Appeal a decision to a 2nd umpire
2016/7/15 16:40:17
Question
R1 is on first. B2 hits ball into what looks like it's going to be a double play. R1 is called out at second base. B2 is called out at first (both outs are called by the field umpire#. The call at first base looks obviously bad #we think B2 was safe at first). After the field umpire makes the call and before the next legal/illegal pitch, may the manager, coach, or any player from the offensive team ask the field umpire to appeal/ask the home plate umpire if B2 was safe or out? Can you sight the rule number in the ASA manual?
This is an organized, slow pitch league governed by ASA rules.
Thank you
Answer
Hi Jim,
Both calls belong to the BU. What you can do is ask for time, confer with the BU (NEVER go to the umpire that did not make the call!!!!) and state your case calmly and ask if they think they might have had a bad angle, been blocked out, didn't see a pulled foot or bobbled ball (whatever the case might be) and do they think they need any help on this.
The BU is NOT required by any means to ask their partner and if they are sure of the call they'll tell you that and we play on. If it was just a bang-bang judgment call and I assume that's what you're talking about here, I doubt you'll get very far, I never went for help on a simple banger unless for some reason I was blocked out. (plus remember your angle might have been bad and what you saw was misleading.) The BU has the best view of all 4 elements in this play. Also remember the PU is some 50-60' away and their angle on a bang-bang is VERY POOR on this as they are trailing the runner and looking straight down the line(a pulled foot or bobble is a somewhat easier call for them.)
IF the BU has some doubts because they were blocked out, etc. they MAY go to their partner and confer with them BUT the final decision belongs to the BU.
This is umpire protocol and training with some address under ASA 10-3
Mark
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