before we start (an equal opportunity post...)

[Paul L]

What do I do? I probably grimace inside and yield to my respected PU/association VP's judgment. And be ready to call any interference or obstruction that might occur on a play during the game. And yes, I discuss it with PU after the game. YMMV.

But I wouldn't have insisted on this point in the first place, especially without talking with my crewmates first. Even at this legion state tourney level. I know many umps on this site whose opinions I respect feel pretty strongly about coaches on buckets. Not a battle I feel worth fighting, and it may border on sweating small stuff. In my area and level, it's a customary perk for my mostly volunteer coaches that would be rude to refuse.

In my modest experience (400-500 games), I remember only one wayward coach who affected a play. Doofus defensive coach, who had wandered away from the usual bucket position halfway up the line, was hit by an overthrow at third. I called obstruction, awarded the runner home, with no complaint.