New Zealand Little League World Series Playoff

[kanga669]

Hey Guys

Following scenario happened here a few weeks back with me as the plate ump; and I cant say i have EVER seen that happen before, despite having umped countless games in the US.

This was game 3 of a best of 3 series between two U14 games which would decide as to who would go on to HongKong in order to represent NZ. Needless to say, emotions were quite high from both sides, and it didn't help that there, apparently, have been fights and threats before from one team to the other.

Anyways, just prior to the plate conference, the home team manager approaches me voicing his concerns about me being biased towards the visitors as I mostly end up being scheduled for their games. In other words, he accused me of not being impartial.

Me, being the caring person that I am(and no ejections so far :-), advised him that, if he would have told me that AFTER control was given to me over the field(exchange of line up cards at the plate conf) I would toss him out for that type of remark so quickly it would make his head spin....he apologized, problem solved, no hard feelings.

I did inform the board of the comments that were made because, quite frankly, I was disgusted with these comments, as they were insulting my integrity. Additionally, I would love to see that coach reprimanded so that he would learn his lesson since I would not want an inexperienced umpire to experience, let alone tolerate this type of behavior.

Even though I strongly believe I handled this matter correctly, I would not mind getting some input from you guys and hear what you would have done.

[LomUmp]

Hey all,

Once you walk onto the field, it is "under your control"! No warning, toss the manager for doing that, EVERY TIME!!

LomUmp 8)

[kanga669]

i should point out that this happened some 45 mins prior to the start of the game when my partners and me did a routine inspection of the field.

But I do see your point lol

[shickenbottom]

In LL tournaments, usually, the District Host Staff does all the equipment / Field inspections. This way they can brief you and your crew on the ground rules for a particular field, where the holes in the fence are, ect.

This allows you and your partners to stay off the field until roughly 10 minutes before game time. You can make your grand entrance at this time. Then, if there are any questions that "Impune your Integrity," toss without hessitation immediately and emphatically.

Based on this, there is no need for you to be on the field 45 minutes before game time.

[SocalBlue1]

In LL tournaments, usually, the District Host Staff does all the equipment / Field inspections. This way they can brief you and your crew on the ground rules for a particular field, where the holes in the fence are, ect.

This allows you and your partners to stay off the field until roughly 10 minutes before game time. You can make your grand entrance at this time. Then, if there are any questions that "Impune your Integrity," toss without hesitation immediately and emphatically.

Based on this, there is no need for you to be on the field 45 minutes before game time.

Huh???? Only the game umpires would have authority to remove illegal equipment, make decisions on field playability, etc.

I have walked every single field for play off/all star games (All levels) in 30+ years. I'm not about to let someone else make decisions for my crew.

Kanga, in this case I would have ejected the manager on the spot, no question. He knew exactly what he was doing.

[JBowling]

I say if you are in uniform and on the field, whether or not line-ups have been exchanged, Dump him.

Then go dump the other coach to prove that you're impartial. J/K :D

[kanga669]

yeah i see where you are coming from....problem is though...here in NZ they do require you to make the walkover, which is fine, but they never want you to wear uniforms for that....I would have loved to run him right there, I just don't see how I can throw someone out of a"game" when I am not even dressed and its another 45mins to game time...I mean, where do u draw the line.....can i toss someone out of the bar if i see him the night before at a bar and he is being inapporprpiate :D :D

[SocalBlue1]

Once you are on site you are an umpire. If you are walking the field it's in an official capacity, period. Just because you may not be in uniform that doesn't paint a target on your back.