A better way to handle?

[Bfair]

Originally posted by jicecone
Call time out and step away from the coaches and discuss what you saw with your partner. Then have the official that made the ruling declare the final decision.

I was the BU on a Varsity HS game, in the A position. The ball was hit down the first base line. About 1 foot before the bag, the ball hit something and took a sharp right turn into foul territory. The PU's last view of the ball was fair and then he was blocked out by the batter/runner. He declared the ball fair. I immeadiatly put my hands up and announced foul. Called time out, moved away from the coaches and discussed it with my partner. He was concerned about overuling the call, but I convinced him that I was 100% positive that it was foul, and it was better to get the call right. We took some heat but both coaches new it was the correct call.

Why did he "declare" the ball fair?
I hope most umpires here will agree that's very poor mechanics.
Additionally, since you were in A position, this call belonged to you, not him. You should have been watching the ball and reacting to the play (as you apparently did), and not backing off your proper call because you've got a PU who doesn't know what he's doing. If PU had only pointed fair, your foul call should stop play. If a coach complains, then you handle it as opposing calls on the same play, and hope your PU is smart enough to live with the proper foul call made by the proper official designated to make this call.

We were partners for all of our games, so we were comfortable with each others officiating however sometimes this isnt the case and one official will show up the other. You should always support your partner but if your not going to, dont do it on the field. Dissagree after the fact if they do not want to discuss with you. My partner and I had an understanding that it was more important to get the call right, then to try and BS your way out of the situation. This will come back to haunt you and earn you less respect then changing your call and taking some heat.

I'm surprised a crew that works together doesn't get simple mechanics correct. I would not be "comfortable" with this official who doesn't understand basic mechanics of umpiring. Making opposing calls is not disagreeing with your partner. Sometimes one official is better positioned to make a call and therefore sees it differently. That is why basic mechanics exist---they designate the coverage and hopefully the official WILL BE the official in the best position to make that call.

When opposing calls occur, live with the decision of the PU after conferencing---be that decision right or wrong. Provide him the information to make the final call, and don't argue or disagree at that point.

[/B]

Just my opinion,

Freix