Quote:
Originally posted by MichaelVA2000
I umpire both slow and fastpitch leagues and keep anyone not on the team out of the dugout area. Problem is, not all the umpires in our association are following this rule (Rule 1 Dugout), which leads to...cmon Blue, nobody else keeps the kids, wives, or husbands that are not on the team out. Or when working locations where there are several fields you can see kids in the dugout on fields 2 and 4 but not on fields 1 and 3.
Has anyone else run into this situation?
Thanks,
Michael
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Michael,
If you are a newer umpire, get used to this kind of statement. When we start umping we bust our humps learning the rules of decorum, only to have them wisked away by the reality of "We-do-it-this-way-here". Many "house cleaning rules", (pick up equipment, pick up the balls, get that bat) are ignored in local areas.
Just don't worry too much about it. Work on the action rules. That's where you'll be judged the most.
The best way to approach this type of question is with a question, something like, "The rules say (this), but is (something else) allowed in this league?"
By making such a statement, you are not becoming nit-picking, nor an OO (Overly-officious Official), you are letting the managers know that you are informed of the correct rule, but you are willing to be the open-minded umpire that, of course, you are. Their answer will explain how that league works. This is their league, not ours.
If you see a safety problem, voice your concern. But, if you feel really strongly about any neglected rule, enforce it the way you see fit.
mick