Do you just "take it"?

[NCASAUmp]

If an entire team is starting to get mouthy, I will often go to the coach or captain (if no coach is present) between innings and say, "coach, I understand that we're in a heck of a game here, and I know that things are pretty hot. However, some players are getting a bit too hot. If I keep hearing what I'm hearing, someone is going to have to sit out. It's not what I want, it's not what you want, and I'm all for good competition. However, things are getting a bit too hot, so let's cool it, okay?"

Often, the coach will acknowledge it and get his/her players to cool it a bit. If the coach argues with you, then you've given him all the "heads up" he's gonna get.

We walk a fine line between letting a player blow off steam and letting a player blast us with venom. Good game management means knowing when that line is being pushed, and when to address it. The earlier you address it, the less likely it is to arrive to this kind of a situation. None of us wants to be the bad guy, nor do we want to be considered "the ump that cost us the game." But it's still our job to uphold the integrity of the game and, by proxy, the integrity of our positions. Identify those warning signs, address them respectfully, and things will go smoother.

Other opinions on how to handle a hot game? Everyone has their own style...

[NC_Blue]

While I agree with the last reply.......EVERYTHING was "peachy" until they started getting thrashed in the top of the last. I was really hoping the top half of the inning would hurry up and end.....and that would be the end of it.

I'm known for not putting up with a lot of bull%$*&......and I didn't, Saturday. I just wondered if what I said was out of line.

Have a good one, guys.

[NCASAUmp]

Just last week, I was guilty of saying something that more or less "slammed" a player for his attitude. In hindsight, as soon as I said it, I KNEW that what I'd said would only serve to throw gas on the fire, and I was right. The player approached me after the game and harassed the crap out of me.

The comment you made to the player was, perhaps, a bit out of line. It really served no purpose other than to make you feel better, and heck, I can't blame you, nor am I trying to get on your case at all. If you are questioning whether or not it was out of line, then the chances are that there was a better way to handle it. Live, learn, move on, play ball!

There are things we say, and then there's what we REALLY want to say. I've always wanted to say, "Player, stfu. You're whining like a little baby."

[mcrowder]

Originally Posted by NC_Blue

While I agree with the last reply.......EVERYTHING was "peachy" until they started getting thrashed in the top of the last. I was really hoping the top half of the inning would hurry up and end.....and that would be the end of it.

I'm known for not putting up with a lot of bull%$*&......and I didn't, Saturday. I just wondered if what I said was out of line.

Have a good one, guys.

Snarky comments from us are sometimes funny, sometimes make us feel better, but almost ALWAYS make things worse. That said - I've been guilty of them once or twice - we all are. Just try not to stoop to their level.