Who would have thought.......

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

Neither coach said a word, both completely understood it was nothing more than a train wreck, 2 players and the ball all arriving at the same place at the same time. It was the defenses parents that were screaming for an ejection which then got a retort from the offensive teams parents. I thought the uniformed police officer watching the game would settle things down, but apparently he was the instigator in much of it.

I would've contacted the Athletic Director of the host school and let him/her know the situation. Down here my way, the police officer at our HS games are sometimes the home team's school resource officer who is essentially permanent school staff responsible for law enforcement and law education at the campus. They do tend to become acquaintances with home team fans since they seem them so often, and can understandably take a partial view toward the outcome of the game. But they certainly should not instigate any kind of negative fan reaction. If one does, the AD needs to know.

Otherwise, contact your assignor to let him/her know what happened. This officer needs to be reprimanded for his actions at your game, and your assignor should be able to find out who needs to take action.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Manny A

I would've contacted the Athletic Director of the host school and let him/her know the situation. Down here my way, the police officer at our HS games are sometimes the home team's school resource officer who is essentially permanent school staff responsible for law enforcement and law education at the campus. They do tend to become acquaintances with home team fans since they seem them so often, and can understandably take a partial view toward the outcome of the game. But they certainly should not instigate any kind of negative fan reaction. If one does, the AD needs to know.

Otherwise, contact your assignor to let him/her know what happened. This officer needs to be reprimanded for his actions at your game, and your assignor should be able to find out who needs to take action.

As the umpire, I couldn't care less what happens amongst the fans. Nor could I care less what their opinions are. For that matter, sometimes their lack of knowledge is humorous.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Manny A

I would've contacted the Athletic Director of the host school and let him/her know the situation. Down here my way, the police officer at our HS games are sometimes the home team's school resource officer who is essentially permanent school staff responsible for law enforcement and law education at the campus. They do tend to become acquaintances with home team fans since they seem them so often, and can understandably take a partial view toward the outcome of the game. But they certainly should not instigate any kind of negative fan reaction. If one does, the AD needs to know.

Otherwise, contact your assignor to let him/her know what happened. This officer needs to be reprimanded for his actions at your game, and your assignor should be able to find out who needs to take action.

While protocol may differ in different locations, your first advice (contact the AD) would have you in deep crap here; your second advice (contact your assignor) a much better solution.

In my opinion and experience, individual umpires should NEVER contact the AD directly; it needs to follow the appropriate chain. You tell the assignor, and let that person/association address the school (it isn't YOUR contract!!!), and the state association, if appropriate or necessary. Here (Georgia), individual umpires do not submit game reports or ejection reports to the state; they must be submitted by the association officer designated.

If you (an individual) take that on yourself, expect to be redlined/blacklisted from that school for the foreseeable future. Let the system work. If it doesn't, THEN follow your instincts.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

While protocol may differ in different locations, your first advice (contact the AD) would have you in deep crap here; your second advice (contact your assignor) a much better solution.

In my opinion and experience, individual umpires should NEVER contact the AD directly; it needs to follow the appropriate chain.

Steve, I'm talking about in real time during the game. There should be an AD on site to help deal with fans and other issues on the other side of the fences. If I have a problem with the local beat cop in the stands during the game, I'm not contacting my assignor to, in turn, contact the AD. The AD should be there and should take appropriate action. I wouldn't put that expectation on the home head coach.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Manny A

Steve, I'm talking about in real time during the game. There should be an AD on site to help deal with fans and other issues on the other side of the fences. If I have a problem with the local beat cop in the stands during the game, I'm not contacting my assignor to, in turn, contact the AD. The AD should be there and should take appropriate action. I wouldn't put that expectation on the home head coach.

But still, talk to the coach and let him/her communicate with the appropriate administrator.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

But still, talk to the coach and let him/her communicate with the appropriate administrator.

I have no idea if the coach is going to communicate what I want communicated to the AD. Remember, the coach is probably also a bit upset with the call. He/she may not bother to look for the AD, or pass on my concerns. I prefer to talk to the AD directly.

It also sends a message to those watching when they see me conversing with the AD.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Manny A

Steve, I'm talking about in real time during the game. There should be an AD on site to help deal with fans and other issues on the other side of the fences. If I have a problem with the local beat cop in the stands during the game, I'm not contacting my assignor to, in turn, contact the AD. The AD should be there and should take appropriate action. I wouldn't put that expectation on the home head coach.

In real time there would be a game administrator; in our experience, that is most often NOT the school's Athletic Director (he's at baseball, spring football, almost never at a softball game). Perhaps you meant game administrator; I read you contacting the school and the coach's boss, and that just isn't what an individual needs to be doing. Follow up needs to be done by administrator of umpires to administrator for the school (AD).

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

In real time there would be a game administrator; in our experience, that is most often NOT the school's Athletic Director (he's at baseball, spring football, almost never at a softball game). Perhaps you meant game administrator; I read you contacting the school and the coach's boss, and that just isn't what an individual needs to be doing. Follow up needs to be done by administrator of umpires to administrator for the school (AD).

Yeah, that's who I really meant. Most often here in my neck, the game administrator is the AD. When there are both baseball and softball games going on at the same time, he/she covers both since the fields are usually right next to each other. And at schools where they're not co-located, he/she will typically be available via golf cart.