- Dec 11, 2010
- 4,728
- 113
Agree with everything you said. Hey I'll add this- maybe its time for the sanctions to work on the wording. When that rule was written many moons ago bats weren't three/four bills!Because every rule book says that bats must be free of "rattles, dents, burrs, cracks and sharp edges" (NFHS wording specifically).
It doesn't provide any exceptions or exclusions. It doesn't provide me with any reasoning.
My honest opinion -- that shouldn't be my job as an umpire. I should not be checking your equipment as a preventative measure. I should not be touching YOUR equipment.
I have NO formal training. I have no formal education in the engineering, design, or construction of bats. NOBODY -- let me say that again: NOBODY provides umpires with any training of any kind on this subject. Even when directly asked, neither the bat manufacturers not the codes who write the rulebooks will even discuss the subject. But I am required to perform duties well outside the scope of my knowledge, training, and ability. Big BIG fiasco.