What would you have done?

[dacodee]

Hello,

I'm a new face in the neighborhood. Here's the situation.

Men's Modified game with stealing. 1st inning, 2 outs, R1 (speedster) on 1st. As P releases the pitch, R1 takes off. Catcher had no chance. Being a new umpire and a new face in the league, SS yells, "he left early". That caused the entire team and fans to start yelling the same. While I'm telling the SS the runner did not leave early, Center Fielder comes into the infield to argue my decision not to call runner out for leaving early. At the time, I did not realize it was the center fielder. After everyone cools down, I realize he came from the outfield to argue my decision in the infield.

What would you have done? Should I allow outfielders to come onto the infield to speak their mind? I kept my cool, but after thinking about it, it pissed me off that he came from the outfield to argue.

Thanks,

[mcrowder]

Was SS the coach? Did he call time? What about CF?

Don't discuss ANYTHING with players unless said player is the coach and he calls time to discuss the play with you. Get into position for the next pitch, and move along.

[dacodee]

Neither were the coaches or captains.

Thanks...

[Steve M]

MC has it right. When they begin to look like they are going to gather around you for a gang bang, let the players know "I will deal with the team captain OR the head coach. The rest of you will need to return to your positions."

Then, in speaking to the captain or head coach, let them know that their questioning of this is really asking you if you are not doing your job. That is a judgement call, if you saw it, you would have called it. Now, let's play ball.

Dac,
Didn't notice your first post - but welcome to the neighborhood.

[Edited by Steve M on May 9th, 2005 at 11:42 AM]

[dacodee]

Very good...

Thanks Steve.