Player profanity

[rbmartin]

I was doing a Varsity level High School summer league game last week (not a official IHSAA game but we were instructed to be officiate it as such). I had the field.
I overheard F6 on team "A" frequently using foul language (c'mon guys, make an F-ing play etc) none of which was directed at an umpire or an opposing player, just at his teammates or sometimes at himself. I probably overheard the "F word" 4 or 5 times during the 7 inning game. Not loud enough for spectators to hear but probably loud emough for all the infielders and runners to hear.

What if anything should I have done?

a) ignore it
b) discreetly tell him to knock it off.
c) instruct his coach to tell him to knock it off.
d) other

[ozzy6900]

Usually as the BU, I'll walk to the player between batters and speak directly to him, "Hey, 22! Let's keep the profanity down so grandma in the stands doesn't have a heart attack!". Very simple and said with a smile. Always had good luck doing it that way.

[JRutledge]

I have simply said, "Knock off the language" in a stern voice and that usually solves the problem.

They just need to be aware that you hear them. Sometimes I think they do not think you can hear them.

Peace

[Publius]

Originally Posted by rbmartin

I overheard F6 on team "A" frequently using foul language (c'mon guys, make an F-ing play etc) none of which was directed at an umpire or an opposing player, just at his teammates or sometimes at himself. I probably overheard the "F word" 4 or 5 times during the 7 inning game. Not loud enough for spectators to hear but probably loud emough for all the infielders and runners to hear.

I don't know what you should do, but in that context, I ignore it 100% of the time.

[SWFLguy]

I'd say something very discretely. Used to run into that when I was U in football. Would say something like, "no F-bombs guys, hurts my ears" and it would stop.

[Tim C]

Publius: noted:

"I don't know what you should do, but in that context, I ignore it 100% of the time."

And I agree with him 100%.

Big Boy ball has some (much) leeway.

T

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I have simply said, "Knock off the language" in a stern voice and that usually solves the problem.

They just need to be aware that you hear them. Sometimes I think they do not think you can hear them.

Peace

My words exactly. And Junior and his younger brother will attest that when I use my "stern voice" you are in trouble.

MTD, Sr.

[MD Longhorn]

Ignore.

[Rich]

I wouldn't hear it. Or, rather, I would hear it and not think twice about it.

[David B]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

Usually as the BU, I'll walk to the player between batters and speak directly to him, "Hey, 22! Let's keep the profanity down so grandma in the stands doesn't have a heart attack!". Very simple and said with a smile. Always had good luck doing it that way.

I agree with that, I don't like to hear it and while its not a big problem, I put a stop to it.

thanks
David

[DG]

"Stop it" is generally sufficient. He will know what you are talking about. If he asks "what" tell him.