Evalutions by coaches

[GA Umpire]

Originally Posted by spokanelurker

I'm a longtime coach, but do not feel qualified to evaluate any umpire on his knowledge of mechanics. But as to knowledge and interpretation of the rules and also game management, I think many coaches are qualified to evaluate officials. After all, isn't a large part of the dialogue on this board an informal and often vitriolic evaluation of coaches, or "rats" as you so unprofessionally term them? In another thread, one member of the board even extended that demeaning characterization to include players! Do any of you seriously think that umpires are the only participants on the field who possess any knowledge or integrity?

They so unprofessionally refer to us as "idiots". Why not return the favor? At least we are professional enough not to do it DURING the game in front of everyone. As for integrity, coaches try what they can to get around the rules. Where is the integrity in trying to break the rules? I have not seen a coach/player say I dropped the ball on a play when they think they are the only ones who know it. And, as for knowledge, it is our job to learn the rules. A coach does not take the time to learn all of the rules. They learn the ones they feel relate to what they want to accomplish.

Is there 1 coach turned umpire evaluator without becoming an umpire first and learning the rules on here or anywhere? If there is fine, but I'll bet they are very few.