betweeb innings

[WestMichBlue]

A good umpire that I occasionally work with will offer a handshake after the pre-game conference breaks up and say, "See ya after the game, partner." Then he heads for RF and we meet again going off the field to the parking lot.

I've had some that I have worked with in summer tournaments that always camp on the 1B line, wanting to talk. For them, it is mostly social.

My regular partner and I generally stay separated, though we will make eye contact and meet on the 1B line when we have something to say. (And that, sometimes, is just social.) One thing we never do is meet after a half inning in which we had a tough or controversial call. Never want to give the impression to coaches or fans that we are still discussing the call. But we will get together an inning later to do just that - discuss that previous call.

WMB

[Dakota]

I understand the argument that having the umpires get together between innings delays the game... I've had partners where you had to absolutely be rude to cut off the conversation when the teams were ready.

However, as a recommended mechanic, if that is the reasoning behind it, it is somewhat insulting. (Only "somewhat" since, as I said, it does apply sometimes.)

There are definite advantages to meeting between every inning, including the ability to discuss things without making it appear to be anything unusual or out of the ordinary.

I agree with WMB - if you are NOT meeting regularly between innings, then for sure do NOT get together right after anything controversial.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Dakota

I agree with WMB - if you are NOT meeting regularly between innings, then for sure do NOT get together right after anything controversial.

That's the most important point.