What Should I Have Called?

[GA Umpire]

Should have called your assignor and went home. Tell him you are not going to call the game, make up your own rules, and do the coaches' jobs for them. All of which is NOT done by a good umpire.

You interfered with the game by coaching the player, not calling the game by the rules, held a grudge against a participant, and made up lame excuses of why you are going to ignore the rules.

Next time you feel like doing this, call your assignor and let him know to get someone else. It may be short notice. But, he will feel better once you explain the poor job you plan on doing. He'll get someone that is hopefully ready to ACTUALLY umpire the game properly. And, quit leaving a bad taste in the coaches' mouth for the next one to deal with.