My First Ejection ...

[mcrowder]

I think we've all learned a lot from this board. I had to unlearn some bad habits when I first started visiting this board, as the only training I'd had over the past several years was from the same guys every year - and they were teaching things wrong. I love this place.

[CecilOne]

Al, please don't think we're not all learning eevn if it is your question.

A further point about ultimatums. Someone said warning insted of ultimatum, but that is not the point. No warning, either because it has to include some kind of "if". Just say "no more" or anything similar.

new Q: Is is really in the kids' best interest to return a coach who acts like that the next game, rather then have them coached by someone more civilized and learn that misbehavior has consequences.

new comment: personally, I'd have suspended him for pulling the team into a forfeit

[Al]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

Al, please don't think we're not all learning eevn if it is your question.

A further point about ultimatums. Someone said warning insted of ultimatum, but that is not the point. No warning, either because it has to include some kind of "if". Just say "no more" or anything similar.

new Q: Is is really in the kids' best interest to return a coach who acts like that the next game, rather then have them coached by someone more civilized and learn that misbehavior has consequences.

new comment: personally, I'd have suspended him for pulling the team into a forfeit

Hey Cecil,

When I explained what happened to my wife she said the same thing you just said about misbehavior having consequeces. She went on to say if the assistant coach that mockingly opened his mouth has any kids he is probably going to have problems some day...They have a way of doing what they see daddy do.

I think him pulling the team into forfeit is what got one of the parents so mad at him. It was only a few seconds after he lined up his team and said the game is over blue that the lady lost her temper. But, really I can understand being upset at him. They pay to have their children play and learn. I think a lot of the parents/grandparents would rather be watching their kid up at bat or fielding a ball, than be going home early cause the coach wanted to make some kind of statement. Sad really. ...Thanks, ..Al

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

new Q: Is is really in the kids' best interest to return a coach who acts like that the next game, rather then have them coached by someone more civilized and learn that misbehavior has consequences.

I don't think so. Though I have known some coaches who, when they were coaching younger ages, were real hotheads and know-nothings. I have seen them, over time, develop as their players have to where now, they are knowledgeable, capable, and rather easy going coaches. Time, and learning the game, can do a lot to mature people of all ages.

[Steve M]

Al,
One more thing to remember and consider when you're thanking us & offering to pay & all that.

I think I have made just about every mistake that an umpire can make over the years - and those that I haven't made, somebody else here probably has. I think each wil commend your desire & effort to learn - so learn from the mistakes of the past - and, when you have the opportunity, pass it on to the next "generation" of umps. That's your thanks & repayment - pass it on.

[greymule]

One more example of why lower-level ball is so much more difficult to officiate. Last week I alternated between college doubleheaders on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and REC leagues Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. The REC leagues are genuinely harder, and not just because they're one-man games. The kind of stuff described in the opening thread is almost inconceivable in a college game.