Help with abbreviations

[Simply The Best]

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

Rat is a term used by confident umpires at all levels...

Rat is a term used by umpires, at any level, for any reason, who are wired for trouble. It is a condescending term which clearly exhibits a psychology of prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination. "Rat" is used to demean another human being and is not any less offensive than the "N" word.

To a one, the umpires I know who use the term "rat" are hoping that by disparaging coaches they miraculously elevate themselves...to slightly above "rat".

If "rat" is such a noble term as you determinately suggest, then take your son or daughter out to a game and call the coaches "rats" right in front of them.

You won't and the reason is much like the "N" word, it is more or your and many others on TOF, obscene forum and locker room talk used only by those of the lowest intentions.

[APG]

Originally Posted by Simply The Best

Rat is a term used by umpires, at any level, for any reason, who are wired for trouble. It is a condescending term which clearly exhibits a psychology of prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination. "Rat" is used to demean another human being and is not any less offensive than the "N" word.

Not even close...I'll let you continue your crusade vs everyone against using the term "rat" but don't even start comparing it with the "N" word or any other ethnic slur. As an African American I find your comparison quite...off base (and that's being nice).

[MikeStrybel]

If a coach complains to an assignor about an umpire it is usually a result of a dramatic misstep by the official - personally or professionally.

Do your job and leave the name calling to toddlers.

[Rich]

The ignore list is a wonderful thing, but it only works well if y'all stop quoting the two people in this thread I've ignored.

Oh, well, off to work a DH.

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

If a coach complains to an assignor about an umpire it is usually a result of a dramatic misstep by the official - personally or professionally.

Spoken like a true RAT. If a coach complains about an umpire, it is probably the umpire's fault. Utter bull$hit.

RAT is a term used by umpires speaking to other umpires. It reinforces our camaraderie. It reminds us that we are the only ones out there with honesty and integrity. We can't ever compromise that. Every game at every level, a RAT will try and get an edge by being dishonest or by downright cheating. Every single game.

We have to be honest and impartial from the first pitch to the last. There is no such requirement for a coach or player. In fact, dishonesty and attempts at cheating are expected of them. How often have you heard a coach say "You can't blame me for trying" after an unsuccessful attempt to gain an advantage by being disingenuous.

Our job is to make sure the game is played fairly and in accordance with the rules. Who wins the game is irrelevant. A RAT's job is to win the game by hook or by crook. In fact, cheating is actually taught by very good coaches and managers at the highest levels. It's part of the game.

Off the field, a coach can be a fine upstanding citizen. On the field, he is a RAT who won't hesitate to try and get me to make a mistake that will benefit his team. And if he succeeds at stealing the cheese, he will be applauded.

I am grateful for RATS. Without them, there would be no need for umpires.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

Spoken like a true RAT.

+1. A rat in umpire clothing is the most dangerous kind.

[MikeStrybel]

Rich, you are funny. I have been umpiring a long time and have never angered/frustrated a coach or player so badly that they purposely tried to hurt me. You can't say that.

[bob jenkins]

Can the term be overused? Yes.

Does it sometimes apply? Yes (to most coaches some of the time, to some coaches most of the time).

Is it more prevelant the higher you go? Probably.

It's kind of like the FYC. It has it's place, but can be overused.

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

Spoken like a true RAT. If a coach complains about an umpire, it is probably the umpire's fault. Utter bull$hit.

RAT is a term used by umpires speaking to other umpires. It reinforces our camaraderie. It reminds us that we are the only ones out there with honesty and integrity. We can't ever compromise that. Every game at every level, a RAT will try and get an edge by being dishonest or by downright cheating. Every single game.

Integrity. That's a funny word coming from someone who just behaved as badly as you.

If you are worried about coaches trying to get an advantage then it is time to hang up your gear. If a coach breaks a rule, do your job.

We have to be honest and impartial from the first pitch to the last. There is no such requirement for a coach or player.

No kidding? What is your point?

In fact, dishonesty and attempts at cheating are expected of them. How often have you heard a coach say "You can't blame me for trying" after an unsuccessful attempt to gain an advantage by being disingenuous.

No. Thanks for admitting what I have stated all along. A coach is expected to seek every advantage he can in order to give his team a chance to win.

Our job is to make sure the game is played fairly and in accordance with the rules. Who wins the game is irrelevant.

Again, what is your point? Agreeing with me is flattering.

A RAT's job is to win the game by hook or by crook. In fact, cheating is actually taught by very good coaches and managers at the highest levels. It's part of the game.

One more time, thank you for agreeing with me. Coaches are expected to help their team win. They have rules to follow while doing this. If they break the rules then they can be held accountable. If you aren't capable of doing this then try volleyball.

Off the field, a coach can be a fine upstanding citizen. On the field, he is a RAT who won't hesitate to try and get me to make a mistake that will benefit his team. And if he succeeds at stealing the cheese, he will be applauded.

I know plenty of umpires who are pricks - on and off the field. I remember Brinkmann tell us how pro umpires F-bombed coaches all the time but dumped them when they did it. Is he a rat because he parlayed an advantage?

I am grateful for RATS. Without them, there would be no need for umpires.

If that is the case then you should seek to work elsewhere. I enjoy seeing most of the coaches I work games with. I get respect because I give it. When I returned to this board I was met with animosity for wishing others well and encouraging civility. I received a couple PMs from guys who said that if I don't like it I should leave. That's funny; the same guys who propose to call coaches names also like to do it to fellow umpires. That is called insecurity and is extremely childish.

Have you ever coached a competitive team?

[HokieUmp]

Originally Posted by Simply The Best

"Rat" is used to demean another human being and is not any less offensive than the "N" word.

You sure about that?

Might want to re-consider that philosophical stance.