Thread: Should I Protest Game?

I coach 7th/8th grade girls softball and we play under ASA rules. During tonight's game one of the opposing pitcher was taking one to two steps forward and then delivering the pitch. I pointed it out to the umpire and she said that she was not aware of that rule. She also admitted earlier in the game that "I am a first year umpire and still learning."

I also spoke to the opposing coach who said that "she pitches that way all the time and no one ever calls her for it."

My interpretation of the ASA rule is this: The pitcher's pivot foot must maintain contact with the ground during the delivery of the pitch. We teach our pitchers to drag the foot on the ground. We have told them that the umpire will call them for an illegal pitch if they do not.

I understand what a crow hop is but this opposing pitcher was not doing that. She was walking towards the batter and then delivering the ball.

I don't want to sound like sour grapes but feel that they really put our batters at a disadvantage. Add to this that the umpire called the game early. We have the 2 hour rule where no inning can start after 2 hours from the start time of the game. We were at least 10 minutes away from the 2 hour mark and only going into the 5th inning. Her explanation: my boss told me to call the game if it was that close to the hour. So we were ready for our next at bats and did not get that chance.

I informed her that the game was being protested. Now I'm home and wondering if I should call it in. I don't like playing this way but also feel that if our girls have to abide by these rules then so should the other team.

Advice?

Since the game was only going into the 5th at the two hour mark I assume the level of competition is not that high ?

If there wasn't anything on the line like a championship, berth, or otherwise what's the point really ?

I understand you have what sounds like a legimate issue within your local rules but if it's only a win on the line, I might be inclined to let it go.

Don't you have two umps? What did the other ump say about the illegal pitch and calling the game early?

Shouldn't an ump have a firm grasp of the rules before their FIRST game?

Keith

All our games only have one umpire.

Unfortunately girls softball seems to get the short end of the stick in this town/league. Baseball rules. Get all the good fields, equipment, etc.

Forget protesting this game!

Find a parent who is a lawyer and have them draft a letter to the league board and town officials putting them on notice that you are prepared to take action against the league/town regarding the blatant discrimination against female athletes. Also call the local media to discuss the situation.

Keith

Illegal pitches would be judgement calls. You can't protest that. I doubt that you can protest the time thing, either.

I would have my AD write to the supervisor of the umps and get the rules straightened out.

Darrell:

The ASA Rulebook...never leave home without it. Years ago my husband realized despite his knowledge of the rules, everyone believes they're right. Producing the rule book (especially to inexperienced coaches and umpires) may not help the one bad call, but it certainly creates accountability for the continuance of illegal pitching. He keeps a copy of the rulebook in his glove compartment :-)

Ang

My husband doesn't charge the field with the rulebook, Ken, but he will talk to the umpire between innings and respectfully challenge if need be :-)

A couple of weeks ago, there was controversy over showing the ball. Tricky rule and hard to call, but the rule states, "The pitcher must show the ball, no less than one second and no longer than ten seconds." Respectfully between innings my husband stated the rule, but hostility grew (even parents). My husband grabbed the book which was a peacemaker. My husband reinforced the umpire's call and settled the parents (the controversy was about the opposing pitcher). Of course, my husband's choice to support the other team was not handled well by some. We like a clean win.

I would never suggest slamming the rulebook in anyone's face. When handled diplomatically, it serves as an arbitrator. It sounds to me as if she was dealing with inexperienced umpires (which is the case in school ball in our area). There are the two umpires on the field and that's it...not many who have a solid handle on the rules.

Additionally, you made my point by saying, "making sure a person understands..." I have often watched that become an irreconcilable situation because most active coaches and umpires believe they are each right. The rulebook settles the argument...it doesn't create one.

Respectfully,

Ang