Sorry; but, I have to totally disagree. By way of definition: Taunt = to provoke with insults; and, Heckle = to harass.
Hardly, what one could call, good sportmanship!
Spectator = observer, onlooker, audience, patron,witness.
Now, with sportsmanship allegedly being first and foremost in most youth programs - the taunter/heckler/ie. loudmouth goes!!!
I've yet to see this type of issue resolve itself when an umpire just ignores it, mind you I'm not saying the umpire should directly confront the source of the problem. (jmo)
quote:
Originally posted by T Alan:
I am pretty much amazed that some of you actually feel necessary to interface with a crowd member as you have listed above.
First, I have never worked a small diamond game so I offer no input on that level, however, I do work FED, College, American Legion, College Wood Bat and a very few adult games.
With the exception of a 'drunk and disorderly" fan I cannot picture how it could be my right or responsibility to eject a fan.
If the fan is taunting players . . . I would expect the coach or league representative to handle it.
If the fan is taunting an umpire . . . well friends, that just comes with the territory.
Now don't get me wrong . . . in my early days I have offered to go behind the dugout with a fan or two and "settle things like a man", but you kow what - I was wrong.
It is our JOB to handle players, coaches, and our feloow umpires - NOT to worry about the hyped up father of the 16 year old picture that thinks he is the next Sandy KOUFAX (not Colfax).
Pull up your socks guys.