FED Plate Conference

[Robert E. Harrison]

I have allowed a head coach to send his assistant due to a radio station broadcasting the game wanted to interview the coach at 10 mins til. I make sure he tells me that his team is legally and properly equipped and sportsmanship is a priority.

I have had more jewelry warnings this year. What's up with that?

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by Robert E. Harrison

I have allowed a head coach to violate a rule that is important enough to FED that they've made it a POE in the past.

There, fixed that for you.

[MikeStrybel]

Now that this is answered and obvious, I ask simply for information only:

Our state requires that umpires check bats and hats together. In other words, both umpires check HT and then head over to VT to conduct the check. I have heard conflicting rationale. One said that it prevents one guy from getting entangled in an ugly situation, another cited the need to get it done faster and yet one more said that it is because of liability (i.e. two sets of eyes and ears to ensure that no one can say we didn't do our checks. Before I moved away, the PU checked one and the BU checked the other. if you had three man working, the BUs handled the chores. It's not that I mind, heck my season gets underway in a couple days, but it is different.

Is this the way your association/league/group handles the pregame equipment check? Any problems with a pregame equipment removal that necessitated this mechanic for you?

Thank you!

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

Is this the way your association/league/group handles the pregame equipment check? Any problems with a pregame equipment removal that necessitated this mechanic for you?

Yes, for two reasons: 1) You have an extra set of eyes for any questions; 2) You look like a team by working together.

[Simply The Best]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

Our state requires that umpires check bats and hats together. In other words, both umpires check HT and then head over to VT to conduct the check. I have heard conflicting rationale. One said that it prevents one guy from getting entangled in an ugly situation, another cited the need to get it done faster and yet one more said that it is because of liability (i.e. two sets of eyes and ears to ensure that no one can say we didn't do our checks.

It is all about liability since pre game checks are a complete and total ruse.

Is this the way your association/league/group handles the pregame equipment check? Any problems with a pregame equipment removal that necessitated this mechanic for you?

I teach go through with the association mandated ritual then get on to tasks and duties that are of real importance.

[Simply The Best]

Originally Posted by Robert E. Harrison

I have allowed a head coach to send his assistant due to a radio station broadcasting the game wanted to interview the coach at 10 mins til. I make sure he tells me that his team is legally and properly equipped and sportsmanship is a priority.

Association mandated? Because if not, it is a waste of time asking these questions.

I have had more jewelry warnings this year. What's up with that?

Gold has escalated in value.

[Robert E. Harrison]

We are required to ask the questions and work with media requests that we feel are reasonable. I still have them draw a media box for cameramen if they want to be on the field.

[Simply The Best]

Originally Posted by Robert E. Harrison

We are required to ask the questions and work with media requests that we feel are reasonable. I still have them draw a media box for cameramen if they want to be on the field.

Is the media box in or out of play?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Simply The Best

Is the media box in or out of play?

Out of play, by rule.

[Robert E. Harrison]

We had a big bru ha (sp?) over a media box several years back. A local photographer wanted on the field for action shots and the umps told him the media box needed to be drawn before the game started. The local paper went to the state association to voice its concerns about covering the games. The state backed the umps, but a lot of ill will resulted.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Robert E. Harrison

We had a big bru ha (sp?) over a media box several years back. A local photographer wanted on the field for action shots and the umps told him the media box needed to be drawn before the game started. The local paper went to the state association to voice its concerns about covering the games. The state backed the umps, but a lot of ill will resulted.

Of course the state backed the umps. Rule 1-2-8:

ART. 8 . . . Media shall be prohibited from being in live-ball area. If a designated
media area is to be used, it shall be established before the game begins.
The home team or game management shall designate a lined area for the media,
which shall be considered dead-ball area.

The umpires were absolutely correct by rule. Poor media babies, didn't get their way.

[Simply The Best]

Originally Posted by Simply The Best
Is the media box in or out of play?

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Out of play, by rule.

I'll restate. Robert Harrison: Are your media boxes always on the field?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Simply The Best

Originally Posted by Simply The Best I'll restate. Robert Harrison: Are your media boxes always on the field?

From his statement:

I still have them draw a media box for cameramen if they want to be on the field.

I'm not quite sure what you're getting at.

Here, if there is media, and they want to be on (what would normally be) the field, we draw boxes (or designate an area). If they aren't on what would normally be the field, we don't care where they are or what is drawn.

[BSUmp16]

Originally Posted by Simply The Best

Association mandated? Because if not, it is a waste of time asking these questions.Gold has escalated in value.

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.

[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.