femur, bone popped out of the hand - you just never know til you get there. The "good" injuries are the ones where you tell the kid "hey rub some dirt on it and get back out there", the other ones I hated to see.
I dont kill EVERY play where theres an injury, but I will most, depends on what I see and I'll make a quick judgement with my error leaning towards killing the play. I think the kids come first here, not the game. As a former medic on the field I always find it difficult not to assist, but I know as ump its not my place, so I dont - but the desire to is always there. I have always wondered if I saw something real serious where I could help and saw the proper help was not given, if I could live with myself if I didnt provide that assistance. I just have to hope it never comes up.
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Remember, this isn't a JO rule, it applies to all games.
Also, if there was no one available to render intelligent aid, I would think your knowledge would be useful and you would be covered under any Good Samaritan statutes (assuming they exist in your area).
Of course, the problem is we all know there is no law or statute that can ever stop a lawyer and that is a damn shame.
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The bat issue in softball is as much about liability, insurance and litigation as it is about competition, inflated egos and softball.
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