Adult Rec Baby
 

IMO, blueing co-ed adult rec slowpitch builds thick skin because sometimes these "adults" just act like infants.

Working a tournament this weekend (one man system) I noticed at end of the 2nd, F5 is wearing a 1B mitt. I ask him to please change it for the following inning. He asks why. I tell him because the rules state explicitly only F2 and F3 may wear mitts. So he explains that it's his only glove. I say that's fine, then borrow one from one of the many teammates on the bench, or simply switch to 1B. Then he pauses and says "You're aware this is adult rec, right?" and then wanted an explanation of why the rule is in place.

At this point I was getting frustrated and just told him clearly the rule was written to annoy him personally. Just childish crap I could do without.

Which rules set were you using?

Sorry, it's the UK. We use ISF.

And I know what you're going to say-- it needs to be noticed by the opposition to be changed.

But this is C-grade and those who are experienced would do anything to gain an advantage on those not experienced. But our Fed here instrcuts us that when blueing that level to do our best to make the field as level as possible to start.

In return, they're allowed to give us a bit of guff when we balls up-- like yesterday when i awarded 2 bases on a catch and carry :rolleyes:

I don't believe ISF rules require the offended team to protest. It does, however, create an option play where the offended team has the option of accepting the play or the infamous "do-over".

Quite right. 8.3.3.eff says manager can accept the outcome, or batter has a mulligan, but has the same count as when the ball was hit.

It doesn't specifically state, though, who must call attention to the illegal glove, so I guess the blues can call out the offending player.

It is my opinion that umpires have the obligation to have illegal equipment removed if/when they become aware of it. Waiting for an appeal by the opposing team is the recipe for a possible disaster. What added liability do you imagine is there if a player becomes injured with the illegal equipment that you knew about but chose to ignore?? Even if you think it is illegal because it's a competitive advantage as opposed to illegal because it is unsafe, the key point is that you know it is illegal.

Now, IF the umpire first becomes aware of the illegal equipment as a result of an appeal, then, and only then, does the offensive option apply.