Thoughts on this video???
 

I'm not sure I like the umpire's way of getting these players apart, what are your guys (more experienced) thoughts?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1d-C...elated&search=

The PU saved himself a lot of paperwork by keeping the players apart. I think that you are concerned with the grabbing of the F2's chest protector. It didn't seem out of line to me.

Personally, I don't get between the players. If they want to "have it out", I just stand back and start writing down the numbers.

Regards

I thought the ump did a remarkable job of stepping in before the two players had gotten too close.

We have it all planned ahead of time. In case of a fight, we meet on the mound and start taking down numbers. If the boys want to have at it, more power to them!!!

I'm sort of concerned not with the initial pull away but with the 2nd and to a lesser extent 3rd push, when it seems as though the players were already apart.

As I watched again, I realized the pushes weren't what I originally interpretted them to be on first viewing.

Still, should you ever put your hands on a player or coach in this manner?

I think in my state (Missouri), we have to document this, even if nothing really happen.

These are college-aged players in a summer league game. I don't see any problem. The umpire's strong actions most likely prevented a much larger incident.

You never make physical contact with players...ever. Seperating players is the coach's job, not mine. I do not want to become part of the brawl. In this case, what if the player took exception to the umpire grabbing him and pushing him around and fought back?

I think the umpire did the morally correct thing, and what I would want to see him do if it were my kid (catcher).

Here in California, birthplace of the frivolous lawsuit, I have seen coaches have legal action taken against them for just grabbing a player's jersey while talking to them.

So out here, it's hands off, and take down numbers. This is also our Associations official instructions and policy.

I disagree with you on this. It would depend on the level of ball as well. At the college level this is much more acceptable than at the HS level. I think the umpire handled this particular situation almost perfectly. Now if the players starting throwing blows, then I would agree, get out of the way and let them have at it.

Peace

I would not encourage his actions in a youth (even high school) game.

However, he handled it beautifully for a professional/college summer league game. I myself have grabbed a professional player before...and successfully prevented a brawl.

I'm from the old school. I have been taught not to touch players, especially in this situation.

I worked a college game in northern California years back in which a would-be participant, while being held back by my partner, got sucker punched by an opponent.

Rut, Lawump

I respect your position. The 'hands off' policy must be a California thing!! I have been in situations where I had to position myself between players to prevent an altercation from occuring. After a HBP, if the batter seems a bit incensed, I will try to stay between the F1 and BR.

However, if the BR or F1 want to go around me and have at it, I will not reach out and grab them. I have a day job that pays the bills, and I can't earn my keep if i'm in the hospital or in court trying to defend my actions.

I'm not there to prevent fights. I'm there to accurately witness/record who participated. Were this my profession, maybe that's different, but IMO any amateur/hobby umpire who risks life and limb to stop a scuffle/brawl with completely unpredictable consequences is nuts. Personal injury and potential liability are only two of the possible outcomes.

I pine for the days where the coach would just kick your a$$, the VP could give you "licks" with a thick board with holes drilled in it, and teachers weren't deathly afraid of the students. Days when children didn't settle their arguments with a gun or a knife, but just said "meet me after school" and duked it out like a man. Where things like what happened in Blacksburg didn't happen. This world is much worse for its political correctness.

I need a "Time Out.":)