Aging_Arbiter

I use and recommend the F3. These are the best shins I've had since UmpShins. UmpShins are no longer made (15-20 yrs ago?), but the closest thing to them are the Davis UmpShins. Ump shins being the lightest thing I could find, but just a bit to big/bulky on the knee cap for my liking.

Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement. 😂

Is anyone on here going to the academy next week?

Easier yet, have HIM show you where it IS referenced. I don't think it is. As previously mentioned, foul/time, create a dead ball situation. I'm pretty sure you won't find it in any mechanics manual. Then again, I could be mistooken.

So, a few things come into play here. - Equipment AND Uniforms are provided - Mommy/Daddy weren't there, so lil' Johnny put on a hat that was comfortable - Lil' Johnny need a friggin HAIR CUT!

That sounded like a strike!

B6

In your case, a catcher got thumbed. I'm going with #2. If a Pitcher takes a line drive to the head or chest and collapses, I'm going with #1.

I start my assignments for LL Tournaments in our district, 3-4 weeks BEFORE the first District game. I don't have an overflowing pool of umpires, however, I have umpires that I trust. This year, I had to also assigned 3 sectional tournaments, and 1 state tournament. HOW would I know what team is going to advance from what league? I set the schedule based on availability. I have guys from several different leagues working sections. The ONLY change I am willing to make, is if the umpire has a league affiliated team in THAT game. Then we will swap. Bases? I don't think so. My guys know this well enough, that I don't even need to tell them to alter the scheduled rotation. I get it, we are in the perception business. However, just like regular season, I don't care what coaches think. I'm not there for them. In the past, even at the LLWS, if your region was playing, you would not even be on the field for that game. Last year, one of my crew members was from TX, one from VA, one from Canada (eh?) and me from PA. When I asked leadership, the response was, if I TRUST in your abilities enough for you to be here, I trust you to umpire fairly. The question stemmed from our 1st scheduled game. I had 1B, in front of the PA dugout and my partner from TX had 3B, in front of the TX dugout.

<insert> But we've been doing it this way all year <here>

You're generous. I've told the catcher "balls in" and NOT let them get the "two more". As we are "chatting a little" during the game, this is an opportunity where I would let F2 know that if he gets his pitcher to hustle out faster, he could get more warm up. They usually get the hint.

As mentioned, this isn't football. I'm not throwing MY hat on the ground for some little **** to step on!

@MarsOmega I'm not trigger happy, by no means. But let me give you a different way of looking at this. I have never ejected anyone. I HAVE merely confirmed THEIR desire to no longer participate in that days contest.

Handling situations... This is one of my POE for some of our younger/newer umpires. Granted, everyone is different so no roasting. If I may offer a suggestion. Send that message a little more discreet. If you have a rapport with the Catcher, send him out to the pitcher with your message. If not, maybe discuss with player AND coach as they come off of the field. Obviously, you got the message across and no further issues. I get it, it hurt. Here is one of my EALRY (20+ yrs ago) exchanges. I don't remember the inning or situation........ Me: Ball F1: throws hands up like a drama queen Me: (Loudly (as you did above) I shouted so F1 and both teams could hear) Do you want to pitch, or do you want to umpire? You're not going to do both! ...........no further issues from the pitcher After the game, the player and his father approached my at the umpire locker room (my truck, in the parking lot). The young man shook my hand and apologized. He stated that he was too emotional and was working on mental toughness. I thanked him for this, and we parted ways. Fast forward 6-8 years, and after the HS team won a State Championship, out of the blue he came up to me and asked if I remembered our first encounter. I told him that I did. He looked down at his championship medal and thanked me again. How do you want to make an impact? How do you want to be remembered?