|
Warren, something is not right here. I've called mens leagues too long to know you're not going to have judgement calls go unquestioned (and uncommented upon).
Regardless of how well YOU know your rules and the do's and dont's of umpiring, the men players and coaches do not. I think Moose realises (note the 's' for your benefit) that behavior infractions ARE going to occur in mens recreational ball. The top umps are those who can make the best judgement calls on the level of significance of the behavior infraction and take the appropriate action when necessary. Game management! Going black/white on print here will result in continued ejections and/or so much tension you/ve taken the fun out of the game for all, including yourself. You don't compromise safety or personal ethics, but you've got to realise you are dealing with men (who frequently act like boys).
I can't believe your dumping someone simply because they are questioning a judgement call. Instead, I'll bet you accept it and just explain what you saw and why you called what you did---drawing the line at that point that there is nothing further to discuss. You've got to EXPECT comments on close plays--right or wrong with the call. Continued and repetitive comments on your strikezone (or is it strikesone) will cause a warning to the coach that he needs to control himself or his team to avoid a LIKELY ejection for future infractions (note that using likely in the warning doesn't overcommit you).
UJNLESS IT IS FLAGRANT, I suspect few ejections occur without warning.
Sorry, Warren, your other posts throughout are too good for me to believe that you are practicing what you are preaching here. I think you are talking idealism rather than realism.
By the way, I probably lead the league in ejections because I will not tolerate the F___ word yelled where the women in children in stands can hear it (and I will guess 90%+ of my ejections in mens ball is a result of that). Eliminate that one element, and I would be at the low ratio of ejections compared to other umpires. I consider that action as flagrant with warnings provided players since age 9. The league, promoting family involvement, supports that stance.
|