LRZ

NOW it's time to block that guy.

Short and sweet is ok, but don't sanitize. For example, if obscenities were uttered, we are instructed to report them verbatim.

In PA, the ejecting official files an on-line report with PIAA, the state association. The other thing we typically do is call the assigner after the game, informing him/her about the EJ; we follow up with an email if requested. Scissors, I suggest finding out what is the process in VA, for next time (and there will be a next time, sooner or later!): how are the state and the school informed of the EJ so that the appropriate penalties can be imposed?

We're all different in what the kind of schedule we can tolerate--age, personality, family, "other-life" stresses. But I'd suggest, perhaps for next season, blocking out occasional rest days.

There are some local leagues that require officials to go through the coaches when dealing with obstreperous fans (i.e., parents or grandparents).

In another forum, I just came across a call for umpires at something called Cooperstown Experience: "The Cooperstown Experience is a one of a kind baseball/softball tournament complex. This complex will be providing a family ballpark vacation appeal while exploring the Cooperstown area. This complex will be providing week-long Summer tournaments." But the website is vague about details. Caveat: This post is for informational purposes, as I know nothing about this organization and cannot vouch for it.

MadMax, thanks for the succinct (!!!) explanation, which makes sense.

Maybe send private messages to umpires on this forum who have gone, asking for information? I've always thought it odd that we could not discuss CDP/CASV fees on a forum for umpires, but we can talk about fees for school and rec league games. But perhaps there is a legitimate distinction that I'm missing.

I call "Time," walk around and brush off the plate (which doesn't need it), and with my mask still on, say to the catcher, "Go out and tell your buddy to knock it off."

I suspect that, in amateur baseball, especially at younger ages, safety is the primary concern about tarps and OOP areas.

Coachhimup, when you get a chance to watch colleagues in your umpire association, sit in on their pre-game and then ask questions afterwards; make notes to yourself and look up the relevant rules and/or mechanics when you get home. You will likely see things you want to incorporate into your own approach and maybe things that don't resonate with you.

Please point to where I said a new umpire must know all the rules and that "all rules" knowledge is more important than mechanics?* You have turned the argument on its head: knowledge of the rules and of mechanics are equally important. And you still have not told the new umpire what rules to focus on first, your "tangibles." * "But I would not emphasize mechanics ("much more important") over rules; they are both important, perhaps equally so."

I didn't misread you or distort the context; I simply disagree with your advice. In any event, give the new umpire some guidance: which rules should be prioritized? IMO, it's more likely, considering the shortage of officials, that assigners, desperate for bodies, don't have the luxury of assigning good mixes. And it might be that new umpires will be working lower levels and possibly solo, with no one to bail them out on a rule. But I see no reason to belabor the disagreement further.

I agree about the importance of a good mentor with whom you can discuss issues, questions and situations. But I would not emphasize mechanics ("much more important") over rules; they are both important, perhaps equally so. What good is it to be in the right place, with a good angle--but you kick a rule? I used to get assigned with an umpire who was notorious for not being particularly rule-sharp, but he was a great salesman who could sell anything. I'd provide rule support when he needed it and he'd sell his calls. A good place to start on the rules is the definition section.

The NFHS Case Book illustrates the rules with specific fact scenarios, and often provides additional authority beyond the strict language of the NFHS Rule Book. A mechanics manual is also helpful, although what is important is knowing the mechanics as practiced in your area.

I retired from umpiring several years ago. I still have all my gear, I can't give it away, despite offering it to several teens I thought/hoped would be interested. One kid said he made more money, with less hassle, delivering pizza. The dearth of officials is not a problem to be solved by the benevolent acts of individuals, as the issues are both objective (3:30 starts for school games, unlit fields, an aging population of certified officials, inadequate fees) and societal (abuse, assaults). If we are, collectively, part of the problem, it is an extremely small part. IMO, of course.

FWIW, I really appreciate the feature that shows new topics or posts as a deeper, darker blue and topics with no new activity as lighter. It allows me to quickly scan and see what might interest me. On the various forums, platforms and boards I follow, this is unique. Kudos.

There is nothing in the article that says the officials walked because they were denied free food--that's in the headline, but nothing in the body of the story from anyone connected to the schools. On a basketball officiating site, one poster related hearsay information that when the officials went to the snack stand between the girls and boys games, they were told they were terrible and if they wanted food, they'd have to pay for it. If true, it was more likely the disrespect, not the food, that led them to walk, especially if they were subject to abuse during game #1. These were two varsity officials. Do anyone here really think they would walk out of an assignment over the cost of a hot dog and drink? If they were baseball umpires, we'd call that umpire-bashing.

Based on the school district superintendent's news release, it sounds like the problem was either expectations about how many games the officials were to work, or how many officials were to work the boys varsity game, or something about safety and/or abuse. But it is pointless to speculate. Anyone here from Lubbock?

May the "source" be with you, Senor Azul!

Jaksa/Roder: "An intended pickoff throw (in-contact) to first or third base that slips is a balk if it does not reach the foul line or a fielder within reach of a tag attempt at the base." Is there an OBR rule citation for this? TIA.

I will add that a coach like that is a terrible role model, especially for young players, like LLers. Getting rid of him might be a good lesson for them, and some of them might even appreciate how smoothly things will go without the offender.

Assigner phones Official, "[Name], I need somebody at X HS right away. Can you make it?" Official (a cop in X HS's township and DARE liaison at the school): "Sure, I'm on my way." Official arrives at X HS, where he was told, "Sorry, [Name], you can't officiate because your clearances are not on file." True story. Go figure.

You assume a lot of "facts" that may or may not be true. Absent those assumptions, I would not allow a coach to game the umpires and other team. YMMV.

I would have handled this as you did, MT73. I'm not going to impose the IFF call after the fact because both teams apparently relied on the pre-game understanding, however misguided that was. Besides, this was an U9 game, for pete's sake, not the WS. For whatever reason, the umpires in your case were relying on the coaches for the local rules. Consequently, they thought they were calling the game by the tournament rules, although they were misinformed. I'm curious: was the pop-up caught or dropped? Did the IFF no-call affect anything?