Quote:
Originally posted by Warren Willson
Furthermore, umpiring by your preference, Rich, is actually also the way the RULES REQUIRE - ie. no appeals of judgement decisions! [9.02(a)].
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From JEA Rule 9.02(a) [the rule you choose to reference] :
Customs and Usage: One of the most distinguishing features of the game of Baseball is its proliferation of arguments. Through the years, umpires have taken a more lenient position than that promulgated by the league officials of the 19th century.
Unlike football which has the "unsportsmanlike conduct" penalty, basketball which has the "technical" foul, or hockey which provides the "penalty box", Baseball has no intermediate penalty to control misconduct toward its officials. The more serious penalty of "ejection" is the only control the Baseball umpire is provided by rule. Therefore, it has become necessary for the umpire to tolerate limited objections to his decisions and to allow discussion on controversial plays.
Welcome to the 21st century, Warren---if you care to join most of the other officials who have left the 19th century. Today's officials accept discussions and appeals. It has been proven that an official's decision is not final
until the official says it is final. Even your support of the infamous "List of Five" is proof that calls can be changed after the original decision. The list of 5 includes
examples, but in reality there may be more that follow the
concept of correcting a call when the responsible official is aware of his error and has opportunity to correct it.
Since you accept Evans' writings elsewhere, why is it that you don't accept it here?
Are you merely picking and choosing that which you wish to accept?
That is what it seems......
And while Rich seems adverse to gaining help when necessary due to his
fear of frivolous appeals that may resultantly ensue, in actuality that fear is not a reality that becomes a problem. Most officials easily handle those situations if they occur.
It remains the choice of the official, however, as to whether he personally wishes to drive the 19th century vehicle or accept the newer, better vehicle of the 21st century that has evolved through the trial and error of rulemaking and rule interpretation. Certainly the directions provided by OBR, PBUC, NCAA, and Fed wish us to drive today's model vs. that of yesteryear. However, some still prefer to drive the old Model T...........
Just my opinion,
Freix