Softball--pitching circle

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by UmpireErnie

Exactly. In my example of the girl who walked off 2B retreating to 1B because she thought it had been a foul ball.. she is certainly not gaining an advantage but it is an obvious violation of the rule. So am I the bad guy for making the call? Should I ignore this violation because she was going back not forward? Should I cut her some slack becuase she is a young player and doesn't know better?

My opinion.

Low level and very young rec ball (10U, maybe 12U); ok. Anything above that, make the call.

We (well most of us, I assume) have had children. It doesn't matter how many times you tell them something, until there is a consequence, you are likely wasting your breath.

Let them learn; only the consequence will sink in and make it a lesson.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

My opinion.

Low level and very young rec ball (10U, maybe 12U); ok. Anything above that, make the call.

We (well most of us, I assume) have had children. It doesn't matter how many times you tell them something, until there is a consequence, you are likely wasting your breath.

Let them learn; only the consequence will sink in and make it a lesson.

It is funny that when an umpire does make the obvious, but not popular call it is the "let the kids play" or "way to make yourself part of the game", etc. But don't call the IP and how are the girls going to learn? Then it is the umpire's fault for not calling it until you do on their pitcher. Then it is back to the same old whine.