[kellerumps]

Mike,

That doesn't mean you don't have control as you can suspend the game whenever you see fit. If a fan is interacting with the coaches, than they should be treated as a coach which means they are confined to the dugout areas without electronical equipment. Same goes for "dad". He is burying himself, let him go. Just stand there, smiling, and refuse to continue the game until the coaches take care of the situation. If they won't, have the TD & UIC chase them. It there is a clock involved, don't stop it unless it benefits the other team.

Thanks for your advice. I have said that there is something I can learn from this mess. Maybe that is what it is....Suspending play until the coaches, TD or UIC take action.

You are correct that the fans SHOULD NOT be my concern. However, many times that is simply not the case. This was one of them. The TD and UIC, while supportive wanted us to dictate what action would be needed.

As for some fans burying themselves? Yup they did...The TD and UIC both were taking notes of comments and actions.

Did this turmoil affect our game, by all neutral accounts NO. The 3 of us have worked together quite abit and are really comfortable with each other. Between the lines everything was picture perfect text-book 3 person mechanics.

I do applaud the TD and UIC for having the guts to declare a forfeit and then backing up the umpires with their post game reports. I received a call on Sunday from the State Commish, requesting that I send copies of my game report to several different parties so ASA can take appropriate action.

We've both been in some tough situations before, but this one does take the cake. We all learned something that in the end will make us even better umpires.

Thanks again.