Little Leahue Umpire on a power trip

[JX]

I have been covering High school sports for the past three years, football, soccer, cross-country, swimming volleyball, baseball, golf, volleyball, wrestling, and track. In that time, I have never had one official, umpire, school official, athletic director, coach, or parent get rude or yell at me. This past week I was on assignment to cover a local little league baseball game. The newspaper that I work for is trying to cover more community events during the summer. I was on a little league baseball field slightly behind the dugout fence. When the umpire stops the game and started screaming at me. I identified my self, and showed my press pass. I told him I was covering the game for the newspaper and had permission from the Little League. He told me I was in his line of sight and would have to move. I did not argue with him and move to inside the dugout ‘s second entrance. My lens was sticking out of the doorway just a little, but I was inside the fenced in dugout. Five minutes later, he stops the game again and starts screaming even louder at me that I have to leave. The coaches tried to come to my aid, but he was really being a jerk. I left the field; it was plain to see that his person was on some kind of power trip.

Luckily, I had already had a couple of descent shots, to give the sports editor. I told the little league officials that I will not be covering anymore little league games until they talk with professional umpire association. I told them that I do not need to be embarrassed like that.

please let me know what you think

[Mike R]

It sounds as if he is new to the job, and on a power trip as you mentioned. Only once I have bee asked to move and it was done,quietly ,politely and justified. Another thought is that maybe he has some perceived issue with your paper.

[HuskyKMA]

From what you describe, sounds like he over-reacted. I think you handled it well by not arguing with him and instead talking to the league officials about it.

[dave13]

In the 2 years I covered HS sports, I never once had anything like that happen. I've even had a few tell me where I could be.

Sounds like yours was just being rude and a few impolite words.

[PhotosGuy]

I usually helps to introduce yourself to the officials. Even to just say "Hi" to the ones you've worked with before.
(Probably wouldn't have worked with him!) ;)

[Tee Why]

Sounds like the guy has issues, maybe a power trip thing, but I'd say some definite issues. Hope he can learn to control his anger better.

[Joe Cyr]

I too introduce myself. I had a similar occurance when I first started in this area 12 years ago. The ump simply didn't know who I was and that I worked for a paper. We have a good laugh about it now. Little League can be tricky. Some umps are by the book, and the clearly says no outside individuals are allowed inside the fence during the game. The playing field is for players and coaches. That being said, I always try to make nice with the umps before the game start. And ask them if it's OK if I stand in certain spots. I have never had a problem since.

You handled this admirably. Good job.

[JX]

I normally do intoduce myself to the umpire. But I was running late, and arrived just as the first batter came up to bat.

Thanks to everyone who posted.

[dave13]

Some leagues/refs understand that you're there working. Most of them get that in order to get better shots,more saleable shots that you need to be inside the fence.

[asysin2leads]

Having worked as someone who assigned little league umpires and who is an official myself, this needs to be reported to the league immediately. You were right in not arguing with him and moving. Unless you were using flash (which I doubt), you were not a distraction. Quite frankly, if he was paying more attention to the game, he wouldn't have noticed you. Technically, he was right in that he can ask you to move. However, there is absolutely no reason for him to yell. He was way out of line. You had permission from the league to be there and they will have your back. This umpire is and will be a black eye to the league and they won't want that. Best of luck with all of this.

[JeffreyG]

I'd agree with the above comments pretty much.

The bottom line is that the league is really going to want the free publicity of having your shots in the local paper. This is good for them all around. So simply telling them that the umpire was unreasonable and is preventing coverage should get the problem resolved.

[neilwood32]

It is definately in the leagues interests for you to photograph the games so im guessing that they will have a quiet word in the umpires ear about it (or a loud one if that doesnt work!)

[nicksan]

Sounds like the ump was taking things a little too seriously!

He didn't know who you are or what your intentions were and he probably built up assumptions about you (or maybe he just had a bad day) and by the time you introduced yourself it was probably too late for him to control is displeasure with you.

I would hate for this one incident to cost him his ump duties...perhaps he really was just having one of those days. Perhaps you can approach him well before the game to break the ice?

I agree, there really was no need for that kind of behavior on the ump's part.

[chauncey]

I don't care if he was having a bad day.

He's dealing with our children and needs to get his act together.

Would have been his last game had I have been a parent at that game.

[nicksan]

Well, we don't really know anything else other than him asking the OP to get out of his line of sight so let's not get too carried away with the whole "dealing with our children" bit.

If he was displaying any level of violence (and I don't consider yelling at someone to get out of his line of sight exactly an act of violence) or using "colorful" language, then yes, that would have been highly inappropriate and cause of disciplinary action.

I mean, if that was the case then forget about bringing kids to a MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL game then...might as well stay home and watch Barney on TV.

I don't care if he was having a bad day.

He's dealing with our children and needs to get his act together.

Would have been his last game had I have been a parent at that game.