Quote:
Originally posted by Dakota
Quote:
Originally posted by IRISHMAFIA
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I've got more important things to do on that field than be the language police.
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I agree with your stand here, Mike, but I have this small problem of the state ASA issuing the "Family Atmosphere" rule that they expect the umpires to enforce. If you call ASA ball in MN, you have this rule to deal with. As I said, I have so far issued warnings only. The rule is a bit screwy, since it would assess an OUT against the defense if they violate the rule (IOW, they start their next half-inning with 1 out).
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The county program which controls most local leagues has what they refer to as a Zero Tolerance rule where if the umpire hears profanity, the player is DQ, not ejected, and cannot participate in the remainder of that game. I rarely enforce the rule because when you do, more often than not, the player or coach goes off on the umpire with a profanity-lace tirade which is worse than the original indiscretion. Then the umpire has no choice then to eject the player which carries a 2-game (or more) suspension. In an area where quite a few games start with nine or ten, it is not unusual for this to also cause a forfeit.
Personally, I handle it as a private discussion with the player and/or coach. I use the rule as a tool which has worked all, but one time in 15 years. In that one case, the player (convict released by Elkton sheriffs dept to play ball on weekends) listened to me and as I turned away just said, "f*** you, Blue". Before I could turn around, he was heading off the field. He wanted to hit the bar before going back to the sheriff's office.
Funny thing was that the third baseman saw what that player did and on the next hit, let the ball go by, looked at me and said, "You f***ing suck". Once again, before I could say anything at the end of the play, he was already heading toward the bar.
And folks wonder why we refer to them as AA's
