I too have had near the exact same conversation with players and coaches. And I do call players ma’am or sir (thanks the to training of the USMC and my mother). I would suggest, as I have learned, only offer one explanation. After your first explanation there is nothing further to add.
F5: What? I was on the bag!
Me: No ma'am. You didn't have contact with the base.
F5: Yes I did. I was touching the base.
Me: (silence)
I find that some of the worst coaches and players are officials in some other sport. Again I would offer after the “learn the rules” line there is nothing you can add so don’t, just smile, and return to your next position.
When it is time for a coach or player to go you will know and there will be no doubt. From this forum I learned the three P’s. Personal, Profane, and Prolonged. Neither of these cases appeared (to me) PPP.
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