Generally, not hard -- the issue arises when league (or even organizational --- see Dixie for example) rules state they MUST be on the "safe" side.

Well they better clarify what that means if they want uniformity or consistent application. But then if that is there rule it should be applied.

Peace

Rut, please don't try and convince someone that if you do or do not enforce a rule, you will or will not have a law suit. You know better than that. A good lawyer will call everyone in and try and convince the jury their ALL guilty, if he can. Somehow you got the word Justice mixed up with Dollar.

I am not saying which side is the best side, or that one way is better than the other. Sometimes officiating does require common sense though and for the 3rd time, sometimes you just have to umpire.

I know of a local league that has a league rule for 12U that anyone who slides head first shall be called out and no run scored if at the plate. They consider this a safety rule, so you either call it that way or find another league to call in. Their national affiliation has no such rule and when they go to tournaments this will not be called, but by then their league players will not be doing it, and others may.

Where they stand in ODC is either covered by a national association rule, or a league rule if they so choose. I don't know why it would be so hard to allow it if the league does or go find somewhere else to work if you don't agree.

I buy good liability insurance but would rather take my chances in litigation enforcing a league rule well documented than not enforcing because I don't agree with it.

First of all I am not trying to convince you of anything. Do what works for you and I will do what works for me. If you want to allow a kid to go over to the other side, that is on you. I have enough experience to know what I am going to do and at the end of the day you will have to live with the consequences of your actions just like I will. If the rules are clear I will follow them. And I do not have to agree with you that your use of rules is common or makes sense. I have been doing this long enough to form my own opinions on these things either way.

I have also done this long enough and been respected enough when I say something it is followed. Like I just said in the other sport site, I think many worry too much about what crap they are going to get from coaches and others. We have a job to do and if they do not like the job we do they can find someone else to do them. I'm good with what I do and do not go around worrying about what others do on the field. Yes, sometimes we have to umpire and sometimes we have to stand on our own principles. Trust me, you will get over it either way. ;)

Peace