rules test for coaches

[GarthB]

Rita:

1. In Washington state the WIAA requires varsity coaches to attend a rules clinic. If they do not, they must pass the FED rules test.

2. When I took over as assignor and trainer for the local PONY umpires, the BOD agreed to require the coaches to attend a rules clinic prior to the season.

I don't believe either of these two activities have reduced ejections one iota.

Coaching is an emotional job and often coaches check their common sense at the gate. I've tossed former pro baseball players who now coach over: 1. Running lane violation. A former AAA out fielder swore (loudly and often) that there was no such rule. 2. Balks. A former Mariner pitcher insisted that a pitcher could not throw to an unoccupied base to make a play. 3. Bunts. A former Anaheim outfielder argued vehemently that anyone leaving the bat over even a small portion of the plate after pulling back from a bunt attempt should still receive an automatic strike call.



[Edited by GarthB on Jun 17th, 2002 at 12:52 PM]