Plate Umpire position between innings (NFHS)

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Tex

I was taught this mechanic many years ago for the following reasons: home plate umpire does not show any favoritism to either team and most player changes will occur while the offensive team is coming to bat.

This is done every game, even in rec. play.

Now there are times that between innings other umpire issues may need to be completed first, but afterwards I go to the proper side position. Try to avoid even talking to the field umpire between innings, unless you really need to. Never, after a close play during the completed ½ inning. This may give the wrong impression to the coaches.

Remember, the umpires are there to umpire, not socialize.

As stated before, I disagree with this mechanic simply because there is no logical reason for it other than fear.

[Tex]

Fear ??????

If an umpire believes this is because of fear, then they should not be an umpire!!!!!

I umpire because I belive in and love this sport of fastpitch softball, not because of the "big" bucks we all receive.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Tex

Fear ??????

If an umpire believes this is because of fear, then they should not be an umpire!!!!!

I umpire because I belive in and love this sport of fastpitch softball, not because of the "big" bucks we all receive.

Why do you think the base umpire was taken off the line? The reason offered in ASA was for fear that being on the line placed the umpire in a confrontational situation with players coming off the field in spite of the fact that is wasn't an issue for decades.

The thought that an umpire is showing any type of favoritism based on being on one line or the other is absurd. I would love to hear some citations on that one.

And you are correct, most between inning changes are going to come from the offense. So, why move the umpire farther away from that dugout than necessary? Why force the offense making the change to come to the opponents' side of the field to do so?

Meanwhile, your "fear" of a team's perception if two umpires discussed anything after a close play is even more reason to make getting together routine instead of the exception. Whether you like to believe it or not, things can happen in a game that may not have been covered in a pregame and need to be discussed to avoid problems further into the game. Not all discussions on the field are social-based.

Like I said, it is not logical.

[KJUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

As stated before, I disagree with this mechanic simply because there is no logical reason for it other than fear.

Not having had the opportunity to have read what you've stated previously, do you disagree with the new NFHS mechanic or what Tex posted in his reply?