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Coachtindell
I can see a rational discussion is going no where with you.Trust me,if you were to walk onto the field to discuss ball and strikes in my game,you would be writing yourself a very prompt trip to the parking lot.But since you are a professed expert on the rule book,you then already know that questioning ball and strikes calls for an immediate ejection.
I am going to try to simplify my explanation in an effort that maybe I can open your eyes a little bit.I still dont believe I am spending all this time trying to make a 10U coach understand.This level is pure and simple a development level.Are your girls all distressed over a strike zone or are they still having fun??
Youth officiating(all sports)have always been a little more lax in the application of the rule book at the lower levels.In football and basketball,every single infraction is not called at the beginning levels and are more closely called as they progress.This is not infringing on the rules,but a common sense approach to officiating youth sports.I have no idea why an umpire would call a tight zone in a 10U game.That makes no sense to me at all.As umpires(good ones)we are not making up rules as we go.We are "adjusting" to suit the level of play.I really think you should take a crack at umpiring to get a proper perspective.Heck the test should be a breeze since you are already an authority on the rules.Then stand out there and see if your "perfect rule book strike zone"is acceptable in all your games regardless of the level of play.
By the way,in High School and College ball,it is not us, the umpires who define the zone,it is the coaches.If I would call the "rule book"strike zone in a Div 3 game,I can guarantee,I would be blackballed from doing their games in the future.Same goes with the High School teams in my area.
I have never gotten anything less than a cordial handshake and thank-yous from coaches of the 12U and 10U games complimenting me for the consistancy of my strike zone and my professionalism.After 15 years of umpiring,I take great pride in my umpiring and wouldnt even think of doing anything to harm the game.I firmly believe in my approach of applying the rules as do the coaches I umpire for.
When I was the UIC for our local youth league,we implemented a rule requiring all coaches to umpire 2 games in a season.We ran a pre season clinic and then paired the coaches with a seasoned umpire.What an eye opener that was!!!You would not believe how drastically that increased the sportsmanship of the coaches,Try a little umpiring coach,and let us all know how well you did.
Jeff
NCAA Certified
NFHS Certified
ASA Certified
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