Pat,
Yours is one of the best replies I've yet to see on this or any other board. I'll meet you for a drink in WV anytime!
As you've probably already grasped . . . many plays are "one of a kind". In the heat of the battle, umpires are required to make a ruling; whether it be "right" or "wrong". I'm sure the "armchair officials" and the media will analyze these plays "ad nauseum"; without a firm resolution on what "SHOULD have been called" by the book.
The only point in my discussion and reply is that an umpire has two obligations. One is to make a call . . .no matter what it is. The second obligation is to be able to support that call/ruling with either precedence, practice or simply "gut feeling." I think you've managed to convey that.
Thanks for the input.
Jerry
|