Answering Question from Coach

[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by brumey1107
Hello - I’m hoping for some input and understanding of my obligation as an umpire to answering a question from a coach regarding a close play.

Sitch: Pony baseball (15 - 16 yo) OBR. I'm doing game solo from behind the plate.

R1 and R3, one out. R1 steals. Catchers throw sails 12 - 15 feet to right of 2 base. F4 catches the throw and lunges for R1. I'm up 1st baseline 5' or so and I call safe.

Off. coach comes out asking (doesn't ask for time) from a distance where the tag was.

So my question is; how much of an obligation do we have as umpires to explain our calls?

Thank you for your opinions.

Why would the offensive coach come out if you called "safe?"

In any event, if the coach is polite, I'd answer the question. If not, I'd likely be a smart-*** at this level, but you have to have the right personality to pull this off.