Working with an umpire with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

[rabbit]

I'd be interested in the different regulations posted by any USA organizations relating to umpires crews, if one of the umpires has T1D.  Do any regulations/ policy/ recommendations exist??

 

In our local club, one person with T1D has declared he has it, and being insulin dependent, has told his crew that it is important that he be well hydrated, has a chance to eat before a game and if he becomes 'spaced out' , and at risk of missing a play, perhaps being hit, or collapsing during a stressful game, that he be given a chance ( a Hypo situation)to be given some sugary drink and rested .  

 

Crews working with him are respectful of his condition and appreciate his honesty, and the postion to safeguard him and the crew members.

 

But, In a different geographical  area, I was working with a 3 umpire crew where one umpire had T1D, but neither of the other 2 umpires knew of it.  I felt it placed the others in a potentially serious situation where we could not know , nor assist the umpire , even if it was to call the emergency medic if necessary.  It was not a requirement in that area to declare any medical condition.   

 

Any comments or references to umpire regulations in the USA would be appreciated. 

[noumpere]

No "USA" regulations, and none in any of the HS or college (or heck, park district) groups I have ever been associated with.

[maineump]

No rules that I know of -

But, we had a guy with angina and took nitro on the field.

He was a good friend of mine, and me being a paramedic, I noticed it one day. He never told me, but I asked him if I could inform the rest of the board - he was good with that. It looked like we was eating mints or seeds, except for the color of the bottle.

 

With the ump being a type 1 diabetic, he knows his body, his reactions and his disease better than anyone. He knows his limitations. Good for him for staying active and doing baseball.

 

What would be the difference in calling for help if he needs it - he takes a shot at the plate, the heat gets to him, or his sugar gets low?

 

I don't believe that any medical restraints could be placed on umpires (hell - FED allows canes), because it would be considered a violation of civil rights.

[stevis]

No rules that I know of -

But, we had a guy with angina and took nitro on the field.

He was a good friend of mine, and me being a paramedic, I noticed it one day. He never told me, but I asked him if I could inform the rest of the board - he was good with that. It looked like we was eating mints or seeds, except for the color of the bottle.

 

With the ump being a type 1 diabetic, he knows his body, his reactions and his disease better than anyone. He knows his limitations. Good for him for staying active and doing baseball.

 

What would be the difference in calling for help if he needs it - he takes a shot at the plate, the heat gets to him, or his sugar gets low?

 

I don't believe that any medical restraints could be placed on umpires (hell - FED allows canes), because it would be considered a violation of civil rights.

Heh, this is finally going to get me to de-lurk.

 

I am a type I diabetic, been umping Little League for 10 years now.   Often I'll slip a tube of glucose tablets in my ball bag, or over with my drink if I'm in the field, for such emergencies.   I do focus on staying hydrated and making sure I've eaten something before/between games.   As I am an insulin pump user, I have much finer grained control as to when I deliver insulin, and can in fact delay my dinner to 9pm some nights without issue if need be.

 

My biggest concern has actually been keeping the insulin pump safe, and the site where it connects into the body still intact (sweat plus skin adhesives don't mix all the time, but that's actually gotten better in the last ten years.)

 

And I have asked a parent to run and get me a full-sugar gatorade from the snack bar on occassion.   (Usually I have Powerade Zero or water for myself.)

 

I usually do not clue in my partners, as most often they are a teenager and not in great position to help anyway.   It's a lot to put on them.  Fortunately I work in a good league and district, and have full confidence that I would get help if I need it.  And luckily for me, I usually pick up on my low blood sugars well before becoming incoherent from them, so I can usually treat before my calls are compromised.  (Not a judgement on other diabetics, it's just the way I personally seem to react to conditions.)  I've probably just jinxed myself, natch.

[JaxRolo]

No rules that I know of -

But, we had a guy with angina and took nitro on the field.

He was a good friend of mine, and me being a paramedic, I noticed it one day. He never told me, but I asked him if I could inform the rest of the board - he was good with that. It looked like we was eating mints or seeds, except for the color of the bottle.

 

With the ump being a type 1 diabetic, he knows his body, his reactions and his disease better than anyone. He knows his limitations. Good for him for staying active and doing baseball.

 

What would be the difference in calling for help if he needs it - he takes a shot at the plate, the heat gets to him, or his sugar gets low?

 

I don't believe that any medical restraints could be placed on umpires (hell - FED allows canes), because it would be considered a violation of civil rights.

[Majordave]

@stevis

 

Thanks for sharing.  Helpful info.

[maineump]

Thanks @stevis, that is a great way to help out others in the umpire world.

 

My HS Best friend (many years ago) was a brittle T1 diabetic, had a pump, and he played football, became a paramedic and a cop. He has since passed away (not from diabetes), but I always remember the words of wisdom he gave me about what he was going through and how to help him out. BTW - I still have tubes of glucose handy, it is a simple quick fix, because of him.

 

Call 'em like you see 'em

 

Thanks Jax that picture is very cool!! Good for him!!

[Jocko]

No rules that I know of -

But, we had a guy with angina and took nitro on the field.

He was a good friend of mine, and me being a paramedic, I noticed it one day. He never told me, but I asked him if I could inform the rest of the board - he was good with that. It looked like we was eating mints or seeds, except for the color of the bottle.

 

With the ump being a type 1 diabetic, he knows his body, his reactions and his disease better than anyone. He knows his limitations. Good for him for staying active and doing baseball.

 

What would be the difference in calling for help if he needs it - he takes a shot at the plate, the heat gets to him, or his sugar gets low?

 

I don't believe that any medical restraints could be placed on umpires (hell - FED allows canes), because it would be considered a violation of civil rights.

I dig it!!!!!

[hillbillyump]

I am also a TID.  I make sure my partners do know, in case something happens.  I keep a glucometer and my glucose tablets handy.  In fact I have had a situation and had to check my sugar during the game. Had a fellow umpire bring my kit and I took care of it in the dug out.   

 

And to tell the truth SWMBO will tell you that my sugar levels are better during the season than during the off season.

[rabbit]

 

No rules that I know of -

But, we had a guy with angina and took nitro on the field.

He was a good friend of mine, and me being a paramedic, I noticed it one day. He never told me, but I asked him if I could inform the rest of the board - he was good with that. It looked like we was eating mints or seeds, except for the color of the bottle.

 

With the ump being a type 1 diabetic, he knows his body, his reactions and his disease better than anyone. He knows his limitations. Good for him for staying active and doing baseball.

 

What would be the difference in calling for help if he needs it - he takes a shot at the plate, the heat gets to him, or his sugar gets low?

 

I don't believe that any medical restraints could be placed on umpires (hell - FED allows canes), because it would be considered a violation of civil rights.

Heh, this is finally going to get me to de-lurk.

 

I am a type I diabetic, been umping Little League for 10 years now.   Often I'll slip a tube of glucose tablets in my ball bag, or over with my drink if I'm in the field, for such emergencies.   I do focus on staying hydrated and making sure I've eaten something before/between games.   As I am an insulin pump user, I have much finer grained control as to when I deliver insulin, and can in fact delay my dinner to 9pm some nights without issue if need be.

 

My biggest concern has actually been keeping the insulin pump safe, and the site where it connects into the body still intact (sweat plus skin adhesives don't mix all the time, but that's actually gotten better in the last ten years.)

 

And I have asked a parent to run and get me a full-sugar gatorade from the snack bar on occassion.   (Usually I have Powerade Zero or water for myself.)

 

I usually do not clue in my partners, as most often they are a teenager and not in great position to help anyway.   It's a lot to put on them.  Fortunately I work in a good league and district, and have full confidence that I would get help if I need it.  And luckily for me, I usually pick up on my low blood sugars well before becoming incoherent from them, so I can usually treat before my calls are compromised.  (Not a judgement on other diabetics, it's just the way I personally seem to react to conditions.)  I've probably just jinxed myself, natch.

 

Tks Mate for your reply and honesty.  Although not one with T1D myself, I've worked in the Health care industry ( 24 yrs with Abbott Labs and last 5 yrs in their Diabetes Div), so can empathize with your courage.   From what I've seen posted to my querry, there is no game regulations in USA ( nor here in Australia) that ensure

an umpire person with T1D needs to let their crew partner know, just in case there is a problem in that game.  Glad to read you're doing so well.

 

FYI, Last week our local umpire committee was asked about the game substitution 'rule' as one of out junior players has just been diagnosed, so it is a growing scenario in this , as well as many sports.   Best of luck. 

[rabbit]

I am also a TID.  I make sure my partners do know, in case something happens.  I keep a glucometer and my glucose tablets handy.  In fact I have had a situation and had to check my sugar during the game. Had a fellow umpire bring my kit and I took care of it in the dug out.   

 

And to tell the truth SWMBO will tell you that my sugar levels are better during the season than during the off season.

Tks Mate for your reply.  Glad to see that you are getting the most out of the game, and making the right choices ( at your decision level) of informing your crew partners and checking your levels.  

[bam]

Ok. Am I the only one here thinking "why the f$@k are regulations necessary, unless the regulations require an individual with T1D to agree to hold blameless any individual on or off the field in the event of a diabetic event?"

I mean, c''mon man! Why would someone's diabetic condition put others in a "serious position"? Why am I responsible for your problem? This sh!t infuriates me! Regulations on bystanders? Steam is literally coming out of my ears right now.

[rabbit]

Ok. Am I the only one here thinking "why the f$@k are regulations necessary, unless the regulations require an individual with T1D to agree to hold blameless any individual on or off the field in the event of a diabetic event?"

I mean, c''mon man! Why would someone's diabetic condition put others in a "serious position"? Why am I responsible for your problem? This sh!t infuriates me! Regulations on bystanders? Steam is literally coming out of my ears right now.

I'd gess you wouldn't have seen an athlete( or umpire who is working with you) with T1D have a hypo in the middle of the field, swerve around like he was dizzy and at risk of getting a ball in the head, and missing a easy play because he was 'zoned out' due to a low glu level.

 

Even some all doctors can't 'see 'when a "brittle'"T1D is having a hypo unless they're aware they have T1D

 

 It has happened, and the reason I raised it is not to make the other crew members responsible for this person, but only to see if it is a valid request to know , that, if your crew partner has T1D, that you can help him get some help if needed. 

[bam]

By "regulation"? That's not "help". I'm all for having a "heads up" on potential problems, but do you think that there's got to be some sort of law or statute or rule requiring a partner administer first aid for T1D or MS or lupus or...... Need I go on? Your medical condition is YOUR medical condition, not mine. Don't make me a doctor or first responder.

This is going to be my last post on this. I'm not unsympathetic, but I simply can't believe there are people out there that think that I am required by law to help them.

[rabbit]

By "regulation"? That's not "help". I'm all for having a "heads up" on potential problems, but do you think that there's got to be some sort of law or statute or rule requiring a partner administer first aid for T1D or MS or lupus or...... Need I go on? Your medical condition is YOUR medical condition, not mine. Don't make me a doctor or first responder.

This is going to be my last post on this. I'm not unsympathetic, but I simply can't believe there are people out there that think that I am required by law to help them.

Ok I agree about your explaination, and also don't think you need to be 'regulated' by some law to be responsible to your partner.  Hope you would want to know, by choice or otherwise. if your partner has a potential proble, shoule it arise during your game, so you can get help .

[Rulekeep]

 

No rules that I know of -

But, we had a guy with angina and took nitro on the field.

He was a good friend of mine, and me being a paramedic, I noticed it one day. He never told me, but I asked him if I could inform the rest of the board - he was good with that. It looked like we was eating mints or seeds, except for the color of the bottle.

 

With the ump being a type 1 diabetic, he knows his body, his reactions and his disease better than anyone. He knows his limitations. Good for him for staying active and doing baseball.

 

What would be the difference in calling for help if he needs it - he takes a shot at the plate, the heat gets to him, or his sugar gets low?

 

I don't believe that any medical restraints could be placed on umpires (hell - FED allows canes), because it would be considered a violation of civil rights.

 

We have one of those here!! He's a high school coach as well.

 

[JaxRolo]

http://www.capitalgazette.com/sports/high_school_sports/umpire-adapts-to-pursue-passion-on-diamond/article_3f9f897b-85d0-531f-8955-0299618249b5.html?mode=image&photo=2

[bam]

http://www.capitalgazette.com/sports/high_school_sports/umpire-adapts-to-pursue-passion-on-diamond/article_3f9f897b-85d0-531f-8955-0299618249b5.html?mode=image&photo=2

I thought I was done with this! I am NOT unsympathetic to the problems or paraplegics, or quads for that matter. Do I want a similarly disabled individual in the field whilst I'm behind the plate? Uh, no.

Can't we agree that there are certain things that someone cannot do owing to a physical disability? Further, that disability may put others in jeopardy, as I can definitely see a rock head player crashing headlong into the wheelchair. Is this where the ADA meets the real world?

[Umpire in Chief]

As for T1D. I know some people who are and speaking in broad terms like some of the members who have T1D it is manageable but can also be a huge problem if the person doesn't keep on top of it. If the individual doesn't feel the need to share with his crew that is his prerogative.

 

As for the wheelchair bound umpire. I think that is a tricky situation. 1st NFHS allows umpires to use mobility devices, however speaking as an employer who deals with ADA issues I would have to say I would question his ability to meet the physical requirements of the position. Can he effectively cover 3rd on a rotation? Or take a BR around the infield if the BU goes out from A? 

 

I'm not saying he can't but I would ask him to demonstrate these abilities before putting him out on the field. Until you get to a 6 man crew, he is going to have responsibilities away from the plate. 

[stevis]

 

Ok. Am I the only one here thinking "why the f$@k are regulations necessary, unless the regulations require an individual with T1D to agree to hold blameless any individual on or off the field in the event of a diabetic event?"

I mean, c''mon man! Why would someone's diabetic condition put others in a "serious position"? Why am I responsible for your problem? This sh!t infuriates me! Regulations on bystanders? Steam is literally coming out of my ears right now.

I'd gess you wouldn't have seen an athlete( or umpire who is working with you) with T1D have a hypo in the middle of the field, swerve around like he was dizzy and at risk of getting a ball in the head, and missing a easy play because he was 'zoned out' due to a low glu level.

 

Even some all doctors can't 'see 'when a "brittle'"T1D is having a hypo unless they're aware they have T1D

 

 It has happened, and the reason I raised it is not to make the other crew members responsible for this person, but only to see if it is a valid request to know , that, if your crew partner has T1D, that you can help him get some help if needed. 

 

It's easy to get too concerned about this though...this is why Ron Santo hid his diagnosis from everyone for years when he was playing. 

 

From his wife's HOF induction speech:

 

"Ron told the story many times about an afternoon at Wrigley Field when he was really struggling. The low sugar came over him very quickly, as it sometimes did, and suddenly he found himself in the on-deck circle. Don Kessinger, Glenn Beckert had already reached base, Billy Williams was at the plate and Ron's sugar was really low. It got so bad as Billy took his sweet time up there working the count that Ron was hoping Billy would just strike out so he could end the inning and get back to the dugout for a candy bar, but Billy walked to load the bases. Now Ron really had a problem. His vision was blurry and he was weak. His plan was to hit the first pitch but he didn't count on seeing three balls coming to him so he picked the middle of the three and swung hard. He did it. A grand slam. But as they ran the bases, Billy was jogging, enjoying the moment and Ron quickly caught up to him. Billy said, "Hey don't pass me up, what's your hurry?" Ron said, "You better get moving, Whistler, or I'm running right around you." Billy picked up the pace and they got off the field but it wasn't until years later that Ron explained why he needed to get off the field. He hid his diabetes for a decade. He was afraid they might take baseball away from him. That's a long time to keep a secret. Indeed, he was in so many ways a guinea pig."

 

Sorry, that's just my favorite Santo anecdote.

 

Anyway, that freshly diagnosed kid is at some risk, it being new to him, but I don't think most players or umpires are at tremendous risk--and to the extent that they are it's on them and their coaches.   I'm more likely to run a little high because I'm worried about it.   I also know my limits and am never going to put myself in one of these six-plates-in-a-day situations, because I wouldn't be able to handle it cleanly.

[Bkesler24]

No rules that I know of -

But, we had a guy with angina and took nitro on the field.

He was a good friend of mine, and me being a paramedic, I noticed it one day. He never told me, but I asked him if I could inform the rest of the board - he was good with that. It looked like we was eating mints or seeds, except for the color of the bottle.

With the ump being a type 1 diabetic, he knows his body, his reactions and his disease better than anyone. He knows his limitations. Good for him for staying active and doing baseball.

What would be the difference in calling for help if he needs it - he takes a shot at the plate, the heat gets to him, or his sugar gets low?

I don't believe that any medical restraints could be placed on umpires (hell - FED allows canes), because it would be considered a violation of civil rights.

[Bkesler24]

@JaxRolo I don't care what they say about you, you ok in my book GREAT PICTURE!