Sure, it was "probably" illegal, or could be
I don't really think things will progress as you say. Your examples ARE acts that "could" be punished. Thus, "Don't Do That!" simply becomes a WARNING... and if this is how you want to deal with an early season technical balk.. so be it. Is the coach going to complain.. I don't think so.
Ex: Kid steps off with wrong foot, or "bounces", or applies a very half hearted fake tag (FED).. and you tell him, "Don't Do That!" I couldn't imagine a coach dumb enough to argue with that gift horse... "OK, fine, here's the real penalty, coach!"
In a past life...I watched Skippy work LL. Skippy and I do NOT allow bat windmill disco dance waving. It's a loud and clear DON'T DO THAT. Any coach who argues that... well.. I can come up with a host of PENALTIES that are allowable, in my judgment. They won't argue it again.
Point: I don't think there are many (any?) instances of Don't Do That (or preventative umpiring) where some technical violation and penalty could not be found and imposed.
Mike Branch (aka "The Brainless One!"
Member
EWS
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