[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by BuggBob

The game situation: R3 @ 2nd, R4 @1st, two outs. Double steal, B5 bends down in the box and as she does her butt moves into the F2's legs, clearly interfering with F2's attempt to make a play on the runners. I immediately rule interference, the batter is out. The coach came down and calmly discussed why I should not have made that call, and I calmly told him why I did make that call. I like this coach, years ago he taught me how an umpire needs to properly deal with a coach.

1) Listen to the coach's argument.
2) Tell them what you saw -- don't sugar coat it, filter it, embellish it, or bull**it. Tell the truth, stick to the facts.
3) Listen to the coach's counter argument.
4) Tell them what rule you are using -- it is important to know the rules because every good coach will know them, and every bad coach will need them corrected. You may not know the rule number (that is not important) but you must know the rule, and it helps if you know the rule book wording.
5) If the coach wants to protest don't take it personally.
6) Move on and continue the game. Remove that event from you mind and start afresh.

While I am sure that the coach disagrees with what I called, I am just as sure he has accepted it and will not use it as an alibi for a win or loss, and most importantly he will not hold it against me in future games. This coach is a true class act and one that all coaches should emulate.

BTW, we agreed the stick with my original call and ruling.

Very good advice to give to another umpire. A conversation between a coach and an umpire does not need to be interpreted as a confrontation. Hear what the coach has to say, and let it be just that - a conversation.