Appeal a turn toward second.

[shagpal]

I don't quote the manual in whole, because everyone has one, or should, and it all is the same.

the thread has already established that the OP appeal is improperly made. that's not at issue. the do nothing camp has dismissed this appeal because it does not meet the criteria of the appeal, so a reiteration is moot, and not my question.

my question, directed to mike, is why the sanctioning body would have a manual contain language that would suggest umpires not responsible for the appeal be in the position to predetermine for the responsible umpire what is or is not a good appeal given different sets of eyes in game situations. as it reads, it says their responsibility is to redirect, not to predecide, and let the responsible umpire make his/her call. it's the last paragraph in the umpires manual regarding appeals on p13.

steve, I appreciate your clarification, but I believe mike can address and justify this himself, as he should without help, as I am purposefully asking.

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Good way to put it, Youngump; I guess SRW has taught you a few tricks.

Shagpal, let me expand. You refer to the NFHS Umpire Manual, but have never quoted it. I don't believe it says that umpires must rule anytime a player requests it; my copy says "If the appeal is requested".

Let's be clear, an appeal is a defined term; included in that definition (Rule 2-1 Art 3) is "Methods by which an appeal may be made". If one of those methods is followed on a situation defined as a possible appeal, then we are certainly required to "make the safe or out call". We are directed to point to the responsible umpire and point out an appeal has been because the players aren't expected to know our mechanics; not because we rule "safe or out" on anything they ask at anytime.

If someone asks in an appeal situation but has not met the requirements of how an appeal is to be made, then that person is not making an appeal. She may be wanting to make an appeal, but she hasn't. So, there is no discrepancy in the manual, as nothing has been presented properlyfor any umpire to "make the safe or out call". Look further at the definition of an appeal; the umpire simply cannot rule unless appealed, and the methods to make that appeal are requirements, not suggestions. Granted the rule does go further to say "EFFECT: If not made by one of the required methods, this is not an appeal", but wouldn't you think that should undersood already? Remember, we use defined terms by the definitions, not by any common usage. To be an appeal, requirements must be meet; if not met, then, not an appeal.

So, what's an umpire to do? In the strictest of games, you can do nothing. You should not rule when no play or appeal has been made, and you certainly cannot coach them how to make a proper appeal that must be answered. Since you can say "missed tag" or "pulled the foot" without it being coaching, I submit you can say "that's not an appeal" to indicate why you cannot rule.

The player asking without effecting an appeal has no more legal standing than asking you after she swings at a pitch if it would have been a strike. If you want to answer, go ahead; if you want to ignore, you can. Most times, it is best to tell them what they expect to hear, so you can move on.