Another coach who needs to read the rulebook
 

I had a coach get a little testy with me during a JV game today. The reason. I told him, when he called his batter from the batter's box to meet with him at first base, that it was his offensive conference for the inning. He didn't say anything the rest of the inning, but in between innings he began arguing with me that there was no limit on "offensive conferences" because situations and plays change.

He insisted I was making up the rule because it was not written anywhere. I finally just said we are going to play ball and out an end to his discussion. He did inform me he "has been coaching for a long time and has never been limited on conferences." I just smiled and said "play ball."

Maybe he should read the rulebook a little more and argue a little less. He might also want to do a better job coaching. This occurred in a game that went an hour and 40 minutes and finished with his team losing 22-5 in 3 innings.

For the record, I think it is rule 3-7-2 that covers charged offensive conferences.

He may also want to learn how to tell players where to go. At the start of one inning we had three different players go to the pitchers plate because he told them they were pitching. Sadly, between the three of them I don't think they could get enough over the plate for a strikeout.

Chap don't let a coach who is clue free spoil your fun. No such thing as limited conferences? Wonder if he has heard of interference or obstruction?:mad:

Fun?
 

Fun it not exactly what I call being behind the plate of games that go 22-5 or something like that in 3 innings (and take almost the entire 1:45 time limit). Torture, payback, karma, maybe those, but sure not fun. And I still haven't been paid for it either :( (but we don't do it for the money right)

My advice: work hard to improve and move up to varsity. You'll still have the occasional blowout and the coach who needs to be educated on the rules, but every now and then you'll get some decent games.

I enjoy umpiring enough that even poorly played blowouts keep me going. Being with kids, on the field, umpiring is fun.

Be careful with talk like that :)

edited:
Being with kids, on the field, umpiring is fun. :cool:

Yet, they insist on a BI. One name for you, Stephen Darrick Turner. "on the field" and spent months in jail

OK, we know the problems and object to the BI(nvasion).

Mt point was that umpiring is enjoyable regardless of the game situation, not just a job for money or a get it over with. I think I am part of the record in our association, 3 hr 5 min, almost beaten by a 3 hr recently in a week of 2 1/4 hr, 2 1/ hr and the 3hr. I still enjoyed being there as part of the game.

I think Cecil has a point. If you truly don't think it is fun, then why are you doing it?

My point was not to discourage anyone. I expect new umps to take a while to have fun, I probably didn't either at first. Crazy plays and difficult posts are part of the game and part of the forum. :)

I understand, but lesser statements have caused the reactivists up in arms.

But I agree with you which is why the amount of games I worked over the last few years diminished dramatically. It got to the point that as soon as I showed up, I couldn't wait to leave.

I used to love to work games and often would go out of my way to talk to players after a game about a play or ruling hoping that I may actually get some players to understand. You only need one on a team to help alleviate some of the bullshit thrown at the umpires with a simple comment like, "No, that's the right call". A few of those can help the newer umpire get beyond the attempted abuse by the idiots we encounter on the field. And for every game that goes well, the possibility of retaining that umpire gets that much stronger.

I do enjoy it most of the time. I also make no bones about it. I am officiating for the money. I could work 8 hours and make less than $80 or umpire for 4 or 5 hours and make $80.

Tell him that if he is so sure of the rule, he should take two conferences and see what happens.

Wouldn't let it get to him having a second conference. When he asks for time a second time to confer with his players, request denied, play ball.

At that point we might have an issue, but I'm not going to honor the request.

Since the NFHS rulebook does not specify a penalty for excessive offensive conference requests, my policy is simply. Request for time denied, play ball. If the coach wants to argue with me, then me might be looking at a conduct issue.