Taping over the knob (ASA)

[shagpal]

ask yourself how taping over a knob can be of any advantage or harm, or could affect play.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by shagpal

ask yourself how taping over a knob can be of any advantage or harm, or could affect play.

I rarely ask myself any such question about any aspect of the game. I have heard that logic used too many times to justify not making a call that really should have been made. My concern is what do the rules of the association I am working for say is proper or improper.

[shagpal]

it's possible that a player innocently taped up a loose knob thinking it's fine to do so. I think they make those rules to limit legal liability of us umpires, assuming, tape = hiding something underneath. even if we ask players to remove the original manufacturers grip, which a good bat doctor would put back undetectable, do most umpires really know what is underneath? most doctoring occurs thru the endcap anyways.

umpiring is always done with judgment, not void of it. why don't you ask questions? last year, knobcuffs where illegal. this year, it's all good. someone asked some questions, hence the change.

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

I rarely ask myself any such question about any aspect of the game. I have heard that logic used too many times to justify not making a call that really should have been made. My concern is what do the rules of the association I am working for say is proper or improper.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by shagpal

it's possible that a player innocently taped up a loose knob thinking it's fine to do so. I think they make those rules to limit legal liability of us umpires, assuming, tape = hiding something underneath. even if we ask players to remove the original manufacturers grip, which a good bat doctor would put back undetectable, do most umpires really know what is underneath? most doctoring occurs thru the endcap anyways.

umpiring is always done with judgment, not void of it. why don't you ask questions? last year, knobcuffs where illegal. this year, it's all good. someone asked some questions, hence the change.

I don't believe that an association would write a rule intended to keep the "big, bad umpire" from abusing their power and strip search players' bats. If they're worried about umpires abusing their powers in this fashion, they'd get them the hell off of the field and find someone with a little more common sense.

ASA drew the line in the sand with respect to taping the safety knob. It's allowed.

And yes, I have a pretty good idea what's underneath a stock grip. Varies from model to model.

[shagpal]

most, not all. I wouldn't take it personally, dave. just because I said most have never taken off a grip, doesn't mean you haven't.

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

I don't believe that an association would write a rule intended to keep the "big, bad umpire" from abusing their power and strip search players' bats. If they're worried about umpires abusing their powers in this fashion, they'd get them the hell off of the field and find someone with a little more common sense.

ASA drew the line in the sand with respect to taping the safety knob. It's allowed.

And yes, I have a pretty good idea what's underneath a stock grip. Varies from model to model.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by shagpal

most, not all. I wouldn't take it personally, dave. just because I said most have never taken off a grip, doesn't mean you haven't.

I've been doing this too long to take anything anyone says personally.

Unless, of course, you make it personal.

[shagpal]

what I meant was, and I'll wager, most umps have never seen a bat with the original grip off to know what to look for. that's all I meant. I didn't mean to suggest that you would or wouldn't know if that's how it came off to you.

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

I've been doing this too long to take anything anyone says personally.

Unless, of course, you make it personal.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by shagpal

it's possible that a player innocently taped up a loose knob thinking it's fine to do so. I think they make those rules to limit legal liability of us umpires, assuming, tape = hiding something underneath. even if we ask players to remove the original manufacturers grip, which a good bat doctor would put back undetectable, do most umpires really know what is underneath? most doctoring occurs thru the endcap anyways.

umpiring is always done with judgment, not void of it. why don't you ask questions? last year, knobcuffs where illegal. this year, it's all good. someone asked some questions, hence the change.

Obviously you missed the entire gist of my comment. I did not say "don't ask questions," or "I never ask any questions."

But...that's okay that you didn't get it.

[shagpal]

what I missed, was why you said, "I rarely ask myself any such question about any aspect of the game". maybe I'm wrong, but that seems robotic to take rules at face value. I think asking and questioning is healthy for the game. it's a dynamic game that keeps changing.

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Obviously you missed the entire gist of my comment. I did not say "don't ask questions," or "I never ask any questions."

But...that's okay that you didn't get it.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by shagpal

what I missed, was why you said, "I rarely ask myself any such question about any aspect of the game". maybe I'm wrong, but that seems robotic to take rules at face value. I think asking and questioning is healthy for the game. it's a dynamic game that keeps changing.

But it should not change from game to game without it being in writing beforehand.

ASA edits the rules. We don't. If you want a rule change, propose it later this fall or in your local leagues. Until then, stick with the rules AS WRITTEN, or you'll end up floating up $h1t creek without a paddle.

[shagpal]

the rules are the rules. some umpires don't even check bats.

what part of the rule are you suggesting is being changed by "me", as in, if "I" want to change the rules? I mentioned questioning rules is healthy, enforcing rules is required.

have you had your coffee today?

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

But it should not change from game to game without it being in writing beforehand.

ASA edits the rules. We don't. If you want a rule change, propose it later this fall or in your local leagues. Until then, stick with the rules AS WRITTEN, or you'll end up floating up $h1t creek without a paddle.