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Old Sat Jun 11, 2005, 11:45am
JEL JEL is offline
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Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 910
smalltown,

No there is no rule which say's the catcher may, or may not "chatter".

You asked for rules which would apply. Per ASA codes here are some;

8-1-D, which prohibits hindering a batter from striking at, or hitting a pitched ball.

10-9-A, prohibits unsportsmanlike acts.

10-1, which gives the umpire authority to order players, coaches, captains, or managers to omit acts which, in their judgement is necessary to give force and effect to one or all of the rules. The plate umpire also has authority to make decisions on situations NOT SPECIFICALLY COVERED IN THE RULES. If "chattering" is thus not specifically covered, it is now covered by this rule alone.

That should be enough to let you know that an umpire may, or may not allow "chattering". If you will notice from the rules cited, this is dependant on the judgement of the umpires. Yes umpires do make judgements based on the rules, and it is their "personal interpretations" of the rules. I must base my judgement on MY knowledge (thus interpretation) of the rules and not on YOUR judgement (or interpretation). You as a coach are given an option of protest if you feel an umpire mis-applied a rule.

Bottom line is, if your catcher is told by the umpire to not chatter, she is liable to be ejected if she does. If chattering bothers your batters, ask to have it stopped. If the umpire rules it to be no hinderance, your batters must ignore it.
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