Fraternization

[Tru_in_Blu]

I searched the forum for this topic but didn't come up with much.

Did I read somewhere that umpires should be cautious about fraternizing with team members? Or showing outward signs of partiality?

Recently observed an umpire fist-bumping, low-fiving, and pointing to a player who made a great defensive play. Just for the one team and not the other.

Does USA Softball have any guidelines? I looked in rules book and umpire manual but nothing stood out.

[SNIPERBBB]

Im just trying to imagine a scenario where an umpire would be close enough to a player to make high five/fist bump after a play outside of between innings as the defense comes off the field or on the way to getting into position for the next pitch.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

I searched the forum for this topic but didn't come up with much.

Did I read somewhere that umpires should be cautious about fraternizing with team members? Or showing outward signs of partiality?

Recently observed an umpire fist-bumping, low-fiving, and pointing to a player who made a great defensive play. Just for the one team and not the other.

Does USA Softball have any guidelines? I looked in rules book and umpire manual but nothing stood out.

Well, this out of the "Code of Ethics for Umpires" section in the Umpire Manual might cover it:

3. Remember that while your work as an umpire is important, you must conduct yourself in such a way that spectator attention is directed to the players during the game and not at you.

I would say any unsolicited reaction by an umpire towards a player would fall into the category of something that would catch the attention of a spectator. So don't do it, even if it's done to both teams equally.