I've Never Made That Call Before...

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by DaveASA/FED

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.

Yeah, tell that to Wade... Poor guy...

[Texasbock]

Originally Posted by BretMan

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.

I would agree with you. If you went over these things in pre-game and they defied you, then you would have every right in the world to enforce the rule"

[Dakota]

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.

[whiskers_ump]

Originally Posted by Dakota

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.

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.

[bkbjones]

Originally Posted by whiskers_ump

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.

Gawd, I had my butt chewed by some muckety mucks a couple weeks ago for enforcing the 10 second rule. "C'mon John, it's only fall ball!" Wait til I tell them I'm not the only one

Note to TexasBock: would that be Shiner Bock? If so, plz send BBQ immediately. If not, plz send BBQ anyway.

[CajunNewBlue]

Originally Posted by topper

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.

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.

[whiskers_ump]

Originally Posted by CajunNewBlue

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.

OK Steven, I will bite, wny McKinney?

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by whiskers_ump

OK Steven, I will bite, wny McKinney?

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

[whiskers_ump]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

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

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.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by whiskers_ump

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.

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

[whiskers_ump]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

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

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.

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by whiskers_ump

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.

Seems to me some preventative umpiring would have preventing your likely bologna calls.

Tell the catcher, take it down on 3 (or 4)... and you dont have the problem. Focus on the 1 minute, not the 5 pitches.

60 seconds.. forget that 5 pitch deal after the top of the 1st. They are not getting in more that 3-4 pitches in 60 seconds.. and you should not be standing their picking your nose waiting for them to throw it a 6th time so you can get a ball on the batter. Be on that from jump and keep the game moving and stop goofing off.

[CajunNewBlue]

Originally Posted by whiskers_ump

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.

yes, sir... sure will be. hopefully we will see some good ball again... last time I didnt get hit by a pitch not one time. of course the 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 )

[CajunNewBlue]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

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

yeah, the NCAA umpire improvement camp was held there.... I caught a invite when Gene couldnt go. got dinged a bit on things like having my hands on my hips... chewing gum....and moving a little too much while walking the line. ohhh and the big one, pointing ... I didnt even realize i did this. but i did. learned a bunch and met some pretty cool people.

[JefferMC]

Originally Posted by CajunNewBlue

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 )

"South Carolina" as in University of, or a team from SC?