What rules do you think coaches have the most problem with?

[Umpire in Chief]

Guys I want to get your feedback.

I have proposed to our commissioner that we hold a meeting (a fund raising event with money going to a charity our association is involved with) and invite coaches and league officials. We would send out invitations to all area leagues we support (about 20) each with 2 free tickets, We would then encourage them to have all of their coaches attend and charge $5.00 per additional ticket. We would lay down some ground rules of the meeting. The number one rule is that we are not going to discuss specific events and plays which have happened to them.

First we'd discuss umpiring and what goes into umpiring. Second, I want to discuss some of the rules coaches have the most problems. Finally, a free for all Q&A session.

My thought is this could help educate coaches and league officials, keeping them out of trouble on the field and build a bit of good will.

What rules do you think coaches have the biggest problems understanding?

[LMSANS]

I would start with Interference & Obstruction and the difference between the 2. That would apply at all levels.

You might also work off of the Myths list. I'm sure it will generate a lot of questions/discussion.

[Umpire in Chief]

Great idea on the myths!

[Bigdog]

Hey all,

Here's my short list:

1) All of them

2) Rules that are between the covers of the book, AND

3) Ones printed in ink!

Seriously, the rule myths is a good place to start. Obs vs. Int is good, what constitutes a swing/checked swing, number of offensive TO's per inning, depending on the level of play...BALKS, and how to appeal a play.

Again, seriously!

One question I would ask the coaches is why must the LEADOFF batter of every half inning feels they HAVE TO get signs from the third base coach before he/she steps into the box?;)

Bigdog:cool:

[PeteBooth]

Guys I want to get your feedback.

What rules do you think coaches have the biggest problems understanding?

The 4 that come to mind are:

1. FPSR

2. OBS

3. balks

4. Runner being out of the base-line

Pete Booth

[bigblue]

They need a better understanding and what constitutes batter interference. They all think that the catcher needs to make contact with the batter for the interference to occur. Most think that a batter who swings at an outside pitch, and whose momentum takes him outside the box is okay.

[SanDiegoSteve]

I think that the coaches should be able to discuss specific plays that happened to them, as long as they do it from a factual standpoint, and are not trying to argue, but merely to learn the correct interpretation.

Here is my short list for rules to cover:

1. Learning that they can't argue judgment calls, and doing so may lead to their being run. Arguing balks seems to be one they don't comprehend.

2. When a run counts and when the run does not count. Coaches seem to all the time be asking, "does that run count" on certain 3rd out plays.

3. Along that line, explaining that an appeal play is not a force play on a runner leaving early on a tag-up or not getting back to his base before being put out. Then, that it is a force play on a missed base appeal at a base in which the runner was forced to advance. Coaches always seem to not grasp that no runs can score when the 3rd out is the result of a force play or by the batter-runner before he reaches first.

4. INT vs. OBS. Not only do they get the terms backwards all the time, but they usually have no idea how they are penalized and awarded. Spend a good deal of time on this one, for sure.

5. Definitely the myths! So many coaches still think that ties go to the runner because they heard Joe Morgan say it on TV so it must be true. The hands still are not part of the bat, you can still slide into first base, and there is no Easter Bunny. Yes there is. No, there isn't. Yes there is......

[Bigdog]

and there is no Easter Bunny. Yes there is. No, there isn't. Yes there is......

Hey all,

Steve, next thing you will be saying is there is/isn't any Santa Claus!

Bigdog:cool:

[HoosierBlue]

Not to beat a dead horse, but so few coaches understand OBS because so few umpires really understand OBS.