[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by mick

Ben,
If the Coach had not dealth with it, I, probably, would have found my way over to the fan and explained the ruling.
mick

I would strongly recommend as a general rule that you NOT engage with fans. Your job as an umpire is to explain the rule to the coach and the coach only.

If a fan has a question, they can ask the coach. First off you are stopping play (needlessly) which could be detrimental to the game especially if it's getting dark.

Second, next thing you know you find yourself getting into it with a fan. This particular time it worked out, but it could turn into something ugly.

If a fan is giving you a hard time your first recoarse is to
have the coach assist you. If the coach can't help, then the director on duty should handle this.

An umpires job is inside the diamond not outside.

Pete Booth