Base Line and Verbal Obstruction?

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by GaryBarrentine

It is not a violation of ASA rules for a fielder to stand in the base line. Exception: If it hinders a runner.

You're correct, up to the point of the exception. If they are in the act of fielding a batted ball, or if they are in possession of the ball, then they're fine. This is where we start to get into the whole debate of "was that obstruction or not?"

Originally Posted by GaryBarrentine

It is not a violation of ASA rules to yell "hey batter, batter, swing batter".

Again, it depends. You will always find the girls chanting different things throughout the game. If it's routine, non-offensive stuff, just let it be. If it's obviously posing a problem, then tell the coach to get the girls to cool it a while. I personally get annoyed when the catcher does this, and if I can see the batters getting pissed, I'll put a stop to it.

By rule, OBS does not have to be physical. It can be verbal. However, just because a player says something to a runner does not mean you should call OBS. Be very judicial when calling verbal OBS on the defense.

Look, chatter is chatter. It's up to you to decide A) is it unsportsmanlike and B) is it worth picking the nit?

Then again, I haven't called girls' games in 12 years, so...

[GaryBarrentine]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

You're correct, up to the point of the exception. If they are in the act of fielding a batted ball, or if they are in possession of the ball, then they're fine. This is where we start to get into the whole debate of "was that obstruction or not?"

Sorry, forgot to include interference in my exception.

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

By rule, OBS does not have to be physical. It can be verbal. However, just because a player says something to a runner does not mean you should call OBS. Be very judicial when calling verbal OBS on the defense.

Look, chatter is chatter. It's up to you to decide A) is it unsportsmanlike and B) is it worth picking the nit?

Then again, I haven't called girls' games in 12 years, so...

So one umpire may think that this chatter is USC or Verbal OBS, where another may not? So would this be considered a judgment call and not protestable?

Thanks

GaryB

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by GaryBarrentine

So one umpire may think that this chatter is USC or Verbal OBS, where another may not? So would this be considered a judgment call and not protestable?

Thanks

GaryB

USC is almost completely up to the umpire. There are very few acts that are specifically mentioned in the book as USC, resulting in an ejection (runners changing position and throwing a bat in anger are two off the top of my head). So yes, deciding what is USC is completely a judgment call.

Deciding whether or not something that was verbal hindered a batter, batter-runner or runner is also a judgment call.

[JPaco54]

In tournament SB games last weekend, competitive teams, Base runners were clapping their hands to distract the pitcher. Clapping started as she took her signals then stopped as she started her windup. I was not umpiring at the time but heard another fan yell out that the clapping was unsportsmanlike. After a few minutes the PU went to the HC and soonafter the clapping stopped. I have seen this in boys competitive games as well and have interpreted this as unsportsmanlike and requested the HC to instruct his players to stop. He argued for a minute that this is "competitive ball", we have always done this. He obliged. Thoughts?

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by JPaco54

In tournament SB games last weekend, competitive teams, Base runners were clapping their hands to distract the pitcher. Clapping started as she took her signals then stopped as she started her windup. I was not umpiring at the time but heard another fan yell out that the clapping was unsportsmanlike. After a few minutes the PU went to the HC and soonafter the clapping stopped. I have seen this in boys competitive games as well and have interpreted this as unsportsmanlike and requested the HC to instruct his players to stop. He argued for a minute that this is "competitive ball", we have always done this. He obliged. Thoughts?

"Coach, in my judgment, the clapping is distracting the pitcher. The fact that it's happening only while he's pitching tells me that it's intentional. Have it stop immediately."

If he continues to argue...

"Coach, either the clapping goes, or you'll go."

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by JPaco54

In tournament SB games last weekend, competitive teams, Base runners were clapping their hands to distract the pitcher. Clapping started as she took her signals then stopped as she started her windup. I was not umpiring at the time but heard another fan yell out that the clapping was unsportsmanlike. After a few minutes the PU went to the HC and soonafter the clapping stopped. I have seen this in boys competitive games as well and have interpreted this as unsportsmanlike and requested the HC to instruct his players to stop. He argued for a minute that this is "competitive ball", we have always done this. He obliged. Thoughts?

If it was simply clapping, I have nothing to call or say here.

[Tru_in_Blu]

I'm also not one to say anything about clapping or even loud cheering FOR you team. AGAINST the opposition is another thing.

I work a JO REC league ages 10 to 14 and their bylaws specifically say that cheering for your own team is allowed. They cannot yell anything out about the opposition.

Here's the passage in the bylaws:
H. Team members are allowed to cheer for their team only. Remarks shall not be directed to any opposing player. For example, a catcher cannot say "swing" to the batter. Violations of this rule will be considered unsporting conduct and may be grounds for ejection from the game by the umpire.

This is more specific than NFHS or ASA, but it does teach the girls the basics of sportsmanship.

Ted

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

I'm also not one to say anything about clapping or even loud cheering FOR you team. AGAINST the opposition is another thing.

Cheering yes, but how to you clap against anything? Remember, we are not talking about a runner clapping going past an infielder (possibley INT) trying to make a play, but a runner standing on a base while the pitcher is taking a visual signal.

If a pitcher needs quiet to get her signals, we better ban all spectators or she needs to find another position.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

....Here's the passage in the bylaws:
H. Team members are allowed to cheer for their team only. Remarks shall not be directed to any opposing player. For example, a catcher cannot say "swing" to the batter. Violations of this rule will be considered unsporting conduct and may be grounds for ejection from the game by the umpire.....

I think such rules tend to go too far in the mollycoddling direction. Someone referenced the "rollin', rollin' rollin'" cheer. This is obviously not cheering "for" your team, but I see no reason to ban such cheers. Sharp sounds or shouting/speaking to opposing players, where the timing is obviously intended to throw off the opponent's actions, can be dealt with by the umpire.