catching equipment

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Robmoz

Would we be required to "rule" on such a 2nd pitcher warming up issue that is occurring outside the confines of the playing field? If I glance over to DBT and see a catcher w/o a mask on, is that something that I really need to be concerned with?

Yes. Your legal responsibility and (therefore) liability starts when you can see it happen and do nothing. Knowing there is a rule to protect that minor and deciding to ignore it (for any reason) is, at least, negligence, and most likely a jury will consider as gross negligence.

In ASA, the requirement is universal, anywhere an umpire can see inside the complex. In NFHS, they can only legally warm up in the defined warm-up area which must be adjacent to the field and within the view of the umpires (FOR A REASON!!).

In NCAA, only a student-athlete catcher receiving the 5 warmup pitches at home plate is required to wear a mask.

[Robmoz]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

...In ASA, the requirement is universal, anywhere an umpire can see inside the complex. In NFHS, they can only legally warm up in the defined warm-up area which must be adjacent to the field and within the view of the umpires (FOR A REASON!!).

Where is this written in ASA or Fed?

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Robmoz

Where is this written in ASA or Fed?

NFHS 2-15, "Confines of the field".

When and where do you think you start and stop being an umpire? If that player looks up at you and shoots you the bird, and mouths "you suck", is she in your jurisdiction to eject?

What does the rule book say is the penalty any time a player or coach doesn't conform to what an umpire directs? Why do you need a separate or specific penalty if she refuses this directive?

[Robmoz]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Yes. Your legal responsibility and (therefore) liability starts when you can see it happen and do nothing. Knowing there is a rule to protect that minor and deciding to ignore it (for any reason) is, at least, negligence, and most likely a jury will consider as gross negligence.

I do not make it a habit to scan the areas outside the confines of the playing field other than perhaps when considering things that might create DB situations for discussion in pregame. Although I might be able to see such an area, that doesn't mean I actually do see that area...which is not the same as deciding to ignore it and a far cry from being negligent.

Ok, so when I can see it happening outside the confines of the playing field (per Fed Case 10.1.2-A) I will instruct F2 to put on the approved protection. However, what if she ignores the instruction or what if see a repeated offense later - what penalty provision do I have as enforcement then?

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by Robmoz

I do not make it a habit to scan the areas outside the confines of the playing field other than perhaps when considering things that might create DB situations for discussion in pregame.

If the area you're looking at may create DB situations, that's still well within the confines of the field.

The confines aren't just what's inside the fence. They also include areas outside the fence that players could use for warming up and are within your view. In other words, if you can see it, you have the authority to deal with it.

Originally Posted by Robmoz

Ok, so when I can see it happening outside the confines of the playing field (per Fed Case 10.1.2-A) I will instruct F2 to put on the approved protection. However, what if she ignores the instruction or what if see a repeated offense later - what penalty provision do I have as enforcement then?

Seems to me that the warn-n-restrict tool in your toolkit is quite appropriate. She would be violating rule 3-6-1 for failing to wear required equipment.

[Robmoz]

Originally Posted by Manny A

If the area you're looking at may create DB situations, That's still well within the confines of the field.

The confines aren't just what's inside the fence. They also include areas outside the fence that players could use for warming up and are within your view. In other words, if you can see it, you have the authority to deal with it.

I guess I have always thought that edge of DB territory is the outer limit of the "confines" of the field and I don't make it a point to look beyond that limit. Am I being underofficious because of this? {seriously asking, not trying to belabor the point}

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Robmoz

I guess I have always thought that edge of DB territory is the outer limit of the "confines" of the field and I don't make it a point to look beyond that limit. Am I being underofficious because of this? {seriously asking, not trying to belabor the point}

As it relates to game participants, yes, you are being underofficious.

As it relates to fans, parents, etc., you have it right.

[Robmoz]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

As it relates to game participants, yes, you are being underofficious.

As it relates to fans, parents, etc., you have it right.

Got it, thanks