Fed equipment checks

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Little Jimmy

With the Fed emphasizing equipment checks this year, I once again wonder why Fed softball umpires must check equipment, but Fed baseball umpires don't. I accept that I have to, and I don't have a big problem, but I still wonder why the difference. I assume that Fed baseball and Fed softball offices are down the hall from each other in Indy, and that the heads may even have lunch in the cafeteria sometimes . Really, anyone know why something that is supposedly so important is handled so differently between the sports?

IMO, the fed is still under the delusion that bat and improper equipment is a softall problem that will not ever affect baseball

[nopachunts]

In HS baseball in Texas, coaches have to sign a card before the game saying their team's equipment is legal by rule and players are properly equipped.

We will still check a team's equipment if requested by the coach. If the opposing coach requests an equipment check of the other team's equipment, they have to specify the particular piece of equipment they feel is not legal.

BTW, we were HAPPY when the requirement to check equipment was dropped.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by nopachunts

In HS baseball in Texas, coaches have to sign a card before the game saying their team's equipment is legal by rule and players are properly equipped.

We will still check a team's equipment if requested by the coach. If the opposing coach requests an equipment check of the other team's equipment, they have to specify the particular piece of equipment they feel is not legal.

BTW, we were HAPPY when the requirement to check equipment was dropped.

I hope that if there's a request that you check BOTH teams' equipment at that point.

[Manny A]

When the NCAA stopped requiring baseball umpires to inspect equipment, I recall reading in a press release that they didn't want umpires inside the dugouts prior to game time putting themselves at risk of being subjected to critical comments from players or coaches. I guess this problem was relatively common, particularly if the crew was involved in a disputed call in a previous game.

Maybe that's the case in FED baseball as well. They tend to follow the NCAA's lead in rule changes. And as you're probably aware, NCAA softball umpires are still required to check bats before each game. So the college level has different requirements, just like in FED.

[Dakota]

IMO, the only legitimate rationale for the umpire to check equipment pre-game is for safety issues, such as loose face guards, cracked helmets, dented bats, etc.

It is silly to think that a team that intends to use an illegal bat will present it for pre-game inspection.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Manny A

When the NCAA stopped requiring baseball umpires to inspect equipment, I recall reading in a press release that they didn't want umpires inside the dugouts prior to game time putting themselves at risk of being subjected to critical comments from players or coaches. I guess this problem was relatively common, particularly if the crew was involved in a disputed call in a previous game.

That is just as weak an excuse as ASA moving the umpires off the line between innings.

Maybe that's the case in FED baseball as well. They tend to follow the NCAA's lead in rule changes. And as you're probably aware, NCAA softball umpires are still required to check bats before each game. So the college level has different requirements, just like in FED.

You also need to remember that in NFHS, this is a school function and as employees of the school, the coaching staff is responsible for the players welfare.

However, it should be noted that such a directive will not absolve you of any legal action.

[EsqUmp]

I always viewed the equipment check as a way to possibly eliminate illegal or inappropriate equipment. I never tell the team, as so many umpires do, that "you're all good" or "everything is legal." I'm not there to approve the equipment. I'm there to help screen illegal or inappropriate equipment.

At the coaches' pre-game conference (ground rules) I always ask each coach, "Are all of your players legally and properly equipped and will they remain so for the entirety of the game?"

Nothing will keep your name off of the defendant/respondent list on the law suit. But checking the equipment and in particular asking that question shifts much of the liability to the coach.

Asking the question is also helpful when Mary comes to bat in the second inning and she's wearing illegally jewelry or a helmet that doesn't meet the requirements. Then you can say, "Coach, you assured me prior to the game that your players were legally and properly equipped; so why is #4 wearing a watch; why doesn't #9 have a face mask, etc.?" They very quickly realize that they better get ahold of the situation.

[SE Minnestoa Re]

NCAA last year required we checked bats between games of a double header, not just at the beginning.

Some states have said they don't want equipment checked in either baseball or softball. They believe the coaches certifying prior to game time is enough.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

However, it should be noted that such a directive will not absolve you of any legal action.

Whether or not you do the equip checks is immaterial. An umpire is always in jeopardy of facing legal action from any overzealous parent.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Manny A

Whether or not you do the equip checks is immaterial. An umpire is always in jeopardy of facing legal action from any overzealous parent.

Actually, I'd worry more about the insurance company.