UmpK

We've all had a coach come out to us after our partners have made a tough call. They are trying to get us to disagree with our partner. If they come to me and I think my partner might have totally kicked the call, I send them to my partner right away. But I often say something like, "You need to discuss that call with him, he's a good umpire and he was in position to make that call." or "Looked like he got it right to me coach." With that the coach rarely delays the game any further and we "Play Ball". Their total reason for coming out is to get you to agree with them. Take that away and they're done.

We've all worked with partners who try to cover everything at the plate meeting (3-5min). None of them are on my list of favorite partners to work with. We all love to work with the guys who keep it short and address any problem that does arise quickly and efficiently during the game. If I am familiar with a problem with certain teams or rules with the league or tourneys, get that cleared up at the plate before the games.

The question was directed to my partner and I really didn't hear it. The play was unappealable, my partner stated that. Is he just suppossed to stand there and ignore a coach talking to him? Most "Daddy Coaches" aren't aware of the proper way to do things. Most games they coach aren't officiated by trained umpires. I handle them differently than I do with the high school coaches who should know proper appeals. I am thankful for the "Daddy Coaches" who take the time with their children. Without them we have no games to officiate. I understand they are not professional coaches, I treat and address them accordingly. I surely will never stand there and ignore them when they ask me a question. Just like I expect them to treat me with respect when I step into their office at their real job.

I was in "C" and called a bang-bang play @ 1B.....SAFE! DC asked PU for an appeal on the judgement call of that play. My partner (PU) announced loudly, "Coach you can't appeal the judgement of that call. It wouldn't do you any good anyway, HE GOT THE CALL RIGHT." Case closed, everybody quite!! I have used that line since then. My partners love me for it. I highly reccomend using this "umpire's mechanic".

High school softball. Game was delayed 5-10 minutes while a loose Boxer puppy ran all over the field with 10-15 girls trying to catch it. Fans, coaches and umpires laughing our butts off watching those kids trying to catch that lovable pup. Pup finally ran off the field and the chase continued in the parking lot. The coaches did have to call back several players. Too funny, UHTBT.

Believe it or not, I have. Only difference is the runner from 3B got a huge jump and crossed the plate standing up before the pitch got to the plate. If I hadn't seen it I wouldn't have believed it. 14u travel game! That kid was FAST!