Electronic Equipment on Field (ASA)

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

A sidearm is a deadly weapon. I've yet to see a radio in .40 S&W, but call me when you see one. I'd love to test it out on the range.

It is a hard, protruding item that is not part of the uniform or game equipment. IMJ, it is just as dangerous as a radio attached to a belt. Understand, I'm beyond the communications point, but items not allowed in the coaching box in general.

In leagues, we let plenty of rules slide all the time. Do we force the players to all wear 100% matching uniforms? Tuck in their shirts? Keep from stepping out of the dugout for a smoke? No. Are these rules always in writing? No, but we're exercising common sense. The leagues here have made it clear to us that the emphasis is on participation, not solely on competition.

ASA rules are written for ASA championship play, not for Tuesday night rec league. So if the tempo set by the league is that we should focus more on participation while maintaining safety and the integrity of the game, AND the radio does not pose any safety threat (unlike a loaded sidearm), I see no problem with letting someone like an EMT keep the radio on his person if he's on call. I may ask him if he could put it in the dugout, and I could easily sell him on the idea. He'll probably comply, but I won't push that issue. There's wiggle room.

And I do understand the difference between championship play and local ball. However, I've never played or umpired in any league that did not use championship play rules with specific amendments. However, the default was always the rule book.

I'm sensing that there is a tendency here to give firefighters/EMTs special treatment. I don't buy it. For that matter, wouldn't it make sense to be more cognizant of and more stringent in the enforcement of the rules involving player's safety at the rec level than in a highly competitive atmosphere?