Handling Those Situations Part 2

Once again handling argument situations properly takes some experience. However with proper training and practice you should be able to always act accordingly.

Partner Help
1. Do not gang up on a coach. If he is having a "discussion" with your partner you should be
within a ear's distance. If multiple coaches for some ungodly reason are there escort away the
assistant. Simply do not double team a coach.
2. When he is restricted to the dugout or ejected you may begin to move in and attempt (without
physically handling him) to escort him to the dugout. Granted he may rant for a bit, be calm
and let him know its time to go.
3. Help your partner out. This is different from having "rabbit ears" and hearing everything said
during the game. If your partner is being ridden by coaches or players in a way that is too far,
warn, talk to your partner between innings and be ready at times to step in. If Jamie and I
work a game and something inappropriate is said from the bench and he didn't hear it I may
choose to step in and take the action. I am trying not to step on his toes but I may be
necessary at times. Choose wisely.

Things They Simply Cannot Do...
1. Argue balls and strikes.... This includes check swings. They will harp and chirp at times. This
should not be persistent. Coaches cannot do this. Especially, they are not allowed to leave
their position to argue these judgment calls. This cannot be allowed.
2.Ask on every pitch, "where was that one?" This is not needed to be directed to you or to the
catcher. Honestly I have no problems with a coach asking at times to see where his pitcher is
missing but not to show his disgust at a call. A good catcher should work with you back there.
"Sir, was that low?" Simply say yes it was low. Or if the the pitch was close and it was outside
and the coach asks the catcher usually will say, " it was outside coach". At times you may have
a catcher say, "I don't know" or shrugs his shoulder. This will start to look as if you are wrong
to everyone. Simply ask the catcher to work with you, especially if he wants those pitches
called strikes.
3. Storm out of the dugout and scream at you.... That may look great in professional baseball
but it does not fly in high school baseball. If often results in an ejection
4. Point around during an argument.... You should keep your arms behind your back or relaxed
at your sides during an argument... and so should the coach. Do not allow the coach to point
around. It can be interpreted from the benches and the stands as he is showing you something
that you did not see. It is not needed. Ask him to put his hands down and stop pointing.
5. Show you.... what I mean it show you the slide marks, chalk line or what happened. This is
not allowed and again can be interpreted from the benches and the stands as he is showing you
something that you did not see.

Be approachable
A major complaint we hear from managers and coaches is that some officials are not approachable. They are afraid to even come out due to possibly getting the EJ (ejection). Part of the problem is these managers and coaches come out screaming and acting in a way unfitting of remaining in the game. Sometimes umpires are quick on the trigger. I'm not here to bash fellow umpires for giving the EJ (heck I get my fair share) because nearly all ejections are due from the coach ejecting himself. I feel we should strive to be approachable by coaches. I deeply feel that baseball is a great game and the traditions of coaches and mangagers being able to approach the arbiter on the field is timeless. They should come out and pleed their case. Not throw a fit. But argue for his cause. Allow this at times, it is part of the game. Yet, when they cross the line... it is time to go

Rules to argue by..
1. Allow coaches to come talk to you
2. Give them reasonable amount of time to "explain" to you what they need to say (20-30
seconds) Do not allow them to go on and on. Be in charge when you decide this discussion is
done, it is done. Example, "Coach, I understand your argument, but that is my call. We need to
move on".
3. Keep arms down
4. Be in control, calm and not be a red a$% (unless you have to)
5. Do not allow a coach to constantly abuse you. If you are new they will try to test you.
6. Do not chase a coach, if he leaves do not follow. If he wants to talk have him come to you.
7. Do not agrue or in any way address a fan. We do not care what they have to say. They are not
part of the game. If something gets out of hand. Approach the coach and they can deal with it.
Again do not eject fans or address calls with fans.

Vets please comment and add anything you may feel is appropriate. Thanks

The first pitch is almost here. Study up, practice in front of the mirror, shine those shoes, crease that hat, practice your tracking and get ready for the ride. Only 4 days left!

-Ricky