[QUOTE]
Originally posted by officialtony
Mike,
Were you responding to my post?
If so, the intent of my post was to suggest some remedies to the initial thread posted. Not having been there, I would not venture a guess as to what I would have done. What I would NOT do is get into a discussion with a fan. I might let the coaches know that if a fan repeatedly attempts to alter the course of play by those tactics, the teams will suffer the consequences by my decisions. I do have the authority to administer penalties upon teams that Obstruct or Interfere. And I can make that case on any calls that I deem came from the dugouts on either side - or their team members.
The post was general in nature citing the ASA's rules under which the scenario offered occured. The conversation has become so diluted, it would be fruitless to try to address a particular post.
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As far as authority outside the fence - I will take issue with that statement.
If a fan repeatedly attempts to distract or irritate members of either team, I can and will have them removed from the park or cease play until they do.
I claim that authority under 10-1-6 . . .
" The umpire's right to disqualify players or to remove nonplayers for objecting to decisions or for unsporting conduct is absolute. "
I think that is quite clear.
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Yeah, if you weren't playing the game under ASA rules. It is quite clear that there is no such rule in ASA.
What happens outside the fence involving the fans is not my concern. That would be an issue for a site coordinator, TD, AD or law enforcement.
As Tom noted, many a field is on public property. There have been lawsuits lost over this issue, so why would I waste my time. I have enough to handle on the field. If the idiots want to act like a$$holes in the stands, let them. If it begins to jeopardize the safety of either team member or umpire crew, I call the police, meet them when they enter and offer to sign any complaint necessary. BUT, that is the act of a citizen, not the umpire.