If they're in the dugout, they are not base coaches.

Caps worn upside down, inside out or backwards seem to have nothing to do with the affect on the game or outcome, just like any uniform rule or even some safety rules. It's about appearance, and uniformity is a basis for appearance.

But, if there were no uniforms, or if they were allowed to be worn carelessly and sloppily, the entire sport would suffer from the poorer image. That would lead to carelessness about other rules, carelessness about sportsmanship, etc., etc. It's not just about whether umpires like a rule or who made it, it's about the need for rules to have an organized and reputable sport.

We certainly don't need any less attention to rules and consistency than we have now and often discuss.

What I said also applies to jewelry, helmets, and any other "should we enforce" questions that keep popping up on this and other forums.

NFHS is waaaayyy too anal IMO regarding dress code.

The rally cap is a baseball tradition so old it was old when I was playing LL. Rules that make the rally cap illegal just make the NFHS look silly, IMO.

However, they are the rules, and no umpire should be disciplined merely for enforcing them.

Is there more to this story than what it sounds like, because it sounds like childish, vindictive school admin / coaches and a weanie umpire association?

Yes, the rallycap is old - but it's always been worn in the dugout (or by fans, etc). If you bend a rule here, bend a rule there, eventually there are no rules.

Or worse - finally some umpire decides to enforce those rules, and it is seen as so bad by the home team that they ban the umpire from working at that school ... oh, wait - that's what happened here.

this comes straight from Walt Sparks, Texas ASA & TASO head honcho ---- "I understand the rally cap, but it needs to be done in the dugout and not out on the field. We do not allow players to wear their caps backward, etc., so the coaches fall into the same category."

So, if this happens & I'm doing the game, I guess I'll ask the coaches to wear their caps properly.

[Edited by 3afan on May 5th, 2004 at 08:20 PM]

you Texas folks see the above post ...............