Jump to content

How close should I get, when should I "join" a conversation?


pl8ump1012

Recommended Posts

If a coach comes out to discuss/argue a call with my partner, how close should I get? When should I "intervene" or "join"? Should I wait until/if there's an ejection to join? Sooner?

I don't want to give the impression that I think my partner can't handle it, but I also don't want to leave them hanging.

For frame of reference, let's assume varsity high school level, if that makes a difference.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Give it 15 - 20 seconds and let your partner handle it. When you approach, stay far enough away that you can hear the conversation but, close enough that your partner can see you and feels supported. If there is an ejection, a non-ejecting umpire should escort the coach to the dugout so they can gather and depart while you can also identify the new manager. The ejecting umpire should withdraw to their position (plate, base). Avoid situations where a coach is talking to more than one umpire at the same time.

If you have a very inexperienced umpire on your crew who is interacting with the coach and or an umpire who is a minor engaging with an adult coach, then you can approach the conversation immediately while again remaining far enough away that you can hear and close enough for your partner to see you and feel supported.

~Dawg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This question gets at the art of umpiring, and no one answer will be adequate to every situation. 

Some of the variables include:

  • experience level of the two partners
  • relationship, if any, with coach
  • temperature of the game
  • nature of the call being discussed
  • need to focus on other participants

noumpere's answer is right for playing rodeo clown, but if I'm with an inexperienced umpire (even on a varsity game) I will listen in. If the discussion involves a more challenging rule (batter or catcher INT, for instance), I'll listen in to make sure we're giving good info. And if a newer partner is getting ridden too hard, I'll intervene to shut it down.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...