Clapping by Base Runners

[aschramm]

Last night I was BU for a U14 game (FED Rules), and near the middle of the game the runners for the team at-bat started clapping, not in uniform, in an attempt to distract the pitcher during his preliminary motions, and hoping the pitcher would balk. My partner, PU called time, and announced that the offending team should stop immediately. (Personally, I thought it was a little nit-picky, but I had no real problem with the call). One of the base coaches starts yelling, "it doesn't say we can't clap in the rulebook". After the inning, my partner gave the explanation to the HC that he thought it was unsportsmanlike to do during a U14 game (or any game, really), and that he wouldn't have any of it. The coaches respected the reasoning, and it wasn't escalated any further.

Now, I haven't had a chance to get into my rulebook yet, but would this be considered a proper use for using a unsportsmanlike conduct rule from the book? Also, could it be considered offensive interference, since the offensive team is using this tactic to distract the defensive team, and while it isn't verbal, it is still audible for everyone to hear?

Thanks!

[johnnyg08]

If you're playing FED, it's illegal. Also a bit bush league.

[aschramm]

Yes, it was very bush league. Also, the assistant coach gave me the great line of "We were showed in the rulebook and allowed to do it during a tournament".

[TwoBits]

Bush league, definitely. But is it truly illegal? I suppose an umpire could interpret it to be unsportsmanlike, but I think he'd be opening a can of worms in doing so.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by aschramm

snipped...

the runners for the team at-bat started clapping, not in uniform

I'm a bit confused. Were the runners not wearing their uniforms, or did you mean they were clapping, but not in unison?

[jkumpire]

The runners were clapping for the high-quality work done by the umpiring crew, therefore it is not illegal to do....

[Jimmie24]

I believe that the rule he would use to enforce this would be 3-3-1o "call 'time' or use any command or comit any act for the purpose of causing a balk."

Let's just play ball!

[TwoBits]

Originally Posted by Jimmie24

I believe that the rule he would use to enforce this would be 3-3-1o "call 'time' or use any command or comit any act for the purpose of causing a balk."

Let's just play ball!

Thought of that possibility, but if the same players were clapping while yelling encouraging words to their teammate at bat, you wouldn't claim they were acting unsportsmanlike, would you?

[Jimmie24]

Originally Posted by TwoBits

Thought of that possibility, but if the same players were clapping while yelling encouraging words to their teammate at bat, you wouldn't claim they were acting unsportsmanlike, would you?

I completely agree. That is what I figured that he used. To me, let's just play ball. That is what it is about. As an official we must use our judgement to determine what their actions are meant to be. I figure that is a tough sell on clapping trying to cause a balk. I personally wouldn't have anything.

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by TwoBits

Thought of that possibility, but if the same players were clapping while yelling encouraging words to their teammate at bat, you wouldn't claim they were acting unsportsmanlike, would you?

would have to see it and hear it to make a judgment on that one. i've seen a lot of bush league stuff. if this were the case...i'd probably let it go...after all, teams certainly have the right to cheer for their team.

[aschramm]

Originally Posted by TwoBits

Thought of that possibility, but if the same players were clapping while yelling encouraging words to their teammate at bat, you wouldn't claim they were acting unsportsmanlike, would you?

When I talked to the assistant coach, I made it clear that your players in the dugout can absolutely clap and cheer on their batter at the plate. It's when they do it on the field to distract, that we would have a problem.

[Forest Ump]

Originally Posted by aschramm

One of the base coaches starts yelling, "it doesn't say we can't clap in the rulebook". !

"Coach, the rulebook does say I can eject for unsportmanlike conduct. Do I need to continue?"

[SAump]

Originally Posted by aschramm

Last night I was BU for a U14 game (FED Rules), and near the middle of the game the runners for the team at-bat started clapping, not in uniform, in an attempt to distract the pitcher during his preliminary motions, and hoping the pitcher would balk. My partner, PU called time, and announced that the offending team should stop immediately. (Personally, I thought it was a little nit-picky, but I had no real problem with the call). One of the base coaches starts yelling, "it doesn't say we can't clap in the rulebook". After the inning, my partner gave the explanation to the HC that he thought it was unsportsmanlike to do during a U14 game (or any game, really), and that he wouldn't have any of it. The coaches respected the reasoning, and it wasn't escalated any further.

Now, I haven't had a chance to get into my rulebook yet, but would this be considered a proper use for using a unsportsmanlike conduct rule from the book? Also, could it be considered offensive interference, since the offensive team is using this tactic to distract the defensive team, and while it isn't verbal, it is still audible for everyone to hear?

Thanks!

I wouldn't call him a pitcher if clapping led to a balk call against him.

Here the team in the dugout stands on the leading edge, claps and yells, "Rip it. Rope it." They do it for every batter. Probably have a few more in their repitour. Every now and then a good one-liner comes out of the dugout at the end of one of those chants that make the fans in the stand laugh. All part of the baseball "playing" atmosphere.

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by aschramm

Last night I was BU for a U14 game (FED Rules), and near the middle of the game the runners for the team at-bat started clapping, not in uniform, in an attempt to distract the pitcher during his preliminary motions, and hoping the pitcher would balk.
Thanks!

Gentlemen, based upon the description of this alone, this is a rules violation.

I agree with Ozzy that some officials "like to make up rules and adjust rules to fit situations," however, there are many out there that don't have the gioonies (SP) enough to use the rules that are in the book appropriately and make it a hey-day for other officials when they do.

I have no problem with cheering, clapping and team spirit encouragement but, when the so intent is to gain an advantage in violation of the rules then it is my job to enforce them. I agree it is umpires judgement here but, I have had situations with runners on third clapping and yelling at the pitcher with a clear intent to get the pitcher to balk. "Hey Blue, no one ever said that was illegal before." Whole teams beginning rythmatic chanting only when a runner is on third and the pitcher is come set. It then increases in volume as the pitcher gets ready to pitch. "Hey Blue, no one ever said that was illegal before."

For the most part, I agree with everything said here but, I just want to point out that discretion is just as important in knowing when not to insert yourself in the game, as it is when you should be enforcing the rules.

[HokieUmp]

Originally Posted by jicecone

Gentlemen, based upon the description of this alone, this is a rules violation.

How is it different than F4/F5 tapping their gloves behind R2 as they move back and forth, trying to keep him closer to 2B? That's also intended as a distraction, and no different than a runner clapping his hands while leading off. Are players really THAT mentally fragile that they can't perform under the slightest pressure?