Jurisdiction
 

When does our (umpires) jurisdiction end during American Legion games played under OBR?

Tournament game and team lost in the last inning due to a passed ball, an error, and a well executed squeeze play. Upon recording the last out, my partner and I departed the field. As we departed, the team that lost was throwing their gloves, kicking trash cans etc in frustration with themselves, none of it was directed towards us or the other team.

Several American Legion representatives approached us as we left the field, and told us we needed to go over there and correct their behavior. I replied that since the game was over, we no longer had jurisdiction. If they (administrators/tournament director) wanted to address the behavior with the coach, then that's fine, but not the umpires job, as our authority over the team was during the game, and not after. What are your thoughts?

i am not a babysitter. i umpire baseball games, and when the game is over, my job is over.

if they want to start a crying game after my shift is over, they can find someone else to evaluate who crys the hardest.

My thoughts? Your "reps" are idiots.

I would be leary about working for a tournament director like that again.

The key here is "Several American Legion representatives approached us as we left the field". Once you leave the field, you keep walking - I don't care what they want you to do. If the blow-hards want something done, tell them to take care of the problem themselves. Most rule sets will only protect you until you leave the field anyway.

As far as the team acting the way they did, you did the right thing in getting out of there.

Thank you
 

Thanks. That's exactly what we did, we just kept walking to our cars, got our gear off, and departed the area. Thanks for the replies.

Sooner

I think it should be noted that we still do have authority, IF we need to use it, while we are on the field. If these antics were directed at the umpires, for example, we could and should eject. Our authority does not end the second the last out is recorded.

However, in THIS sitch, I agree with you that controlling this team's destruction of their own dugout is NOT the umpire's responsibility to control.

"As we departed" implies you have not exited a gate from the field so you are still in charge. Had the behaviour been directed at you or the other team you would be correct to deal with it, until you pass through that gate. But since none of their actions were directed toward you or the other team there is nothing to do.

Who hasn't tossed a player or coach, or at least seen it done, after a called third strike (and inappropriate comment) to end the game?

Those American Legion reps were cowards. They didn't have the guts to do their job, and tried to push it off on the umpires.

Bob

Tell 'em you'll do it......if they'll write another check. With lots of zeros on it.