Blood

[socalblue1]

Originally Posted by mikebran

18 year old players. Baseball (in case you wondered). Playing OBR

WE KNOW what to do when working under FED rules, doing HS baseball. and WE KNOW what to do under NCAA rules doing college baseball. Both these codes clearly tell what we must do. And from a standpoint of safety and minimizing risk, the actions seem appropriate and warranted.

But do we do, or should we do (if anything) under OBR? Batter steps in and his pants at the knee have a 2 inch circle of blood, he is clearly bleeding.

I felt the NEED to do something, again it is still "kid" baseball. But I wanted to be supported by some statute, however, that may not exist.

I've canvassed my professional bretheran. They said no policy or procedure exists in Minor League baseball, however, I would the player without prompt may just get new pants from the clubhouse. maybe.

Don't misinterpret. I am an advocate of "less is more". I don't neccessarily WANT to get into this or do something.. but, again, its 2007, and blood and contact sports IS a legitimate concern.

But back to the case at hand. What would you do? What do you recommend.

Ah, but a policy DOES exist in the PBUC Blue Book.

7.29 Policy on Open Wounds During Game

"It is important for all umpires to know that some precautions will be taken that may cause brief delays in a game. For example, if a garment(s) is penetrated by blood or other potentially infectious materials, the garment(s) shall be removed immediately or as soon as feasible".

Policy goes on about using common sense, etc.

End result - if batter comes up with open, bleeding wound send him dugout to fix (At minimum cover the wound). If refused, you now have grounds for ejection.

Note: Common sense dictates that calling time and sending player to get his knee fixed should do the trick 99% of the time.