Varsity Partner Help...

[PAT THE REF]

Hey Everyone,

I was very excited to be moved from a mid-level freshman game (base job) to a High-Level Varsity Game (plate job) here in NJ today. I have a few questions that I would like everyone’s opinion on the following situations. My biggest downfall is game management and I would like to become better at it, so any advice is greatly appreciated.

Sit 1) Top of the 1st, Questionable strikes at the low point of the knee and the catcher is dropping his glove. Every pitch then is scraped on the ground or dropped… I ball pitches and the coach starts getting on my case… Stuff like… Hey Billy (catcher) where was that one? Looking good? Aww. Come on. Hey Blue! Where was that one? All from the dugout.

Sit 2) My partner on the 3rd base side of the diamond with a R1, double play ball hit to shortstop… Runs over the bag – three feet prior to the runner getting there. Legal slide, no popup but the Shortstop trips over the legs of the runner. NO interference – totally legal slide and just a “trip”. Base umpire calls runner safe due to shortstop never reaching the bag. Then coach goes out to him to argue… From the bench and the stands (they are behind one another)… “that was a rule change! Four years ago! That should have been two! Your are the worst f*cking umpires I have ever seen! We should all just go home!”. Coach returns and we have R1 and R2 now…

Sit 3) Catcher still dropping pitches & missing pitches… From the dugout in the 4th inning… “Call it both ways! Come on now”… Lets Go!....

Sit 4) Catcher in the 5th Inning starts signaling his coach where pitches are and now he holds the glove for a good second on pitches that I have balled. We are talking two balls off the inside corner… Now when the coach asks his catcher… He just shrugs his shoulders…

Sit 5) Check Swing on a Bunt… Batter attempts and moves towards the pitcher – similar to a drag bunt… But at the last second swings the bat along the ground and moves 2-3 feet out of the box… I give a strong – yes he went! And all heck breaks loose… The coach now is screaming that the call was horrible and that I need to get some help… Called strike – no help is EVER given, but I honestly thought he went… Then my partner says, well you cant appeal a bunt… and throws me under the bus.

As you can see, I don’t like to have “rabbit ears”. I know Evans teaches the “four stages” of warning and such but I just don’t like looking for trouble. When it finds me – in my face, words directed at me directly then I can handle it… But about “pot shots” from the dugout… A little help?

Thanks,

Pat

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by PAT THE REF

Sit 1) Top of the 1st, Questionable strikes at the low point of the knee and the catcher is dropping his glove. Every pitch then is scraped on the ground or dropped… I ball pitches and the coach starts getting on my case… Stuff like… Hey Billy (catcher) where was that one? Looking good? Aww. Come on. Hey Blue! Where was that one? All from the dugout.

At this point, a good stare (mask on) into the dugout would be the correct thing to do (otherwise known as burning the dugout). It's not rabbit ears anymore when they start with "Hey Blue....". Now they are inviting you in!

Originally Posted by PAT THE REF

Sit 2) My partner on the 3rd base side of the diamond with a R1, double play ball hit to shortstop… Runs over the bag – three feet prior to the runner getting there. Legal slide, no popup but the Shortstop trips over the legs of the runner. NO interference – totally legal slide and just a “trip”. Base umpire calls runner safe due to shortstop never reaching the bag. Then coach goes out to him to argue… From the bench and the stands (they are behind one another)… “that was a rule change! Four years ago! That should have been two! Your are the worst f*cking umpires I have ever seen! We should all just go home!”. Coach returns and we have R1 and R2 now…

If that crap ("Your are the worst f*cking umpires I have ever seen!") came from the dugout, you should have been dumping people right then and there. If it came from the stands, leave it alone.

Originally Posted by PAT THE REF

Sit 3) Catcher still dropping pitches & missing pitches… From the dugout in the 4th inning… “Call it both ways! Come on now”… Lets Go!....

Well, you didn't stop the BS before, now they are accusing you of cheating. Time to dump someone!

Originally Posted by PAT THE REF

Sit 4) Catcher in the 5th Inning starts signaling his coach where pitches are and now he holds the glove for a good second on pitches that I have balled. We are talking two balls off the inside corner… Now when the coach asks his catcher… He just shrugs his shoulders…

Again, you didn't take care of business before so it's just getting worse!

Originally Posted by PAT THE REF

Sit 5) Check Swing on a Bunt… Batter attempts and moves towards the pitcher – similar to a drag bunt… But at the last second swings the bat along the ground and moves 2-3 feet out of the box… I give a strong – yes he went! And all heck breaks loose… The coach now is screaming that the call was horrible and that I need to get some help… Called strike – no help is EVER given, but I honestly thought he went… Then my partner says, well you cant appeal a bunt… and throws me under the bus.

I'm confused about your partner throwing you under the bus, did you go for help or did he just shout that out?

Seriously, you need to take care of this BS early and let them know that you will not allow arguing on balls and strikes. All the good instructors tell you not to have rabbit ears but these turkeys invited you into the dugout as I said before.

After "burning the dugout", the next directed comment or coach's comment would require an unmasked visit: "Listen gentlemen/coach, we are not going there today so let's be done with it, understood?", then walk back to the plate. After that, who ever starts up is ejecting themselves - plain and simple.

This is a perfect example of letting the BS go too far. Next time, don't let it escalate to this point and you will be fine.

Regards

[RPatrino]

Ozzy said it all!!

My only comment is, if you wait to handle problems until they are in your face, then they will eventually be in your face. It's much better to handle things early and often.

[aceholleran]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

It's not rabbit ears anymore when they start with "Hey Blue....". Now they are inviting you in!

Well put, Oz. I'm going to borrow this phrase when I give clinics. I also like the "burn the dugout" phrase. I have often been the "burner," but never used dem woids.

Ace

[bob jenkins]

[QUOTE=PAT THE REF]My biggest downfall is game management and I would like to become better at it, so any advice is greatly appreciated. [/quote


Good game management comes from experience. Experience comes from poor game management.

I know Evans teaches the “four stages” of warning and such but I just don’t like looking for trouble. When it finds me – in my face, words directed at me directly then I can handle it… But about “pot shots” from the dugout… A little help?

I'm a little confused. You have some advice (from Evans), you chose not to use it, you don't like the results, but you still don't want to use the advice? Maybe I'm just misreading this.

[PeteBooth]

[QUOTE]

Originally Posted by PAT THE REF

Hey Everyone,

I was very excited to be moved from a mid-level freshman game (base job) to a High-Level Varsity Game (plate job) here in NJ today.

Not to "burst your bubble" but IMO you were moved because others most likely "kicked back' this game.

I know you didn't ask but is seems that your number 1 problem lies in the HS umpires asociation you work in. It sounds like this team behaved that way all season long and no crew did anything about it.

Ozzy gave you a "blow by blow' analysis of what you should have done, but your association is also at fault here.

F2's tactics should have been dealt with from game 1. As mentioned I doubt that this was the first time F2 did what he did.

One difference I have with Ozzy. This was a HS game and even though we are to ignore fans, when you here abusive language coming from the stands, then it's time to go to the home coach and ask him to "get rid" of this individual. Fans can get riled in a hurry and you do not need a "cheerleader' egging everyone on. From the description of the OP it sounds like this type of game could have turned "ugly" in a heartbeat.

Summary: bring this up at your HS association meeting. Also I know you want to move up but when you get a "high level' varsity game this time of year and all along you were doing Freshman / JV there's something "rotten in Denmark"

Pete Booth

[DG]

[QUOTE=PeteBooth]

Not to "burst your bubble" but IMO you were moved because others most likely "kicked back' this game.

Also I know you want to move up but when you get a "high level' varsity game this time of year and all along you were doing Freshman / JV there's something "rotten in Denmark"

Pete Booth

I don't know Pete. Maybe the assignor knew exactly what he was doing, this was a high level late season game that meant nothing to either team's playoff hopes, one team is known for bad behaviour and he was sent to be evaluated.

And it would seem he knows what he needs to work on but did not use this opportunity to work on it. Anyone who would not toss instantaneously after hearing "Your are the worst f*cking umpires I have ever seen!" and load up to toss again if there is a negative reaction from any other game participants lacks game management skills entirely.

He needs to go read the Six EJ's post from Arnold A. and learn how to get any and all comers.

[PeteBooth]

[QUOTE][QUOTE=DG]

Originally Posted by PeteBooth

I don't know Pete. Maybe the assignor knew exactly what he was doing, this was a high level late season game that meant nothing to either team's playoff hopes, one team is known for bad behaviour and he was sent to be evaluated.

If the aforementioned was the case, then Pat would have already been assigned this game.


From the OP

I was very excited to be moved from a mid-level freshman game (base job) to a High-Level Varsity Game (plate job) here in NJ today.

Varsity games ALWAYS have 2 umpires, therefore, this particlar game already had 2 varisty officials pre-scheduled. It's seems "on paper" that one of these officials (we now know why) kicked back the game, and perhaps the other varisty officials on the roster already had assignments, hence Pat got the call.

It's a BIG move from "Mid-level Freshman" to "High level" varsity. In addition it seems as though the assignor "threw him to the wolves"

Also, I doubt that this was the first time these particular teams and fans behaved that way for the FIRST time. I know none of us were there, but it appears that the association has done nothing about these teams behaviors. Maybe the other varisty officials who did these teams games in the past were afraid of getting a bad rating and therefore, did nothing about the behavior. (BTW this is common in many an umpire association)

As I mentioned, it's nice to move up but generally speaking when you as an official have been doing low to mid level Fresman ball all season and suddenly get a call to do the dish on a "high level' varsity game something is going on here.

Pete Booth

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Pete Booth

Also, I doubt that this was the first time these particular teams and fans behaved that way for the FIRST time. I know none of us were there, but it appears that the association has done nothing about these teams behaviors. Maybe the other varsity officials who did these teams games in the past were afraid of getting a bad rating and therefore, did nothing about the behavior. (BTW this is common in many an umpire association)

My assignor used to send me to "trouble spots" to go in and clean house. I'd go in there and in no uncertain terms show that there was a new sheriff in town. These schools or leagues aren't the place to put a lower-level, less experienced umpire right off the bat, and I agree that perhaps he was thrown to the wolves.

[David B]

Originally Posted by PAT THE REF

Hey Everyone,

I was very excited to be moved from a mid-level freshman game (base job) to a High-Level Varsity Game (plate job) here in NJ today. I have a few questions that I would like everyone’s opinion on the following situations. My biggest downfall is game management and I would like to become better at it, so any advice is greatly appreciated.

Sit 1) Top of the 1st, Questionable strikes at the low point of the knee and the catcher is dropping his glove. Every pitch then is scraped on the ground or dropped… I ball pitches and the coach starts getting on my case… Stuff like… Hey Billy (catcher) where was that one? Looking good? Aww. Come on. Hey Blue! Where was that one? All from the dugout.

Sit 2) My partner on the 3rd base side of the diamond with a R1, double play ball hit to shortstop… Runs over the bag – three feet prior to the runner getting there. Legal slide, no popup but the Shortstop trips over the legs of the runner. NO interference – totally legal slide and just a “trip”. Base umpire calls runner safe due to shortstop never reaching the bag. Then coach goes out to him to argue… From the bench and the stands (they are behind one another)… “that was a rule change! Four years ago! That should have been two! Your are the worst f*cking umpires I have ever seen! We should all just go home!”. Coach returns and we have R1 and R2 now…

Sit 3) Catcher still dropping pitches & missing pitches… From the dugout in the 4th inning… “Call it both ways! Come on now”… Lets Go!....

Sit 4) Catcher in the 5th Inning starts signaling his coach where pitches are and now he holds the glove for a good second on pitches that I have balled. We are talking two balls off the inside corner… Now when the coach asks his catcher… He just shrugs his shoulders…

Sit 5) Check Swing on a Bunt… Batter attempts and moves towards the pitcher – similar to a drag bunt… But at the last second swings the bat along the ground and moves 2-3 feet out of the box… I give a strong – yes he went! And all heck breaks loose… The coach now is screaming that the call was horrible and that I need to get some help… Called strike – no help is EVER given, but I honestly thought he went… Then my partner says, well you cant appeal a bunt… and throws me under the bus.

As you can see, I don’t like to have “rabbit ears”. I know Evans teaches the “four stages” of warning and such but I just don’t like looking for trouble. When it finds me – in my face, words directed at me directly then I can handle it… But about “pot shots” from the dugout… A little help?

Thanks,

Pat

Great points above, I would just like to add a point about dealing with F2.

You cannot allow this type of behavior by a catcher.

First time the coach asks where it is ... and F2 doesn't tell the truth - I vocally will tell F2, "we're not putting up with that tonight, you know that pitch was low" or something to that effect.

If he does it again I will give the coach a stare with mask on as Ozzy suggested, but I will also be chewing F2's tail.

All of this can be done between pitches with mask on and most people never know what's going on except the batter who will be loving it!

The next time coach pops a question and F2 shrugs etc., then as Ozzy suggested you go to the coach etc.,

But bottom line is that you do NOT let F2 show you up. And you need to let him know it.

Thanks
DAvid

[Justme]

Originally Posted by PAT THE REF

As you can see, I don’t like to have “rabbit ears”. I know Evans teaches the “four stages” of warning and such but I just don’t like looking for trouble. When it finds me – in my face, words directed at me directly then I can handle it… But about “pot shots” from the dugout… A little help?

I have always said that knowing how to handle situations is something that most clinics, especially at the local level, do not teach enough.

In your case you appear to have "learned", or at least were made aware of, an umpiring tool (the Four Stages of Warning by Evans) but chose not to use this tool.

Listen to Evans and other experienced umpires.....it will make your job a lot easier.

[LMan]

would someone mind detailing the Four Stages of Warning? or post a link?

[JR12]

I would like to see the 4 stages also. I would also like to add you guys are giving great advise!

[UmpJM]

1. Ignore

2. Acknowledge

3. Warn

4. Eject

JM

[LMan]

Originally Posted by CoachJM

1. Ignore

2. Acknowledge

3. Warn

4. Eject

JM

Thanks, John


Man, I just saved a ton of money on my umpiring by not going to JEAPU!