Quote:
Originally posted by Skahtboi
Mike:
I agree in principle with much of what you said. However, the problem is all too often what you stated in your response to WMB, namely "lazy coaching." (As was also stated by Sam C in his eloquently made "rant.") If all coaches had to attend clinics on how to teach the fundamentals of the game, then our jobs would be so much easier. All too often, though, I see fielders who are coached to stay on the bag in anticipation of a possible play, when in reality all it does is place them that much closer to an obstruction call. I see fielders who are taught to block the bag from the runner, often by the same coaches who gripe the loudest when there is a train wreck at first base. Therefore, in situations like we were discussing, when I see a runner who has used the running lane right up until her "move to the bag," I am going to give her the benefit of a doubt and not ring her up on interference in the play that we were originally discussing.
Is there really a necessity for the BR to have any part of their body other than maybe the left foot at any given time?
In a perfect world, where every kid is taught good mechanics and the fundamentals of the game, no there isn't.
In a world of moms and dads who are rec league coaches or travel coaches, who can say?!
Scott
|
Agreed! Like I said, I didn't have a problem with the call. I just think we, as umpires, shouldn't just automatically assume the runner needs that last stride very far inside the line.
IOW, we know it happens, we are going to see it happen, and we should wait and evaluate the situation when it happens, not necessarily have it etched in our brain that we should expect it to happen and automatically give the runner the benefit of the doubt without thinking about it.