Just Makin Sure

[Chess Ref]

So we got R1 on 1B. Pitch is thrown R1 does the little lead off dance , F3 puts herself clearly between the runner and the base. Without a doubt she was impeding the progress of the runner . Contact was made. So I do the OBS deal but it doesn't amount to a hill of beans. Turns out we're going to do this drill for every runner that makes it to first.

Do you say something to the coach when you get a chance or just go with the OBS call all night ?

My partner thought I should explain to player/coach what's going on, kind of a warning deal. I tend to fall into the camp of thats coaching....

Your thoughts ?

[wadeintothem]

are they making a play on the runner all night?

I dont say anything.. if they are making a play and there is OBS, call it all night. He'll get the idea.

I agree with you that its coaching.. many umpires like to coach.

[DaveASA/FED]

It depends on a lot of things. If it is a low level team, might mention it to a coach with a hint of safety in the conversation, "coach I would hate to see your F3 get her ankle smashed by a sliding runner especailly when it is OBS anyway for being in the way like that" again depends on a lot of things, level of teams, attitude of coachs and by that I mean do they appear open to this type of conversation, if they arent I will let is go and just make sure that I am positioned where I am sure they can see my DDB signal from their dugout.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by Chess Ref

So we got R1 on 1B. Pitch is thrown R1 does the little lead off dance , F3 puts herself clearly between the runner and the base. Without a doubt she was impeding the progress of the runner . Contact was made. So I do the OBS deal but it doesn't amount to a hill of beans. Turns out we're going to do this drill for every runner that makes it to first.

Do you say something to the coach when you get a chance or just go with the OBS call all night ?

My partner thought I should explain to player/coach what's going on, kind of a warning deal. I tend to fall into the camp of thats coaching....

Your thoughts ?

If it is deliberate (IMJ), I would warn F3 to cut it out. Usually, they will adjust to the warning. If they don't, an ejection will send the message home. If it is ineptness (IMJ) and I believed it was a safety issue, I'd speak to the coach about it from a safety perspective, but also telling him that it is illegal and they have no chance at getting an out with that technique.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Chess Ref

So we got R1 on 1B. Pitch is thrown R1 does the little lead off dance , F3 puts herself clearly between the runner and the base. Without a doubt she was impeding the progress of the runner . Contact was made. So I do the OBS deal but it doesn't amount to a hill of beans. Turns out we're going to do this drill for every runner that makes it to first.

Do you say something to the coach when you get a chance or just go with the OBS call all night ?

My partner thought I should explain to player/coach what's going on, kind of a warning deal. I tend to fall into the camp of thats coaching....

Your thoughts ?

You act as the authority figure and that is not coaching.

When it is obvious the player is not making a play, but just being an annoyance, explain to the coach that there is nothing to be gained by constantly moving into the runner's path as described above.

Therefore, the only possible result of this cat-and-mouse game continuing is an unnecessary injury to either his or the opponent's player. Therefore, if it continues, and in the umpire's judgment, there is no valid play, it is going to be treated as unsportsmanlike conduct. You then remind the coach of the results of such a ruling.

[socalumps]

Would depend on which rule set. NCAA has a solution to this activity.

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

We have a school around here that will actually TEST an ump they perceive to be new by doing that exact thing.....

[wadeintothem]

irish is probably right on this one.. I havent had that happen where there was intentional and continual OBS by a fielder.. if I did it would surely get tiring quick, and I wouldnt consider it coaching to zap them.