[gsf23]

Some of you guys are making this way more complicated than what it is. The reason the rule was put in place here in ND anyway, was because of the mass number of complaints that the State ASA office was getting from both fans and players about the amount of profanity at the games.

When the rule was put in place, during our rules clinics at the beginning of the year, we were told the reason for the rule being put in place, ND ASA wanted to make softball a fan and family friendly environment. We were also told to use our judgement, your umpires, that is what you do. Now we don't want you calling outs for players saying damn or darn or god or stuff like that or for things said under a players breath. We do want outs called for stuff like S$it, F**K, motherf**cker and the such. Again, if no one hears it but you and the player, you let it go, if the fans can hear it, call it.

The first year was basically a learing year, the players learned what they could and couldn't say, and the umpires learned what they should and shouldn't call. It really isn't as big a deal as many of you are making it out to be and it isn't for everyone.

Some of you may not agree with it and that's fine, maybe its not a problem in your area or nobody minds it, but here anyway, the rule was put in place to solve a problem that ND ASA was having and it has done exactly what it was supposed to do and done it very well.

[Edited by gsf23 on Jul 18th, 2005 at 10:07 AM]