A First Time for Everything

[scarolinablue]

I don't really have a problem facing either team. I think they're big boys and understand it's not my fault. One coach is a standup guy and called me a couple of nights ago to discuss it, and that went very well and he was very contrite and admitted his team was primarily at fault. The other coach I don't expect a call from, but I don't feel the need to run away from either team. I thought about getting my assignments changed (they are done about 3 weeks in advance or more), but decided to stick with it - what did I do wrong?

If anything, I really expect the upcoming games to be about as quiet as possible - heck, one team has 14 players suspended, so essentially, they'll be playing their JV against the opposing varsity.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by scarolinablue

I don't really have a problem facing either team. I think they're big boys and understand it's not my fault. One coach is a standup guy and called me a couple of nights ago to discuss it, and that went very well and he was very contrite and admitted his team was primarily at fault. The other coach I don't expect a call from, but I don't feel the need to run away from either team. I thought about getting my assignments changed (they are done about 3 weeks in advance or more), but decided to stick with it - what did I do wrong?

If anything, I really expect the upcoming games to be about as quiet as possible - heck, one team has 14 players suspended, so essentially, they'll be playing their JV against the opposing varsity.

I know that from your POV, giving up the games would feel wrong - make you feel like you ran from possible confrontation. However, I think you should err on the side of prudence here. Considering this backdrop behind the game, even the most minute perceived slight against this team is going to be taken in the worst possible light.

It's similar to working games with our children in them. WE know we could do it fairly... but the perception is that we won't - and the first time a call goes against the other team, the "he's favoring his kids" banner will start flying.

Defuse this and work elsewhere.

[scarolinablue]

Well, already been reassigned for tonight - I assume tomorrow as well. Suitable alternative game, and I actually get to do a base game (nine of the last ten have been been plate jobs).

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by scarolinablue

I don't really have a problem facing either team. I think they're big boys and understand it's not my fault. One coach is a standup guy and called me a couple of nights ago to discuss it, and that went very well and he was very contrite and admitted his team was primarily at fault. The other coach I don't expect a call from, but I don't feel the need to run away from either team. I thought about getting my assignments changed (they are done about 3 weeks in advance or more), but decided to stick with it - what did I do wrong?

If anything, I really expect the upcoming games to be about as quiet as possible - heck, one team has 14 players suspended, so essentially, they'll be playing their JV against the opposing varsity.

I do not see the big deal. Either way you did nothing wrong and if you do not work this game, you will have them in the future. Sometimes they need to see the same people so they know what they will get. If you are OK with it, then that is all that matters. It would be one thing if you ejected the coach over some other issue, but the teams had the problem and got ejected not you. I think we do too many things to avoid conflict when the reality is it is going to be there no matter what.

Peace

[Simply The Best]

Originally Posted by scarolinablue

I don't really have a problem facing either team. I think they're big boys and understand it's not my fault. One coach is a standup guy and called me a couple of nights ago to discuss it, and that went very well and he was very contrite and admitted his team was primarily at fault. The other coach I don't expect a call from, but I don't feel the need to run away from either team. I thought about getting my assignments changed (they are done about 3 weeks in advance or more), but decided to stick with it - what did I do wrong?

If anything, I really expect the upcoming games to be about as quiet as possible - heck, one team has 14 players suspended, so essentially, they'll be playing their JV against the opposing varsity.

No, no, this isn't about your courage, you have already displayed a bucketload of that. This is about safety, liability, needless exposure...you have become a magnet for emotional uprisings! No one benefits, everyone loses, if you take the field against either of these teams.

Yes, you have been screwed tight by nothing that is in the end-all your fault.

[scarolinablue]

Got switched last night to another game, and called my assignor (who said he was about to call me to see about doing the same) and turned in the game today with the other team. Actually feels about right, in retrospect.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by scarolinablue

Got switched last night to another game, and called my assignor (who said he was about to call me to see about doing the same) and turned in the game today with the other team. Actually feels about right, in retrospect.

I have no problem with that, but you cannot run from a coach or team (in baseball especially) all the time. MLB Umpires still have teams they have had situations with and this was not one of them that you caused, you just happen to be on the game. If you are happy with the situation and the way it was handled fine. I have an assignor that will keep you on games even if you had problems with that team or coach from time to time. We should all be professional no matter what. And in baseball games change daily based on rescheduling so it always seems to happen that I will have to work a place I would prefer not to so a game can be covered.

Peace

[scarolinablue]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I have no problem with that, but you cannot run from a coach or team (in baseball especially) all the time. MLB Umpires still have teams they have had situations with and this was not one of them that you caused, you just happen to be on the game. If you are happy with the situation and the way it was handled fine. I have an assignor that will keep you on games even if you had problems with that team or coach from time to time. We should all be professional no matter what. And in baseball games change daily based on rescheduling so it always seems to happen that I will have to work a place I would prefer not to so a game can be covered.

I suppose you read my earlier comments about not being afraid to do these games? Anyway, since the state association felt like it was best for me to not do the first game with team A, I felt like I should go ahead and turn in the second game just to keep things on an even keel. I have both of these teams on my schedule again, and will likely see one or both in the playoffs as well. As they say in these parts, I ain't skeered!