What would you do?
 

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?

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.

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

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

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

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.

If you arent getting paid or if you simply dont want to work those tourneys (I know I wouldnt) - I understand that... and I say Run!

Other than that - whats the big deal?

Its their tourney. They hired you to enforce their tourney rules. So they change it - who cares? Ive had tourney rules change before- things get adjusted. This is like beer league stuff - people have tons of rules for those games.

Its not your game. What the heck do you care what the ceiling is? I really dont see the problem here. Make sure its understood and pregame and move on.

Thank you all for your responses.

Just for clarification, Wade, in my OP I stated that I had already completed 3 of 6 games that day BEFORE the TD mentioned this ceiling issue. (Actually I think I completed 4, but OP says 3).

Thank you again.

I understood that. Dont worry about it so much. I consider that issue the same as in friendlies when Courtesy Runner rules get changed or time limits get changed. Things change in less than "formal" championship events. Take it in stride. Semper Gumby - always flexible :) You are way to worried about a non-issue is my point. This was obviously not a championship event, so yes, the TD is within ASA rules to change this if he wants - 12' ceiling is for championship play. In fact if he want's every other game 10' then 12' foot then skyball/no limit then 7' he can do that.

It's Slow Pitch Softball (and before anybody gets their feathers all ruffled, Slow Pitch is all I do and I try to do it well) and a "for fun" tournament to boot.

Just call a couple of borderline strikes and get 'em swingin'. They will forget all about the arc limit. :D :D

Bah... You and I both know that they'll be grumbling about the arc, regardless of the limit. I've only done SP, and I've been at it for 16+ years. Trust me, they'll grumble.

You're right Dave, they always grumble no matter what. I always say this in the pregame: "Balls and strikes are not negotiable, and that means balls and strikes resulting from the arc as well. In case you did not understand the previous statement, the arc is non-negotiable as well." And that folks, usually makes the captains/coaches/ucking fidiots so quiet you can hear the proverbial pin drop. :)

The TD wants a rule change, that's his call, just like no steel or steel allowed. If it were me, I'd modify the arc as requested, inform teams during pregame and direct all queries to the TD. I'd also point out to the TD that if you change in mid stream like that he risks not having all those out of town teams coming anymore or maybe only the out of town teams. He might reconsider and insert the new rules at the start of his next tourney.

Now that is good advice!

Until it is the Championship it is all water of a duck's back. Improvise, adapt, overcome.