2012 NFHS Rules Changes

[NWA_UMP]

yawetag...

We didn't inspect equipment in playoffs either. As someone stated...lawyers can argue either side of this issue. I, however, think the move by FED to stop umpires from checking equipment tells me we were doing the right thing in not entering the dugout to check equipment.

The one point I will make is in our association we take most of the rules seriously and we apply the ones we want...all except equipment checks

My question is...how does your association propose to handle a situation where equipment is withheld from inspection and finds its way onto the field? What happens if a kid is hurt by said equipment? Who takes the blame? I know there are lawyers out there that would argue it's your duty to to check everything,since your looking anyway, knowing a kid might try to hide illegal equipment...just like the wet floor sign and someone falls on the wet floor...who pays? A lawyer can argue the sign was moved, is a trip hazard, goes against common sense..etc. When a kid gets hurt..I mean HURT with lasting physical damage someone WILL PAY.

There you go, I corrected your post.

A lawyer can argue anything they think will make money for them & their client. If the rules book says one thing and you do something different, that is more negligient than if someone tricks you by hiding equipment.

Of course, we are having this discussion after the fact that those of us that follow all the rules no longer have to deal with this.

Larry...Thanks for the correction..I knew it was coming. Just a matter of time.

I understand the equipment check issue...the "spirit" of the rule is to ensure safety of all players, coaches, fans and umpires. Our association feels it is adhering to that "spirit". All, and I do mean ALL of the teams that we are contracted to assign umpires for are aware that we have that policy. It is sent to the Athletic Directors, signed and returned to us...or we don't set foot on their field. This is not something that we just decided to start doing...this policy evolved over time with input from our lawyer and the AD's.

I am glad to know that I work for the only group that doesn't follow the rules...maybe that explains why we are the reda$$e$ that won't let the teams have gear on the fence outside the dugout on the home plate side...

[yawetag]

I, however, think the move by FED to stop umpires from checking equipment tells me we were doing the right thing in not entering the dugout to check equipment.

This logic doesn't make sense at all. How about your organization keep balks as live balls? Then, when the Fed eventually changes it, you can use the same line.

Your organization not agreeing with the rule isn't a reason for them to not do it. My organization (and most in the state) doesn't agree with some of the uniform rules the state has; however, we're instructed to follow the rules, as disregarding them looks less professional than actually fighting to have them changed.

My question is...how does your association propose to handle a situation where equipment is withheld from inspection and finds its way onto the field? What happens if a kid is hurt by said equipment? Who takes the blame?

There's no real answer, other than to defend myself. As evidence of my character, I'll show that there have been times I've removed bats and helmets from the game (possibly from the game in question). However, imagine the same happened in YOUR game. This is close to the transcript that would occur:

Lawyer: Did you check the equipment?

You: No, I didn't.

Lawyer: Do you recognize this (shows a copy of the rule book that was in effect the year of the incident)?

You: Yes, that's a Fed rule book.

Lawyer: Could you read the highlighted passage, please (flips to the page that details the bat and helmet check)?

You: (reads the passage)

Lawyer: So, you didn't check the equipment as detailed in the rule book?

Good luck after that point.

I'm happy the equipment check is gone. I felt it was a waste of time and it opened up a liability door on the umpires that should be squarely on the coach and school. However, I never ignored it, even when my partner tried to talk me out of it.

[NWA_UMP]

I, however, think the move by FED to stop umpires from checking equipment tells me we were doing the right thing in not entering the dugout to check equipment.

This logic doesn't make sense at all. How about your organization keep balks as live balls? Then, when the Fed eventually changes it, you can use the same line.

Your organization not agreeing with the rule isn't a reason for them to not do it. My organization (and most in the state) doesn't agree with some of the uniform rules the state has; however, we're instructed to follow the rules, as disregarding them looks less professional than actually fighting to have them changed.

My question is...how does your association propose to handle a situation where equipment is withheld from inspection and finds its way onto the field? What happens if a kid is hurt by said equipment? Who takes the blame?

There's no real answer, other than to defend myself. As evidence of my character, I'll show that there have been times I've removed bats and helmets from the game (possibly from the game in question). However, imagine the same happened in YOUR game. This is close to the transcript that would occur:

Lawyer: Did you check the equipment?

You: No, I didn't.

Lawyer: Do you recognize this (shows a copy of the rule book that was in effect the year of the incident)?

You: Yes, that's a Fed rule book.

Lawyer: Could you read the highlighted passage, please (flips to the page that details the bat and helmet check)?

You: (reads the passage)

Lawyer: So, you didn't check the equipment as detailed in the rule book?

Good luck after that point.

I'm happy the equipment check is gone. I felt it was a waste of time and it opened up a liability door on the umpires that should be squarely on the coach and school. However, I never ignored it, even when my partner tried to talk me out of it.

Lawyer: I understand from you previous testimony, as an umpire, you did not enter the dugout to check equipment, correct?

Me: That is correct sir.

Lawyer: How did you verify the equipment used was legal?

Me: At the plate conference, in from of my partner and the opposing Head Coach, I asked if his team was properly and legally equipped by NFHS rules and regulations.

Lawyer: What was his reply?

Me: Yes they are.

Lawyer: How is the coach going to know if his team is is equipped properly?

Me: They are given the same rule book that I am. They are also required to attend NFHS meetings that cover equipment, rules and all current points of emphasis.

Lawyer: Thank you for your time...

[yawetag]

I'll stop the back-and-forth as we won't change our opinion of the situation. However, blatantly disregarding a safety rule in the book will not look good in a civil suit between you and the kid that was injured.

[NWA_UMP]

yawetag-

I will submit that we are both trying to do the "right thing". I understand and totally appreciate your point on this issue. I have voiced the same concern to our leadership.

Anyone who takes umpiring seriously has to have safety as a top priority. At the end of the day we are trying to ensure that we have a fair, safe and a well administered game. As big as they may be in high school...they are still kids. As a parent, I will attest that kids don't always do the safe or right thing. That's when we have to step in...if I see a damaged helmet, I throw it out of the game and I have a conversation with the coach...pronto! I will remind him of our pregame conversation and leave no doubt in his mind that he will go home if I see another piece of illegal or damaged equipment. He can bark all he wants, but I will remind him that safety is first and if he doesn't care about it...I do.

[HokieUmp]

I'll stop the back-and-forth as we won't change our opinion of the situation. However, blatantly disregarding a safety rule in the book will not look good in a civil suit between you and the kid that was injured.

I'd say the parents that let him wear the cracked helmet, or use the illegal bat will look worse. And since the parents are related to this mythological child-whose-family-sues-the-umpire, I'd say they should be careful throwing lawsuits around, if they're willfully letting their own flesh and blood get hurt due to their own unsafe actions.

And when I say mythological, I'm serious, as I believe people have done various legal searches, and have yet to come up with such said suit. I could be wrong about that, but I seem to recall more than one post that has said that.

(NWA - just so you know, you're not in the only organization that stayed out of the dugouts.)

[boyinr]

I always inspected helmets and bats because that is the rule and that is what I was expected to do. I didn't ejoy it or particulary look forward to it, just something that had to be done. I never tore a helmet in half or broke a bat over my knee to make a point or demonstrate my authority.

Now that the rule has been changed I will no longer inspect helmets and bats. I will ask the question and await the predictable rote answer.

My only concern is for the players, as too many times I had to give an explain to a coach why a cracked helmet or a defective bat could not be used in a game. I have heard all of the reasons why it should. From "you are the first" to "this is only worn by the base coach" followed up by "this is all we get, the Varsity has all of the good gear".

I hope that now that this is on the coaches they accept responsibilty of the duty and perform it well.

[mstaylor]

In my rules clinic we had a back and forth about checking equipment and bats in particular. I finally told the couple of desenters to go in the damn dugouts and check the gear, do your job or stay the hell home. If it is too hard to do your job then I don't need you or want you. It ended the discussion. I didn't put quotes around it because I cleaned it up for posting. :)

[TX-UIC]

I, however, think the move by FED to stop umpires from checking equipment tells me we were doing the right thing in not entering the dugout to check equipment.

This logic doesn't make sense at all. How about your organization keep balks as live balls? Then, when the Fed eventually changes it, you can use the same line.

Your organization not agreeing with the rule isn't a reason for them to not do it. My organization (and most in the state) doesn't agree with some of the uniform rules the state has; however, we're instructed to follow the rules, as disregarding them looks less professional than actually fighting to have them changed.

My question is...how does your association propose to handle a situation where equipment is withheld from inspection and finds its way onto the field? What happens if a kid is hurt by said equipment? Who takes the blame?

There's no real answer, other than to defend myself. As evidence of my character, I'll show that there have been times I've removed bats and helmets from the game (possibly from the game in question). However, imagine the same happened in YOUR game. This is close to the transcript that would occur:

Lawyer: Did you check the equipment?

You: No, I didn't.

Lawyer: Do you recognize this (shows a copy of the rule book that was in effect the year of the incident)?

You: Yes, that's a Fed rule book.

Lawyer: Could you read the highlighted passage, please (flips to the page that details the bat and helmet check)?

You: (reads the passage)

Lawyer: So, you didn't check the equipment as detailed in the rule book?

Good luck after that point.

I'm happy the equipment check is gone. I felt it was a waste of time and it opened up a liability door on the umpires that should be squarely on the coach and school. However, I never ignored it, even when my partner tried to talk me out of it.

Lawyer: I understand from you previous testimony, as an umpire, you did not enter the dugout to check equipment, correct?

Me: That is correct sir.

Lawyer: How did you verify the equipment used was legal?

Me: At the plate conference, in from of my partner and the opposing Head Coach, I asked if his team was properly and legally equipped by NFHS rules and regulations.

Lawyer: What was his reply?

Me: Yes they are.

Lawyer: How is the coach going to know if his team is is equipped properly?

Me: They are given the same rule book that I am. They are also required to attend NFHS meetings that cover equipment, rules and all current points of emphasis.

Lawyer: Thank you for your time...

Lawyer: So you asked if the team was properly equipped by "NFHS Rules and regulations?"

Umpire: Yes

Lawyer: so you expect the coaches and teams to abide by the rules

Umpire: Yes

Lawyer: So you as the official choose not to abide by the rules? but you enforce them?

Umpire: No I call and abide by the rules and enforce them.

Lawyer: All of them or just the ones you want to?

Umpire: All

Lawyer: So you check the bats and helmets per the rules in the book?

Good luck you lose...

As far as hidden equipment coming out after the check (thank god it is gone) you just have to state to the court: "We check the bats and helmets that were presented to us when we asked for them at the beginning of the game" You were wrong not to check them and not only you would have been in trouble but so would have your Association Board, the Districts for overriding a "safety" rule, and coaches.

So if your Association thinks that the FPSR is not a good rule you will not call it?

Enforce the "safety" rules you are really protecting yourself when you do...

[UmpPhil]

+1

I got so sick of throwing cracked helmets out that I just started just ripping the helmet's ear flaps off and in one case tore the entire helmet in half (it isn't that hard-really) to "discourage" them from using them again and getting me and my partner sued. Warnings and ejections don't work when it comes to safety stuff--besides, you usually find out too late that they didn't follow the rule even though you checked and asked them if it was proper. I am not going to risk a lawsuit over this. Only one mommy got mad at me for destroying her precious baby's helmet. (Little League-whew, Last time I worked that level)

What's the saying; "It's all fun and games until somebody loses an eye."?

My two cents. Your mileage may vary

HAHAHA! That's awesome! I commend you, I'd be a little scared to do that. If they were to use the helmet and get injured, would liability be on the Coach because you checked the equipment in pre-game and alerted them to the fact that it was a racked helmet?

[mstaylor]

When you check equipment and you find an illegal bat or a cracked helmet, you tell the coach to take it out of the game. If he doesn't, then it is on him.

[conbo61]

+1

I got so sick of throwing cracked helmets out that I just started just ripping the helmet's ear flaps off and in one case tore the entire helmet in half (it isn't that hard-really) to "discourage" them from using them again and getting me and my partner sued. Warnings and ejections don't work when it comes to safety stuff--besides, you usually find out too late that they didn't follow the rule even though you checked and asked them if it was proper. I am not going to risk a lawsuit over this. Only one mommy got mad at me for destroying her precious baby's helmet. (Little League-whew, Last time I worked that level)

What's the saying; "It's all fun and games until somebody loses an eye."?

My two cents. Your mileage may vary

Two years ago my partner and I did the "bats and hats" and tossed two helmets out.

Later that game, two outs, runner on first (I am BU, B position). Runner takes off with the pitch and batter smokes a line drive just to my left. I am thinking this could be close.

BANG!!!!!!!

Drills the runner right in the ear flap. Kid went down like a ton of bricks.

Called dead ball and went over to check. He was able to sit up and we recommended to the coach that the kid get the rest of the day off. (He did). The kid got hit so hard that the cheek padding left an impression on his cheek.

Told the coach - "THAT is why we toss the cracked helmets."

Also had to tell the kid he was the third out for interference. GOod thing he did not look back to find the ball or he would have caught it right in the face.

[1dumbquestion]

+1

I got so sick of throwing cracked helmets out that I just started just ripping the helmet's ear flaps off and in one case tore the entire helmet in half (it isn't that hard-really) to "discourage" them from using them again and getting me and my partner sued. Warnings and ejections don't work when it comes to safety stuff--besides, you usually find out too late that they didn't follow the rule even though you checked and asked them if it was proper. I am not going to risk a lawsuit over this. Only one mommy got mad at me for destroying her precious baby's helmet. (Little League-whew, Last time I worked that level)

What's the saying; "It's all fun and games until somebody loses an eye."?

My two cents. Your mileage may vary

Two years ago my partner and I did the "bats and hats" and tossed two helmets out.

Later that game, two outs, runner on first (I am BU, B position). Runner takes off with the pitch and batter smokes a line drive just to my left. I am thinking this could be close.

BANG!!!!!!!

Drills the runner right in the ear flap. Kid went down like a ton of bricks.

Called dead ball and went over to check. He was able to sit up and we recommended to the coach that the kid get the rest of the day off. (He did). The kid got hit so hard that the cheek padding left an impression on his cheek.

Told the coach - "THAT is why we toss the cracked helmets."

Also had to tell the kid he was the third out for interference. GOod thing he did not look back to find the ball or he would have caught it right in the face.

[AllanA]

i ripped a chain right off a kids neck once!

Why?

Exactly... Why?

If my partner did that or anyone in our association was guilty of this they would stand on their own and be responsible for their own actions. He won't take it off... eject him... very simple hope it wasn't something of value ($$$ or emotional)

As I stated before you have no right to do that... again just eject him!

Really? Why would you do that? Jewelry is LEGAL in NFHS! IF it is RELIGIOUS or Medical!! I know I know how are you gonna determine if it is religious or not! I'm not. I am no religious expert! But I will ask the player if his necklace is religious or not! If he answers no I then ask him to please remove it! If yes I ask him to tape it to his/her body underneath shirt. Works for me! Remember be nice, til its time not to be nice!