Yet the NCAA philosophy on this, as stated in manual is: "Do not allow accept or allow changes you know are illegal."
They go onto say, "If a coach requests a change that you know is not legal, do not allow it to happen. If, after being told he cannot make a certain change, the coach asks what he can do, tell him-if you understand what he is trying to accomplish."

So here at the one of the higher levels, we are being directed to do just that...babysit the teams in regard to lineup management.

Doesn't make any difference to me, it's their (NCAA) rule set so I do what they tell me they want me to do. I'm always somewhat unsure has to how far I should take this philosophy (if at all) when I'm working under ASA rules.

Where is the proper spot to draw the line between preventive umpiring and "coaching/babysitting" coaches regarding lineup changes working ASA or for that matter NFHS, or any other rule sets many of us work?

Personally, I have always used that philosophy, in every level; that it is always our responsibility to refuse to accept an illegal substutution when it is initially presented. That isn't coaching or babysitting; it is preventative officiating, and a reasonable expectation of any coach that you wouldn't accept any obvious rules violation.

But, that's just my opinion. And I do see the possibility that the PU was involved with something that took his attention; as I pointed out, a huddle of players could excuse that.

But (and I don't really know exactly how this happened), I am picturing an OC coming out and saying "Time! Blue, I have a courtesy runner, number 12 for my pitcher"; and the PU looking at his lineup, seeing it is legitimate, recording that, announcing it to the scorekeeper and the other team. And no one notices that number 12 doesn't exchange positions with the pitcher?? If that is the case, it just shouldn't happen.

Am I checking the numbers on the jerseys as they pass?? Hell no. But I am making sure they pass in that situation.

At the 18A USA National UIC Jim Craig said, "At any level, any tournament, any game we use preventative umpiring. There is no line to draw".

No, that is not the same thing as this thread supposes.

Yes, you don't allow a change that was not legal, but as concerned in a thread or two ago, this thread has just taken a left turn to a completely different scenario.

If your answer to everything is "preventive umpiring" then I expect each umpire to take one change at a time, observe that change physically occur including watching the replaced player enter the dugout and then turn to the coach and ask if there is anything else you can do for him/her.

Absurd? Absolutely, just as it is to dress down an umpire because a coach offered an umpire a valid and legal change and his player failed to execute it.

Mike, if that is how you read my earliest response, then either I wasn't clear, or you misunderstood. Not a dressing down in my mind, but a statement that it really shouldn't happen unders normal circumstances.

Shipwreck Dave, if you took me that way, too, as dressing you down, then I apologize; not my intention.

Wasn't referring to you, Steve.

Was this screwed up? Yes, but **** happens and we can discuss, but I'm not pointing at the umpire for not catching something that is standard and valid change.

And no intent at all here to dress down Shipwreck either.
I could easily see the same thing happening in one of my games, as such I learned something from reading his OP, and had my own thoughts on proper preventative umpiring solidified.