"Show me the rule"

Robert G · #1 (**permalink**) Thu May 17, 2001, 09:52pm

Just finished a liitle league playoff game when the coach takes out his pitcher & as he is warming up the coach steps into the batters box to simulate a batter. I said "hold on coach I don't think that is legal & more important not safe". He says show me the rule book. Well I am not going to stop the game to look up a rule that I will probably not find. So I say I will show it to you later. He steps out a little peved & the game goes on.
What's the call?

mick · #2 (**permalink**) Thu May 17, 2001, 10:03pm

Quote:

Originally posted by Robert G
Just finished a liitle league playoff game when the coach takes out his pitcher & as he is warming up the coach steps into the batters box to simulate a batter. I said "hold on coach I don't think that is legal & more important not safe". He says show me the rule book. Well I am not going to stop the game to look up a rule that I will probably not find. So I say I will show it to you later. He steps out a little peved & the game goes on.
What's the call?

Robert,
There is no rule that I know of that prevents that action.
But, if you have safety concerns that works for me.
Maybe there is a confinement to the dugout rule that may be applied, since the coach was on defense, ... or would he get a charged conference, if he wouldn't leave?

mick

GeeBee · #3 (**permalink**) Thu May 17, 2001, 10:04pm

Apply rule 9.01c - Each umpire has authority to rule on any point not specifically covered in these rules. He is making a travesty of the game; it is not ethical or practical to do what he wants to do, and further more no one does it!!!!

bluezebra · #4 (**permalink**) Fri May 18, 2001, 12:01am

When a manager/coach wants to see the rule, I tell them I'll hold a rules clinic after the game, but I charge XXX$.

Bob

joemoore · #5 (**permalink**) Fri May 18, 2001, 09:34am

Adults are not allowed to cross the lines on the field. The batter's box is across the line. I think you handled the situation well, better to have a coach peeved then to lose control of the game.

Gee · #6 (**permalink**) Fri May 18, 2001, 09:44am

Quote:

Originally posted by Robert G
Just finished a liitle league playoff game when the coach takes out his pitcher & as he is warming up the coach steps into the batters box to simulate a batter. I said "hold on coach I don't think that is legal & more important not safe". He says show me the rule book. Well I am not going to stop the game to look up a rule that I will probably not find. So I say I will show it to you later. He steps out a little peved & the game goes on.
What's the call?

--------------------
Your major mistake was saying "...I dont THINK that is legal...". Next time leave out the "I don't think" part. G.

badbamaump · #7 (**permalink**) Fri May 18, 2001, 11:35am

Here's what I woulda done..

"Coach, section 9 allows me to any rule not covered by the rules.... I'm ruling that you need to leave."

I recommend that you come up with a few one liners...

"Coach, section 6 says...

Coach, according to the latest interpretation from Jim Evans"

You get the idea.... Believe it or not it works. Kinda like when you played ball, you would mentally prepare yourself for a certain play/situation, do the same for your umpiring... It works for me.

Will

jicecone · #8 (**permalink**) Mon May 21, 2001, 04:50pm

I know I will probably receive a lot of replys from the perfectionists out there but, next time count the number of warmup pitches and play on. You probably gave more attention than it was worth.

Rog · #9 (**permalink**) Mon May 21, 2001, 09:55pm

the coach was not wearing a helmet; so, "Hey Coach, back away from the field please!"

Quote:

Originally posted by jicecone
I know I will probably receive a lot of replys from the perfectionists out there but, next time count the number of warmup pitches and play on. You probably gave more attention than it was worth.