Thoughts on this video???

[TussAgee11]

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=

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by TussAgee11

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.

[RPatrino]

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!!!

[TussAgee11]

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?

[budjones05]

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

[waltjp]

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.

[RPatrino]

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?

[nickrego]

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.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

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 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

[lawump]

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.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by lawump

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.

[RPatrino]

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.

[LMan]

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.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by nickrego

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.

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."