From another forum, coach putting spit on ball

[Linknblue]

If the umpire is so wrapped around a tree on "stuff on the ball" why not just inspect the ball before the 1st pitch of the inning and see if there is "stuff" on the ball? If there isn't, put ball back in play and play on. If there is "stuff" on the ball, which could have come from anyone one of the infielders and the coach, who ya gonna blame? Toss the ball out and use another.

Second scenario probably wouldn't happen because umpire would be filling his socks with "stuff" he couldn't get out of when he tosses someone.

Me as a coach would "protest" this game for misapplication of a rule if I was tossed.

[topper]

Originally Posted by Linknblue

If the umpire is so wrapped around a tree on "stuff on the ball" why not just inspect the ball before the 1st pitch of the inning and see if there is "stuff" on the ball? If there isn't, put ball back in play and play on. If there is "stuff" on the ball, which could have come from anyone one of the infielders and the coach, who ya gonna blame? Toss the ball out and use another.

Second scenario probably wouldn't happen because umpire would be filling his socks with "stuff" he couldn't get out of when he tosses someone.

Me as a coach would "protest" this game for misapplication of a rule if I was tossed.

If I see you as a coach applying something to the ball, I will instruct you not to do it again. If you continue and get tossed for UC you can protest all you like. You will lose. And all I will have in my socks are my feet.

[Linknblue]

Around the proverbial tree I see! I was responding to the original post!

[topper]

Originally Posted by Linknblue

Around the proverbial tree I see! I was responding to the original post!

So was I.

Wrapped around a tree or not, I will address any issue that may affect the fairness of the game even when it isn't covered by the rules. I am given this authority BY RULE and will use it when necessary. These instances happen very rarely as the 2 rule sets I work under cover almost everything that could happen. In this case I believe ASA should change it's wording to include any team personnel if it wants it's foreign substance rule to cover more possible situations. Until then, I will use whatever the rules book gives me to manage my games.

And Daddy Mike, that's my judgement and it's not protestable either.