Opinions requested

[Big Slick]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

But would that actually stop him?

If it doesn't, I'm repeat it until he get this point. Maybe it will sink in that he should have told the coach that and to stop making a bad situation worse.

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

Saying that out loud sounds like publicly rubbing it in to the PU that he made a bad call! He knows what he called it. Isn't there some more diplomatic way to put it, such as, "By rule your call of strike must stand."?

Too much to say when you are keeping the game on pace. "You called it a strike" has the subtext: "Get back behind the plate and call the next pitch."

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

I'm assuming this was a crew of 2, therefore one of them would've been the umpire in chief. Does it matter which one of them is? In some sports it would, but I don't know if softball is one of those.

Doesn't matter in softball. The PU may be "in charge" but doesn't give him any more rights to not follow standard protocol.

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

Did the PU start to move toward the BU before the coach objected, or after? If it was before, I don't see how it could look to the coach like an example of getting them to change a strike call.
As to the apparent misconduct by the coach, doesn't that just create a separate issue to deal with? Or does it somehow supersede the strike ruling?

It seems you have misinterpreted the OP. The DC asks PU about the swing ("objects"), that's when PU goes to BU. That's not misconduct, he is asking about a judgement call and wants a different opinion. This is not uncommon. I had a high level men's FP tournament this year, and every time PU called a swing, the phrase "you have to ask about that" was said. It happened a few times; after we explained that "if PU calls a swing, it really is a swing" it was said in jest and we got a good laugh.

[tcannizzo]

Originally Posted by DRJ1960

Would any of you tell the coach that you knew you got it wrong but that there is no way to "un-ring that bell"?

Because it is the right thing to do, and the coach will appreciate the honesty.
Just ask Jim Joyce.




Umpiring is the only profession on the planet, where 100% absolute total perfection is the bare minimum requirement. Brain surgeons and airline pilots are given more margin for error. Everyone deserves a break, just don't make a habit of very bad calls.

[Scooby]

I I am the PU I do not go to the BU and ask. I made a call and I am going to stick by it.

If I am the BU and the PU asks, I tell hem what I saw and leave the rest up to him (may inject that he should not have asked).

[EsqUmp]

Originally Posted by Rich

That's arguing balls and strikes in the baseball world.

That applies to PITCH LOCATION, i.e., the strike zone. That's what the rule is intended to prevent. Checked swings, bunt, slap, etc., is not subject to the warning for arguing balls & strikes. It doesn't mean you can't warn them, just not for that reason.

[EsqUmp]

If the plate umpire starts coming out toward me, I am going to say, "You have a swing on that. Let's play ball." I am going to turn around and not allow anything further to happen. I'm not going to show up my partner. I'm not going to allow a conversation where I'm going to be partially to blame for an incorrect call. Play ball.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

That applies to PITCH LOCATION, i.e., the strike zone. That's what the rule is intended to prevent. Checked swings, bunt, slap, etc., is not subject to the warning for arguing balls & strikes. It doesn't mean you can't warn them, just not for that reason.

In baseball, it's arguing balls and strikes. Period.

[azbigdawg]

Originally Posted by Rich

In baseball, it's arguing balls and strikes. Period.

Good thing that baseball is irrelevant to this conversation.

Andy... see me in my office on this one....

[EsqUmp]

Originally Posted by Rich

In baseball, it's arguing balls and strikes. Period.

If you show me something in writing I will accept it.