Would you ignore Local Rule?

[tibear]

Umpiring a game last night where teams were starting to get annoyed with other and one team complained that the opposing pitcher was wearing sunglasses.

The local association has made a rule that batters and pitchers cannot wear sunglasses. (Not sure why because it's nowhere in the rulebook.)

The orientation of the field is such that the pitcher was going to basically look right into the sun to pitch. Would you enforce the local rule even if you felt that it was a safety issue?

[Eastshire]

Originally Posted by tibear

Umpiring a game last night where teams were starting to get annoyed with other and one team complained that the opposing pitcher was wearing sunglasses.

The local association has made a rule that batters and pitchers cannot wear sunglasses. (Not sure why because it's nowhere in the rulebook.)

The orientation of the field is such that the pitcher was going to basically look right into the sun to pitch. Would you enforce the local rule even if you felt that it was a safety issue?

When you accept an assignment, you are agreeing to enforce the local rules, however dumb you may feel they are.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Eastshire

When you accept an assignment, you are agreeing to enforce the local rules, however dumb you may feel they are.

I wouldn't enforce this one.

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by GROUPthink

I wouldn't enforce this one.

Then don't accept the assignment. As Eastshire said, "When you accept an assignment, you are agreeing to enforce the local rules."

[Rich]

Originally Posted by waltjp

Then don't accept the assignment. As Eastshire said, "When you accept an assignment, you are agreeing to enforce the local rules."

I couldn't possibly care. I work more games than I probably should anyway -- they can protest (like that would go anywhere) and not hire me again (except they will, cause they need umpires). I refuse to enforce rules (that are not well thought out) that I think make the game less safe for athletes. There's no possible reason to ban sunglasses on pitchers other than someone heard of a rule myth and figured it was some kind of a real rule.

Most leagues where I'm from don't exactly distribute their local rules to the umpires/officials anyway. If a coach tells me it's a local rule that the kid can't wear sunglasses, why should I believe him over the coach of the other team who wants his kid to wear them?

[Eastshire]

Originally Posted by GROUPthink

I couldn't possibly care. I work more games than I probably should anyway -- they can protest (like that would go anywhere) and not hire me again (except they will, cause they need umpires). I refuse to enforce rules (that are not well thought out) that I think make the game less safe for athletes. There's no possible reason to ban sunglasses on pitchers other than someone heard of a rule myth and figured it was some kind of a real rule.

Most leagues where I'm from don't exactly distribute their local rules to the umpires/officials anyway. If a coach tells me it's a local rule that the kid can't wear sunglasses, why should I believe him over the coach of the other team who wants his kid to wear them?

In that case it shouldn't be too hard for you to find something to replace this assignment with. But don't be that guy who comes in and makes up his own rules as he goes along.

[MD Longhorn]

I would enforce the rule as written. I would then make a point of mentioning the dangerous rule to my UIC. If the rule stays, I'd continue to enforce it.

[CT1]

I wouldn't *ignore* the local rule. But if you feel there's a danger to the pitcher or other players from the sun, you could suspend the game until there's no longer a problem.

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by CT1

I wouldn't *ignore* the local rule. But if you feel there's a danger to the pitcher or other players from the sun, you could suspend the game until there's no longer a problem.

Here is the answer --- +10

[JRutledge]

The best way to change a rule is to enforce it. Then when they figure out how silly the rule is, then they will likely change it or not create a silly rule in the first place.

Peace

[kylejt]

I wouldn't enforce it, unless asked to.

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by GROUPthink

I couldn't possibly care. I work more games than I probably should anyway -- they can protest (like that would go anywhere) and not hire me again (except they will, cause they need umpires). I refuse to enforce rules (that are not well thought out) that I think make the game less safe for athletes. There's no possible reason to ban sunglasses on pitchers other than someone heard of a rule myth and figured it was some kind of a real rule.

Most leagues where I'm from don't exactly distribute their local rules to the umpires/officials anyway. If a coach tells me it's a local rule that the kid can't wear sunglasses, why should I believe him over the coach of the other team who wants his kid to wear them?

You would definitily not have a problem of too many games if you worked my leagues, with that pompous attitude.

[blueump]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

I would enforce the rule as written. I would then make a point of mentioning the dangerous rule to my UIC. If the rule stays, I'd continue to enforce it.

Exactly! Make sure the rule is actually a written rule first, then you are obligated to follow it. It's your job!

[eric0531]

Originally Posted by CT1

I wouldn't *ignore* the local rule. But if you feel there's a danger to the pitcher or other players from the sun, you could suspend the game until there's no longer a problem.

About five years ago my son was playing in a LL District tournament in Everett WA and we had a 20-minute "sun delay" as the sun was setting out near center field, right in the batter's eyes.

We though that was amusing, a sun delay - only in the Pacific Northwest! We'll play through rain, but sun? No way!

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by GROUPthink

I couldn't possibly care.

This is a direct reflection upon your integrity. If you know you can't or won't enforce a league rule then decline the assignment.