[DownTownTonyBrown]

However, the role of a good umpire is not just robotically enforcing the rules. I feel you need to create a miniature relationship with the players and coaches. You must be personable. You must be understanding. How do you do that? Lie? Intentionally make incorrect calls? I think NOT!

Do any of you talk to the firstbaseman that stands on the inside corner of the base and thereby obstructs the batter-runner from turning towards 2nd?

Do any of you ask the catcher to scoot back from her legal position in her box to ensure she doesn't get hit and that she doesn't interfere with the batter who wants to stand at the very back of the box?

Do any of you ask the coach to take a different postion to ensure he doesn't assist/contact a runner or to stay in the coaching box so you can see your plays better at 1st or down the third base line?

Do any of you talk to the batter to ensure her toes are inside the box before the first pitch comes?

Do any of you talk with the pitcher to promote proper pitch delivery or to prevent the opposing coach from complaining about what he might feel are illegal pitches?

The difference between the above scenarios, which I assume you all do and that you feel are acceptable, is very slight from running the bases with a highly excited batter that has just hit a very surprising homerun and subtly saying "make sure you touch them all."

I don't think any of the above scenarios, including the baserunning, make your integrity questionable. But a partner who lies that he didn't see it when he did... and that intentionally calls something wrong... for the benefit, or to lift the spirits of one team... then brags about his achievement. That person may have a wonderful life but for me he doesn't have any integrity. I would be very nervous working with that person or even being associated with that person. What's true, what's a lie, is this story for real?

Telling a runner to touch a base as she rounds it is a bit of a stretch but I think of the above scenarios as preventive and as a positive impact that an umpire can have on the game. Additionally, I feel they improve that relationship with the teams and establish integrity.