Silly NCAA runner assistance rule...

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Big Slick

The rule is the rule. Not a hard rule to understand or enforce. Let's not debate the rule, let's talk about the process:

(If the article is correct) The coach said there should be a call. The umpire froze, didn't make a ruling. Then he runs off the field to ask, then got the incorrect ruling.

I don't blame the coach for asking, that's her right. The umpire didn't know the rule, but he has to rule something and then give the coaches an opportunity to protest.

The travesty is not having the [effing balls] to make a ruling, right or wrong, there are procedures in place to fix it (in this case).

(Again, if the article is correct) What about the other umpire NOT looking in the rule book for the correct ruling? Or the other coach protesting?

And yes, it is acceptable to have a rule book on the field.

BTW, I've given two warnings this year, both in DI games.

I'm surprised that this even took place - every umpire should know whether a touch is allowed or not. However, since this was junior college, I can't speak to the quality of the umpiring (not my arena), so I just won't.

However, I've never believed that having a rule book on the field is smart. Yes, you can fix certain situations, but that just opens you up to tons of trouble. The closest my rule book comes to the field is in my car in the parking lot.

If the umpire wasn't 100% on the rule interpretation, s/he should have made his/her ruling, then immediately offer up to the OC the opportunity to protest. Sounds like these girls may have gotten hosed.