Pickoffs from the windup?

[GarthB]

Originally posted by andrewm
1. As an umpire, you should know that most coaches, especially at this level, don't know all the rules. I admit that I don't know all the rules, that's why I was reading them - at eteamz and at MLB.com. I also read this forum often to gain insight into baseball rules. This is our first full season in USSSA using OBR. Previously we played Cal Ripkin, which doesn't take leads.

2. The reason I'm asking this is because I've never seen a pickoff attempt from the windup. I can assure you that if our pitcher did this, most opposing coaches would go postal. I would hope the umpire would know the rules, but based on most of the umps I've seen around here, I'm not so sure. But, if this is a no-brainer to even the most rookie ump, I'll feel a whole lot better teaching our players this.

Coach, fist let me say that I am honestly not trying to be antagonistic or insulting. I do undersand that most coaches, and not just at your level, do not know the rules. I know I sound cranky, but I am just sincerely curious as to why that is the case.

I am a substitute teacher. I am not the type, however, who babysits. I do not show videos or supervise study halls. I work only for those teachers who know that I will work continue the education of their students. I am endorsed to teach music, social studies and English. Additionally I am qualified to teach math through geometry and French. I take teaching seriously. I prepare every day for my next assignment. I brush up on my weaknesses (Algebra II and French veber conjugation in the future tenses) often. I show up for my assignemnts more than an hour early and review the lesson plans, previous work and the day's goals. When I am called upon to cover a subject with which my only connection is 30 years in the past, I really cram. A good example....I taught sex ed to high school juniors a couple of weeks ago. (Holy cow. I've been married for 31 years....what do I know about sex?)

Coaches are teachers. They are responsible for educating kids about a game. Games have rules. Isn't it logical to think that coaches would know the rules? Shouldn't coaches spend at least some time with the rule book? Shouldn't coaches want their players to know how to play the game in accordance with the rules?

Yet, I cover games with Varsity coaches who haven't openned the free rule book they get each year, for years, if ever.

Again, none of this is meant to be mean-spirited, rather a sincere, bewildered and disappointed observation.