Dead Ball?

[kylejt]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Actually, it seems to me that (assuming the umpire knows the rules and has proven it via test!) it's actually easier to umpire a high school game than an 8U game. You can know 80% of the rules and have nothing happen in a high school season that you can't handle. Yeah, you may miss one here and there, but for the most part, you'll be ok. (At the same time, generally you want your rookies working with a veteran for a while).

However, at 8U or 10U - those 20% of the rules that you don't know will ALL pop up, all in your very first game.

Granted, but that's where you learn all those crazy rules, and see all the nutty stuff so the upper division games are a breeze.

Example: I helped out the local and did a 8-9 year old playoff game last night. One runner got obstructed at second and third, then got thrown out at the plate by ten feet. So I added up the those two, called time, and awarded him home. Can you imagine all the question marks over everyone's head? Luckily, nobody questions my calls at the little guy park. "He knows what he's doing out there", I heard from behind the backstop.

The next game was 9-11. More goofy plays. IFF yes/no on several balls. High enough? Any gonna catch it? Lots of judgement calls in 2 hours o' fun. More plays at the plate than a month of Senior league games.

Cut your teeth on the little guys first, before you hit the big field.

[nopachunts]

Originally Posted by kylejt

Cut your teeth on the little guys first, before you hit the big field.

Thank the Lord there is no (1) Special Pinch Runner or (2) bases loaded, any runner leaves early and the batted ball doesn't leave the infield to deal with on the big field.