[mcrowder]

In reading numerous threads recently, it has become clear that a lot of people use these terms interchangeably, when in fact they are quite different and separate events which require quite different reactions on our part.

Protest - this is when the manager feels the umpires have mismanaged a RULES INTERPRETATION. This does not apply to judgement calls. Must be initiated by a manager who is still in the game (a protest from an ejected manager is invalid). In many leagues, if a protest is followed through after the game, the league requires a deposit of some sort to eliminate frivolous protests. Our actions: STOP what you are doing. If appropriate, discuss the rule in question with the other umpires. If umpires agree on the interp, and this differs from the coach's, write down in the scorebook the exact current situation and the rule being protested, and move on (tourney protest rules differ, as might local rules). Do NOT instigate further debate with the coach, and do NOT eject the protesting manager (at least not simply for protesting the call). After the game, find out if the manager wants to continue with the protest (they may not, if they won anyway), and follow league guidelines.

Appeal - two types - live ball and dead ball appeal. Can include anything from a runner missing a base, leaving early on a tagup (NOT leaving early on a pitch), batting out of order, etc. There are specific time limits on the requests for appeal, depending on the infraction. Our action: rule on the appeal, and apply penalties to the offender if necessary.

Request for help - applies to when a coach thinks there is relevant information that the calling umpire did not or could not see, which the other umpire or umpires might have additional information on. Could also include a prelude to a protest, if the coach feels the umpire may be mistaken in his rule interpretation, and requests the umpire get confirmation from the other umpire. Requests for help must be made to the calling umpire, and do not have to be followed through on. Note that there are no time limits, other than the resumption of the game, on this action. Our action: if the calling umpire agrees with the coach that it's possible additional information is available, he should approach the other umpire and discuss in private, away from either coach. Calling umpire should then make the call (reversal or not), not the umpire with possibly additional information.