Originally Posted by DaveASA/FED (Post 541391)

Granted this scenerio is not likely to ever cost someone the game, but I personally feel that fall ball is 100% the time to enforce these types of rules and to let people know about things in a more relaxed learning environment where you can say "catch, you know you can't do that..." and they will laugh it off BUT will learn a lesson where it doesn't change the earths rotation, or at least players coaches and parents feel like it does when we call this during "regular" or post season.

Originally Posted by BretMan (Post 541389)

I won't confine my observations to just "fall ball". The lag between innings is a year-round occurance.

Why can't the "instructional in nature" extend to teaching the teams the expected behavior between innings and the rules that should be enforced during their "real" games that count?

They can. Imagine calling 10-C ball where half the girls have never played the sport before and where scores aren't kept. Would it be proper to enforce such a rule under that circumstance?

I hear that a lot- "It's only fall ball". Sure, maybe the games are more laid back and than your typical travel ball tournament, but I don't see that as an excuse for an umpire to throw good game management and rule enforcement out the window.

I would probably agree with you if I was officiating in your environment. The point that I was trying to make is that there are times only within the context of fall ball at other venues where enforcing of the hard line rules is not warranted.

Again, I will note that the "between inning" conduct for this league was a point of emphasis by the league organizers. All of the coaches received written instruction to this effect with their league rules. We have been asked to cover this with coaches at the pre-game conference. The folks that run the league- ie: pay our salary- have requested that the umpires enforce these rules to minimize downtime and field scheduling issues, while maximizing playing time for the participants.


In light of all that, if I just ignored those directives, because "It's only fall ball", that would strike me as a bad case of under-umpiring.

Originally Posted by Dakota (Post 541531)

Those of you who do not favor enforcing the timing rules in instructional / fall / rec games, remember this: these games are timed, and the players will get precious few times in the field and at bats as it is. By enforcing the timing rules, you are maximizing the playing time (the reason both teams are there) and minimizing the lollygagging time.

Originally Posted by whiskers_ump (Post 541553)

I do three fall ballgames every Monday night. Tonight, twice I had to enforce the "6th" warm up pitch rule, calling a ball on the batter. Once the ten second rule on the batter after the pitcher having the ball. All the coaches involved in this group want all the rules enforced as a learning tool for these players, most of which will be first time high schoolers.

Originally Posted by topper (Post 541373)

It's called preventive umpiring and is a part of good game management. Sitting back and watching a pitcher take 8 warm-up pitches and then beginning the next at bat with a 3-0 count is, IMO, irresponsible. Remind them after the 4th if you like, penalize them after the 6th, but don't allow them to throw any more after that. Take control of the game.

BTW, since I read you are embarking on a college career, this approach is what the National Staff prefers as well.

Originally Posted by CajunNewBlue (Post 541616)

I totally agree with the above.... not the OP... I would only mention to the catcher that if she takes another pitch for the the throw down, the penalty would be a ball... not refuse to let her do it. my response was poorly written as I only had 2 hours sleep from the drive back from McKinney.

Originally Posted by whiskers_ump (Post 541647)

OK Steven, I will bite, wny McKinney?

Originally Posted by Skahtboi (Post 541684)

There was a college tournament at the Ballfields at Craig Ranch this past weekend. (That is, assuming he meant McKinney, TX.)

Originally Posted by whiskers_ump (Post 541725)

Gotcha. Was really digging at him cause he just got into the college ball.

He will be alright. Good umpire, head in the right place.

Originally Posted by Skahtboi (Post 541778)

D'oh. Sorry. Want me to go delete my post so you can still get your dig in??? :eek:

Originally Posted by whiskers_ump (Post 541553)

I do three fall ballgames every Monday night. Tonight, twice I had to enforce
the "6th" warm up pitch rule, calling a ball on the batter. Once the ten second
rule on the batter after the pitcher having the ball. All the coaches involved
in this group want all the rules enforced as a learning tool for these players,
most of which will be first time high schoolers.

Originally Posted by whiskers_ump (Post 541822)

Not necessary.

Steven, you going to be in Beaumont this weekend for the Stars Over Texas
Tournament. Over 88 teams in it. 18U, Gold and others.

Originally Posted by Skahtboi (Post 541684)

There was a college tournament at the Ballfields at Craig Ranch this past weekend. (That is, assuming he meant McKinney, TX.)

Originally Posted by CajunNewBlue (Post 541903)

south carolina teams coach gave me crap about IP'ing his pitcher he told me "she's pitched in 8 states and never been IP'd... (almost told him... welcome to Texas :D )