pl8ump1012

Since bench jockeying is a PoE this year.... I've never felt like I have the best grasp on when innocuous banter crosses the line to bench jockeying. NFHS defines bench jockeying as "negative verbal comments, taunting, or attempts to distract, intimidate, or embarrass opponents or officials from the dugout." Some things are obviously inappropriate and need to be stopped. Some things are playful, funny, or otherwise totally harmless. Then there's the in-between. I'd love to hear perspective on where you all draw the line, maybe with examples of what teams/players can/can't get away with.

I think I already know the answer to this, but a small part of me is hoping that I'll be convinced that I'm wrong. For context, I primarily umpire varsity HS (which is the level for this specific question), and I take a lot of pride in my professionalism (both actual and perceived) as an umpire. It's important to me to not do things that are considered unprofessional. I'm assigned to umpire a game for a school that has an MLB HOFer on their coaching staff. It just so happens that this HOFer spent a few years on "my" team. In addition to his superstardom as a player, he has always (while playing and since) had a reputation of being a truly decent person and someone who contributes in positive ways to most things that he touches. To be clear, I have ZERO concerns about my ability to remain unbiased, but... Is there any scenario where I can try to get a picture with him, ideally while I'm in uniform, without sacrificing anyone's perception of my professionalism? My guy says no....

Am I understanding correctly that you're saying, by NFHS rule, anything that would be a balk with runners on is an illegal pitch with no runners on?

Totally a fair question. I have looked in the rulebook in the past with attention to this issue, but I admit that I have not done a recent rulebook review focused on this topic. I'm still a few weeks out from first pitch here, and am still early in my preseason rules study/refresher.

I umpire NFHS almost exclusively and considered posting in that forum, but I think I'd like to know if the answer(s) to my questions may be different depending on rule set. I'm admittedly still a bit confused about what does or does not constitute an illegal pitch. I used to be under the impression that ANY action that would result in a balk if runners are on base would also result in an illegal pitch being called with no runners on base, with a ball awarded to the batter. However, I often hear partners and see umpires online say some variation of "that's nothing with nobody on, but if runners are on base, that's a balk." So in no particular order, these are my questions: By rule, is it true or false that if, with no runners on base, a pitcher commits ANY act that would be a balk with runners on base, it is an illegal pitch and a ball should be awarded to the batter? If that's false: what actions can a pitcher do while the bases are clear, but cannot do with runner(s) on base? (I.e. what actions are a balk, but not an illegal pitch?) Are there any actions that go the other way? Where they would be an illegal pitch if no runners are on, but would NOT be a balk if there are runner(s) on? (I assume the answer to this one is "no," but thought I'd ask anyway. If that's true: Are there some actions (which, by rule, should be called an illegal pitch with no runners on base) that we simply ignore? I.e. we "don't pick that booger"? Why? Shouldn't we be enforcing the rules as written? What actions fall into this category? Or are the partners and comments I referenced above - the ones who say "yeah, that would be a balk but there's nobody on, so it's nothing" - simply misguided?

I'm trying to find my next pair of plate shoes. I wear a size 14 wide/extra wide My current shoes are the NB low cut plate shoes that have been discontinued. These were *fine* while they lasted, but I would have liked something a bit lighter (so I assume mid cut will be even heavier). However, the top metatarsal plate tore nearly completely off after only about 25-30 uses. For this reason, I'm hoping to find something non-NB. I thought I'd try the mizunos (though now I'm seeing there may be a different mizuno option than what I found here in the states on ump-attire), so I ordered a 14 in those. Just tried them on last night, and I loved how light they are but the width is not enough. I feel the narrowness primarily in the back half of the foot, so I don't know that the Japanese Mizunos that I've recently read a bit about are going to be any better (I think I see that these are wider in the toe box). Does anyone have any suggestions? Have others had issues with durability of the NBs? Maybe I just got an anomaly pair and need to give them another chance.

I’m already convinced. If they come, no interaction/acknowledgement. But I’m thinking I won’t have them come. Thanks for the perspective.

HS Varsity is the level, for context. I try to present myself as professionally as possible when I'm umpiring, and for the most part, I think I do a pretty decent job of that. It's something I try to take some pride in. Professionalism obviously includes how you interact with players, coaches, and spectators. I'm cordial but not excessively friendly with players and coaches. If I'm near a fence, and a spectator says something innocuous to me (e.g. "Beautiful day, huh?" - "That kid's got a decent arm!") I'll respond and briefly engage, but I wouldn't typically have a prolonged conversation with them. I also wouldn't engage with a spectator if they were being critical of me. (For the record, I'm not saying that if you don't do these things, that you're unprofessional. This is just the way I choose to conduct myself.) But what if my wife brings my 16 month old daughter to part of one of my games? Would it be unprofessional to approach and engage with them (mostly my daughter) between innings? I wouldn't seek them out every inning; probably just a quick "hello" when they get there and "goodbye" before they head out, and maybe some eye contact and a not-so-obvious wave a few times between other innings. I'm leaning toward thinking this is okay, but I'd like to hear others' opinions and perspectives. At this point, my biggest concern is if a coach gets vocal with me, that's not necessarily something I'd like them to see. What do you all think? Is this a bad look, particularly at the HS Varsity level?

Thanks to all those who responded. SenorAzul, your list seems comprehensive (and accurate, just based on what I've "heard" over the years). And The Man in Blue, thanks for pointing out the IESA website. That's certainly a start. However, I did reach out to IHSA, and they told me the only Illinois State Adopted Baseball Rule is the run rule. The person I reached told me she specifically asked the state director, and that was his response.

Thanks. I've looked there but haven't found much, but I appreciate it. Maybe I'll just reach out to them directly. Thank you

Does anyone know where to find a list of state adopted NFHS rules? I'm specifically looking for Illinois. Thanks!

I'll occasionally have a game behind the plate where I can just tell I'm not seeing the ball well. I can feel my inconsistency, but can't seem to shake it. Anyone have recommendations for in-game adjustments to try to overcome this?

If a coach comes out to discuss/argue a call with my partner, how close should I get? When should I "intervene" or "join"? Should I wait until/if there's an ejection to join? Sooner? I don't want to give the impression that I think my partner can't handle it, but I also don't want to leave them hanging. For frame of reference, let's assume varsity high school level, if that makes a difference.

@MadMaxThank you for the clear and detailed explanation. This makes a lot of sense!

Blues, This week I have an NFHS Postseason series, which has a three umpire crew. I haven't done three-umpire mechanics since last post season, and that was my first time. I've been studying up again, but I'm not seeing much information on a mechanic that I recall from last year: the slide or reverse rotation. From what I gather, this is done when U1 is in A, U3 is in C, and a hit ball brings R1 around second into third (in which case, U3 takes R1 into third), and U1 "slides" in to take BR around first into second. Is this correct? Is this the only time it happens? Thanks all!