Rules Interpretation
 

A few weeks ago, I was named a UIC and rules interpreter for Utrip fastpitch. With this job comes responsibilities and tonight's one of them. Tonight I am meeting with coaches for a fall league that my umpiring group is going to work games for. I am asked to talk to the coaches tonight and give them some idea about the rules for Utrip.

I am asking any of you, if you were asked to do this, or if anyone is a UIC/Rules Interpreter and would like to provide me some bulletpoints or helpful hints - what should they be?

I'd like to hear some opinions.

Thanks!

On a related note, I have already met with the umpires for their rules interpretation - but we do have another meeting coming, and I would like to do a mechanics and positioning clinic as well. Any helpful hints on what to tell the umpires in any upcoming meetings?

Other than ..... READ THE RULE BOOK. That's the first thing I told the umpires and will tell the coaches. But we know how many people do that.

I would focus on the printed local rules that deviate from standard USSSA rules, the LBR, pitching rules.

I would probably avoid OBS/INT, as that will only degrade into a million tangents and questions with a million more follow-ups. Let those calls stay on the field and be handled on a case-by-case basis.

In a coaches meeting, structure is the key.

I would spend a few minutes teaching them how to properly discuss a play with an umpire when there's a question. Amazing how many 10th year coaches still come out and talk to PU on BU's call, or vice versa.

Point out that they need to actually wait to be awarded time before they walk onto the field. Cant tell you how many times I have had a coach call time and then just start heading out with action still going on, especially on a walk.

I usually include that in the plate conference. "If you have a question about a call, ask for time, WAIT for time to be called, then go to the umpire who made the call. We'll be happy to talk with you about it. (emphasis on being receptive)"

Are you talking about coaches who are used to a different sanction? If so, cover differnces, particularly lineups. Either way, cover changes this year and classic/common misunderstandings.

Change your screen name.

Good Luck J.

Seriously? I have always believed that the plate conference is simply for line-ups (reviewing/making any changes/accepting), covering any applicable ground rules, and establishing home team (if necessary.) I do not include any other information (except in HS where I have to do the "equipped according to the rulebook" thing and establish the site admin.) No rules clinics, no telling them things that they should already know.

Depends... most tourneys around here have teams from all over - we are asked, during the first two games of the day (which covers all the teams' first games) to add the "how to approach us" piece and often a few other tidbits that need to be said once during the day but not all day long. We've learned from experience not to assume that the umpires from Podunk, Nowhere have any idea how to officiate a game, so their coaches have not learned either.

And at league ball, we generally do this on the first day as well. For games other than the first ones, my PC is very much like you describe.

It only adds 10 seconds to the conference. Most SP coaches have zero clue about how to ask us questions.

Furthermore, it also lets the coaches know that as an umpire, I'm approachable, and that I don't view myself as above being questioned. It helps to defuse a situation before it even happens.

Some on this board think the "how to approach the umpires" shouldn't be brought up during the plate meeting. I disagree. Most umpires agree that preventative umpiring can save a lot of headaches during a game. I consider this 10 second addition at the plate meeting, preventative umpiring, and believe it could come in handy for some coaches and umpires. Dave

I'll jump on here. Introduction, check line-up cards, recheck line-up cards w/coach, ground rules SPECIAL tournament rules, request for confirmation/questions concerning what was just covered, coin flip, play ball.

Once you deviate where do you stop? If you start covering this and that and miss a particular issue or part, now you may have just added to the confusion. Not only that, but as noted, you have already predetermined how situations should be handled. Well, by this point you have noticed, not all situations play out in the same manner. This can easily create a "not one more word" situation.

You talk about "defusing" a situation when there is no situation to defuse. Much like when you have umpires who spend 10-20 seconds WARNING teams about their pet peeve du jour whether profanity, collisions, getting out of the way if ODB, complaining about balls/strikes, throwing a bat, conferences, smack talk, whatever.

And when I talk to these umpires, they give me the same spiel, it's preventive umpiring. Well, no it is not, it is antagonizing and opening up a can of worms that need not be open the entire game, but you have already done so.

You know, I just don't see how telling a coach that s/he can come ask you a question is antagonizing them, especially in the polite and upbeat tone in which I deliver the message.

The Umpire Manual does give an excellent outline, but that's exactly what it is: an outline. It's a framework that leaves the umpire to fill in as s/he sees fit, and if I have green coaches, I see nothing wrong with informing them of how to approach us.

Many of the coaches in the local leagues are very green. They come out of the dugout and are halfway to me before asking for time, and before the runners are on their bases with the ball in the circle. They have no clue that they're putting themselves at risk of complicating the game for everyone.

I don't see this as a deviation. I see this as filling in part of the outline, not script, that ASA gave us.

You sound like we're talking about having discussions on various rules... if that's what you thought I meant, I apologize. What I'm saying is adding a simple, "If you want to discuss a play, ask for time, wait for us to call time, and then approach the umpire that made the call. If that umpire feels we need to get together, we'll do so." That's not opening any doors or initiating any what-ifs. It's clear and concise, and A) makes us more approachable and less antagonistic and B) hopefully heads off the coach walking onto the field during live play and/or going to PU to ask for help on BU's call or vice versa. It also doesn't invite further conversation - we say that and move right into whatever's next.

...followed with "let's have a great game with good sportsmanship. Shake hands, good luck. Home team, please take the field."

It's a "my door is always open" statement, nothing more. Keeps our demeanor positive out there, as we have enough conflict waiting for us as it is.

I was talking about drawing a line as to how far some umpires may go. Not stating that this is the case here. Besides, a coach is going to come out and discuss issues with umpires anyway, it is their job. Wouldn't you think instructing someone and offering them permission of how to do their job could be taken as a bit demeaning. If I'm the coach and you gave me that little talk, probable reaction would be "no ****".

OTOH, I've seen umpires tell coaches and players they didn't want to talk to anyone but the HC and that is just as much a load of crap. The only time I would consider limiting discussion to the HC is if there were multiple issue or individuals questioning a play and that decision would made at that time, not beforehand.

Look, I just don't believe there is any value to extraneous instruction and many umpires don't stop at just reminding the coach how to approach an umpire.

A lot of this is going to be situational. If we're talking D1 NCAA, I can't imagine ever needing to remind a coach of this.

If we're talking an instructional league with parents volunteering as coaches, then yes, I would say it's needed. Badly needed.

I agree there's a line there that shouldn't be crossed. We've all seen them. From the PU who starts his plate conference with, "Listen, we're not here to take any crap from any of you - if I have to, you're gone!", to the guy I was working with last spring who spent LITERALLY 10 minutes explaining the difference between a judgement call and a "rule call". We've all also worked with that guy who doesn't need lineups from anyone and his entire PC, if he has one, is "OK ... anyone have any questions? Nope, ok, play ball".

The ASA guide is a fantastic guide. If I'm working midseason in league ball, it is almost exactly what I say. If I'm working HS ball, it is almost exactly what I say as well even though it's not the code we're working (with the obligatory ... "I'm covering my backside by asking you if everyone is properly equipped" added on)

But the beginning of a tourney where more than half the teams are teams that have never been here before - we all find it beneficial if we ALL start their first games with that little bit. Yeah, probably half of the coaches are saying just what you said... "No ****". The other half, however, are those who have used local completely untrained umpires (if any) with crazy local rules, and board member coaches that walk on water and are accustomed to being treated like the king when they walk on the field, even in the middle of a play. Many also think PU can automatically overrule BU if they happened to disagree with the judgement of their partner. I see no problem in heading that off - one time - at the beginning of a very long weekend.

Ditto the first weekend of league ball (which just got rained out. :( )

Isn't this the same Texas that was offering BJ's for any rain just a little while ago? And now you're unhappy you finally got a little? (yep, double entendre intended).:D:D

I agree 100%. I've sent more umpires home from national tournaments because they couldn't control coaches and manage the game properly than for any other reason. Umpire all games consistently. If you're going to say something at the plate conference in the first game of a tournament or season, you better say it on the last game. How do you know which coach is going to be present? How do I know what my partners have said in previous games.

Keep the coaches in the dugout. That is where they belong unless they are making a change, taking a conference or coaching a base. Why open the door and invite them out of the dugout? Why is there a need to say anything? That doesn't mean you can't talk to them when the time is right if it is appropriate. BUT DON'T PLANT THE SEED!

Umpires have a job to do. Game management is a huge part of that job and it is what separates average umpires from great umpires. Keeping the coaches in the dugout and keeping them quiet goes a long way to making sure the game runs smoothly.

The problem is when these milk toast umpires want to appease everyone by trying to be their friend. They sell their fellow umpires out. Now I have to deal with a coach saying, "Well the last umpire said I could come out." That is as obnoxious as "Well the last umpire let us play with [fill in the blank: jewelry, no chin straps, etc.]. Now I have to deal with a coach who thinks I'm abrasive because I just want to continue the game but the last umpire invited him to have a nice chat.

THIS!!!!! This is the reason why I don't say anything about "if you have a question...come out and talk." It's not part of my pregame, and never will be.

By the way, the meeting went very well....I talked about how the lineup works, pitching rules, the lookback rule..... they were most concerned with those things plus interference/obstruction. I also gave them an email address to send rules questions to if there were any that came up after the meeting that they were unsure of.

Last clarification - though I was just named UIC for USSSA, I do still work PONY and ASA and sit on the board of my local ASA association. If anyone knows how I can change my username to more closely reflect that I wear several hats, please let me know.

How about LIBlue/Red/Etc