You go to work in the morning and return to 4 pages of discussion.
Seems to be an interesting topic for everyone.
I have not shed a tear over being suspended, but am more upset that I was not backed by my UIC and that he allowed the board and coaches to walk all over me while I was the one being polite and professional. If they did this to me, what stops them from doing it to another umpire if something does not go their way?
I have 2 question for you though jicecone.
1. You allow the coaches to be outside the dugout. Little Johnny goes running after a foul ball, dives for it, and lands square onto the coach. The result of this Little Johnny has an anterior shoulder dislocation and needs to be taken to the emergency room to have it reduced. Mommy is rather upset and sues the league and the coach who in return state that you were not enforcing their rules and that you allowed the coach outside of the dugout. What is your response?
2. The coaches feel as if 3 outs are not enough in an inning so they decide that for their game they are going to have 4 out innings. Although the rule book says differently, this is what they want to do. Do you allow it
To me, if it is within the rule book it will be enforced. The way attorneys work nowadays I am not leaving myself open for liability. I am always approachable and respectful while umpiring unless a coach decides to be a jerk. I treat others the way that I wish to be treated.
To ozzy6900, I agree that the coaches should not leave the dugout and mingle with fans, however the board feels otherwise. It is permitted for coaches to come and go. The reasoning that they have is that maybe a coach might be late from work or needs to leave for work, or that maybe he has his 5 other kids present at the park and needs to go take care of them.
For the debate on rather Little League allows coaches on the field for Minors, we have to remember what is classified as Minors and what is not. Minor leagues are a developmental league where competition is supposed to be disregarded. The coaches are present to help instruct. We are not talking about 10 year olds that are playing competitive baseball. This rule is present for the leagues that wish to use it for their non competitive coach pitch divisions etc, not their competitive divisions. In international tournament play (whether it be 9/10, 10/11, or 11/12) you will find all the coaches within the dugout as none are permitted on the field of play unless you are a base coach while your team is on offense.