Spectators

[RKBUmp]

Working game alone the other night for local youth softball league. We have your standard cheering from the benches, and on occasion I have had to tell teams that it has gone to far or that the cheer is innappropriate. Had a coach yelling swing one night, got that stopped, then had his catcher start, nipped that in the bud, but how do you handle spectators doing it?

In the game I was working, 3-2 count, pitch was well outside and heard someone yell swing from my right side, but wasnt from bench area. Looked around, but couldnt tell who did it. Couple of batters later, 0-2 count on batter, I hear someone yell swing, this time further back behind me. Turned and looked, still not obviouse who is doing it. Next inning it happens again, but directly behind me. This time I walked to screen and said that would be enough yelling swing. I dont like to get into it with the parents/spectators, but at what point do you draw the line for what is acceptable/unacceptable for the players/coaches vs the spectators?

[archangel]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

Working game alone the other night for local youth softball league. We have your standard cheering from the benches, and on occasion I have had to tell teams that it has gone to far or that the cheer is innappropriate. Had a coach yelling swing one night, got that stopped, then had his catcher start, nipped that in the bud, but how do you handle spectators doing it?

In the game I was working, 3-2 count, pitch was well outside and heard someone yell swing from my right side, but wasnt from bench area. Looked around, but couldnt tell who did it. Couple of batters later, 0-2 count on batter, I hear someone yell swing, this time further back behind me. Turned and looked, still not obviouse who is doing it. Next inning it happens again, but directly behind me. This time I walked to screen and said that would be enough yelling swing. I dont like to get into it with the parents/spectators, but at what point do you draw the line for what is acceptable/unacceptable for the players/coaches vs the spectators?

Ignore the crowd unless profanity involved, remember the Ferris Bueller line?- Saaahwiinng, Baatter, bbaatter"- thats part of the game...any other fan issues, you shouldnt talk to fans, have LD, game mngmnt, or home coach deal with it-- if necessary, put both teams in the dugouts until problem is solved--parents want to watch their kids play, not sit--

[umpharp]

I don't see a problem with parents yelling "Swing." They're not being vulgar or rude. We have enough to do then to nitpick what parents say.
When I played little league years ago, the infield was taught to chant, 'hey, batter, batter, hey batter, batter, SWING!"

If you're working 10U or younger then you might remind the coach that the players are learning and when they hear somebody say swing they do it, but any competitive ball, the batter should be able to ignore spectators.

[RKBUmp]

I also remember yelling hey batta batta, SWING in LL. It was allowed my first year, 2nd year we were told we couldnt do it anymore.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

Working game alone the other night for local youth softball league. We have your standard cheering from the benches, and on occasion I have had to tell teams that it has gone to far or that the cheer is innappropriate. Had a coach yelling swing one night, got that stopped, then had his catcher start, nipped that in the bud, but how do you handle spectators doing it?

When umpiring, umpire. The spectators are not your issue unless you have been specifically directed to act in a certain manner. Let someone from the association deal with the spectators.

[NYBLUE]

The only time I may deal with spectators during a game is when I remove them from behind the backstop.

[SRW]

Originally Posted by NYBLUE

The only time I may deal with spectators during a game is when I remove them from behind the backstop.

Why do you care about that?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by SRW

Why do you care about that?

He's afraid they will steal his kitchen timer

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

He's afraid they will steal his kitchen timer

Ha!

That there is funny.

Hey you know it was proposed to fine umps in our area who dont use one...

[NYBLUE]

Originally Posted by SRW

Why do you care about that?

I should have elaborated I guess.

I don't care what specs behind the backstop do unless they:
1. Direct negative comments towards me or about the strike zone.
2. Attempt to distract the batter (vocally) or pitcher (vocally or physically).
3. Tip pitches to the batter.

If I catch any of the above, I'm politely asking them to move.

Specs who simply sit back there to get a nice look at the game don't bother me none.

[LMan]

Originally Posted by NYBLUE

1. Direct negative comments towards me or about the strike zone.

Are you kidding? Specs can't comment on your zone?



Do you offer refunds?

[IN ASA BLUE]

Originally Posted by NYBLUE

I should have elaborated I guess.

I don't care what specs behind the backstop do unless they:
1. Direct negative comments towards me or about the strike zone.
2. Attempt to distract the batter (vocally) or pitcher (vocally or physically).
3. Tip pitches to the batter.

If I catch any of the above, I'm politely asking them to move.

Specs who simply sit back there to get a nice look at the game don't bother me none.

I remove anyone from the backstop who is doing anything but cheering in a positive manor. Coaching, interference(verbal), etc.

As for "strike zone" comments, and such from spec I go directly to the offenders coach. Our local assoc. has very specific rules on this type of conduct.

Basically, coaches are responsible for their fans. If coach will not attempt to control fan/parent, the coach is tossed and must pay a fine and go before the board before he/she can coach again. If he/she attempts to control the fan/parent and is unsuccessful then we toss the fan to the parking lot and they have pay a fine and go before the board to explain why they should be at their child's games in the future.

What this does is put the coach in the first position to control the fans/parents, and we are the last resort. Every parent and coach signs off on these rules at the beginning of the season.

It has really cut down on the verbal abuse of the umpires and the distractions for the players.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by NYBLUE

...

I don't care what specs behind the backstop do unless they:
1. Direct negative comments towards me or about the strike zone.

I had a similar situation at a tournament once.

Some dad parked his chair directly behind me and started in on the strike zone from the first pitch. After about an inning and a half, I walked back to the backstop and said:

"You know, my a$$ is 44 inches wide and the plate is only 17; how can you even see the strike zone from there?"

Didn't hear much more from that guy.

[Chess Ref]

I was BU. R1 on 3rd. Passed ball we have a close play at the plate. My partner comes up with an "OUT". The fans are pretty close to the backstop. They all start shouting at my partner-he loses it and starts yelling at them about the play.
It was bizarre. It was pretty hot around here this weekend so I'll cut him a break,that and he is a really good umpire who had a not so good moment.

Just thought I would mention it in honor of this thread....

[IRISHMAFIA]

You know, like player, umpires occasionally need to "clear" the dirt from the bottom of their shoes. It's amazing how well-suited the backstop is for such a task.