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This is kind of a sensitive area, but would like some input. We were at a tournament where we had a field umpire who wasn't getting into a good position to make calls at second base, our coach was upset at the first call at second base where catcher threw ball and secondbaseman easily got kid, but ump called safe(I was on third base line and it wasn't even close). Then when we took field our lead off batter got a hit, he ran and slid into second and was called out, ump again was in bad position(at first base) our coach yelled to get into position to make the call and the ump said that's your warning coach, to which he said "come on blue" and was promptly ejected in the first inning. Later I noticed a serious limp he had when walking back from talking to plate ump between innings, I realized he couldn't get into position because he had limited mobility. My question is this, "should he be umping a game"? I know its a very sensitive area and am not trying to sound bad, but his play calling wasn't as good as it could've been had he been able to move quickly into position and make the call.
What are your guy's thoughts? Oh yea, what upset me was the obvious distractions he showed during live ball, looking or texting at his cell phone while lead off batter was at plate and in the box, cheering crowds on other fields was worthy of looks, and more than once with runner on first he stayed at first instead of moving towards pitcher.
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It sounds like there is more going on than just a lack of mobility. If he stays in A with a runner on first, he is foregoing a positon that would require less movement to keep up with runners. That's counter intuitive for an umpie with mobility issues.

So it sounds to me like a combination of lack of training and lack of mobility with a dash of indifference thrown in. (cell phone)

I'm sorry that you had such an experiene with an umpire.

In my association, evaluations are based on performance and include consideration for mobility and reaction to developing plays.

We have some umpires who were once top level, and still have excellent judgement and mechanics knowledge, but for one reason or another have lost their ability to get to where they need to be and when. We love them dearly and appreciate what they have contributed, but we reduce their rating and the level of games when this happens.
quote:
Originally posted by Jimmy03:
It sounds like there is more going on than just a lack of mobility. If he stays in A with a runner on first, he is foregoing a positon that would require less movement to keep up with runners. That's counter intuitive for an umpie with mobility issues.

So it sounds to me like a combination of lack of training and lack of mobility with a dash of indifference thrown in. (cell phone)

I'm sorry that you had such an experiene with an umpire.



Im going to agree 100% ++ with Jimmy...this wasnt just a mobility issue.....this was some serious indifference shown to the game....

NFHS rules permit umpires to use mobility devices (canes, walkers and wheelchairs)....Now I HAVE NEVER seen an umpire use any of them, but it is legal...

This umpire has serious issues regarding his health, his mechanic knowledege and his respect of the game.

If it was just a mobility issue, I have seen some low level umpires call the entire game from the B position...

But disrespecting the game by texting or using a phone during the game is unforgiveable.....
Last edited by piaa_ump

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