ASA-certified umpire calling forfeited game

[Momo'sDad]

If a game is declared a forfeit (team drops to 6 players) but the managers still wish to play the game out to the time limit, is it 'illegal' for an umpire to continue to call that non-game of their own volition?

The site director is claiming that, under ASA rules, there's a liability issue if the action continues and the umpire is calling it, thus making it illegal to do so, but he cannot cite the section of the rulebook where this rule is found.

 

[shagpal]

it is a liability for the umpires and the league or tournament. ASA (bollinger) will not insure that umpire nor the organizer for a game that has been declared ended, but play continues.

If a game is declared a forfeit (team drops to 6 players) but the managers still wish to play the game out to the time limit, is it 'illegal' for an umpire to continue to call that non-game of their own volition?

The site director is claiming that, under ASA rules, there's a liability issue if the action continues and the umpire is calling it, thus making it illegal to do so, but he cannot cite the section of the rulebook where this rule is found.

 

[honus14]

It's not "illegal," but the umpire is not covered by his or her insurance. It's right on the website that explains the insurance:

When are they covered?
When they umpire games, leagues, and tournaments involving ASA registered teams and the event has been authorized by an ASA Commissioner and/or his/her designee or authorized by ASA.

Nothing there about practice games or scrimmages, which is what you have once the official game ends.

 

[MTR]

If a game is declared a forfeit (team drops to 6 players) but the managers still wish to play the game out to the time limit, is it 'illegal' for an umpire to continue to call that non-game of their own volition?

The site director is claiming that, under ASA rules, there's a liability issue if the action continues and the umpire is calling it, thus making it illegal to do so, but he cannot cite the section of the rulebook where this rule is found.

Its not something that belongs in the rule book.

The issue is liability. If the game was forfeited, it is officially over. You can promise the umpire all you want that you will not hold him liable should there be an issue, but you don't have the authority to provide such a waiver.

This has been addressed by Bollinger at a UIC clinic. Bollinger will cover the umpire in this situation, but will not be happy about it. In the past couple of years, umpires have suffered a 28% increase in their registration, purely do to an increased premium and they have also had their travel coverage cut, then reinstated with restrictions.

Just because we have insurance, there is no reason to place ourselves in a tenuous situation that may ultimately affect every ASA umpire in the country. And when dealing with liability, there is no guarantee the coverage will be enough. First thing you will be told by the insurance company is that you may want to hire another lawyer for any judgement beyond your coverage. IOW, just because we have insurance, doesn't mean we do something we are not supposed to do.

 

[Greenmonsters]

So an umpire needs insurance for each assoc that they work under? ASA, NFHS, PONY, etc? Does USSSA cover all the others though? Hows it work for scrimmages and friendlies between TB or HS teams?

 

[MTR]

So an umpire needs insurance for each assoc that they work under? ASA, NFHS, PONY, etc? Does USSSA cover all the others though? Hows it work for scrimmages and friendlies between TB or HS teams?

Federation has a broader base, but that is because they do not compete with any of the others. Many umpires purchase additional insurance to cover them pass the allowance of that of the other associations. In ASA, like NFHS, the umpire's registration includes a base supplemental medical plus a liability insurance. It covers only ASA events. I can only assume the others are similar.

 

[Ajaywill]

Federation has a broader base, but that is because they do not compete with any of the others. Many umpires purchase additional insurance to cover them pass the allowance of that of the other associations. In ASA, like NFHS, the umpire's registration includes a base supplemental medical plus a liability insurance. It covers only ASA events. I can only assume the others are similar.

If a sports official is a registered HS official with the NFHS (and not all states are NFHS members for HS play), the insurance provided with that registration covers the official if they work any level of any sport that is a sanctioned HS sport in their state. Officials also have the option to purchase insurance through NASO, the National Association of Sports Officials.

 

[shagpal]

USSSA has its own insurance.

there's also NASO that is independent officials insurance.

So an umpire needs insurance for each assoc that they work under? ASA, NFHS, PONY, etc? Does USSSA cover all the others though? Hows it work for scrimmages and friendlies between TB or HS teams?

 

[Momo'sDad]

Thanks for the clarification, MTR, though my follow-up question is the same as Greemonsters with respect to unsanctioned, but umpired friendlies.

 

[MTR]

Thanks for the clarification, MTR, though my follow-up question is the same as Greemonsters with respect to unsanctioned, but umpired friendlies.

Think that questioned as already been answered.

Those umpires either have NFHS or additional insurance. Or they are jeopardizing home and, possibly, family.