Originally Posted by MikeStrybel (Post 767450)

He said that it isn't my job to be the jewelry police and by warning them prior to the game I had prevented them from breaking a rule later. He told me to call what I see and not attempt to do what the coach is supposed to do, namely ensure that all players are properly equipped and within the rules of our administration. He was right. I'm simply doing what he did for me - help others understand that old school and innocent communication can be perceived as a violation of our code of responsibility.

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel (Post 767450)

It was innocent enough and what many of you consider preventive umpiring. After the game, a number of fellow umpires asked about what had transpired during the series. I relayed the details and had an umpire I truly respect tell me that I crossed the line. He said that it isn't my job to be the jewelry police and by warning them prior to the game I had prevented them from breaking a rule later. He told me to call what I see and not attempt to do what the coach is supposed to do, namely ensure that all players are properly equipped and within the rules of our administration. He was right.

Originally Posted by JRutledge (Post 767482)

Well good for you and him. I am telling kids in all my sports to remove jewelry when I see it. I guess that makes me a bad umpire or doing things outside of my job. :rolleyes:

Peace

Originally Posted by mbyron (Post 767477)

I see you brought your "when in Rome" philosophy to the baseball forum. ;)

Originally Posted by Snaqwells (Post 767487)

It makes you an ethically challenged cheater

or sumpm

Originally Posted by JRutledge (Post 767494)

I guess I am just going to have to stay that way. :)

Peace

Originally Posted by JRutledge (Post 767494)

I guess I am just going to have to stay that way. :)

Peace

Originally Posted by Snaqwells (Post 767458)

I thought you were able to disagree without demeaning others?

Originally Posted by mbcrowder (Post 767486)

No. He wasn't. Therein lies the crux of your problem. This ONE guy, who you happen to respect, gave you bad advice. 20 people here are giving you good advice (the opposite of your bad advice). You're sticking to the bad advice. Perhaps you need a 3rd opinion... but the exact scenario you describe above is EXACTLY what you're supposed to do.

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel (Post 767541)

I happily admit that I am still learning and make mistakes, some crucial, while officiating.

Originally Posted by JRutledge (Post 767482)

Well good for you and him. I am telling kids in all my sports to remove jewelry when I see it. I guess that makes me a bad umpire or doing things outside of my job. :rolleyes:

Peace

Originally Posted by asdf (Post 767544)

Good, then you'll learn from this mistake. ;)

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel (Post 767545)

You are within your rights as an umpire to ask athletes participating in the game to do it. Be careful telling (your word, I 'ask') others to do it. You would be wrong. The rules allow those on the bench to wear jewelry without incident. (3-3-1d)

Do you tell them to remove jewelry and then consider that a warning? If not, why do it?

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel (Post 767541)

Since you chose to engage in that behavior, I saw no need to continue to take the high road.

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel (Post 767106)

At the risk of seeing another ramble and going against multiple PMs asking me not to engage you in logical debate, here goes nothing.

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel (Post 767168)

Jeff, this is my last post to you regarding thsi topic. You will undoubtedly take the last word.

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel (Post 767171)

Communicating with contestants is far different than giving one an advantage over another. I would rather emulate the best than accept the actions of those who violate ethics and rules.

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel (Post 767371)

I do. This was a HS game. Read the NFHS Code of Ethics in the current rule book - umpires who give one team an advantage over another have violated that covenant and displayed poor integrity and ethics. Again, I offer the play involving an umpire telling a defensive player to warn the pitcher that he will be called for a balk unless he changes his delivery. That play has been mentioned numerous times as acceptable.

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel (Post 767434)

Your need to insult is sad. I can have an opinion without needing to demean the other. I read the posts just fine.

Tim and RichMSN both spoke about warning a pitcher after seeing him do something that you know isn't right. (Otherwise, you are simply an OOO.) As I and many others here have stated before, it ether is a balk or it isn't. If it isn't and you feel the need to tell a player to do something to avoid balking then you are coaching. If you don't have the fortitude to call the balk then hang up the gear. Yes, we all miss balks and then stew over the reality of it. Warning a guy after that is just as awful. Call what you see. Let the coaches do their job.

I find it particularly funny that a number of threads involve members who insist that they aren't paid to coach and bemoan leagues that require explanations for balks, INT, OBS, etc. Now, they are silent. Hmmmm.

Yes Bob, we all have tolerances for what is ethical and not. As with many things in umpiring, acceptable behavior is evolving. At one time, you could argue just as vehemently as the antagonist. At one time, you could simply make your call and ignore the call for getting assistance. Old school, unwritten rules are slowly falling away from upper level baseball. You won't see a CWS umpire pick and choose which rules are worthy of enforcement. Those are the guys I emulate.