[jicecone]

Originally posted by Illini_Ref
I umpired a Little League State Tournament game last night. The defense was instituting the time honored tradition of yelling "hey batter" with each pitch. I really don't see a problem with this, but the opposing coach did, and asked me about it. I told him that as long as the kids didn't use names, or say anything derogatory, that I didn't have a problem with it. This is what the rules state:

4.06- No manager, coach or player, shall at any time, whether from the bench or the playing field or elsewhere -

(1) incite, or try to incite, by word or sign, a demonstration by spectators;

(2) use language which will in any manner refer to or reflect upon opposing players, manager, coach, an umpire or spectators;

Now, does #2 mean they can't do it? They were referring to and opposing player. What do you think?

I think it reads quite clearly that they can't do what you were allowing. I also don't think that this is new to baseball. So the "time honored tradition," may not be as long as you believe it to be.

Oh, and it doesn't say the language has to be english either.