|
"As a High School coach, I find it impossible to get an umpire to ASK for help. Any suggestions?"
So many variables:
What are you asking him to get help for? Simple safe/out call? Fair/foul? Catch/no catch? You shouldn't get many umps to get help on these.
Rule application, rule interpretation? Ask nicely and almost all umps will agree to confer with their partner... privately. (Once they agree to confer, go sit down)
Pulled foot? Swipe tag? It's all in the asking. "GET SOME HELP BLUE!!!" just doesn't work.
"Excuse me ump, I know that was real close one and I noticed your partner was coming up the line to watch the play. Woould you mind seeing if he saw a pulled foot (swipe tag) on the play just in case you didn't have time to get to where you wanted to be on that? Thanks."
Even then, most umpires will only go for help before they make the call. And some know (by observing) that their partner did not have a good look for whatever reason. They are not going for help either.
One time I screwed up and left myself only a straight line view on a play at first that maybe did and maybe didn't pull F3 off. I went for help BEFORE I made the call.
In short, coach, umpires are not required to get help. Some will, some won't. "You pays your money, you takes your chances."(sic) You can increase you chances by picking those few times you ask very carefully and then asking nicely.
[Edited by GarthB on Jun 27th, 2002 at 12:55 AM]
|