[AtlUmpSteve]

Exactly correct, Tom. If both teams and all umpires are registered ASA, then this is an insured ASA game. They may adopt whatever rules they wish; the umpires only assume liability for negligence in performing their duties, and their duties are to enforce the rules the league specifies. Remember, the ASA rulebook is clear that the rules are for Championship Play Only, and that local leagues may adopt all, any portion, or whatever changes they wish.

I believe John Spiotta, representing Bollinger, once said that they could pitch grenades and swing spears, as long as it was an adopted rule, and the insurance would cover. But, the premiums would be adjusted based on the underwriting risk presented by the games being played that way.

WRT the coaches, unless the league has a rule allowing them outside the dugout, the umpire allowing them out would like be considered negligence by a jury, and the umpire would likely be judged (at least) partially liable. That would be lessened by the coach's own culpability in using poor judgment, but that argument doesn't help much. Our courts have often held that stupidity of a plaintiff isn't a viable defense by a defendant.