[WhatWuzThatBlue]

I don't replace bases, rake Diamond Dry and spread Turface on wet spots...
I don't mend fencing/windscreens or hammer in stakes that are above the ground...

I choose not to do these things because I've been under the impression that doing so may expose me to a liability I just don't need. While I am an umpire and consider myself above groundskeeping chores, I abstain from these things because other people are in charge of those duties.

While it can certainly keep a game from grinding to a halt, my replacing a dislodged base most certainly exposes me to a potential lawsuit. Imagine a player slides into that base and claims that his fingers were broken because I had not anchored it flat to the ground. Beyond that, I had called time, fixed the base and then announced "Play" when I thought the conditions were safe. Many P.I. attorneys would love to have me do that.

We have enough repsonsibility out there and need to dodge enough traps along the way to games' end. Looking for more trouble, even if your intentions were good, does not absolve you of culpability.

G'day (in my best Paul Harvey voice).