ddd,

I've been doing this for almost 20 years, and there are some here that make me look like a rookie, in terms of years. However, if there is one thing I have learned, thats is the simple fact that I have'nt learned everything. and I try to stay within the guidelines of the rules and much as the next guy. This situation, while not TOTALLY out of the realm of possibliity, but certainly less than the batter dropping the bat on a pitch that fell out of the pitcher hand, is remote at best.

So what do we as officials have to fall back on if something happens out of the ordinary. Well first of all, you should be versed enough in the rules to know that its not covered. Then we have to rely on the next best thing, support from the coaches, players, atheletic directors, and yes even a parent that may be willing to quickly travel to help out.

I seriously don't believe that many good officials that frequent this forum are interested in ending the game.

Soooooo, where does that leave us ddd? Common sense, my friend, Common sense. Is it a varsity game? Probably not happening and if it does and the game has to be replayed then so be it. JV game, no big thing. As long as you did as much as possible, in a professional and safe manner as possible, then what happens, happens.

Know enough to officiate the game when your needed, and to stay out game when you not. That in itself will get you a long way..

Good Luck.

jicecone
 

Thank you for your prompt reply, and advice. Common sense, it seems, is in terribly short supply anymore. Just gotta figure out how to strike that balance!

ddd:
My $0.02:
In the unlikely event that a HS team has only one set of catcher gear AND the other team won't help out, well, the game can't continue. Make your notes, file your report & let higher authority sort things out.

You DO NOT have the authority to force the other team to share.
Absent a specific rule about the equipment, you DO NOT have the authority to impose "safety" standards which are not in the book.

9.01c & it's FED equivalent are not license to invent rules simply because the book does not say what you think it should.

If F2's shin guards don't have instep plates, not your problem. The book does not require them. FWIW, before anyone goes OOO about F2's instep, you may want to consider that F2's feet are a deal less likely to get bashed by the ball than the PU's, simply because of the difference in location and stance.
Further, those dangle plates can be a real nuisance: I cut the instep shields off my West shin guards because I sounded like something out of "I, Robot" [ CLANK, step, step, CLANK, CLANK]every time I tried to run in them, and they kept jabbing into my shoe & tripping me up.

If a team can not put 9 legally equipped players on the field at any time during the game you have a forfeit. In FED you can end a game with 8 but I don't see how you can end a game without a legally equipped catcher. Every pitch would go to the backstop...

If there is not catcher, I'm not standing there calling pitches. That game is done.

Okay. It's official. The TWP line has been crossed. Now we're talking about games without catchers.

Hensley, you're right. There is no longer a difference between this board and Sleazeteamz.

You DO NOT have the authority to force the other team to share.

I agree

Absent a specific rule about the equipment, you DO NOT have the authority to impose "safety" standards which are not in the book.

I agree no authority to impose safety standards per se. However as part of the pre-game. "Coaches are you teams legally and properly equipted" You do have authority and an obligation to be sure the game site and equipment are safe to use. If you beleive that this is not the case and it can't be fixed don't play the game. It's that simple.