Would you ignore Local Rule?

[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.

[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!

[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.

[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!

[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.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by jicecone

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

Good thing I don't work where you live then. Or really care. One advantage of not answering to an association or a single assignor is that I can pick and choose where I want to work. I tend to avoid leagues where they try to rewrite the rule books anyway.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by GROUPthink

Good thing I don't work where you live then. Or really care. One advantage of not answering to an association or a single assignor is that I can pick and choose where I want to work. I tend to avoid leagues where they try to rewrite the rule books anyway.

I think we all applaud you for avoiding leagues with dumb rules... however, if you've accepted an assignment, enforce their rules. I really don't care that your area is desperate for umpires - if you accept the job, do the job. To not enforce a rule (even a dumb local one) is disrespecting the profession and reflects badly on all of us.

[tibear]

After a couple of emails, as usual the coaches didn't know what they were talking about and in fact what the rules stated was that pitchers/batters ARE allowed to where sunglasses.

I guess there was so much confusion as to whether the pitchers/batters could where sunglasses that the local association specifically put in the rule that specified that sunglasses were permitted.

As usual the coaches either didn't read the document or assumed what they wanted and said that sunglasses weren't permitted.

[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.

[RPatrino]

When it gets to the point where you are picking and choosing which "rules" you enforce, then it is time to find another hobby. If you don't like FED rules, then don't do FED ball. If you don't like 'local league rules', then don't do those games. But to say you will ignore rules you don't agree with is just plain wrong.