A forfeit should be the last option...
but there are times when we don't have a choice.
For my situation, our league rules are quite clear.
Lets look at another situation;
Say a team can not field enough players to start a game or inning (varies with leagues). That is an automatic forfeit, which is declared by the UIC. No option or choices.
Maybe someone should start an "All the ways to earn a Forfeit" thread. You know, like they do for advancing to 1st base, over, and over, and over again.
By the way, in our part of the world, we give an ejected player / coach 60 seconds to leave the field, or the game is over. That is backed by the commissioner. I think someone posted 15 minutes ! A lot can happen to an official in 15 minutes. And 15 minutes is a long time for someone to incite the crowd or other players against you, and a long time to work themselves up to do something they normally wouldn't do. Getting them off the field ASAP is not only in the best interest of the umpire and the game, but also the one being ejected. In my experience, 60 seconds takes forever.
And for those of you who don't get the point of my post...The assistant coach caused the forfeit, not me. I just handed him, and his team, their hats. A career ending forfeit is one that is administered for the wrong reason, or not in line with the rules. I followed the rules, as is evident by the commissioner upholding the forfeit.
My dad taught me to avoid pulling your gun at all costs, but if you do, pull the trigger without hesitation !
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Have Great Games !
Nick
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