Game Administration Ejection

[IRISHMAFIA]

Let's see....

It was stated that the coach and girl were acquainted through travel ball, so I would suppose that offering his condolences were not out of line. His timing may have been, but we really don't know what his intentions were. For as much as we know, the girl could have seen a friend of her parents in the stands and had the same breakdown as this is a fragile time for anyone who suffers a tragic loss, especially that of a child's parents.

If the coach wanted to leave, that's his prerogative, but I wouldn't eject or even suggest such action. I simply would have suspended the game until the pitcher's coach was able to get his team's emotions collected and ready to resume the game.

As for the AD, site administrator or not, he had no need to be on the field and I would have dumped him if the coach could not get him to leave. If the AD persisted, the game is over and I would let the adminstrative authority determine where to go from that point.

A nice letter to the sanctioning body would be sent the NEXT day with a CC to the NFHS, the school board, every umpire I knew and maybe a clean blind CC to the media.

But, then again, isn't this the same organization which allowed a basketball delinquent masquerading as a prep HS star play a big TV game after contacting an official?

[Mountaineer]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Let's see....

It was stated that the coach and girl were acquainted through travel ball, so I would suppose that offering his condolences were not out of line. His timing may have been, but we really don't know what his intentions were. For as much as we know, the girl could have seen a friend of her parents in the stands and had the same breakdown as this is a fragile time for anyone who suffers a tragic loss, especially that of a child's parents.

If the coach wanted to leave, that's his prerogative, but I wouldn't eject or even suggest such action. I simply would have suspended the game until the pitcher's coach was able to get his team's emotions collected and ready to resume the game.

As for the AD, site administrator or not, he had no need to be on the field and I would have dumped him if the coach could not get him to leave. If the AD persisted, the game is over and I would let the adminstrative authority determine where to go from that point.

A nice letter to the sanctioning body would be sent the NEXT day with a CC to the NFHS, the school board, every umpire I knew and maybe a clean blind CC to the media.

But, then again, isn't this the same organization which allowed a basketball delinquent masquerading as a prep HS star play a big TV game after contacting an official?

Yes, Mike - same organization. This will be interesting to see what comes out of it all. Huntington is actually the visitors in this scenario! I did indeed write up a special report for the WVSSAC today. I have to send them one for any incident like this. It also goes to the principal of the offending school. In a very rare occurance, I sent the same report to two different schools.

As for the coach's intentions - you are right. We really can't know what they were. We can surmise . . . and may get it wrong. This morning, I talked to a college coach who was at the game and he felt, due to the timing (he hadn't said anything to her for 7 previous innings) that he did it with a specific purpose in mind. Of course everyone from Riverside thought that - and I have difficulty disagreeing with that logic. I still go back to the fact that I didn't hear a thing - therefore, I cannot eject him for something I didn't hear him say.

I heard today that this girl has already signed with NC State to pitch next year. She was easily throwing in the mid 60's last night - mayber harder after they pi$$ed her off!

[Mountaineer]

The AD called our board secretary today and asked him to remove us from the games at their school for the remainder of the year. He said that he would not approve a check for either of us ever again so if we showed up it would be without being paid. What a crybaby! He also told our secretary that we called a "great game" and had no problem with any calls we made EXCEPT the way we handled this situation. We talked about it in a local meeting today and every person in the meeting agreed that it was not a reason for ejection. I'm stubborn enough to keep the game . . . am I being stupid? I'm also calling the WVSSAC and discussing it with them tomorrow - they could make them honor the game. I'll let you know.

[Stat-Man]

I'd have a hard time selling an ejection of the base coach. Since Mountaineer didn't hear the comment, that makes it even harder. Was the timing of it bad? Yes (Personally, I think he could have waited until the post-game handshakes to offer his condolences). But unless someone hears it and judges it as unsporting, it's going to be difficult to penalize it.

As for the AD, he needs an attitude adjustment. That kind of attitude and behavior in interscholastic sports is a turn-off to me. [soapbox] It's supposed to be for the kids to play ball, not for adults ot be the center of attention [/soapbox].

[azbigdawg]

Originally Posted by Mountaineer

The AD called our board secretary today and asked him to remove us from the games at their school for the remainder of the year. He said that he would not approve a check for either of us ever again so if we showed up it would be without being paid. What a crybaby! He also told our secretary that we called a "great game" and had no problem with any calls we made EXCEPT the way we handled this situation. We talked about it in a local meeting today and every person in the meeting agreed that it was not a reason for ejection. I'm stubborn enough to keep the game . . . am I being stupid? I'm also calling the WVSSAC and discussing it with them tomorrow - they could make them honor the game. I'll let you know.

Unreal........ no AD should EVER have that power...... you need a stronger statewide association.....

[AtlUmpSteve]

Does your contract give him the right to red-line? If so, does the contract not require him to do so in writing? As the booking secretary here, I would tell him that no other umpires are available that day. Personally, I would keep the assignment on principle, without regard to the threat of no pay; and send a copy of the check request, or whatever document is used in your state, to the school principal, the board of education, and the state association if/when he fails to pay it. If no such formal document exists, I would bring and tender an invoice for services rendered, and keep copies. Would probably also consider taking the school to small claims court, and might even try to file a mechanic's lien against the school property.

[bkbjones]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Does your contract give him the right to red-line? If so, does the contract not require him to do so in writing? As the booking secretary here, I would tell him that no other umpires are available that day. Personally, I would keep the assignment on principle, without regard to the threat of no pay; and send a copy of the check request, or whatever document is used in your state, to the school principal, the board of education, and the state association if/when he fails to pay it. If no such formal document exists, I would bring and tender an invoice for services rendered, and keep copies. Would probably also consider taking the school to small claims court, and might even try to file a mechanic's lien against the school property.

Steve is right on (IMHO).

Failing all those things, any way the association could somehow boycott the school? They DO require officials...

[Skahtboi]

The advice that Steve gave is good advice. It many areas, the acceptance of a check request invoice, without stating any amendments, constitutes a contract between the umpire and the school.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by Mountaineer

Yes, Mike - same organization.

Re: the professional HS basketball player... Just to be fair to the WVSSAC (do I have the acronym right?), as I remember reading the press reports, the WVSSAC suspended the player, but the courts granted a restraining order allowing him to play.

[Mountaineer]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Re: the professional HS basketball player... Just to be fair to the WVSSAC (do I have the acronym right?), as I remember reading the press reports, the WVSSAC suspended the player, but the courts granted a restraining order allowing him to play.

Well, actually the principal suspended him for 10 days and he would be scheduled to miss 4 games - the court then gave the injunction to allow him to play against Scott Co., KY - who beat them. The WVSSAC (good job!) did not get involved further because they felt the school's actions were adequate.