POLICY ON MEETINGS AND SANCTIONS

When the Chesapeake Basin Association was founded, it brought together a group of umpires from a broad geographic area. This requires a consistent, uniform approach to mechanics and rules interpretation. With that, meetings and clinics are necessary to insure that all members are performing with the same set of mechanics and are consistent with rule interpretations.

The founding board and officers since, have always had the goal that every meeting would be educational and offer substance over fluff. In addition to the annual mechanics clinic, there were also four other weekend meetings. All members were required to attend all meetings. Over the years, the number of meetings has been reduced to one mechanics clinic and the current two day annual meeting. In addition, attendance at the clinic was changed to those who joined within the last three years, but is still open to all who wish to attend. The annual meeting which is actually four meetings, two on Saturday and two on Sunday is still mandatory for all. All of this has been done in response to membership recommendations. In February of 2006, dates for these meetings in 2007 were published to all members. Still, in spite of this, there are some who have conflicts.

In spite of the time spent on mechanics and rules education, we still have members who:

1. Misinterpret the D.H. Rule
2. Misinterpret the force play slide rule
3. Consistently use the wrong position in the field.
4. Confuse NCAA, Federation and Pro Rules
5. Use tobacco on college sites
6. Fail to wear the proper uniform
7. Wear the CBUA uniform at non CBUA games
8. Fail to use the proper signals and communications with partners
9. Fail to arrive at game sites on time
10. Don’t wait for their partner when meeting coaches.
11. Fail to conduct proper pre=game inspections.
12. Fail to communicate with their partner or the schools in advance.
13. Fail to make adequate travel arrangements.
14. Fail to make proper reports on ejections.
15. Fail to take control of games

These are some, but not all of the situations we experience through the season. All of these issues are covered in depth and will continue to be covered at our meetings. This is the reason meeting attendance is mandatory. You must be present for the discussion of these items.

While absence at a meeting may result in loss of post season assignments or loss of some games, it affects the member in other more important ways. Perception is reality.

This is how perception turns to reality. In the case of an absence, sanctions could, might, may or shall be in order. As a member, you need to understand this. Your excuse may be excusable, but your standing with CBCBUA may not be gaining any respectability. You will not lose any either. But as everyone knows, regardless of occupation, while you choose to be idle, others pass you by. We need to make one thing abundantly clear to any who wish to be excused from anything CBCBUA related. While you can be assured demotion will not occur, the movement of others, specifically those who’ve made substantial efforts and sacrifices, will move upward and by you accordingly. We all understand plights and family issues, but you need to keep in mind the priorities your fellow association members adhere to. Those members will be rewarded. If that means the less experienced leapfrog past you for a weekend assignment, so be it. Each one of us is keenly aware of how life can pass you by in a moment. It may be a colleague’s effort above and beyond or someone who works on Sunday. When you are not practicing or honing your skills you can be sure somewhere, someplace, someone is, and he will pass you by.

Failure to attend either the entirety of the Annual Meeting or the Mechanics clinic may result in loss of post season assignments, and a possible loss of scheduled games.

Excuses must be submitted in advance to the Secretary/Treasurer seven (7) days prior to the event. In the case of a sudden emergency, a phone call should be made to any of the board members. All absences shall be considered individually by the Executive Board. Because of extenuating circumstances, sanctions may or may not be deemed as equal by the membership. The board will consider all of the reasons for the absence, as well as the past history of the member, and the requirements of the association. Consideration will be given to work related issues, sickness, family emergencies, vehicle mechanical failures, and any other contingency that may arise.

The membership shall be aware that because each case is considered on its own merits, there will be varying degrees of sanctions, and possibly no sanctions. Previous actions by the board may or may not be applicable to current situation.

Any actions by the board are subject to appeal and review at the request of the individual member as stated in Article III, Section III of the CBCBUA Bylaws.