Fireworks!

Jim Porter · #1 (**permalink**) Sun Jun 17, 2007, 11:08pm

First of all, I want to preface my remarks by saying that it has been my experience that this level of baseball tends to be the worst in regards to difficulties with coaches. The coaches tend not to have the experience of a high school coach, they see themselves at a higher level than they truly are, and think it's their jobs to yell and complain at the umpires.

That being said, it behooves the umpire to show very early that he's in control. You failed in your first confrontation. A balk call is not something up for discussion. At worst, you can explain, "No step before the throw," or whatever, and that should be it. When he hollered about appealing, it was your chance to take control. Instead, your partner did it -- and not with very much authority. That little incident showed how much you guys would tolerate, and set the stage for the rest of the day.

Don't mistake me, I wouldn't have ejected the coach for the balk exchange, but I would have made it clear that I judged a balk, it was my call, there would be no further discussion, and he needed to leave the field immediately.

If you had handled the first confrontation with authority, the other, "flare-ups," likely would've been far lesser in scale -- or at the very least it would've taken a look or a few words from you to regain control. You and your partner were clearly not in control.

Proof positive of your lack of control was the coach who entered the field during live play. All he got for his serious breach of conduct was a finger pointing him back into his box. That allowed him to continue his whining. I never would've tolerated that. If I didn't eject him for entering the field like that, I definitely would've made it clear that such behavior wouldn't be tolerated in any way, shape, or form. When he continued his yelling I would've dumped him right there and then.

Approaching the belly-aching base coach was also a big mistake. Never approach a coach who is belly-aching. Instead, step around to the front of home plate and take control from there. You are in charge of the field, and you need to act like it. Confronting him physically made you look out-of-control.

As has been pointed out, never ask a question like that. Instead, issue commands. "There will be no arguing balls and strikes!" Once again, you are in control of the field. You need to act like it.

Coaches at this level are going to challenge you eventually. They want to control you. Don't let them. Establish your authority and control early and often.

TussAgee11 · #2 (**permalink**) Sun Jun 17, 2007, 11:24pm

Thanks Jim. Appreciate the comments and advice. Something I'll put in my memory bank to be used next time I see potential for problems.

Regarding the balk, my response of "appeal what" was made more in a way of "c'mon coach you've got to be kidding". I see that if I had given him the stop sign and said "not today" maybe problems in the 2nd game could have been avoided.

When he was in LBT there were no runners on, which to me, lessened the offense. Also, only one or two steps in, almost debating whether or not he wanted to go talk with BU.

I agree that obviously control was lost, but perhaps it was never had in the first place, as you point out. Thanks.

Jim Porter · #3 (**permalink**) Sun Jun 17, 2007, 11:48pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by TussAgee11

Regarding the balk, my response of "appeal what" was made more in a way of "c'mon coach you've got to be kidding".

Unless the participants know you well, there is no room for sarcasm. Be clear and succinct.

SanDiegoSteve · #4 (**permalink**) Mon Jun 18, 2007, 01:13am

well my approach today was something that SDS has suggested to me in a previous thread.

I believe I said that I would say, "Are you arguing balls and strikes?" I do not believe I said anything about, "Are you going to argue balls and strikes?"

I ask a direct question concerning his current behavior, not about what he is going to do in the near future.

"Are you arguing balls and strikes?" Answer: "Yes." Dump him.
"Are you arguing balls and strikes?" Answer: "No." Let him stay, and he really has nowhere to take the argument, as he has just said that he's not arguing. If he starts to argue again, dump him.

Jim Porter · #5 (**permalink**) Mon Jun 18, 2007, 01:42am

Quote:

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

"Are you arguing balls and strikes?" Answer: "Yes." Dump him.
"Are you arguing balls and strikes?" Answer: "No." Let him stay, and he really has nowhere to take the argument, as he has just said that he's not arguing. If he starts to argue again, dump him.

Sorry Steve, but I disagree. In theory it sounds good, but asking him a question opens the door for all kinds of responses, putting you in an untenable position, and passing momentary control over to him. Don't ask questions -- make statements, issue dictates, show everyone that you are the authority, and always demonstrate through language, expression, and posture that you are in control.

Just to be clear, I don't mean to sound like I advocate all-out dictatorship on the diamond -- there is a way to be quietly and confidently in charge -- to be affable without yielding your authority -- to be compelling without being autocratic. Don't be a pushover, but don't be domineering either.

Cub42 · #6 (**permalink**) Mon Jun 18, 2007, 01:52am

As stated earlier, this level of ball is notorious for teams being coached by clueless parents. Here is some ideas on how to handle these kind of situations.

1) Balk-After you call this, if the coach needs an explanation, give him one. However, do not let him get the theatrics started by shouting from the dugout or across the field. This only tends to turn the focus on you and your partner, and not the play or the players. Have a one on one with him and tell him what the pitcher did, then let him know that there is no more discussion.

2) Arguing Balls and Strikes- Simply stated, there is no arguing balls and strikes. Do not ask him, or bait him. When he starts, shut it down immediately. Issue him a warning for this. Then be prepared to run him if he continues. Warnings are useless unless they are followed up on. Remember, Umpires do not eject managers or players, managers and players eject themselves.

3) If you heard him state he wanted to get tossed, make no mistake about it, he wanted you to hear this. I do not believe this is a case of rabbit ears. This I would think was a direct challenge to you and your partner. At this point, you have 2 choices. Ignore it and wait for a total s---house to erupt, or engage him and let him know right then and there that if he wants to go, he can go right now. He will not be allowed to make a mockery out of the game. This kind of behavior needs to be reported to your UIC, and the league president, in written form. Game Mgt is the most important skill an Umpire needs to possess in this level of ball