Should I report this?

[zm1283]

harmbu,

I know you hire your own umpires at home, so I'm going to assume that this was on the road. If this umpire was assigned by someone, I would report it to the assigner and definitely to MSHSAA. I would also take the advice of others in this thread and maybe edit out parts that don't pertain to the cursing. While annoying, I don't think talking to players excessively by itself is something that needs to be reported to the state. The cursing part is just unprofessional, especially at the high school level.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by zm1283

harmbu,

I know you hire your own umpires at home, so I'm going to assume that this was on the road. If this umpire was assigned by someone, I would report it to the assigner and definitely to MSHSAA. I would also take the advice of others in this thread and maybe edit out parts that don't pertain to the cursing. While annoying, I don't think talking to players excessively by itself is something that needs to be reported to the state. The cursing part is just unprofessional, especially at the high school level.

Allow me to disagree 100%. The cursing, while unprofessional, is a side issue, and really a symptom of this guy's overall problem. He isn't there to umpire, he's there to chat up everyone and be Friendly Freddie. ALL of this is a sign of that. But the issue that needs to be addressed immediately is the chatter to the batters and catchers during play. If you report nothing else, THAT needs to be reported and addressed.

[zm1283]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

Allow me to disagree 100%. The cursing, while unprofessional, is a side issue, and really a symptom of this guy's overall problem. He isn't there to umpire, he's there to chat up everyone and be Friendly Freddie. ALL of this is a sign of that. But the issue that needs to be addressed immediately is the chatter to the batters and catchers during play. If you report nothing else, THAT needs to be reported and addressed.

I disagree that talking to players needs to be addressed to the state governing body. In this state (Where the OP's situation happened), I can tell you they aren't going to care if that is brought to them. If I was a coach, I would address this with the umpire directly in a non-confrontational manner and hope it sinks in. If not, just tell your players to ignore it and move on.

I have a decent idea who harmbu is talking about in the OP, and the post doesn't surprise me.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by zm1283

I disagree that talking to players needs to be addressed to the state governing body. In this state (Where the OP's situation happened), I can tell you they aren't going to care if that is brought to them. If I was a coach, I would address this with the umpire directly in a non-confrontational manner and hope it sinks in. If not, just tell your players to ignore it and move on.

I have a decent idea who harmbu is talking about in the OP, and the post doesn't surprise me.

It can and or should be addressed to the assigner or local association -- depending, of course on how those things work in your area.

[thumpferee]

I'm curious to know what he was saying during play! Was he talking during the pitch? On a throw to second? Coaching? Talking to himself about his wife that just left him?

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by zm1283

I disagree that talking to players needs to be addressed to the state governing body. In this state (Where the OP's situation happened), I can tell you they aren't going to care if that is brought to them.

I didn't read where Mike suggested this gets taken to the State level. Surely there are folks at the local level, starting with this umpire's assignor, where it should be brought up.

But if your state is where complaints go, then shame on them, IMO. This is totally inappropriate in the context mentioned in the OP, where it's happening as the pitch is being delivered. It's one thing to talk to players on occasion when play is relaxed. But to keep on going as play is imminent? That needs to be addressed by the powers-that-be.

[RPatrino]

My understanding is that the OP is a coach, correct? If this is the case, I believe the proper reporting procedure would be through his AD and school administration. Unless, the OP serves that function or is the liaison with the umpire association.