[IRISHMAFIA]

Short editorial on this subject.

There use to be a philosophy of trying to "keep them in the game" when it came to players, coaches, managers, whomever.

I've seen umpires take this to heart and, unfortunately, take unbelievable personal abuse just to "keep them in the game."

The only problem is that as an umpire, your "integrity" is not worth "keeping them in the game." As an umpire, you have many more games to umpire. The last thing an umpire needs is to become a pin cushion, taking everything thrown at them. Taking "everything" blurs the line for others, not to mention a partner who isn't going to take some of the crap spewed by these folks.

IMO, "keeping them in the game" means allow the manager to defend his team and their play. Give the coaches their say. The questioning of a call or ruling is part of their job, allow them to do it. After all, there is always the possibility they may be correct.

When a discussion is over, walk away. Keep control of your emotions during any discussion and not allow it to escalate to an argument. An argument requires two people, don't be one of them. Even though it may be believed to be so, you are not the manager's opponent. S/he is in the other dugout.

That said, this should be taken based upon the lack of personal verbal attack or an attempt to openly question the integrity of you or your partner(s). Obviously, a physical attack toward anyone means you need to get rid of that individual.

Okay, it wasn't that short, sorry.