coach with a crutch
 

Fed rules but other replies welcome. Anyone allow a coach using a crutch in the coaches box? 3-2-13 seems to address player equipment needing padding and 3-6-10 speaks of "objects other than scorekeeping materials/devices" are prohibitted in the coaching box. Is that the one to hang my hat on?

Nearest thing I could find in the Case Book...

3.5.2 SITUATION B: The head coach from the visiting team uses a wheelchair
as a mobility device and wishes to coach in the third-base coach's box while
his/her team is at bat. RULING: As discretely as possible under the circumstances, the umpire should ask the coach if he/she has contacted the state association to determine what accommodations have been authorized for the coach's special needs. If the state association had been contacted, the coach will have documentation indicating specific participation guidelines. If the state association had not been contacted by the coach, the umpire should permit the coach to occupy the coach's box at the appropriate times, but the umpire should contact the state association as soon as possible after the contest to inform them of the situation. COMMENT: Prior to participation by a special needs student-athlete, coach or official, the state association should be contacted to determine reasonable accommodations.

If they're going to let a wheelchair be on the field, why not a crutch?

Where can I find and get access to the case book? Serious question.

Well, I would like to know why the coach is using a crutch? Wheelchairs are more likely to be used by someone with a permanent or long-term disability where crutches are often a short-term solution to medical issues.

If this is an ADA issue, not a problem, the crutches are good to go. If not, the coach can coach when he gets better.

You should get a rule book and a case book each year when you register. Umpire manuals are printed every other year.

Ask your assignor for the books.

When you do high school or FED ball you should be issued a rule book, case book and umpire's manual every year. If you are registered with NFHS you can also access them online.

Online Publications Library

Paul

Many states only send rule and case books every other year or to first year officials.

I work in Indiana and Illinois and they are both on the two year cycle.

Check with your state high school association. Some associations pay for their members to belong to the NFHS and this gives you access to the current book in pdf form for no additional cost (Indiana pays our NFHS dues out of our registration fees, Illinois does not)

That's what I was thinking. Still, if I have my choice of running full speed into one or the other, I'll take the crutch! :)

LIBlue, besides the ways already mentioned, you can still get Case Books the old fashioned way- NFHS sells them outright. If I remember, they're about $6-$7, but they have a minimum order of something like $12...so you might have to buy two!

In the ISF rules I found this:

RULE 4. COACHES, PLAYERS AND SUBSTITUTES.
Sec. 1. COACHES.

c4. One coach can have in his possession in the coach’s box, a score book, pen or pencil and an indicator, all of which shall be used for score keeping or record keeping purposes only.

I don't think crutches (or wheelchairs) are mentioned in those rules. Is it possible to use crutches for score or record keeping? Don't think so; therefor not on my field!

So what do you do if he starts score keeping in the dirt with the crutch? :D

The ADA angle occured to me, but I didn't know if that only covered a permanent disability or if it could be stretched to cover someone with an injury.

http://milindoe.files.wordpress.com/...nt_small_2.jpg
This just shows how screwed up this country has become with such ill-thought through legislation. Is the issue player safety or providing accommodation, since they are at conflict in more than just this one little area. In the workplace, which comes first, OSHA regulations or ADA accommodation? On the softball field, why is injury v disability even an issue? Why would any reasonable person compromise safety for a person with a disability but not for a person with an injury? Isn't the player put in just as much danger either way (or arguably less danger with an injured coach v a disabled one)?
When did we completely replace common sense with political correct thinking? (Never mind, rhetorical question.)

I have allowed base coaches with crutches in NFHS play. Several thoughts I used:

The school has designated that person a coach, and the school is ultimately accountable under NFHS (and your state association) guidelines. Not like recreation ball where the coaches are volunteers.

There is no clear rule saying the coach cannot. I won't hang on that being unapproved equipment; that isn't remotely the intent of that rule. Using that, you would refuse a coach wearing an insulin pump on the belt? A soft boot? Then, instead, you would put that person in greater danger of further injury by mandating the (apparently medically needed) crutch be left behind? You can couch it as I gave the coach the choice to NOT be there, but you won't win that one. And, absent a clear rule, I feel I assumed zero added liability when the school had designated that person as their coach.

I have had elderly coaches (even in NCAA) that had such limited mobility and slow reactions that I was scared for them. I can't keep them off the bases; not keeping another coach with limited mobility that appears to have (at least) reasonable reactions.

I did make sure the coach realized that s/he was responsible for avoiding interference, and that her limited mobility made that a greater possibility. Again, placing responsibility back to the head coach during the plate meeting, as NFHS does, places accountability back to the school.

Well, you are lucky as to not be affected by the ludicrous and litigious bureaucracy those in the U.S. refer to as a government.

Well I guess you guys can always say that it might be too dangerous for a coach with crutches on the field: he can't properly move away for a batted ball. Since we, ump's, are responsible for the safety of all on our field (in the US more than over here) that will hold out in court...