Latest news with #umpires
New York Times
3 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Manfred: MLB will propose automated ball-strike challenge system for 2026
NEW YORK — Commissioner Rob Manfred said on Wednesday he plans to introduce a proposal to Major League Baseball's competition committee that would bring the automated ball-strike system to MLB in 2026. Barring a change of heart inside Manfred's group, then, ABS appears likely to arrive in the big leagues next year. The league office has enough votes on the 11-person committee — which is also made up of player representatives and one umpire — to ultimately push through what it wants. Advertisement Human umpires would still make the vast majority of ball-strike calls themselves, but teams would start each game with two challenges to the umpire's opinion. Umpires would then rely on a technology system that the league has tested for years in the minor leagues and in major-league spring training this year. Teams retain the challenge if they get the call overturned. 'I do think that we're going to pursue the possibility of changing that process, and we'll see what comes out at the end of that,' Manfred said at MLB headquarters. 'I think that teams are really positive about ABS. You know, I do have that unscientific system that I use — my email traffic — and my distinct impression is that using ABS in spring training has made people more prone to complain about balls and strike calls via email, to me, referencing the need for ABS. That is undoubtedly true, undoubtedly true.' The Major League Baseball Players Association did not immediately have comment. The technology used in ABS doesn't exactly mimic a human strike zone, because umpires on average call balls and strikes differently depending on the count: a tighter zone on 0-2, for example, and a wider one on 3-0. Manfred, however, didn't indicate any outstanding concerns about the system's operation other than how players will react. 'My single biggest concern is working through the process and deploying it in a way that's acceptable to the players,' Manfred said. 'There's always going to be things around the edges that we need to work through and whatever, and I want them to feel like we respected the committee process and that there was a full airing of concerns about the system, and an attempt to address those concerns before we go forward.' Players on the competition committee have almost universally been opposed to Manfred's on-field rule changes over time. Owner-player relations are going to get progressively more sensitive next season, with the collective bargaining agreement's expiration after the 2026 season. But Manfred indicated that he wasn't going to move gingerly on rule changes because of the impending labor talks. Advertisement MLB has long held the power to implement on-field rule changes that it wants, but in the most current CBA, which went into effect in 2022, the league received the right to implement changes on shorter notice: 45 days after a proposal. 'We bargained for the right to make these kind of rule changes,' Manfred said. 'It was a really important part of the deal from our perspective. Everybody understood what the rules of the road are. … Unlike the prior provision, there's actually a process that is involved, that you go through, that you kind of have a chance to vet and talk about what should happen with the players. So I'm less reticent about that. 'In the past, I have been a little squeamish about the year before bargaining. I don't feel that way right now.' MLB is also testing a check-swing review system in the minors this season. It's unclear when that system will be tested by big leaguers, however. Manfred indicated that system was unlikely to be tested in major-league spring training next year because of the possibility everyone would still be adjusting to ABS. 'We haven't made a decision about the check-swing thing,' Manfred said. 'We do try to think sequentially about what's coming. I think we got to get over the hump in terms of either doing ABS or not doing it before you'd get into the complication of a separate kind of challenge involved in an at-bat, right? You think about them, they're two different systems operating at the same time. We really got to think that one through.' (Photo of Manfred: Patrick Breen / The Republic / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
AFL umpires could take legal action against Channel Seven stars over one of the most controversial incidents of the season
The AFL is facing fresh turmoil with the umpires at the centre of the Lachie Schultz concussion incident considering legal action against footy greats turned Channel Seven stars Kane Cornes, Dale Thomas and Luke Hodge over their comments on the scandal. Collingwood's Schultz was left dazed after a brutal head clash with Fremantle's Jordan Clark on May 8, triggering immediate concern from players and medics. Despite Schultz throwing up his arms in a classic 'fencing' concussion response and struggling to get to his feet, the game continued for almost 20 seconds. Multiple medical staff attended to Schultz as he staggered to the bench, but umpires failed to stop the game. The AFL initially claimed the umpires did not see the injured player and allowed play to go on. Laura Kane, the AFL's football operations boss at the time, then came forward to say information that the umpires had given was 'inconsistent' with audio uncovered by Seven's Agenda Setters show. The audio appeared to reveal that the umpires were aware that Schultz was hurt, but chose not to intervene. This led to Seven stars Kane Cornes, Dale Thomas and Luke Hodge criticising the umpires. The league finally cleared the umpires, revealing a miscommunication between AFL House and the umpires. On Tuesday, Nine's Tom Morris reported that the AFL Umpires Association has confirmed that the four officials in control of the match - Simon Meredith, Craig Fleer, Justin Power and Martin Rodger - have been given legal advice. 'The umpires involved in the Fremantle vs Collingwood game have been advised as to their legal rights in relation to some of the commentary that followed the Lachlan Schultz concussion issue,' AFL Umpires Association chief executive boss Rob Kerr said in a statement provided to Morris. 'Being falsely accused of lying and misleading the AFL goes beyond simply questioning the management of the actual incident. 'Public commentary that casts aspersions on an individual's integrity and professional competence, particularly when that is core to the role they perform, harms their personal and professional standing and it is reasonable to consider how that can be rectified.' Morris told 9News Melbourne that the umpires are 'filthy' with Seven's footy experts. 'I can tell you that umpires Simon Meredith, Craig Fleer, Justin Power and Martin Rodger are considering taking legal action against Luke Hodge, Dale Thomas and Kane Cornes,' he said. 'The umpires remain furious that Hodge, Thomas and Cornes made comments heavily criticising them on Channel 7 on May 13.' Kane has not apologised to the umpires in question, but has admitted that the processes failed. 'Today we have determined there was a miscommunication from members of the umpiring department, not the field umpires, which formed the basis of our initial public statement on Friday,' Kane said. 'Those team members have been counselled and reminded of the importance of ensuring our process is fully followed regarding these types of incidents and in this instance it was not. 'I have asked GM Football Performance Josh Mahoney to review these processes to ensure the right information is communicated and to ensure this does not happen again. 'Everyone, including our umpires are aligned in ensuring the health and safety of players continues to be the utmost priority and the AFL has been in regular contact with the AFLUA today.'
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Politics
- News.com.au
Umpires weighing up taking legal action against Ch 7 personalities
Four AFL umpires are reportedly weighing up legal action against Kane Cornes, Dale Thomas and Luke Hodge in the wake of Lachie Schultz's concussion saga. The four men in control of the contest that took place at Optus Stadium on May 8 have explored their legal rights regarding comments made by the Channel 7 trio over their handling of the incident. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Collingwood's Schultz was left concussed during the club's round nine clash against Fremantle at Optus Stadium on May 8. The 27-year-old was evidently dazed after an ugly fourth-quarter collision with Fremantle's Jordan Clark as play continued to unfold. A day after match the AFL released a statement saying the umpires 'did not see the injured player at the time so play continued'. AFL executive general manager of football Laura Kane was then forced to come forward and admit the information given by the umpires was 'inconsistent' with new audio first uncovered by Channel 7's Agenda Setters. The audio, which can be heard in the above video player, appeared to show the umpires were aware of Schultz' condition. The three former AFL stars, turned media personalities, were largely critical of the umpires involved after hearing the audio during a show that went to air on May 13. The saga took a fresh twist however only days later when the AFL issued a third statement which noted a miscommunication between the umpiring department and AFL House was to blame for the initial statement. Weeks later the story is now back in the spotlight with the four umpires considering taking legal action against the Channel 7 trio, according to Nine's Tom Morris. 'They are filthy. Not at the AFL, but at three of the most high profile experts in the game,' Morris told 9News Melbourne. 'I can tell you that umpires Simon Meredith, Craig Fleer, Justin Power and Martin Rodger are considering taking legal action against Luke Hodge, Dale Thomas and Kane Cornes. 'The umpires remain furious that Hodge, Thomas and Cornes made comments heavily criticising them on Channel 7 on May 13. 'I've spoken to Rob Kerr, who is the umpires' association boss. 'He confirmed in a statement to 9News that Meredith, Fleer, Power and Rogers were weighing up their legal options.' contacted Channel 7 who responded with: 'no official comment at this stage'. The move comes after Morris said on Channel 9's Footy Classified on May 13 that the umpires were not happy with Kane's handling of the incident. Morris said he has been told by one umpire: 'A large section of umpires are filthy. They feel they continually get thrown under the bus'. Kane ultimately admitted the AFL got it wrong with their first statement and said the miscommunication had come from the umpiring department, not the field umpires. 'Our process in determining what happened Thursday night failed and for that we take full responsibility,' Kane said. 'Today we have determined there was a miscommunication from members of the umpiring department, not the field umpires, which formed the basis of our initial public statement on Friday. 'Those team members have been counselled and reminded of the importance of ensuring our process is fully followed regarding these types of incidents and in this instance it was not. 'I have asked GM Football Performance Josh Mahoney to review these processes to ensure the right information is communicated and to ensure this does not happen again. 'Everyone, including our umpires are aligned in ensuring the health and safety of players continues to be the utmost priority and the AFL has been in regular contact with the AFLUA today.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Joey Ortiz's stellar sliding stop
Thomson, Luzardo describe what happened with the balk call that led to Topper's ejection Jesús Luzardo said he's been making the same pickoff move his entire career. He and his manager share their thoughts on why the umpires made the call in the fourth inning on Luzardo describe what happened with the balk call that led to Topper's ejection originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia 1:17 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
Telegraph
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Crackdown on counties criticising umpires on social media
Counties have been warned they could face sanctions for criticising umpiring decisions on social media. In an attempt to protect officials from pile-ons from fans, the counties were informed by the England and Wales Cricket Board this week that the Cricket Regulator was 'actively looking at social media posts from clubs, specifically around dissent to umpiring decisions'. It added that clubs should not 'post negatively about officiating decisions'. The guidance applies to both men's and women's county action. The 18 counties all have hundreds of thousands of followers across their men's and women's teams' accounts on X, Instagram and TikTok. During matches they use the accounts to keep fans up to date with scores, posting descriptions of wickets or showing clips of the action. It has been felt that some posts have veered into overt criticism of the officiating, and has incited engagement from fans over the quality of the umpires, who have no access to the Decision Review System at county level. It is understood that umpires have been hurt and frustrated by fans' criticism, and there are concerns that it could affect their confidence. Even describing a dismissal as 'adjudged' or 'given' lbw – which raises doubt over the correctness of the decision – could be considered loaded language. The below social media post by Somerset is an example of an instance that generated a huge reaction among fans and caused a social media pile-on against the umpire in question. OUT!!!!!! A magnificant innings from D'Oliveira is over as he's adjudged LBW!!! LIVE STREAM ➡️ #SOMvWOR #WeAreSomerset — Somerset Cricket (@SomersetCCC) April 7, 2025 It is understood that in the first case, advice would informally be offered to the club or individual over the nature of their posting. If it persisted, they could be issued a caution, or even be charged with bringing the game into disrepute. Players are also encouraged not to criticise umpires from their personal accounts. Ben Stokes, the England Test captain, is among those who have questioned decisions before. The regulator would have the power to intervene in such cases, too. The regulator was launched in 2023 to 'ensure compliance with the game's rules and regulations'. It is described as 'ring-fenced from the rest of the ECB' and has an 'independent board'.
