ABSTRACT
It is clear, however, that whether one sees such situations as inherently conflictual or inherently synthetical, the fundamental issue which remains unresolved is a precise and clear definition of the umpire’s position and authority, and of any concomitant duty to the spirit of the game which might also arise. In other words, the real question is how, or indeed whether, given the factual and interpretive ambiguities which surrounded the umpire’s adjudicative function at both the formalistic and ethical level, his decisions can receive authority and respect. Is the man in white always right?
