Un-forfeit a forfeit

[Mr Umpire]

Just out of curiosity. How many would try to talk their partner into un-forfeiting a game which has just been declared a forfeit? Or, un-forfeit a game in which they have just forfeited?

I am not looking for a discussion on if the game gets called prematurely. I haven't had a situation like that in a long time. I am just wondering if you would change the outcome of the game(or try to get your partner to).

My issue with changing it is a liability issue for if a player gets hurt when the game should be over after a forfeit has been declared. So, I would not be trying to change my partner's mind. I would let a protest happen and the league change the final outcome of the game. So, they take responsibility for any liability issues and not the umpires.

I am looking for honest answers and if I am being too cautious with my thinking. Keep the forfeit and let the league decide how they will handle it.

[mstaylor]

My first thought was I coulded imagining, then I remembered I actually did that once, so it's possible.

I had a double ejection, one from each team, and they so hellbent on arguing with each other they wouldn't leave the field. I told them both that if they didn't leave we would be done. They failed to leave so I banged the game.

The TD, Skinny for the ECTB guys, convinced me to restart the game. Since it was the finals of the toournament and it brought a paid birth to nationals, I agreed. I insisted the two knuckleheads were in the parking lot, plus I had a private conversation with the two remaining coaches and explained we would have an uneventful completion.

So I guess you can unring the bell. I never considered the liability in doing so, nor do I think there is any.

[Umpire in Chief]

I think it depends on why there was a forfeit.

If a team doesn't have enough players in the time allotted then forfeit and don't un-ring the bell. Also if a team drops below the minimum amount of players forfeit and don't resume. In situations like MST's I can see it because there were two opposing coaches getting the boot. But if I just tossed the entire adult supervision of one team then they would have to live with it.

[moblue]

But if I just tossed the entire adult supervision of one team then they would have to live with it.

I have to disagree here. I would get a parent to sit in the dugout and let them know they are there as supervision only, not as a coach. Appoint one of the players a manager as allowed by OBR since the coaches won't designate one on the way out, and resume play. I've had games where I wished I could toss the coaches and let the kids play ball. The game would have been so much more enjoyable that way.

[HokieUmp]

I have to disagree here. I would get a parent to sit in the dugout and let them know they are there as supervision only, not as a coach. Appoint one of the players a manager as allowed by OBR since the coaches won't designate one on the way out, and resume play. I've had games where I wished I could toss the coaches and let the kids play ball. The game would have been so much more enjoyable that way.

I'll see your disagreement, and raise you.

If I've gotten to the point where I've run at least two coaches (and some Daddy-ball teams have 4-6 coaches), I'm fairly certain any parent of that teams that's around won't be prepared/content to sit there and supervise. And there's no way I'm making a player the "manager," per OBR or otherwise, at least not at the level I believe we're talking about.

Look, the team and its "management" had its chance to play the game and not cross the lines. They haven't. Game over.

[BT_Blue]

I have a bit of an issue with blindly picking joe-blow out of the stands cause he says he is mini-joe's dad. In particularly since these coaches have signed waivers with the league stating they are responsible for these kids under their charge.

I say ring said bell and let the league worry about what happens there. If there is a decision to make about continuing under this situation, it will not be mine.