[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by Rita C

I need help on a project for a class I am taking.

Do any of you know of any organization that requires coaches to pass a test on rules or requires coaches to take classes on the rules?

Rita, IMO instead of taking a rules test, a coach should attend a COACHES clinic and an anger management class.

Just like umpires, coaches need to know the proper way to approach Blue etc. In one clinic I attended, the instructors would play the role of manager etc. and then come out an argue etc. to see at what point we had enough. It was part of the game management aspect of umpiring - How to control a game. After the incident, they would give tips on what you did right and wrong and how to better handle in future.

IMO, coaches should have a similar type test if you will.

The coaches job first and foremost (at least in amateur ball) is to teach and secondly perhaps even more important than the first is how to deal with today's athlete. Coaches hold the key in controling a game. If the coach starts, then the players start and the Fans.

The BIGGEST problem is the media. Coaches see Lou Pinella, Former Manager Billy Martin and going back a bit Earl Weaver Rant and Rave, throw dirt on an umpire throw bases etc. MLB does nothing. At least if they handed out some sort of suspension would be one thing, but they do nothing.

Just look at the Alomar incident a few years back. That was a joke. The player didn't get suspended until the following year. If MLB had respect for Umpires perhaps the rest of the country would.

Pete Booth