Quote:
Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve
We would all do well to recognize that the individuals making those comments do not play their high school games under NFHS rules or use the NFHS umpire manual as their guide. They write their own manual because no one else knows how to handle the game in their state, which is obviously diferent than any other state.
Temper your impression and/or concern about their comments (and opinions) based on that knowledge.
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I am one of the main posters saying talk just to coaches and inform players through coaches.
I am not involved with those writing their own manual or being different than NFHS.
My training and my received critiques for years have been not to give instructions directly to players for several reasons. This has accumulated over the years (28), so I can't cite specific sources, but there have been several. Reasons have been coach's objections, avoiding favoritism, avoiding liability, distracting players, etc.
Yes, I know the manual and the cases might imply direct communication; but don't specifically say so and I believe can be interpreted as via coaches, if that is the association or umpire policy.