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An open letter to the managers, coaches, players, spectators and umpires of the Arlington Little League Hi, Welcome to the twenty-fourth season of Arlington Little League Baseball, the most exciting baseball in Arlington. We expect great things this season, exciting baseball, the chance to meet new friends, to catch up with old friends and to shake off winter and get outside for a while. Opening day is only a few weeks away, then a busy schedule of games and practices until June. It's also a busy time for the Arlington Little League umpire program. This season, like every other year we are getting new people involved in umpiring. Now is a good time to go over some of the expectations the league has for everyone involved in the game as they relate to the umpire program. The umpires are expected to arrive at the site twenty minutes before game time and introduce themselves to the managers. At that time the managers and umpires should confer and agree how the field is divided for pre-game warm ups. If there is another game in progress, the teams will split a ten minute warm-up period. It is the responsibility of the teams, not the umpires to police this time. If the preceding game runs into the start time of the next game, the start time of the next game will be fifteen minutes after the conclusion of the previous game. If there is no preceding game the start time will be the scheduled start time, unless the field is not ready due to weather or other extenuating circumstances. There will be a brief pre-game plate conference between the umpires and the managers of the teams. If a manager wishes to bring a coach or captain along, that is fine, but the manager must be present. No one may be on the field during the plate conference, which will take place at home plate, nowhere else. After the conference is over, the game will begin. The starting pitcher for the home team should warm up without delay. He will get eight warm up tosses, if he is ready sooner than that fine. In the bottom of the first, the visiting team's starting pitcher should get eight tosses as well. After the first inning each pitcher gets five warm-up tosses, when a new pitcher comes in he gets eight tosses. As play goes on during a game it is important to note the role of the participants. If there is a need to ask an umpire a question, it is to be the manager of the team, no one else. The umpires have been instructed not to discuss any play or call with anyone except the manager of the team. Certain types of questions are OK, others are not OK. It is not OK to ask the umpire anything to do with judgment. When a play is made, the umpire will judge whether a player is safe or out, whether a ball is fair or foul and if any other infractions occur. These calls are not subject to review. If you believe an umpire has ruled improperly on a judgment call you can send me an e-mail after the game, but it is not cause to stop the game for a discussion, even if it cordial. Under no circumstances should there be any discussion of the strike zone. Again, if you feel the strike zone is too big, too small or anything else, feel free to send me an e-mail. Our umpires are instructed not to entertain any discussion about the strike zone. Sometimes a question may arise regarding the application of a rule or any number of other issues. If you wish to speak to the umpires, please keep these things in mind. First, make sure you ask for and are granted time. If you are asking a question about a play speak to the umpire who made the call on the play. Please do not shout across the field, rather ask your question in, what we would tell our kid's is our "indoor voice". When you have your answer, the conversation should end. This part is most important because we are on a time limit. Finally, as I'm sure you are aware; there is never a good reason to lose your temper on a baseball field. The Arlington Little League and I are unanimous in our resolve to make sportsmanship a priority in Arlington Little League. Acts of poor sportsmanship of any kind will be reported to the league and will be handled appropriately. Managers, you are ultimately responsible for what happens in your dugout. If one of your coaches is acting badly, we need you to step in and ask him to change his behavior or leave. If a spectator is acting badly and you need assistance, there is generally a field moderator who can help. If a player losses his or her temper, we would like to give you the first opportunity to handle it, if that's possible. Remember, the managers, coaches, umpires and parents are all partners in our goal of instilling good sportsmanship and making this a fun season for everyone. If you need to contact me, please send me a note. Please make sure you put Arlington Little League in the subject line, I have a very good junk mail filter. Thanks, |