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MIKE: " When dealing with high school ball, the sponsoring association (school) is liable, by law, for any child under their charge any time that individual is on the property (including real estate, transportation device or area secured for an event) or taking part in a sponsored activity. Hence, the rules must be in line with those responsibilities or the school could not conduct their athletic events under their code.
IOW, the rules cannot dictate that a child be sent away from the required supervision of an adult recognized by the school as the responsible party. In turn, the same applies to the coach as the rules cannot deprive the team of the required supervision. This is why a coach cannot just leave the field and let some parent or fan take over for him/her."
You are correct, Mike that high school rules must take into account the liability of school for the student.
Perhaps you are not aware that whether a player is restricted or ejected, they remain in the dugout. A player will not be removed from the supervision of the coach. A restricted coach must remain on the bench, however an ejected coach leaves the area. A school appointed replacement finishes the game; if none is available the game is forfeited.
What I have discussed is that the NFHS has a two-tier penalty situation for unsporting conduct.
They list 12 minor infractions (bat throwing, fake tag, jewelry, helmet removal, un-reported sub, etc) for which the umpire can issue a warning to the coach and restrict the next player guilty of those infractions.
They list 6 infractions, including arguing balls and strikes or taunting, etc. in which the umpire uses his judgment to determine the seriousness of the violation and then can either eject immediately, or issue a warning to the offender, and eject that person for the next offense.
Finally, there are three offenses (malicious contact, wearing metal cleats, and fighting) that are automatic immediate ejection.
Once a player has been removed from the game via either restriction or ejection, the NFHS is through with them. However, the State or the school may take additional action. In Michigan a restricted players penalty ends at the end of the game and she is eligible to play again in the next game. However, an ejected player is through for the rest of that day, and the next day of competition.
Umpires must complete and file Ejection Reports with both the school and the State. Twice a year the State publishes an Ejection Tally by school and by sport. Not the type of list your want your school to make.
I have no problem with ASA rules for adults; if they go over the line boot em out of the game and let the League or Tournament decide their future play. But if I have to deal with, say 14U players, I prefer the latitude the NFHS rules give me. I prefer the ability to take corrective action rather than punitive.
WMB
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