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Well said Garth.
I agree 100%.
At lower levels, I do a lot of "teaching". There is no sense in calling 20 balks. We are there to TEACH the kids. And Warren, at house league levels, don't give me this, "you are the umpire, not the coach stuff" More often than not, I know more about coaching then the coaches and usually they appreciate the help.
Now, at higher levels, call it. This past weekend, I was working a National qualification tournament in Junior (18-21 yr olds). In my first game, six balks, five on the same pitcher for not pausing. Game two, two balks - same reason. Next game, one. After a while, the teams learned that we were calling these things closely. In total, 9 balks in 5 games. Nine balks is more than I had last year. But, this is competative ball with men - well, they shave but they are not mature yet!
Blaine
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