Quote:
Originally posted by PeteBooth
We have talked about ejections before, but I would like to expand on what is REALLY meant by 9.01(d). It says that an umpire can eject a manager for objecting to decisions.
I know this might sound stupid but what does that actually mean? Does that mean if a coach objects to my out call by thinking his runner is safe by 9.01(d) - I can eject him / her?
...[snip]...
If we go by the strict wording of 9.01(d) - a manager has no right to come out and question an umpires decision unless the decision is in conflict with the rules.
Therefore, why is it acceptable for us to allow a manager to come out and question our judgement on an out / safe call; strke / ball - you know the rest? It would seem to me that the STRICT wording of 9.01(d) would instruct us to eject an individual for doing so.
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Yes, Pete, this rule DOES mean that you can immediately eject a player, coach, manager or substitute for objecting to decisions UNLESS that objection is in accordance with OBR 9.02(b). In fact I will often caution a person coming to me immediately after a close play with "Don't be coming to me to argue a judgement call, Skip!" That will usually give pause to the ones who WERE going to do exactly that. If they continue and start discussing the pros and cons of a call, they're done! OTOH, the manager who simply asks what I saw will get my full and honest reply. If he says he saw something different I'll listen, but if he persists after I've given him my answer then he's now arguing a judgement call and he's also done for the day.
The funny (peculiar) thing is that far too many umpires believe they are required to WARN BEFORE EJECTING in these circumstances. That particular misapprehension comes from the wording of OBR 9.02(a)CMT. I look at that in this way:
1. If the coach leaves his position obviously intending to argue BALLS and STRIKES only, but hasn't yet said anything, then the rules expect us to warn him about his impending illegal act. The rules would rather we PREVENT the offense from occurring, if possible.
2. If, however, the player, manager, coach or substitute argues from wherever he is at the time then any opportunity to warn has passed,
the offense has already been committed and so should be immediately punished. NO WARNING IS REQUIRED!
NO WARNING is EVER required when the argument is over SAFE/OUT, FAIR/FOUL or any other judgement decision except BALL/STRIKE. If I can prevent the offense by warning, I will. If the offense has already been committed, it's too late and the offender is done! Remember my social source of reference though. I do Adult leagues with players up to A-AA standard. I don't do LL equivalent very often, and I might be tempted to temper my approach at that level, but NOT for HS JV or Varsity and certainly NOT for College. Those guys ought to know better already!
Cheers.
[Edited by Warren Willson on Dec 20th, 2000 at 06:03 PM]