Interesting situation - how would you handle it

The first mistake, aside from bringing in an ineligible pitcher, was when any umpire ruled on or even gave an opion on his eligiblity. This is an administrative rule interpreted and enforced by league administrators, not umpires.

Note then when they contacted the head of the umpiring assocation he washed his hands of the mess and simply told them to follow the scholastic rule. I'm sure he had more words for them after the game.

Personally, if I were the umpire and a coach came to me regarding a potential ineligible pitcher I would tell the complaining coach it was out of my jursidiction and he would need to take it up with the league. If no league official was present at the play-off game, then he would have to take it up after the game.

I would then notify the coach of the alleged ineligible pitcher that the matter has come up, and again, it is out of my jurisdiction but it would probably be pursued after the game.

quote:

Note then when they contacted the head of the umpiring assocation he washed his hands of the mess and simply told them to follow the scholastic rule. I'm sure he had more words for them after the game.

You know when I first read the article I thought the head umpire passed the buck back to them but after reading all of your post I can see where he was trying to keep them from opening a can or worms.

So basically the Mount View coach should have let the guy pitch and then protested or said something after the game? Then the tournament director or state governing body could make the final decision.

I wonder how this would have been handled in a state like Kentucky that doesn't allow protests if it was handled like you say it should have been?

Most states that "do not allow protests" are speaking to protests regarding playing rules and events, not administrative rules. Protests regarding league or state administrative rules are usually "considered".

I find it difficult to believe that a league or state official was not in attendance at a play-off game of this level.