Home plate appeal costs HS Conn team Championship.

[Bob James]

Well, I certainly talk to players to prevent infractions. So sue me. Had a Babe Ruth game Saturday where the visiting catcher, obviously not very experienced, set up way forward in the box. I said, "you sure you want to be that close?" The lead-off batter, who happened to be the home team's catcher, almost hit him with a warm-up swing, and stepped back looking quizzically at him. When F2 didn't move, the batter shrugged and I put the ball in play. The batter whacked the hell out of his glove on the first pitch. "I tried to warn you," I said, as he shook his bruised hand. He learned the lesson quickly!

Pitchers in danger of balking will get a soft caution from me, too.

BTW, you should listen to the highest level international rugby referees (they are miked, too) - their games are a constant running dialogue of warnings, instructions, "coaching," if you will. "Stay onside!" "Keep back!" "Make it [the ball] available!" "Play it!" "Release him [to a tackler holding a ball carrier]" and so forth. It's all intended to keep play moving and prevent action-halting infractions.

Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot I'm not to mention other sports!

[jicecone]

Have to jump in here also. Besides baseball I officiated Ice hockey over 20 years and can point in the manuals were talking to the players is highly encouraged, AT ALL LEVELS. I personally know that it takes place at the PRO level too.

Of course, at the Pro levels of ANY sport there is going to be a lot less communication because your suppposed to be dealing with professionals. Hello!

For the most part here though, I would bet that at least 95-98% of the officials don't work those ranks, and I am not just talking about baseball.

Your welcome to work as you see fit though.

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by jicecone

Have to jump in here also. Besides baseball I officiated Ice hockey over 20 years and can point in the manuals were talking to the players is highly encouraged, AT ALL LEVELS. I personally know that it takes place at the PRO level too.

Of course, at the Pro levels of ANY sport there is going to be a lot less communication because your suppposed to be dealing with professionals. Hello!

For the most part here though, I would bet that at least 95-98% of the officials don't work those ranks, and I am not just talking about baseball.

Your welcome to work as you see fit though.

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. I have been fortunate to work with some excellent officials over the years and we have evolved as a group. The current crop would have umpired rings around me when I was their age. They are commited to professionalism that is beyond admirable. I have to work much harder when partnered with them and am glad to do it. Their no nonsense approach is refreshing and a reflection of solid training.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

I would rather emulate the best than accept the actions of those who violate ethics and rules.

I hope you realize how strong of a statement that actually is.

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by Welpe

I hope you realize how strong of a statement that actually is.

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.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

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.

If you're saying the pitcher balked and was told "If you do it again, I'll call it", I agree. Just call it the first time.

I'm not sure that's what everyone else is saying.

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

If you're saying the pitcher balked and was told "If you do it again, I'll call it", I agree. Just call it the first time.

I'm not sure that's what everyone else is saying.

Bob, another member wrote that he has no problem telling the catcher to go talk to the pitcher about stopping. I believe the phrase used was 'quietly tell him to pause better" or something similar. Several members agreed. I related the story of someone we both have worked with who was caught telling the shortstop the same thing. (The SS stayed in his position and said something like, "Hey, he said he's going to balk you if you don't stop better than that.") the only thing it prevented was laughter from the offensive coach. He should have just caused the balk. If you see a poor stop, call it, don't coach. End of story.

Getting back to the original play, years ago we were told to make sure players didn't step into the dirt area around home plate in celebration - live or dead didn't matter. I offered a play where I prevented them from doing so and the HC chewed me out for preventing interference or at the very least, a possible ejection for leaving the dugout. While I understand and you know you are aware of how I umpire, I agree with the coach and current thinking of the better umpires in the game. Just call what you see and work hard to make certain it is correct. Interaction between players is limited to pleasantries and essential communication. Now, I readily admit that I have broken the rule and done things that I now find to be more trouble than helpful. I still make mistakes but work much harder to make certain they are only noticeable to my peers, not the players. Yes, I still say things on the field I shouldn't and often regret doing so. In the end, it is far better to disappear out there. You don't do that by helping a team cheat and that is what coaching while officiating is.