Post by Ed Schultz on Mar 3, 2006 1:10:06 GMT -5
The Coach Cometh
... a rudimentary guide to arguments, agreements and ejections
by Brent McLaren
You had to expect this one ... One out, bottom of the fourth inning, a quality game, runners on first and third, just perfect for the line drive to the second baseman with the quick toss back to first for the third out. A routine call except for one small item: the runner from first actually returned to the bag well ahead of the throw however for reasons only known to the player he elected to raise his foot and come down with a loud stomp on the bag ... too late, at least in my judgment. Obviously the opinions of the crowd and first base coach were not the same. Here comes the coach!
What are my immediate objectives?
Diffuse the situation
Reinforce my call
Keep all participants in the game
Maintain an air of dignity and control
Get the game quickly back on track..
Lets go through some simple steps designed to help an umpire reach these ends:
First, get the call right! If you have taken your time and made one call, the correct call, you are already one step up. You know what you saw and therefore exactly why you made the call. If you know you kicked it, and you can't repair it easily, then get ready for the heat. Regardless of your status how you approach these situations may be pivotal to your longevity as an umpire.
Second, since it was close, sell it! Be confident letting everyone know that you saw the complete play. "Out! Out!" followed by a point at the bag adding "Didn't get the foot on the bag!" might just stop the coach in his tracks. A non-chalant out will serve to speed up his steps.
Third, never discuss the call with the player. The runner is either safe or out with perhaps a rudimentary "you didn't have the bag" explanation. There are no lessons to teach or wisdom to dispense, that is the coach's role, let them do it. "You are out ... back to the dugout!" and walk away. A quality coach will intervene immediately and make certain the player does not get involved in the discussions
If you elect to enter into a discussion with the player remember three things: one, everything the player experienced as part of the play only confirms to him that he was safe, second you are going to have to repeat the entire discussion with the coach, and finally you are probably going to have to eject the player and then there will be so many things to talk about with the coach you might be better off with a written agenda and a chairperson.
Next, take time to listen to the coach. Avoid entering into the discussion quickly. Listen carefully, in fact, take at least 20 seconds, without adopting a defiant posture but actively listening. During this time you have two objectives: 1) determine exactly what the coach is asking and 2) collect your thoughts since the next step will either bring about success or failure.
Often the coach will simply raze you .... "Out, Out? How could you see that! Come on Blue, everyone in the park says he was safe. Ask for help on that one Blue, we needed that run ..."
You know whether you can or you can't ask for help on this call. If you can, go for help away from the ears of the coach and players. If you can't .... tell the coach exactly what you saw. "Coach, let me tell you exactly what I saw. I saw the runner get back to the bag in plenty of time. I saw your player lift his leg and pound it down on the bag. Unfortunately I also saw the ball arrive at the base before your runner could bring his foot down. The correct call in my judgment remains 'OUT'"
Don't embellish, don't instruct, don't add anything or get personal in any way. Stick completely with the play and an accurate statement of what you saw. Control both your verbal and non-verbal language.
Next, ask the coach to tell you exactly what he saw. This is the ultimate --- Reverse the Pressure! End your point by saying: "Tell me exactly what you saw coach." You may discover that the coach was not even looking at the play. He may have been focused on the runner at third, the catcher, anywhere. Often his view of the play is completely obstructed by the fielder. The coach may be reacting totally on the emotions of the crowd or players without first hand knowledge of the situation.
Finally, bring closure to the issue and get the game underway again. "Coach, in my judgment the runner was out. Let's get back to the game."
Gently Yanking The String ....
There are times when the coach and player cross the line between the historically honorable tradition of arguing close calls and the less honorable situation of getting personal. Ejections come in bunches since one often leads to another. An umpire can go all season without an issue being raised then be placed in a jeopardy situation four or five times in a single game.
As noted earlier, you should not be discussing your call with a player. If a player persists or escalates any confrontation remove them immediately from the game.
Most often confrontations between the player and umpire occur on a called strike three. Make the call and then step away from the player. Do not stand there and wait for the player to say something. Step back and in the opposite direction of the player's dugout. If the player makes a few comments as he walks away it will be easy not to hear them.
You should not allow anyone to personalize the argument. Just as you will focus your discussion only on the play expect this same courtesy from everyone involved. Coaches or players who deviate from this should be ejected from the game. The decision on issuing a warning or not will vary with the situation you encounter.
Should you issue a warning? Opinions differ. If it is at all possible I would recommend yes, but not an ultimatum. A simple: "I've heard enough coach, no more, let's play ball." "Discussion over, let's get the game back on the road." "The pitcher's getting cold, that's all, let's go." Never say, "I don't want to hear another word." or worse "Come out here and say that!" In both case you will simply invite trouble.
If you issue a warning try to establish distance between you and the coach immediately. You should have a signal for your crew, who by now should be close at hand. If the coach continues to pursue you the issue will quickly change from the call you made to the one you are about to make.
Why the warning? Locally when we eject any participant we are required to make a report to our umpire-in-chief. Similarly you can believe the coach is on phone to the league officials. If the situation is questioned you are able to say "I listened to what he had to say, told him what I saw and why I made the call, I even gave him a warning and asked him to get the game underway. I ejected him because he persisted in unsportsmanlike conduct and delay." Does that sound reasonable?
Are there situations that a warning is not appropriate? Absolutely. The pitcher intentionally throws at the batter, the runner who goes out of his way to drive an elbow into a fielder, the coach who prefers to discuss you lineage rather than the play, etc. You need not issue a warning here. Displays of unsportsmanlike conduct have no place on the diamond.
Finally, stand in front of a mirror and practice your ejection move. Some umpires look so bad when they have to come to this, even losing their balance (and dignity) while gyrating themselves through a hearty heave-ho. When the time comes above all remain in control, take a breath and gain your balance. With the right hand point directly at the player or coach, two fingers preferred. You are about to do two things: disqualify the participant from play and eject them from the ball field. Draw the hand back and swing it with an energetic upward sweep. Appropriate verbalizations include "You're outta here!" and "You're (He's) gone!" Recover your stance.
How you handle this next moment is critical. Get very formal and businesslike. Literally stand your ground strong. Your heart will be pounding, adrenalin flowing ... gain immediate control of your emotions, gain immediate control of your breathing. Your partner should now be between you and the ejected individual. The partner's objective is not to get into the discussion just simply to assist the individual off the field and away from you. There is nothing further that can be said: the player or coach is now disqualified from any other role in the game. Do everything to stop the situation from escalating. Get the ball game underway quickly.
What happens if the coach removes himself from the field but continues to coach? It is being done even at the youth level. Coaches are even using cell phones to get through to the dugout! If you suspect this situation then make note of it occurring and forward a report to your league representatives. You are not a police officer or investigator nor should you charge into the dugout to see if anyone is lurking in the hallways. Avoid escalating the situation and bringing your impartiality into question. Let others deal with the situation.
No one enjoys ejections. A few practical steps taken with care during a difficult situation can help you keep the game situation under control.
.... written June 14, 1998
... a rudimentary guide to arguments, agreements and ejections
by Brent McLaren
You had to expect this one ... One out, bottom of the fourth inning, a quality game, runners on first and third, just perfect for the line drive to the second baseman with the quick toss back to first for the third out. A routine call except for one small item: the runner from first actually returned to the bag well ahead of the throw however for reasons only known to the player he elected to raise his foot and come down with a loud stomp on the bag ... too late, at least in my judgment. Obviously the opinions of the crowd and first base coach were not the same. Here comes the coach!
What are my immediate objectives?
Diffuse the situation
Reinforce my call
Keep all participants in the game
Maintain an air of dignity and control
Get the game quickly back on track..
Lets go through some simple steps designed to help an umpire reach these ends:
First, get the call right! If you have taken your time and made one call, the correct call, you are already one step up. You know what you saw and therefore exactly why you made the call. If you know you kicked it, and you can't repair it easily, then get ready for the heat. Regardless of your status how you approach these situations may be pivotal to your longevity as an umpire.
Second, since it was close, sell it! Be confident letting everyone know that you saw the complete play. "Out! Out!" followed by a point at the bag adding "Didn't get the foot on the bag!" might just stop the coach in his tracks. A non-chalant out will serve to speed up his steps.
Third, never discuss the call with the player. The runner is either safe or out with perhaps a rudimentary "you didn't have the bag" explanation. There are no lessons to teach or wisdom to dispense, that is the coach's role, let them do it. "You are out ... back to the dugout!" and walk away. A quality coach will intervene immediately and make certain the player does not get involved in the discussions
If you elect to enter into a discussion with the player remember three things: one, everything the player experienced as part of the play only confirms to him that he was safe, second you are going to have to repeat the entire discussion with the coach, and finally you are probably going to have to eject the player and then there will be so many things to talk about with the coach you might be better off with a written agenda and a chairperson.
Next, take time to listen to the coach. Avoid entering into the discussion quickly. Listen carefully, in fact, take at least 20 seconds, without adopting a defiant posture but actively listening. During this time you have two objectives: 1) determine exactly what the coach is asking and 2) collect your thoughts since the next step will either bring about success or failure.
Often the coach will simply raze you .... "Out, Out? How could you see that! Come on Blue, everyone in the park says he was safe. Ask for help on that one Blue, we needed that run ..."
You know whether you can or you can't ask for help on this call. If you can, go for help away from the ears of the coach and players. If you can't .... tell the coach exactly what you saw. "Coach, let me tell you exactly what I saw. I saw the runner get back to the bag in plenty of time. I saw your player lift his leg and pound it down on the bag. Unfortunately I also saw the ball arrive at the base before your runner could bring his foot down. The correct call in my judgment remains 'OUT'"
Don't embellish, don't instruct, don't add anything or get personal in any way. Stick completely with the play and an accurate statement of what you saw. Control both your verbal and non-verbal language.
Next, ask the coach to tell you exactly what he saw. This is the ultimate --- Reverse the Pressure! End your point by saying: "Tell me exactly what you saw coach." You may discover that the coach was not even looking at the play. He may have been focused on the runner at third, the catcher, anywhere. Often his view of the play is completely obstructed by the fielder. The coach may be reacting totally on the emotions of the crowd or players without first hand knowledge of the situation.
Finally, bring closure to the issue and get the game underway again. "Coach, in my judgment the runner was out. Let's get back to the game."
Gently Yanking The String ....
There are times when the coach and player cross the line between the historically honorable tradition of arguing close calls and the less honorable situation of getting personal. Ejections come in bunches since one often leads to another. An umpire can go all season without an issue being raised then be placed in a jeopardy situation four or five times in a single game.
As noted earlier, you should not be discussing your call with a player. If a player persists or escalates any confrontation remove them immediately from the game.
Most often confrontations between the player and umpire occur on a called strike three. Make the call and then step away from the player. Do not stand there and wait for the player to say something. Step back and in the opposite direction of the player's dugout. If the player makes a few comments as he walks away it will be easy not to hear them.
You should not allow anyone to personalize the argument. Just as you will focus your discussion only on the play expect this same courtesy from everyone involved. Coaches or players who deviate from this should be ejected from the game. The decision on issuing a warning or not will vary with the situation you encounter.
Should you issue a warning? Opinions differ. If it is at all possible I would recommend yes, but not an ultimatum. A simple: "I've heard enough coach, no more, let's play ball." "Discussion over, let's get the game back on the road." "The pitcher's getting cold, that's all, let's go." Never say, "I don't want to hear another word." or worse "Come out here and say that!" In both case you will simply invite trouble.
If you issue a warning try to establish distance between you and the coach immediately. You should have a signal for your crew, who by now should be close at hand. If the coach continues to pursue you the issue will quickly change from the call you made to the one you are about to make.
Why the warning? Locally when we eject any participant we are required to make a report to our umpire-in-chief. Similarly you can believe the coach is on phone to the league officials. If the situation is questioned you are able to say "I listened to what he had to say, told him what I saw and why I made the call, I even gave him a warning and asked him to get the game underway. I ejected him because he persisted in unsportsmanlike conduct and delay." Does that sound reasonable?
Are there situations that a warning is not appropriate? Absolutely. The pitcher intentionally throws at the batter, the runner who goes out of his way to drive an elbow into a fielder, the coach who prefers to discuss you lineage rather than the play, etc. You need not issue a warning here. Displays of unsportsmanlike conduct have no place on the diamond.
Finally, stand in front of a mirror and practice your ejection move. Some umpires look so bad when they have to come to this, even losing their balance (and dignity) while gyrating themselves through a hearty heave-ho. When the time comes above all remain in control, take a breath and gain your balance. With the right hand point directly at the player or coach, two fingers preferred. You are about to do two things: disqualify the participant from play and eject them from the ball field. Draw the hand back and swing it with an energetic upward sweep. Appropriate verbalizations include "You're outta here!" and "You're (He's) gone!" Recover your stance.
How you handle this next moment is critical. Get very formal and businesslike. Literally stand your ground strong. Your heart will be pounding, adrenalin flowing ... gain immediate control of your emotions, gain immediate control of your breathing. Your partner should now be between you and the ejected individual. The partner's objective is not to get into the discussion just simply to assist the individual off the field and away from you. There is nothing further that can be said: the player or coach is now disqualified from any other role in the game. Do everything to stop the situation from escalating. Get the ball game underway quickly.
What happens if the coach removes himself from the field but continues to coach? It is being done even at the youth level. Coaches are even using cell phones to get through to the dugout! If you suspect this situation then make note of it occurring and forward a report to your league representatives. You are not a police officer or investigator nor should you charge into the dugout to see if anyone is lurking in the hallways. Avoid escalating the situation and bringing your impartiality into question. Let others deal with the situation.
No one enjoys ejections. A few practical steps taken with care during a difficult situation can help you keep the game situation under control.
.... written June 14, 1998
