Time to Eliminate the Seat Belt Rule?

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Dad

I thought your only option in baseball was to eject.

Nope. Restriction to the dugout and a written warning for minor offenses. Pretty much required now for NFHS games unless the offense is considered major.

[BlueDevilRef]

Originally Posted by Rich

Nope. Restriction to the dugout and a written warning for minor offenses. Pretty much required now for NFHS games unless the offense is considered major.

I don't agree that putting a coach in the dugout is required before ejection. It's not a linear process where one must occur before the other. And while I do fast pitch softball, I work with a lot of guys who do both and have never heard of a written warning but maybe that is a state by state thing. I approach the dugout vs ejection thing just like basketball i.e. Answer questions, ignore comments, penalize unsporting behavior. I have used the dugout restriction a lot more recently but that I have attributed to working basketball and likening it to the first T.

[SC Official]

Originally Posted by BlueDevilRef

I don't agree that putting a coach in the dugout is required before ejection.

It is required in NFHS this year unless it is a major offense. Rule change.

[JeffM]

From time-to-time, a coach may think the benefits of getting a technical foul (motivated his players, hopes of getting some favorable calls from the officials) outweighs the cost of two free throw and, possibly, the ball. Adding the seatbelt penalty might deter coaches from "wanting a T"

[BlueDevilRef]

Originally Posted by SC Official

It is required in NFHS this year unless it is a major offense. Rule change.

Great. That is flipping ridiculous. Softball normally does same stuff but on a 3-4 year delay. Something to look forward to I suppose.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by BlueDevilRef

Great. That is flipping ridiculous. Softball normally does same stuff but on a 3-4 year delay. Something to look forward to I suppose.

I've been part of this in NCAA baseball. Nothing ridiculous about it -- and it works.

If it's minor, you formally warn, put on a lineup card, and restrict to the dugout.

If it's major, you eject.