Just to prove that Clinicians don't know all...
 

I attended a little 3 hour clinic the other day, just one of many preseason deals that people in the area are encouraged to go to. I didn't learn anything of any value, but I did learn that now I'm supposed to not ask during pregame confrence "Skip, is your team properly equipped?"

He asked the group why any of us did this, nobody seemed to really know why. One person said because everybody else did it, and he always thought that's just what umpire's did.

I explained that it could save you legally in the future, and put the responsibility on the Coach if little Johnny's helmet had a sticker on it and he got hit in the head and Rawlings won't insure a helmet with a sticker on it and they come to sue me for allowing it to be used.

It takes 5 seconds to ask each Coach, and they will always say yes without even thinking. So when something happens do to equipment malfunction, even if maybe I missed something that shouldn't have been allowed in the game safety wise, oh well, I was told everything was fine.

This doesn't mean that you should ignore all equipment during the game, if you see something wrong, get it fixed ASAP. But, we're not perfect, and I don't have millions to be sued for.

I spoke with several other assignors where I live now and back home, and when I told them a clinician actually said to stop saying this, they laughed and didn't believe me.

So, I support and hope that you ask the question, if you don't already.

Thoughts?

Your first mistake is thinking they knew everything in the first place. ;)

Peace

You are not suppose to ask
 

3.00 Game Preliminaries
3.01
Before the game begins the umpire shall:
(a) Require strict observance of all rules governing implements of play and equipment of players;

What does Skip know?

JRut- I know everything they say should be taken "with a grain of salt". I only take their advice when I end up with a couple of grains aka, more then one person says that that should be done.

Thats why this board is so valuable, every thread can be an instant poll of the correct/incorrect way to umpire.

Tuss,

If you are still going to school in NC and the clinic was here....PM me with who the clinician was...I am curious...

Lawrence

I had a clinician say to call "infield fly if fair" no matter where the ball is (instead of only calling it near the lines) "just in case."

Ask the Head Coach ...
 

... because you are required by rule when working a FED game. See 2-10-2.

The real question is, do you inspect equipment before each game?

We inspect equipment before every game around here (helmets & bats). We also ask the coaches if their player's are legally equipped.

[QUOTE]
In FED you are REQUIRED to check the bats / hats. I am not going to check each kid who catches for a cup. That's the coaches responsibility which is the reason we say to the coach "Is your team properly equipped"

I am not an attorney so in a court of law I do not know what would happen if God forbid a kid got seriously hurt in the private area and we didn't ask the coach if his team was properly equipped, but it can't hurt.

By asking that question, the coach is giving us assurances that F2 is wearing a cup for protection. As mentioned I am not going to check for this.

It takes all of 5 seconds to ask so I do not know why your instructor is saying this.

Pete Booth

Free legal advice:

Have liability insurance.

Just in case you're playing in a hurricane, I guess!:)

the "just in case" clause seems kind of silly in an obvious infield fly situation to center field or something...anywhere near the lines, or if it's windy...then yes...but you can always have yourself covered if it's foul anyway...if it drops foul...the hitter is not out, runners return...blah, blah, blah...if it's caught...they choose to advance by tag anyway and batter is out...a fine line maybe...but not rocket science anyway...

How soon or when?
 

Must WE yell, "Infield fly. Batter is out." too, in accordance with the new FED rule? The one that says to yell, "The batter is out" when B/R takes off toward 1B while occupied on a third strike not caught, with less than 2 out. {Oops, one more rule I didn't like.}

I don't know about in accordance with any new rule, but "Infield fly, batter's out," along with right index finger pointing to the sky, is the standard mechanic on IFF which is not near a foul line.