Did I handle this situation correctly?

[mick]

Originally Posted by UmpJM (nee CoachJM)

I must admit, like Bob P. and bobby, I'm a little puzzled as to why you thought this needed your attention.

JM,
I can remember feeling Canada's pain.
Before I called, "Play" , I wanted the players and the equipment in the dugouts, I wanted all the coaches where they belonged, in a dugout or in a box.

I thought I could break the bad housekeeping habits that had been common in local leagues long before I showed up, just by following the book.

I wondered what was wrong with these teams that they don't know and understand the rules. I knew the rules; they should know them, too. I wondered where the bad habits originated.

I thought, the better I kept my field in order, the more likely the next umpire, that had these teams, would be blessed with more *tidiness*. And I worked hard at it !

So, when I subsequently watched game after game and other umpires and teams and playing fields in need of *housekeeping* on a regular basis, I eventually became jaded.

I decided not to fight 'em; I never enjoyed that part of umpiring, anyway. As long as there was no safety issue, I no longer gave a brown-spot in that regard.

Yet, as I continue to work games, it comes of no surprise to me, that the teams that more closely follow the guidelines are the teams with experienced managers, with disciplined players, and with winning records.

Anyway, ...I remember the pain.

[UmpJM]

mick,

Being fairly new at this, I think I know exactly what you're saying.

And, truth be told, I'm still pretty much "feeling my way along" in regard to this issue as well.

One of the things that complicates this question for me is that I work a LOT of different "levels". What is appropriate "housekeeping" at one level is very different from what is appropriate at another, as far as I can tell.

I thought canadaump6 made a good post and I am interested in the discussion. I'm trying to work on my "game management" skills, which I find deficient relative to where I'd like them to be, and I thought this thread offered an opportunity for me to learn something.

I don't know if my approach (described earlier) is good or bad, or right or wrong. I figured I'd get some informed feedback by posting it here.

JM

[waltjp]

My take on the coach's box - 1) If the coach isn't hampering my ability to call the game, and; 2) If he's not being a pain in the arse, and; 3) The other coach isn't complaining then I don't have a problem. The vast majority of coaches aren't a problem. The few who are probably violate both rules 1) and 2).

[DG]

Remember. Kiddieball, not likely much of a safety issue for the coach. Discuss quietly between innings and if he doesn't comply during his next appearance on offense give him the big finger and toss his sorry butt.

[RPatrino]

I have seen, in higher levels of ball, coaches trying to steal signals by standing close to the foul lines ( I know this is hard to believe, that a coach would try to gain an advantage by bending the rules). In this case, I would definitely move them back into the box. For 'kiddie' level ball, I would probably move the coach back only if he was distracting me or the other participants.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

I have seen, in higher levels of ball, coaches trying to steal signals by standing close to the foul lines ( I know this is hard to believe, that a coach would try to gain an advantage by bending the rules). In this case, I would definitely move them back into the box. For 'kiddie' level ball, I would probably move the coach back only if he was distracting me or the other participants.

And what rule was broken again?

Peace

[RPatrino]

Pick one, the coach in this instance was standing next to 1b, it looked like he was more than willing to walk onto the playing field to get a better view of the catcher. I suggested he return to nearer the coaching box.

[canadaump6]

Thanks for the comments guys, I have taken your advice into account. The reason I wanted the coach to move back was because he might distract the first baseman, and because a base coach just isn't supposed to be 2 feet from the foul line. Rats will do anything at the kiddieball level, and it is very frustrating to try and enforce things such as giving the players space and not throwing the bat, then seeing other umpires let them get away with it.

It is also an aggravation to have to go out of my way to correct behaviour that would not be a problem in a higher level game, knowing that what I say will probably go in one ear and out the other anyways. Just takes patience I guess.