Umpire Gear

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

As others have stated:

If you wear sunglasses, it is considered unprofessional and inappropriate to talk at any time to a coach without removing them first. Let the coach see your eyes, as a sign of respect for the position he/she holds. Hiding behind the sunglasses when addressing a coach is a sign of disrespect.

By the same token, it is equally inappropriate to address a coach without a mandatory uniform part; the hat.

Steve:

Thanks for the clarification. It goes without saying that you should take your sunglasses off when speaking with a coach, but when I take mine off that action automatically fires "The Stupid Comment by a Coach Death Rays" from my eyes. Unless the coach is a pretty female softball coach then I use my Superman X-ray Vision, .

MTD, Sr.

[Tru_in_Blu]

Hockey Style Umpire Mask:
We have received questions about wearing the Hockey Style Face Mask as the plate umpire. We have for a few years now allowed this style mask for ASA play. When wearing the hockey style mask as the plate umpire you are required to: Wear a hat to the field, during the home plate conference and then when you leave the field. You can put your hat during the game in a place like you would put your jacket or such, in the out of play area. We do not want to require the umpires to take up room in their ball bag or in the screen. Put it somewhere so the umpire can put it on after the game for the long walk back to the umpire room.