Second Thoughts
General Information from Mr. Blue!
The Umpires' 13 Suggestions
Archive Articles:
Rules Not Understood
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Umpires' Tip of the week:
All coaches need to bring a copy of their team's local rules to the ball park each and every game!
Tips of the Week Archive
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Rule Books and The Umpire
by Barry Sullivan
Here's something that may make our games go smoother.
Everybody knows coaches should NEVER bring the ASA Rule Book on the field. It's permissable to question a rule but they should NEVER bring the book on the field. If they feel the umpire is wrong, they can ask him/her to talk with his/her partner. If they still don't get the ruling that they feel is proper, they can always protest (provided local rule allows protest).
BUT WHAT ABOUT LOCAL RULES:
Because we umpire at multiple parks and because there are so many local rules, we instruct the umpires to read the local rules before they take the field. Even then, there is a possibility that the umpires may not make their ruling in accordance with your local rules. We have instructed the umpires to always be receptive to discussion about local rules. We strongly encourage all coaches to bring a copy of his/her team's local rules to the game. If coaches approach umpires with respect, the umpires will always ask you to show in to them!
We definitely want to get it right and we do not resent coaches bringing local rules to our attention! To make it all happen, all coaches need to bring a copy of their team's local rules to the ball park each and every game!