Socializing with the enemy...

[jstone999]

Here in Germany, if I see the umpires have not left the field or the area after 10 minutes or so after the game, I always make it a point to shake their hands. I don't usually make a comment, but if I do it's just a "Dankeschoen."

I do this whether we win or lose or whether I thought the umpires made good or bad calls. I'm grateful to have them there. (We have a hard time getting umpires here: it's one thing for people to get involved in a "foreign" sport, much less for them to take up officiating.) They ain't getting big money, and they ain't getting recognition or fame, either.

So a simple exchange of thanks between the coach and the umpires I don't think should be misconstrued as "socializing" or failing to maintain impartiality. It's just polite and decent.

jeffstone
goettingen