Penalty for 10 second rule change

[SWFLguy]

This is actually a big change that if followed will speed up many games
and eliminate the "mind games" played by some teams to disconcert the pitcher.
Unfortunately most coaches are likely to be oblivious to this and puts more importance on us umpires to start from game one to make sure everyone understands the rule and its effects and possible penalties.
I plan on making it part of my pre-game conference.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by SWFLguy

I plan on making it part of my pre-game conference.

Why? The onus is on the coaches to know the rules. If they don't, then just enforce it. They will soon figure it out. Nearly all umpire manuals will tell you that the pre-game with coaches is not a place to give a rules clinic.

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Why? The onus is on the coaches to know the rules. If they don't, then just enforce it. They will soon figure it out. Nearly all umpire manuals will tell you that the pre-game with coaches is not a place to give a rules clinic.

I agree - I'm not planning on starting to do any kind of rules clinic at the pre-game. Besides, haven't we all seen that so-called warnings are not effective. See a violation, call it, then be ready to explain.

[SWFLguy]

No one said you had to "run a rules clinic" at the pre-game. I'm thinking it is a good idea to ask coaches if they have any questions on new rules (such as this) and I'll clarify that it could be done at the first couple of games. Preventative officiating is usually positive, especially since so many coaches may not be clear about new rules.

[Skahtboi]

Preventative umpiring is not a term used meaning to instruct coaches on the nuances of the rules. Preventative umpiring refers to where you see potential trouble, such as a pitcher leaping every pitch in her warm ups, and you notify the coach that if she does that in the game, she will be penalized.

Now, if you ask an open ended question like "any questions coaches?" at the end of your pregame, and a coach just happens to ask about a particular rule, then by all means, give him a concise response regarding the rule. But, if you say something like "now, do you coaches understand all of the rule changes in the NFHS book this season?" then you are inviting yourself, IMO, to give the coaches a rules clinic, which is not the purpose of the pre-game meeting with the coaches.

[SRW]

Originally Posted by SWFLguy

No one said you had to "run a rules clinic" at the pre-game. I'm thinking it is a good idea to ask coaches if they have any questions on new rules

Isn't that essentially a rules clinic? I think it is. If they have questions about new rules, they should have paid more attention at their ACE class, or at their NFHS coach's clinic.

It's not the umpire's job to make sure the coach understands all the new rules. Just cover prescribed pre-game topics and play ball. That's it.

Umpires would do themselves a lot of good if they'd learn to shut their mouth and only speak when needed.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by SRW

Isn't that essentially a rules clinic? I think it is. If they have questions about new rules, they should have paid more attention at their ACE class, or at their NFHS coach's clinic.

I agree with your point; here's another hijack alert.

Starting now (1/1/2008), the ACE Certification is done online. While you have the option to hold the clinic, you 1) may not charge more than the online course (without including an "added-value" agenda), and 2) will not get credited by the National Office for more, and 3) will not get credit for manuals or gifts purchased in prior years. So, despite the substantial benefits available from the live classes, I am doubting they will be held anywhere.

Since there is no means to ask a question or get a rule explanation in the online course, the ACE really cannot be cited any longer as a means of rules education for coaches.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Since there is no means to ask a question or get a rule explanation in the online course, the ACE really cannot be cited any longer as a means of rules education for coaches.

Ah, but that little 3-letter word makes a difference. If a coach asks a specific queston about rule, I cannot understand why an umpire cannot take 10 seconds to respond directly only to the issue raised. No what ifs, follow questions or TWP, just a short, straight answer.

This is where the umpire's rule knowledge can save a lot of grief down the road. I'm not talking about a gab fest. Like I said, 10 seconds and "no, coach, you don't get a question just because the other coach asked one".

BTW, this course being online is just a matter of convenience since ASA has mandated the certification and, obviously, cannot commit to providing clinics in every city, town and borough in the country. What is going to make the difference among coaches will be those who opt for the online certification as a substitute for the live clinic as opposed to it being supplimental.

JMO