So this weekend my team was playing in a tournament and I encountered a few things I've never had happen in 10+ years of coaching.
First. Early in the game there was a play at first in which my team hit the ball down 3rd base line and the girl made a great play and threw across the diamond. The throw was slightly short so the girl had to stretch for it and pulled her foot off the base. The outfield up, who was behind the shortstop called her out. I asked him for an appeal to the home plate ump, who had a better view, and he told me "No, you're not getting an appeal" I looked to the home ump, he said "Unless he asks for help, I can't do anything."
Second. Their player was running to 1st and ran through the base. She made a turn towards 2nd, stepped into the field of play and walked back towards 1st. My player tagged her because she made that step. I'm not sure if she thought about 2nd or not, but she clearly stepped into the field of play. Again, the ump is behind the shortstop, calls her safe and I asked for an appeal. Like the last time, he told me "No." I walked out and asked him if we could please get a second opinion from the home ump because he can see down the line. He told me "Not a chance" and walked away from me.
Third (and final). Their girl bunted down 1st baseline. As she broke down the line, she kicked the ball. She was clearly out of the box. The home ump called her out. The field ump jumped in and said "No, she was in the box, thats a foul ball, she goes back." I asked the plate ump "Isn't that your call, not his?" And he just shrugged.
After the game I tried to talk to both umps and was met with a ton of disrespect. I said "Twice, I asked for an appeal and twice you denied it, why would you do that?" He said "Because I didn't need help, I know I'm right" I was angry and made it clear, he then told me that I was "A terrible coach and needed to go home".
Basically, I'm just wondering if I'm totally wrong here and the field umps don't allow for appeals and regularly deny them. I've never encountered it, but I've only been doing travel ball a short time. I've never seen it in HS ball.
#1 Be specific in your request, calm, cool and soft spoken. I've found if you ask for time...and hustle over to the FU (don't run but don't saunter out either)...and quietly state your request, most of the time they will confer. When an umpire says "no I had a clear view. I'm not asking for help" Politely say thank you for considering it...and hustle back to your post. I found this technique to work very well and as a game or tournament goes on...that same umpire has been more willing to listen to a request or ask for help from another umpire. Thank the PU as well for calling time. Sometimes it's about building relationship with the umpire(s). We try the kill them with kindness approach. It's paid dividends later in a game, that tournament or future tournaments when we have the same umpire.
ONCE in a while you get the cranky ump....and there's just nothing you can do.
#3 FU was wrong to over rule. Should have talked quietly with PU. We had similar situation this weekend. Girl bunts...ball bounces up and hits her and she hasn't even moved out of the box. PU called her out...should have been a foul ball. Between innings the FU and PU talked and the FU, obviously the more experienced ump, instructed the PU on what to look for and how his call was incorrect. He then counseled him on what to do if a coach had asked for help (neither coaches did) It was a refreshing moment for us to see an umpire counseling and help improve his craft.