Addressing/Questioning the Field Umpite

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Jun 1, 2015
500
43
Off-hand, either from coaches or umpires on the DFP board - what is the appropriate way to address a concern with a play to a field umpire? Let's say a play occurs where the field umpire should have the call/see the play occur but does not (e.g. a runner going from 1st to 3rd is obstructed by the 2B, but the FU is either blocked himself or just doesn't make a call). I would assume time is requested from the PU, but then what would be the right way to handle the situation?

> I don't believe yelling across the field to the FU would be correct.
> I don't believe running/walking across the field to the FU would be correct.

Does a coach approach the PU for assistance or is there another way to properly ask for clarification/address a matter with a field umpire? Thanks!
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
If you have a rule on your side call time and discuss, if they just miss a call ask them to ask for help. If they do or not is up to them, should not happen very often.

If you do it every close play, your team is done.

I have no issue with yelling so they can hear me, not yelling at them.

(Also if it is a conversation, time and discuss, try to get away from backstop and players.)
 
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Jun 1, 2015
500
43
Agreed - referring to your last comment, THAT'S specifically what I'm looking to answer here. I have umpired youth (non-sanctioned) baseball/softball for 13 years, so when I coach softball, this is where I say the least to officials since I know the difficulties involved. I'm more asking - is it allowed/appropriate to call for time and go onto the field, or go through the PU and say, "May I go address the field umpire about a matter" and then go, etc. I wouldn't talk around parents/players, etc about an in-game matter - I just want a Coach-Blue conversation to either a.) Ask about a play for clarification, b.) Bring a concern to their attention I feel is either detrimental to play or of a similar nature, or c.) Something along these lines.
 
Jul 22, 2015
851
93
Always address the ump that had/should have had the call first. It is highly unlikely (and generally inappropriate) the plate umpire would ever address the call unless asked by the field ump for help. That said, a good ump will ask for help if he truly didn't see the play in question.
 
Sep 14, 2011
768
18
Glendale, AZ
1. Wait for the play to finish.
2. Request time (from either umpire) and wait for time to be granted
3. It is OK to go onto the field once time has been granted, just don't "charge" at the umpire
4. Ask a question...umpires will respond to a question, but not necessarily a statement.
5. If you ask an umpire to consult with his partner, have something specific that does not involve judgement. In other words...."I don't agree with your call" is not reason for an umpire to go to his/her partner.
6. Do your best to stay calm, civil, and respectful. You are more likely to have the umpire listen to you and consider your request. Good umpires understand that you are emotionally involved in the game.
7. Be prepared to walk away after the conversation is over, no matter the outcome.

Baseball/softball is the only game that coaches are allowed to come into the playing area to talk to an official. Use that privilege when necessary, but don't abuse it.
 
Jun 6, 2016
2,714
113
Chicago
I'm curious if "Did you get a good look at that one?" is an acceptable question to ask sometimes. Obviously if it's just a play at first and the umpire is right there, don't ask that. But there are some tricky plays, or plays that happen across the field, or maybe a fielder blocked them.

I guess I'm trying to figure out the way to get to asking them if they'll ask for help without just saying "Can you ask for help?" That's insulting, too, if you open with that.

Had a play in the spring where the girl on the other team barely overran third base. It looked like our 3B may have had a tag on her, and her body could have been blocking the umpire's view. Or maybe not. It was a play where I think the HP umpire may have had a better view. I did go out to talk to the umpire, but I realized on my way out there I had no idea HOW to address this. It is possible he had a good view, and it's also possible he got the call right (and these umpires were two of the best we had all year). I don't think I handled it the best way I could have. I think I asked if the runner came off the bag, then screwed up and asked if he could check with the HP ump. He said he didn't need help, so I said OK and went back to the dugout. I still think if I had asked a better first question, I might have convinced him.
 
Last edited:
Sep 14, 2011
768
18
Glendale, AZ
I'm curious if "Did you get a good look at that one?" is an acceptable question to ask sometimes. Obviously if it's just a play at first and the umpire is right there, don't ask that. But there are some tricky plays, or plays that happen across the field, or maybe a fielder blocked them.

I guess I'm trying to figure out the way to get to asking them if they'll ask for help without just saying "Can you ask for help?" That's insulting, too, if you open with that.

Had a play in the spring where the girl on the other team barely overran third base. It looked like our 3B may have had a tag on her, and her body could have been blocking the umpire's view. Or maybe not. It was a play where I think the HP umpire may have had a better view. I did go out to talk to the umpire, but I realized on my way out there I had no idea HOW to address this. It is possible he had a good view, and it's also possible he got the call right (and these umpires were two of the best we had all year). I don't think I handled it the best way I could have. I think I asked if the runner came off the bag, then screwed up and asked if he could check with the HP ump. He said he didn't need help, so I said OK and went back to the dugout. I still think if I had asked a better first question, I might have convinced him.

If you think the umpire may have been blocked from seeing the play or not in a good position, ask that. "Blue, I saw the runner come off the bag. I think you may have been blocked from seeing that. Could you check with your partner?"

Sometimes. players do something unexpected or a play happens so fast, the umpire cannot get in a good position to see everything, but still need to make a call based on what is seen. A good umpire, if approached respectfully, should be willing to go to his/her partner if s/he has any doubt about the call.
 
Jun 6, 2016
2,714
113
Chicago
If you think the umpire may have been blocked from seeing the play or not in a good position, ask that. "Blue, I saw the runner come off the bag. I think you may have been blocked from seeing that. Could you check with your partner?"

Sometimes. players do something unexpected or a play happens so fast, the umpire cannot get in a good position to see everything, but still need to make a call based on what is seen. A good umpire, if approached respectfully, should be willing to go to his/her partner if s/he has any doubt about the call.

Gotcha. It's tough because ultimately the reason I'm out there is to say "I think you screwed up," so it can be difficult to approach that the right way.
 

Axe

Jul 7, 2011
459
18
Atlanta
Gotcha. It's tough because ultimately the reason I'm out there is to say "I think you screwed up," so it can be difficult to approach that the right way.

He dIdn't screw up, he made a call based on the information he had. A good umpire will be willing to get more information from his partner if it's seems possible he missed something.
 

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