I've been spending the last couple hours chugging down nutrients; so, please bear with me while I attempt to get this message down before I lose my strength.
Short and sweet: We're either part of the solution; or, part of the problem.
With all the recent onslaught media attention and articles regarding fan outrage; and, attacks on officials it seems that some type of intervention is in order. Personally, I'd rather be part of the solution - than another statistic!
quote:
Originally posted by PeteBooth:
Dave I agree with your assessment.
Even in PRO Ball - if a fan gets unruly - they are escorted from the ballpark by security.
In most games we umpire, there isn't a full fledged security department at our disposal.
While I do not engage with Fans myself - If they become so unruly as to REALLY disrupt the game - one has no choice but to get them to leave.
In LL or HS, the Fans are right on top of the action, and if a fan is irrate , belligerent and just making an a@@@SS out of himself, there really is no choice.
Fans can DIRECTLY effect what happens inside the Dead Ball Area with their constant heckling and belligerent behavior.
I agree with you - This is not the sign of a "weak" umpire. They do not pay me enough to put up with constant abuse from fans. It's ok to "let me have it" but then move on as was the case in your games.
Remember, we have to walk to our cars after the game - We do not want some irrate fan waiting for us.
Perhaps T Allen does a lot of college / Minor Pro Ball where the stands are not right on top of you as in HS or LL. Also, in college and in Minor Ball, there is probably more security around than we have at our disposal.
Pete Booth