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Getting the call right

This article discusses the importance of executing efficient crew consultations in order to make correct decisions on the field. It explores when to get together, how to provide information, situations that require crew consultations, potential challenges, and how to effectively communicate with coaches. The article emphasizes the need for purposeful crew conferences and upholding the integrity of the game.

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Getting the call right

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  1. Getting the call right A few notes about executing efficient crew consultations Meeting #5 (February 11)

  2. Why would we get together? • At some point, we probably needed an extra piece of the puzzle to render the correct decision on the field. • We realize the importance of trusting our partner(s) in these situations and we have faith that they are going to help keep us on top. • When the game absolutely demands that we get together. These are not absolutes, but things we have to consider at all times. • Time and score of a ballgame • Competitive advantage • Egregious and obvious errors • When it could potentially defuse a volatile situation • Remember how we talked about how to handle that in Meeting 3 • This is not the same as “appeasing coaches”

  3. What can be done to provide information? • Crews have various ways of communicating to their partner if they have additional information. • Does it need a mechanic? • There are ways to communicate non-verbally and not in a demonstrative way. • Staying close to the 45 foot line a little longer than usual as the plate umpire • Walking into an area where a partner may see you, but not getting too close • Those ways are not • Excessively touching your heart in hopes your partner sees you • Taking your hat off and waving to him • Not making a call during playing action and pointing to your partner to see what he says.

  4. When would we get together? • Play situations that could require crew consultation (if not in conflict with other rules), but not limited to: • Swipe tag or pulled foot at any base. • An out is called and the ball is clearly on the ground. • A balk is erroneously called and the pitcher clearly steps off the rubber. • Boundary calls such as a home run or a ground rule double. • Question of a foul tip caught by the catcher • Changing of “Fair” to “foul” • Scoring plays • Correcting an award of bases • Correcting the count • Correcting the number of outs • Misapplication of playing rules

  5. Land mines of getting together • The umpire who does make the original call has to be the one who seeks assistance from his partner(s) • Can be very challenging because people’s perspective on their umpiring, as well as on others, is often misunderstood. • Some issues lead to conflicting rules • Ruling of “foul” to “fair” • Some situations can create larger issues if a call is reversed • Catch/no catch rulings that involve multiple runners • Other situations just flat out don’t warrant a crew conference • Plays generally reserved for umpire judgment • Whackers at first base • Balls and strikes (other than check swings) • Question of a tag on a steal play

  6. How to get the crew together • If the calling umpire seeks help, he must do that shortly after the call is made. • We do not want a lengthy argument followed by a crew conference • Being Proactive vs being reactive. • The entire crew will get together (2,3 or 4 man). • Need to have this away from players and coaches • Head Coach must return to his position in either the coaching box or dugout • If a ruling is changed…. • Preferably, the umpiring crew shall communicate with the offended manager before signaling the reversal of the call. • Would you rather communicate with a defused coach or an irate coach? • Either way, you gotta tell him

  7. “Two Bites at the apple” • A head coach cannot come back out a second time to argue a call that has stood following a crew conference. • He is now subject to immediate ejection • We want to make sure we spell out “Coach we will get together, but if you come back out, then you will be ejected “ well before he attempts to come out again. • In itself, it is a warning and you have laid out the ground work for what will happen one way or the other.

  8. Crew conferences…. • Are meant to uphold our mission of “Getting it Right” while maintaining the dignity of the game. • The 21st century has proven otherwise at times, • Need to have purpose • There is a real reason why we are getting together and it’s not because the coach asked us to do it. • Understand what this means to the game as well as your partner(s) • Be prepared to ask the right question. • Are really not that long • When you think you’ve taken enough time, you haven’t • “Collect the evidence” • It’s not nearly as long as watching a prolonged argument

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