The peril of officiating

[Rcichon]

I would reconsider doing games for a League/Assoc. where I felt threatened enuff to have to carry a cell into the game. That said, if it's a small enuff cell, shut down, no one knows you have it but you.

And as for talking to a parent waiting on me: the moment I see him/her waiting, I turn on my heel and get an admin/official. That parent is no longer just an irate parent but is stalking you and needs a short ride to a small cubicle with some pretty bracelets on.

All the good intention of defusing him/her by listening will not work!

JMHO

[IceGator8]

I did high school ball for over ten years and never carried a phone. However due to a job change I had to quit doing high school ball (it starts too early in the afternoon). I'm also required by my employer to carry my phone at all times.

These days I'm doing Babe Ruth and Pony baseball. My phone is with me at all times. I have a special slot in my ball bag that fits it perfectly. My phone is set to vibrate and cannot be heard. My employers emergency communcation happens via text message so about twice a season I'll get a text to which I must respond. I respond via text which takes about ten seconds between innings.

My association has a strict no phone on field policy. However, they understand my situation and I have an exemption. They have trouble covering all the games as it is and aren't dumb enough to argue over such a piddly thing. I also do not take advantage of the situation. Things are working out great and I've been invited to umpire the regionals two years running.

Having a phone with me has come in handy on several occasions. It's been used to call cops when there wasn't any other security nearby to handle a situation and also call the paramedic a couple of times. I also like the fact that I can keep game time on my phone instead of carrying a watch.