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Old Wed Mar 19, 2008, 12:51pm
BretMan BretMan is offline
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Columbus, Ohio
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I suppose it might depend on what had been said up to that point, how the coach has acted the rest of the game, or maybe even what kind of mood I'm in that day.

On the initial conversation, I'm saying something like, "The runner never touched the plate". Keep it simple and non-argumentive. If he argues, I'll calmly repeat the same phrase again.

Knowing myself, and having the benefit of hindsight and reflection, after our first conversation about the play, I'm likely to let the guy wander over toward the plate, but will not engage him from that spot. I'll be standing far away, checking my line-up card or otherwise totally ignoring the guy.

Now he's out there- alone and in the spotlight. What's he going to do? Have a temper tantrum? Kick dirt on the plate? Carry on a one-sided monolog with himself? Stand there alone and look like an idiot?

Either way, it makes it clear to everybody there just which one of the participants is being a jerk. And ultimately makes any following ejection much more easire and obviously justified!

I'll give him his few seconds by himself, watching how he reacts, then state something like, "The call stands. Get off the field so we can continue the game".

What he does next will determine if he stays in the game or not.

I'm not real big on giving ultimatums ("Don't go near the plate; Don't say another word"), as they can usually escalate an already confrontational situation. I'm pretty laid back and not real excited- or, too egotistical- about getting "shown up". I'll generally try to keep a coach in the game.

Up to a point!

I'll explain the call in as few words as possible, shut up and listen to the response, repeat the explanation if needed, ask the coach to please leave the field when I'm finished, then turn and walk away.

Leave him out there alone- give him enough rope...- then see if he is going to, in effect, eject himself.

I will not tolerate any argument that is profane, prolonged or personal.
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