Lawsuit Filed Against Umpire - Page 2

MikeStrybel · #1 (**permalink**) Mon Sep 19, 2011, 12:50pm

We kicked this topic around over the weekend. I help coach my son's football team and one of the other coaches remarked, "Do umpires check the entire field every inning?" I laughed but then thougt how dead on he was. We are never required to maintain field safety. Never.

mbyron · #2 (**permalink**) Mon Sep 19, 2011, 12:59pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichMSN

Can players and coaches be expected to understand what "playable" means to the extent an umpire should?

Since that's not a rules question, or a question for which umpires have special training, I think that the answer is probably yes.

JRutledge · #3 (**permalink**) Mon Sep 19, 2011, 01:32pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichMSN

Can players and coaches be expected to understand what "playable" means to the extent an umpire should?

Usually to be found liable for something, you have to be negligent in your normal duties. I doubt seriously that an umpire is going to be found negligent for what happens on a field with multiple games being played and when nothing has been brought to their attention or if they are not an expert on the safety of a fence. You see fences all the time that are probably installed or made incorrectly. I doubt the umpire would have to pay anything for what took place. Now the park district or the league might be another issue.

Peace

Texas Aggie · #4 (**permalink**) Mon Sep 19, 2011, 06:06pm

Quote:

The waiver may not hold water if negligence is proven.

If it doesn't, then it was written by a bad lawyer who didn't know what he was doing. Releases are for ANY and ALL injuries, usually, except maybe for intentional torts.

TussAgee11 · #5 (**permalink**) Mon Sep 19, 2011, 08:10pm

What about player negligence? Why not sue the other defensive players for not telling him he was closing in on the fence? Competent players do that for their teammates.

What about his own negligence in believing he was coordinated enough to make a play on a ball?

TussAgee11 · #6 (**permalink**) Mon Sep 19, 2011, 08:11pm

Even better, why not negligence on the part of the batter? Popping up a ball in foul territory, he's not supposed to do that! Sue him!

Rich Ives · #7 (**permalink**) Mon Sep 19, 2011, 09:48pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

If it doesn't, then it was written by a bad lawyer who didn't know what he was doing. Releases are for ANY and ALL injuries, usually, except maybe for intentional torts.

Don't hold your breath.

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