Quote:
Originally Posted by JRutledge
Gordon with all due respect, people on this site are not in an authoritative position in my officiating world. They are just some people on the site that talks about what they think or why we all should do something. I do not work for any of them and never will. Considering that I have watched the post season games and seen a lot of things done that were not "taught" by the state or organizations, somehow those individuals still keep working. 
I will put it this way, when I worked the state finals a few years ago I had a play there it was my call all the way but I got screened. This was a shot fly ball in short center and the SS made a great play to dive at the ball. I had no idea if the SS caught the ball or not and immediately looked to my partner at first base (3 person game) and he gave me a signal of "out" without me using my voice or asking any other way but giving him a look of "help." My partner knew what I wanted instinctively and we made the call and it took probably a second to complete. When we got into the locker room, the UIC praised us for getting this play right. This was not a stated mechanic; this was not what we talked about the day before the tournament started or the meeting that is required or in any situation. When you get to that point where every play is being evaluated (and you may get there relatively soon), then talk to me then about these authoritative people and what they think then? I know where my bread is buttered and it is not with some guy that has a name I have no idea who they are. I cannot go to Craig or Brad and tell them, "We had this discussion on an officiating board and this is what they told me to do." They would start laughing before I finished that sentence. And that does not even include what happen with me in the State Finals in football this past year which at least a very well-known play. Of course there were people that disagreed, but the powers that be did not say a word or complain. We all have to choose why we do this and who we do this for. I am secure in the fact that what I believe is right for me. It might not be right for you. Do what works for you and let the chips fall where they may.
Peace |
No question there are times to improvise but concerning Running Lane Violations it's the plate guy all the way. Carl Childress he's an authority to me. The mere fact that he's written BRD and numerous other books is good enough for me. I don't think you can find an assignor or a clincian in Illinois that would agree with you. If you're working a college game or even a high school varsity with a veteran coach who knows what's going on sure you can make that call and I gurantee you'll have an ejection. I can also gurantee you that your assignor will throw you right under the bus because it runs counter to how that play is expected to be handled and who is to make that call. It is absolutely positively Plate Umpires call. I'll positively never call it if I'm working the A position. You can blaze that trail if you like.