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Originally Posted by SRW
Rulebook right, Ballfield Wrong.
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We are paid to enforce the rules of the game. Period. That means we don't take it upon ourselves to decide at any time that today we are going to enforce only these rules, otherwise I will probably have a really lousy game. It is the "lousy" games that challege us and our skills as umpires. The high level stuff, (good varsity HS and college level) practically calls itself.
These kids need to learn. They need to know what is legal and illegal. They need to learn it as soon as the rule applies to them, so long as there aren't superceding league rules in place. If, in the case of the OP, the USSSA rule book says that the pitcher must step on the pitching plate with both hands separated (it does), then we have to enforce this. Could you take the time to tell the coach so that he may have the opportunity to work on this with his pitcher before you call the infraction, sure. I would advise it. Don't sell these kids short. The learning curve is really high at their age.