[PeteBooth]

[QUOTE=WhatWuzThatBlue]I guess it depends on what level of ball you are working. The comments you mentioned in the original post wouldn't get more than a smirk from me. We call it gamesmanship and he may be doing it to see how far he can push, to get a rise out of you and get dumped or to rally his team. If I tossed a guy for those comments, it would be me that would be looking for other assignments. My assignor would be stupified and I would be embarassed.

Maybe this should be another thread but IMO it is an important matter in answering many of these type questions.

Is umpiring your Profession or one's hobby.

IMO, your answer is "right-on" for someone who umpires professionally or aspires to umpire professionally or at the D1 college level. However, for the average amateur umpire it may be different.

Why!

Umpiring for the average amateur is a hobby. Yes it's important to get training etc. but in reality some of us umpire games right after work. We are not supposed to take our work problems at home or on the field but we are human or at least I think we are.

Therefore, as an amateur, sometimes you just have enough of a coach when they constantly stop by and give their under the breath comments especially in the heat. Also, more often than not it's his team that could use the comments, meaning they are not hustling or doing what they are supposed to.

Also, you will probably see this particular coach on several occassions throughout the year. Even though we should do the things you mentioned in your post, sometimes especially after a "tough day at the office" you simply had enough of this guy and eject him.

Will it mean no more assignments - NO because there is already a shortage at least in my area. Will it mean lessor type assignments - maybe but 7 innings is 7 innings and the FEE's are the same.

In Summary: There are certain things you can try, etc. but sometimes especially if this coach is doing it all game long as he passes by it's time to say "See Ya"

Pete Booth