Fan Intimidation

[JRutledge]

Well we do not have police protection for these games. We are lucky if there is any organized security at any baseball game.

If this was the case in my area, I would stop the game and not start the game until the individuals were removed. And when they are removed we would continue the game. The home management is often the home coach and they would either call the police or have school personnel take action (which means they would call the police if the fans did not leave).

Peace

[jdmara]

I don't know if I would say that spectators are out of the realm of an umpires jurisdiction. We are responsible for the proceedings of the game (including but not limited to maintaining reasonable order, fair play, player safety, etc...). HOWEVER, (as most basketball officials know) NEVER go into or communicate with anyone in the stands. It's a losing proposition 100% of the time. An official should have game management take care of any situation with the spectators if the official believe it is effecting the proceedings of the game.

In the OP situation, I would have a quick conference with game management (usually around here that is the HC) and have that person removed from the facility. I would treat this violation exactly the same as someone who left the stands in a basketball game. There is no reason for it! That being said, I would go talk with the pitcher, VC, and/or partner while the dirty work is being done. There is no sense to watch the events and make it the center of attention more than it already has become.

Some situations that I am going to address with game management:

1. Spectator coming onto the field
2. Spectator using artificial noise device (ie blow horn)
3. Spectator using blatant inappropriate language
4. Spectator using racial slurs
5. Spectator excessively taunting a player

On the other hand, I am never going to have rabbit ears. I have had very few situations of a spectator being out of control. Only one time have I EVER had to address the situation. All the other times the coaches took care of it before I said anything.

-Josh

[JJ]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Final Four Officials were, Tommy O'Neill, Tony Greene and Curtis Shaw. Now stop asking already!!!

...but there are only three names. I thought it was final FOUR...

JJ

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by JJ

...but there are only three names. I thought it was final FOUR...

JJ

It is an inside joke.

Peace

[FredFan7]

I'd also make sure a detailed, dispassionate, report is filed with the state association, with the school's AD, Principal, and School District Superintendent getting a copy.

[jdmara]

Originally Posted by FredFan7

I'd also make sure a detailed, dispassionate, report is filed with the state association, with the school's AD, Principal, and School District Superintendent getting a copy.

I forgot about report such incident to the state! I knew I was missing something. I would let the state deal with the situation after that. I don't find a reason to let the school's AD, Principal, etc...They will hear about it from the state.

-Josh

[briancurtin]

I had a drugged out student try to walk across the outfield (barefoot) during a fall league game when I was still out in Pennsylvania.

He told security he didn't know there was a game going on...

[umpduck11]

Originally Posted by briancurtin

I had a drugged out student try to walk across the outfield (barefoot) during a fall league game when I was still out in Pennsylvania.

He told security he didn't know there was a game going on...

I was working an inner-city High School game, when a woman walked through a gate in right field, and strolled across the field, exiting through a gate in left. She was talking to herself the entire jaunt, and we may as well not have been there, as far as she was concerned.