protocol during pitching change

[BuggBob]

I too for years would tell the new pitcher the game situation and quickly move to my required position. However this year our clinician pointed this out as coaching -- so now I don't do it. So for the first time since I have been umpiring I would stay in my current position, count the pitches and signal to the plate umpire when the pitcher was ready. I got to say it looked and felt more professional. Moving forward to games from last night. My games last night were low (LOW LOW) level rec, with a lot of confused players and coaches. During the pitching change, I did go and tell the pitcher the game situation, which as it turns out she didn't know (which in itself makes no since as she was playing the shortstop). We all work games at variety of levels, I would suggest for Tournament Teams and very well coached teams stay out of it. But for the rec teams what does it hurt to tell them the game situation.

Bob