What would you do?

gumpire · #1 (**permalink**) Sun Apr 12, 2009, 02:05pm

I was working single umpire "just-for-fun" tourney this weekend at one of our local fields. I ONLY do ASA rules, as do all the local fields.

After my 3rd game (of 6 back-to-back), the tournament director says to me....

"We get alot of teams from out of town at our tournaments and that's what makes our field good. Some of those teams don't usually play ASA rules so we need to bring the pitch ceiling down."

One of those non-ASA teams had lost in my 3rd game and had complained from the 1st pitch that they thought the pitches were too high. Some time in the 5th or 6th inning, they asked isn't the ceiling 10 feet? I responded that it was 12.

I believe that their *****ing to tourney director caused his statement to me....my thought was that maybe we should let them pitch according to other rule sets, or maybe swing bats legal in other assns. since we were willing to change pitch requirements.

How would you proceed from this point?

wadeintothem · #2 (**permalink**) Sun Apr 12, 2009, 02:24pm

I would make sure its understood from the pregame meeting. If the tourney rules are not clear or there could be misunderstanding - pregame is where that is addressed. Whatever ceiling (or any other rule) the TD wants- find out and thats it - just make sure its clear.

IRISHMAFIA · #3 (**permalink**) Sun Apr 12, 2009, 05:12pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by gumpire

I believe that their *****ing to tourney director caused his statement to me....my thought was that maybe we should let them pitch according to other rule sets, or maybe swing bats legal in other assns. since we were willing to change pitch requirements.

How would you proceed from this point?

Possibly offer my indicator to the TD and thank him for allowing me to get home for dinner.

MichaelVA2000 · #4 (**permalink**) Sun Apr 12, 2009, 06:24pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Possibly offer my indicator to the TD and thank him for allowing me to get home for dinner.

Do you really think this TD would know how to use the indicator......

Steve M · #5 (**permalink**) Sun Apr 12, 2009, 06:31pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelVA2000

Do you really think this TD would know how to use the indicator......

If he didn't - I'll bet Mike would be kind enough to tell him where to put it.

gumpire · #6 (**permalink**) Sun Apr 12, 2009, 06:44pm

Thought about talking to local UIC or refusing to work further tourneys at that field. Either or both of these seem resonable?

NCASAUmp · #7 (**permalink**) Sun Apr 12, 2009, 09:15pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by gumpire

Thought about talking to local UIC or refusing to work further tourneys at that field. Either or both of these seem resonable?

If you made a commitment, you made a commitment and should tough it out. If the TD wants to change rules mid-tourney, that's his problem. Direct all complaints his way and wash your hands of it.

After that, think twice about calling his "just for fun" tourneys ever again.