[Crabby_Bob]

Originally Posted by Manny A

Somewhere along the line, HS softball coaches were told to put equipment outside the dugouts, because that's what's routinely done in our area. I have no idea why, but I suspect it has to do with the following:

- Makes things quicker for the umpires if everything's already laid out
- Keeps some separation between umpires and players/coaches in case there were any issues from previous games
- Some team dugouts are just too small to accommodate umpires trying to check equipment while players are also in the dugout
- There may be things that umpires just don't need to see inside the dugouts (girls adjusting uniforms, etc.)

...

Not to mention: - being accused of stealing something.

Who needs that?