Why can't I get time? (Another DON'T CALL TIME thread)

[The Man in Blue]

Somebody has been watching softball and learned the Lookback Rule . . . somebody else has not.

 

 

 

[MadMax]

18 minutes ago, The Man in Blue said:

and learned the Lookback Rule

I’ve worked 2 softball games – two ✌🏼– in my 17 year career (thus far), and the Lookback Rule, or, my unawareness of it, cost me a chance at a significant relationship. 

<sigh> 🫩

Danielle, if you’re out there, sorry… 

 

 

 

… but I still don’t know the Lookback Rule, or how a solo umpire, conditioned to watch the ball (at least where it is), is supposed to see what it is that a Runner violated. 

[SeeingEyeDog]

I guess as the kids would say...this play is trending, especially in the travel ranks in my market. One variant has R1, R3 to start the play so, in two-man U1 is in the B position and then R1 "uses" U1 as a visual and throwing lane screen...with varying results depending on the skill and or baseball IQ of the players involved...

This is not baseball, frankly...and I would not want to be successful playing the game this way.

~Dawg

[834k3r]

23 hours ago, MadMax said:

I’ve worked 2 softball games – two ✌🏼– in my 17 year career (thus far), and the Lookback Rule, or, my unawareness of it, cost me a chance at a significant relationship. 

<sigh> 🫩

Danielle, if you’re out there, sorry… 

 

 

 

… but I still don’t know the Lookback Rule, or how a solo umpire, conditioned to watch the ball (at least where it is), is supposed to see what it is that a Runner violated. 

[ArchAngel72]

That was a clear cut case of poor coaching.  Those kids and coach had NEVER been involved with a situation like that and they showed it.

 

Bet they never make that mistake again.

[Velho]

1 hour ago, ArchAngel72 said:

That was a clear cut case of poor coaching.  Those kids and coach had NEVER been involved with a situation like that and they showed it.

Agreed, the players didn't have confidence to try and execute. Coach did get a well timed visit to tell them to simply get the outs. Note that CT didn't pull this against Aruba.

1 hour ago, ArchAngel72 said:

Bet they never make that mistake again.

It does lead to a discussion on how to handle it given LL unique rules. Hopefully teams and umpires alike will take it as a learning opportunity without having to live it first.

[ArchAngel72]

I have seen this behavior in 10 U mostly early in the season by seasoned coaches and kids taking "advantage" of new kids and coaches.

Sometimes it lasts into later in the season with teams that do not pick up on how to handle the situation.

 

I never saw this in 12U kids and coaches were usually well versed with those shenanigan's

 

[Velho]

How much you experience this is a contributing factor. SD comes from a much smaller (and maybe less cut throat?) area. I'm guessing SD has a short regular season and know they don't have Section tournament while CT does.

Also, for anyone reading this (since I know @ArchAngel72 understands), note that this is different than simply taking extra bases. By NOT taking the next base they're baiting the offense into action when none is really necessary - though that requires teams and umpires to be prepared to deal with the situation.

[Coach Carl]

It is essentially a variation on skunk in the outfield.  The offense is distracting the defense with R1 while trying to sneak R3 home.  The same response is required: ignore him.  However, due to the 60 foot basepaths, ignoring means allowing him to easily steal 2nd base.  

Unless you have a play ready to bait the runner from 3rd to try for home and then get him out, you are left with either letting him steal or trading the run for an out.

[Velho]

1 hour ago, Coach Carl said:

Unless you have a play ready to bait the runner from 3rd to try for home and then get him out, you are left with either letting him steal or trading the run for an out.

Yes and, same as all other rulesets, you can ignore them. Good thing is LL has a built in penalty. Throw a pitch while they are off the base and any advances will be kept to a minimum for ALL runners.