Rat trying to find the cheese (with some whine)

[TussAgee11]

Rich: The hands up resulted in the fielder having to double clutch his throw in order to get an extra half step for a throwing angle. I will agree that I could have explained that part to him, but looking back on it, it probably wouldn't have made a difference. Still, something to take in with me to the next conversation on this play.

Regarding your "type A OBS", I am aware that a Type A would result in a immediate dead ball. However, because I didn't judge OBS, there was no call to be made. My "off the record" comment was meant to simply paint more of a picture and show the absurdity of the offensive manager's complaint.

DG: I do not believe the comment "That is twice you have screwed us" is accusing me of cheating in any way, or that he meant it that way. It is a typical coach response to a feeling that several calls have been made against them, and it is hurting their chances to win. Coaches don't like it when their chances to win are being hurt, and I think we, as officials, need to understand this emotion from participants. I truely believe that this comment does not attack my character, it is a voice of displeasure over a call or two.

If I am guilty of anything, it is letting the personal comment of "you" slip by my radar. If I had known this character's shenanigans going into the day, I guarantee you I would have dumped him (I mentioned this to my partner in the parking lot). I guess I was caught a bit by surprise by his diatribe, and somewhere inside of me assumed he was the type of coach that wouldn't really cause problems with umpires (small guy, rich town, relaxed league, had the grill going between games for both teams, etc...)

Next time I have this clown, my Doppler is going to be focused in on his every move (and I doubt he'll even be aware of it).

Live and learn

[DG]

Originally Posted by TussAgee11

DG: I do not believe the comment "That is twice you have screwed us" is accusing me of cheating in any way, or that he meant it that way. It is a typical coach response to a feeling that several calls have been made against them, and it is hurting their chances to win. Coaches don't like it when their chances to win are being hurt, and I think we, as officials, need to understand this emotion from participants. I truly believe that this comment does not attack my character, it is a voice of displeasure over a call or two.

You don't get it then. "That's two bad calls blue" is a comment and an opinion. "You are screwing us" might be an opinion also but it is worded in a way that attacks your character. "You are screwing us" is an active phrase. May as well have said "You suck". Most coaches I deal with would never dare say such a thing because they know better. Only in summer ball do you have to "train" the ones that don't get it.

You called him a "mutant" and a "freaking idiot". Why you defending him now? I had one say this to me while turning his back after an argument last year - "You are making all this money you should learn the rules". It is a typical coach response, as you put it. Now what would you do with this comment?

[canadaump6]

This statement:

I truely believe that this comment does not attack my character, it is a voice of displeasure over a call or two.

Conflicts with this statement:

If I am guilty of anything, it is letting the personal comment of "you" slip by my radar.

I guess I was caught a bit by surprise by his diatribe, and somewhere inside of me assumed he was the type of coach that wouldn't really cause problems with umpires (small guy, rich town, relaxed league, had the grill going between games for both teams, etc...)

I try not to let a coach's off the field personality influence the way I deal with a confrontation. I have umpired countless people who appear to be class acts off the field, but once the game starts they are not their to be nice guys and buddy buddy with the umpire. That is the reality of this profession.

DG: I do not believe the comment "That is twice you have screwed us" is accusing me of cheating in any way, or that he meant it that way. It is a typical coach response to a feeling that several calls have been made against them, and it is hurting their chances to win. Coaches don't like it when their chances to win are being hurt, and I think we, as officials, need to understand this emotion from participants.

Game participants have to do better at controlling their emotions. Everybody knows that a personal comment is not acceptable, especially at the kiddieball level.

I hope you don't shoot me down for this post like you did the other time.