Balloon sighting!

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by RadioBlue

JRut:

I understand what you are saying, but when numerous codes are now making allowances (read: leagally bound under the ADA) for disabled players, why wouldn't the same apply to umpires who are disabled? When this guy gets told he is not advancing because of his balloon protector, that is a potential violation of federal law. So the guy's choices are: risk losing his arm in order to move up, or keep his arm and not advance. Doesn't seem like a fair choice given whether or not one uses a balloon protector has no bearing on one's ability to umpire.

It is not like he has to have to balloon protector to protect his arm either. And this is not an ADA situation as every person with a disability would not be reasonably allowed to umpire or officiate as they could cause harm to other players or themselves. Does he use a protector on the bases too? After all he could get hit there as well. And he is an independent contractor so a lot of decisions he makes about moving up are based on decisions he would have to make. And I am sure working as an umpire is not right, it is a privileged and if a player could not play for such reasons there is only so much accommodation that can be made to allow that player to continue to play as well.

Peace