[WindyCityBlue]

Both of you guys are bring up good points.

I teach a clinic on tolerance and game management each year called "UnderArmour should be made of Kevlar" and we cover this extensively.

Here it is (feel free to copy from it and improve it, since I have borrowed many ideas from partners and literature over the years and very few ideas are original anymore):

1. Ejections are just another part of the game
A. Is the ejection is necessary?
1. If you are too quick, you’ll get the reputation of a hothead and no one will want you
2. If you are too slow, you’ll lose control of the game and the respect of the coach / players
B. Automatic - "Dump 'em, Don't think about it."
1. Intentional, physical contact with an umpire
2. Personal, derogatory remark directed at an umpire/player/coach
3. Attempted physical assault on an umpire or opposing player/coach
C. Discretionary Ejections
1. Acts designed to embarrass an umpire or player
2. Extended or unreasonable delays of the game by player or coach
D. Know the League’s or Association’s Ejection Policies
1. Profanity / Malicious Contact / Equipment
2. Additional rules may apply - a copy of these should be provided or made readily available

You can and will maintain control by trying to keep the individual in the game (restricted to dugout in Fed).

2. Okay, great...now how do I do it?
A. Remain Calm and Focused
1. Loss of temper = loss of control - in order to resolve the problem, you must be in control
B. Speak conversationally to one coach (ask others to leave or have partner(s) assist)
1. A raised voice gains attention, but prompts others to yell and become hostile
2. Lower your voice - this reinforces control and encourages other to lower his / her voice
C. Listen & Wait
1. Allow other to state their case and respond only when he/she is finished
D. Insure Understanding
1. Ask him /her to repeat the problem only if you are unsure what he /she is upset about
2. Repeat the complaint ("Coach, are yu saying that the ball beat him?")
E. Determine proper course of action
1. Explain your intentions and state rationale ("Coach, I had a pretty good look and from angle, there's no doubt, he got in before the ball.")
F. Resume the game quickly and safely

3. Techniques - Make it happen!
A. 20 second rule (don’t discuss plays from last inning...last game, etc.)
B. Ask...Don’t Answer Questions
1. Person asking questions controls conversation...the person answering questions is on defensive ("Do you know how fast you were going?" - think like a cop)
C. Stall by conferring with your partner
1. This shows that you are sincere and provides an opportunity to alter position and get the call right!
2. Reinforce your decision by presenting it face to face with the coach - speak to only one coach!

If none of this works to resolve the situation or keep the game going...see 1.C.1

Please note: I never mentioned fans. The coach, AD and site manager is in charge of them. I hope that this helps.