Sending a "message"

[TheSlav]

Originally Posted by kylejt

I hope I never allow a game to get so out of hand that I'd even consider it. If a game DID so badly out of control that I'd consider it, I'd hope I have the common sense to never actually do it.

And if I actually carried out a F$#@ Y#$ Call to a player, coach, manager, bench or bleacher section, I'd hope I'd have the decency to end my career as an umpire, for I have surely failed at any sort of game management or honor to the game.

Kyle:
I think there's a middle ground somewhere here between this position and Major Dave where as he stated, you wouldn't necessarily refer to it as a FYC as much as a "remember the expectation of good sportsmanship" we talked about in pre-game. During a long season, some coaches, players and parents forget that pre-season meeting whee that discussion was held, many time to rolling eyes.

I did it once this season. HS fall league game, kid is up last inning for home team, represents tying run I think with two on and two out. First pitch, FB no doubter strike, his team had not swung at the first pitch all day. He turns and says "that was not a strike, just letting you know" as he dropped the bat in mock disgust. That normally would have been a heave-ho. But given the situation, I let it slide but behavior noted. Next pitch, two balls inside, not normally in my SZ. Bang Strike 2. Behavior punished or FYC, whatever. But he's still in the game.

His coach was in the process of yelling to him, "You're OK, just takes one, etc." When Little Johnny decides he wants to take another bite of the apple and informs me "Blue, you can't just make the rules (SZ) up as you go along". Me: "Yes, but I am responsible for enforcing sportsmanship, You're done".

His coach had no problem with it, actually said he's done worse and gotten away with it, which is amazing. And players on his team later came over and apologized for his behavior.

Sometimes games/situations get out of control in spite of your best efforts and that's when you have to step in and enforce the rules. In my opinion, at that point if an FYC is required to get their attention, I don't have a problem with it's use. I just might put a different label on it.