Quote:
Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve
My opinion is that you are making more out of this than was ever intended by those rules supplements in ASA. Yes, what you state does meet the letter of the wording, but I believe you are missing the intent.
No, not any type of musical instrument; the "artificial noisemaker" is to stop air horns, trumpets, amplified music, actual drums, even the redneck jugs with pebbles or coins. But, if something has a softball purpose to be in the dugout, unless they are damaging something or overly distracting, leave it alone!!
It has been my experience when one team complained, and umpires stopped the use of ANYTHING, it then became louder than it was before. Yelling, shrieking, jumping on the benches, whatever.
As to the NCAA rule, I have been told by several conference coordinators and (former and current) SUP members that we ARE NOT to address 13.4.2 (using equipment) UNTIL and unless brought to our attention by a complaining opponent. Conversely, and despite the same language, we ARE to address 5.11.2 (artificial noisemakers) on our own observation. Given that lack of a more specific interpretation from DA, I do as directed.
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You know, any rule like this is useless without proper definition. Much like ASA should define "errant throw", maybe the NCAA should define what the mean by an artificial noisemaker. What you call an artificial noisemaker may not be what the next guy calls an artificial noisemaker.
For example, a musical instrument of any type probably should not be considered an artificial noisemaker since it is manufactured for the express purpose of making noise. And if there is an artificial noisemaker, what is a natural noisemaker?
I believe the NCAA and those following suit make far too much out of issues like this.