Overruling myself, discreetly

[mcrowder]

I am man enough to admit that I was predisposed to dislike the guy. After all, he was nothing but trouble as a coach when I was reffing his peewee football games (for 2 years now).

I will even admit that when I saw him walking toward the field (I had a game before his), wearing the light blue, my first thought was, "Oh, No."

But once that game was over, and pregame started, I really gave it an effort to try to see if I could get him ready. I asked a couple of questions beforehand and realized I was working from zero (this despite the claim that he'd been umping for 4 years in a nearby area - and area that changed 3 times in different conversations, no less). I showed him A, B, and C, and explained not just where to go and when, but WHY to go there when you go there. This was greeted with alternating blank stares and in-depth examinations of right field. I tried to explain the infield fly rule (not just the rule, but the reason), but was interrupted enough that even after his head-nodding, I didn't think he got it, or cared to get it.

I really didn't this to become a "Slam-the-new-ump" thread. I was really more interested in feedback on the overruling myself. But I appreciate the comments regarding the newbie. This is my first year as UIC, so that kind of feedback is welcome as well.