Texas Two Step wrote:I understand that there are many rules to the game and rules vary based on the sanctioning of the tournament. But seems to me that it would do everyone some good if umpires would go back to school and find a way to get more consistent with how to interpret the rules.
It's concerning when you think about the obstruction rule, interference rule, look back rule, what constitutes offering a bunt, and it varies from one crew/game to the next.
Seems to me that there are way to many rules left up to the judgment of the umpires.
Consistency guys...that's all I ask for.
Umpires do go back to school, each and every year. So far this year, I have attended two clinics, one school, one online rules interpretation meeting, and six association meetings where we discuss rules and mechanics. I am scheduled for one more school and at least one more association meeting.
I know sometimes coaches, players, and spectators can look at two very similar plays where both calls may go against them as the offensive team and the defensive team. Even if it's the same game and the same umpire, just the slightest variation can cause the difference in a ruling. For example, on defense you have a fielder who is called for obstructing a runner because she is blocking a base or a base path without possession of the ball and she impedes or hinders the runner. Then you're on offense and there is no call when an opposing fielder is blocking a base or a base path without possession of the ball, but she does not impede or hinder the runner. Similarly, interference, look back violations, or bunt attempts may or may not be judged to have occurred on plays that look identical, depending on the circumstances. Umpires often use the term "Had to be there" because while we may be able to tell someone the rule book definition for these events, it is more often than not impossible to tell someone whether or not it actually occurred if we did not witness the play in question.
Yes, there are good umpires and bad umpires. Even if it is a bad umpire, you can take solace in remembering that (s)he is going to be a bad umpire for both teams. Having coached baseball for thirteen years prior to becoming an umpire, I can honestly say that as a coach I never felt an umpire was cheating our team, even when I disagreed with their calls. As an umpire, I can honestly say that I like some teams better than others, but when it comes to making calls I'm not looking at the uniform they're wearing when I'm judging balls and strikes or safes and outs.