Umpire attacked

[BellevueUMp]

DG, you make a very good point. I did some checking in the NFHS book, & here's what I came up with:

Rule 4-4-1 is written (at least the way I'm reading it) to address actions by the entire team. From that, my inference is the closest you could get would be 4-4-1(e), based on the requirement to address profanity, unsportsmanlike behavior, etc. at the plate conference. I also think that you would have some difficulties with appeals or other challenges to this.

That said, I think that 10-2-3(f,g) might actually be appropriate here. For a game forfeited under this rule, you'd need some very strong support at the state level. Probably the most effective way to do this would be for the state-level association to advise the different school divisions in some sort of a 'shot across the bow.' Specifically, this could take the form of an unequivocal message to the effect of, 'If this continues, umpires will either develop a hair-trigger for ejecting players/coaches, or schools identified as having problems with compliance will be removed from the schedule.'

For those who think that's an extreme response, I agree. Something like that shouldn't be hauled out unless it's absolutely necessary. I also believe that the above is not the only solution to the problem. I'm sure others have some great ideas on how to address this, and I look forward to reading them.

Just my $.02.