Posted on September 18, 2009: Shaved Bat
A Responsible Sports Fan suggested the following Scenario Question:
A girl pitcher on my daughter’s team gets hit in the face and an ambulance is on its way. I suspect a shaved bat was used by the other team because one of their players tries to grab it, but I stop them. I yell to the umpire that we would like the bat checked, and a tug of war between the umpire and the coach ensued. Was I right to do this even though I am not a coach? They were busy with the player down.
Dear Kenny,
Even though you had the best intentions in mind, leaving this situation to be handled by the coaches and umpires would likely be the best approach. In this situation, tensions are already running high as a player is injured. The last thing you want to do is create a situation where a physical altercation could occur (as alluded to in your message about the umpire and opposing coach getting in a tug of war with the bat).
In this situation, the coaches are focusing where they should in the moment: on the injured player. Once the immediate situation is over, you can let the coaches know of your concern about the potentially illegal bat, and they can communicate with the umpire. As a Responsible Sports Parent, you don't want this potentially dangerous bat to be used again.
Additionally, your coaches should let the league know of their concern about the other team potentially using an unsafe bat, so future umpires can be alerted to carefully check the equipment before future games.
To learn more about Honoring the Game visit the Responsible Sport Parenting
Learn more now!
Back to Ask the Expert and Archive
