Just so we're clear, at least as of 1997, it was an accepted and taught mechanic at pro school that the umpire, if he knew the ground rules, could and should give the ground rules at the plate meeting.

This would be especially true if you were in higher levels of baseball where they post the ground rules in the umpire's locker room (before the game) OR if you've been in the league for multiple years such that you knew the ground rules in each park backward and forward.

I always give the ground rules at the pre-game meeting if I now them (which I admit, is not always the case on the amateur level). If I'm wrong, the home coach will correct me (hasn't happened, yet.)

I have, however, finished a plate conference and had a coach say, "Damn, son, you're the most prepared umpire I've ever met." (That is a true story). Needless to say, I did not hear a peep that game.

IMHO, it shows that one is in control of the game in a positive manner (not in a dictatorial manner). I think the Star Wars references are out-of-place in this matter.

It is, of course, perfectly acceptable to allow the home coach to give them. I'm just suggesting that it is also perfectly acceptable for the plate umpire to give them in the alternative. I've found the positives far outweigh the negatives.

It's called humor, perhaps even a wee bit of sarcasm. Loosen up those panties a bit and enjoy life.

I can appreciate good humor. For instance, there have been many posts in many threads on this and other umpiring boards where a reply post suggesting that the original poster was acting like Palpatine would have been pretty funny. This was not one of those threads, IMHO.

I do not lack a sense of humor just because this attempt at humor fell flat.

You want humor? then go to You tube and seach for "Death at Home Plate a Little League Tragedy."

Are you getting royalties for that vid, or what? ;)

Nah, it just broke up a very, very long day at work yesterday.

sorry, the emperior sound bite was very funny, and relevent to the conversation.

My friend, you need to get laid! :D

when a coach confirms that the players are properly equipped is the start of an excellent defense for the umpire should something happened and you get named in a lawsuit...

So would bringing out releases for them to sign.

Admittedly, it has been a long, long week at work. Turned in a lot of games!

(Sigh)...was going out with the wife tonight, for a night on the town...but then my son's LL game got moved from Saturday afternoon to tonight. I have no idea why. And I got that news via voice mail last night.

Releases is a good idea, but it's more work than it's worth...those are proven to not mean squat in court...hopefully none of us have to worry about being named in a law suit...that would suck.

More wrong you could not be.

[QUOTE]Rich for what it's worth, my assignor explains this Crystal Clear in the summer meetings with the leagues we service.

We do not go to the plate with our hands out but the leagues no Up front how we get paid.

As mentioned it all depends upon what's the accepted practice where you work.

Pete Booth

[QUOTE=PeteBooth]
I understand completely, I was doing some games here in Texas (Connie Mack) After the pregame meeting my partner asked for payment at the plate. This is part of what the league does here. Plain and simple, if you dont ask for payment, some coaches will stiff you!:eek: