Enter the Marching Band

[EsqUmp]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

As to the NCAA rule, I have been told by several conference coordinators and (former and current) SUP members that we ARE NOT to address 13.4.2 (using equipment) UNTIL and unless brought to our attention by a complaining opponent. Conversely, and despite the same language, we ARE to address 5.11.2 (artificial noisemakers) on our own observation. Given that lack of a more specific interpretation from DA, I do as directed.

This is exactly what I have been told. It is precisely the reason I started the conversation.

It has nothing to do with my opinion of the rule or whether I like the drumming (most umpires I know absolutely hate it because they feel that it interferes with their concentration - everyone is different). This is what they asked NCAA umpires to enforce, so I have done so.

I do not like the idea of a coach having to lodge a complaint to address the topic. It causes inconsistency and leads to a "we did it yesterday and the umpires didn't say anything" (which may or may not be true) situation.