FED Plate Conference

[Welpe]

Historically, the chance of actually being found negligent is very low. There is a greater chance (and I do not know what that is) of being sued and that still costs time and money. One would be wise to try and reasonably reduce that risk whenever possible.

[BSUmp16]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

You bring up a good point, the head coach must be made available and it is good practice to receive their confirmation of proper equipment and sportsmanship. Maybe things have changed while I was out of the country for the past few years but I recall great debate on the site about umpire liability. I believe most felt it was urban legend for baseball umpires to be found liable for negligence while working a game. If that opinion has changed I would love to read more. Anyone know of a baseball umpire who was successfully sued for being negligent during a game?

Thanks and have a great season.

Quick Google search gave me this:

Sports officiating: a legal guide - Google Books

The book cites several lawsuits against umpires. And the fact that the lawsuit was not "successful" against the umpires doesn't mean that it wasn't costly. The legal fees and court costs of defending such a lawsuit (whether it has any merit or not) is the real problem,

By taking the time to recite this one quick sentence from the rulebook (and getting the appropriate response from the coaches), you have given your defense a big boost and have Covered Your Assets.

[Simply The Best]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

You bring up a good point, the head coach must be made available and it is good practice to receive their confirmation of proper equipment and sportsmanship. Maybe things have changed while I was out of the country for the past few years but I recall great debate on the site about umpire liability. I believe most felt it was urban legend for baseball umpires to be found liable for negligence while working a game.

As more umpires have liability insurance, the more we will see these lawsuits.

[MikeStrybel]

Admittedly, I didn't spend much time looking but I can't find a verified article about an umpire actually being found guilty for negligence. I emailed a couple friends and both said the umpire's need for liability insurnace is fear mongering.

Rain turning to snow here today. I don't think that first game will happen after all. Good luck to those of you working today.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

I emailed a couple friends and both said the umpire's need for liability insurnace is fear mongering.

The odds of being successfully sued are tiny but the odds of being sued are a bit better. That still costs money and for the price of NASO membership, which is a deductible expense, it is cheap peace of mind. Besides I also get several pages of fire starting material in the form of Referee magazine every month.

[Simply The Best]

Originally Posted by Simply The Best
Association mandated? Because if not, it is a waste of time asking these questions. It is all about liability since pre game checks are a complete and total ruse.

Originally Posted by BSUmp16

Mandated by Rule and common sense.

2-10-2: "Umpires shall also ask the head coaches of the two opposing teams if their players are legally and properly equipped."

Also, I can tell you that if anyone gets hurt in a game and as a result a lawsuit is filed, this will be one of the questions asked of you - "Did you inquire of the coaches, as the rules require you do, and if so, what did they respond." If you can't answer that question properly, you may have just added your name to the list of defendants.

We agree, the asking of coaches if their players are properly equipped blah blah is all about liability and nothing about enforcing safety. Ever see a coach cup check a catcher? Have you cup checked a catcher? Same with checking bats. Total BS, the bats they show, are they the bats they use?

Umpires have been burdened with these ridiculous tasks because they are insured for liability (payable money in lawsuits) and coaches, parents and players refuse to adhere to the most common of safety and sportsmanship practices.