Umpiring touching catcher

[gdc03120]

As a 2nd-year HS umpire (but I've done it longer for youth levels), we were/are instructed NEVER to initiate contact with a catcher in their catching position, etc. Just doesn't seem right/no need for it. The only time I'll contact a catcher is in the event a foul ball hits them/ricochets off them and I feel they need a minute to gather themselves. I'll tap their shoulder and say, "Take your time, I've got it" and I'll walk the ball out to the pitcher. Aside from that, the less contact, the better for everyone's sake.

 

[Comocoach]

Is this umpire too close?

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[ang2bmd]

Had this exact thing at ohio stingrays Showcase tournament this summer in 12u...I guess it never ends.

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[The Man In Blue]

Is this umpire too close?View attachment 14714

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Yes he is ... if you are using the backstop as the point of reference.

On an unrelated note, I still don’t care for the USSSA red ...

 

[KPower]

The only time an ump has ever touched my daughter was at the JR Sparkler All Star game. It was hilarious though and nothing to get upset about. She was a little thing at the time - not even 5’ and probably about 80 lbs - and she was catching for her 14U team. The coach had NO faith in her and put her at the bottom of the batting line up and waited until the end of the game to let her play catcher. She came out in all her gear and introduced herself to the gentleman behind the plate. First batter gets on on a drag bunt - very fast slapper. Runner tries to steal 2 and DD guns her out from her knees. The ump was banging on her helmet and laughing saying “there is no way I ever imagined that being possible!”. A couple plays later DD tags another runner out at home on a wild pitch she had to chase down. The ump again started patting her on the head and telling her great job. Funny thing is - we keep seeing this same ump every year since and he always recognizes DD - saying “hey - there’s my favorite catcher.” This year DD was playing CF when he umped our game and he asked her after the game during the first bumps “hey - aren’t you my favorite catcher?”.


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[CoachRashadB]

I umpire as well as coach, and I never touch a player when I am behind the plate. I make sure I keep a good gap distance much farther than most umpires do for this reason. My approach is to do my job and be respectful of space to the player. I do not need to be so close up on the player to get a call right. I never put myself such position with a player and its not necessary, I do think umpires have their own way of doing things.

 

[The Man In Blue]

You make another great point CoachRashadB ...

I do not need to be so close up on the player to get a call right.

Getting closer to a play does not give you a better view (well, getting closer than the bleachers does ). Getting closer to the strike zone certainly doesn’t give you a better look.

 

[Strike2]

Is this umpire too close?View attachment 14714

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I've seen that before as well...not a good look.

 

[The Man In Blue]

I've seen that before as well...not a good look.

Right?! Those red shirts are awful ...