USA change 1 - inspections

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by Manny A

I do, for every game. It’s not that big a deal. I chuckle when I read an umpire’s dislike of doing it. Why? It takes two or three minutes per team if they have the equipment ready for inspection. Checking it is one of the most minor of inconveniences in my games. There are plenty of other things that happen during the game that irritate me, primarily when dealing with humans. Looking at inanimate objects like bats and helmets doesn’t bother me in the least.

That said, I much prefer having the equipment outside the dugout ready for my partner(s) and me to quickly check. If a team isn’t ready, we ask them to get ready and we move to the other team or walk the field. They usually forget to have it ready, and comply with our requests by the time we return.

To me, the only pain is asking a team to get their stuff out, and they don’t because there isn’t a rule requiring it. That makes us go into the dugout and look for equipment in bags, under benches, etc. When NFHS came out with its rule last year to have teams put their equipment outside the dugout, I applauded the change. It was targeted at those a-hole coaches who didn’t want to comply with our requests.

USA Softball now comes out with a similar rule to have the equipment prepped. I think that’s a good thing as long as equipment checks by umpires continue to be required. It makes it easier for us. And believe it or not, I think it’s necessary because there are times where I do find a rattling bat or a mask missing a screw. Is it really a bad thing for the umpire to be the one who looks for and finds it? Stop being lazy and just do it.

I don't dislike it because of the time it takes. I dislike the very idea that the umpire is responsible for checking the legality of the equipment a team is using. It turns what should be the responsibility of the coach / player / parent into a cat and mouse game.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Dakota

I don't dislike it because of the time it takes. I dislike the very idea that the umpire is responsible for checking the legality of the equipment a team is using. It turns what should be the responsibility of the coach / player / parent into a cat and mouse game.

The responsibility isn't so much for discovering damaged or illegal equipment as it is for the protection of the players.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by Dakota

I don't dislike it because of the time it takes. I dislike the very idea that the umpire is responsible for checking the legality of the equipment a team is using. It turns what should be the responsibility of the coach / player / parent into a cat and mouse game.

I’ve never viewed this as a legality issue. Rather, it’s simply a rules compliance issue. No different than checking the field, the game balls, the lineup cards, and the players’ uniforms. And there’s the added benefit of having a second set of eyes to check the safety of the equipment, as Irish mentioned. An umpire who doesn’t want to be bothered by playing a role in player safety should really rethink his/her responsibilities in the game, IMO.

That said, I do understand there are legality issues with the game. But they’re there regardless whether we inspect hats and bats or not. We need to protect ourselves with appropriate insurance for that purpose. Just because a bat that we didn’t look at before a game because we no longer have to by rule ends up breaking and injuring the pitcher, that’s not going to necessarily absolve us of any liability in the eyes of the pitcher’s parents. If that happened to me, I wouldn’t worry about any legal repercussions since I’m covered through NASO. But what WOULD keep me up at nights afterward is the thought that I might’ve been able to prevent it had I done a pregame bat check.

[Dakota]

I think maybe you guys misunderstand my opinion on this.

The current rules that require an umpire inspection feeds into the "if you ain't cheatin', you ain't tryin'" mentality. It becomes a game, similar to "selling" a tag or a catch to get the call.

It should be the coach / player / parent who takes responsibility for using legal equipment, and no inspection should be necessary.

My view has nothing to do with the courts or lawyers. It is putting the responsibility (ethically) where it belongs.

Do officials inspect equipment in any other sport?

Do hockey officials inspect players' helmets or the goalie's equipment? Do they inspect the sticks?

How about football? Do they inspect pads and helmets?

IDK, I don't officiate those sports. Maybe they do.

[Manny A]

Tom, I think the disconnect is that you feel the inspections are geared to find the cheaters. That’s not the only reason we do it. We also do it (and I feel this is the overarching reason) to prevent unsafe equipment from being used. If all we were concerned with was cheating, we’d have no reason to inspect batting helmets and catcher’s helmets.

Of course parents and coaches are responsible as well, but realistically, how often do they look at the gear. I seriously doubt Mom or Dad checks before each game. And the coaches have half a dozen other things they’re doing before a game. What do we do once we get to the field? I just don’t see it as a burden. But that’s just me. I’ve been doing it long enough that it’s second nature. My mindset is not to look for cheaters. It’s to prevent potential injuries.