coach pulling out the rule book

[vcblue]

After I made a judgment call the coach did not like he pulled out the rule book to read. He did not come out of the dug and play did not stop.

I have always heard that a coach should not be allowed to go to the rule book during a game. Is this an umpire thing or is there a specific rule (I could not find one) or ASA code?

[JEL]

Originally Posted by vcblue

After I made a judgment call the coach did not like he pulled out the rule book to read. He did not come out of the dug and play did not stop.

I have always heard that a coach should not be allowed to go to the rule book during a game. Is this an umpire thing or is there a specific rule (I could not find one) or ASA code?

Good!

Let him spend his game time doing something he should have already done such as learning the rules. It will keep him quiet and out of your hair!

If he then desires on field classroom instruction from you while toting his new found rule book, toss him.

[wadeintothem]

I've had both situations - a rule book where I ejected and a rule book where I showed them the rule. So IMO, it is a case by case basis thing. I think showing up an umpire is an ejection... so it will depend on what exactly is going on.

I'd think it best to leave the myth/implication out there that it is ALWAYS automatic just to keep em honest.

[Welpe]

There are very few game management situations where the word "automatic" applies.

[Stat-Man]

i'm going to go out on a limb and say if the coach looked something up, did not further argue it or otherwise cause play to stop, why keep him or her from learning something (or learning what they originally thought was wrong )? As one of the sayings I've learned on here goes, why look for trouble that doesn't exist?

I've never seen any rule in basketball, softball, soccer, or volleyball that precludes a coach from reading a rulebook during the game. That said, I would 100% agree that if a coach brings it out on the field or tries to use it to show up an official, that needs to be dealt with immediately.

[Welpe]

There's nothing illegal (or wrong!) with coaches reading the book in their dugout. If a coach comes out of the dugout with it and is shoving it in my face, they are probably going to be done for the game.

[Skahtboi]

Heck...for all I know, every coach I have had this year has pulled out his rule book and read it in the dugout. I would never know. I have too many REAL issues to worry about between the lines to ever notice what goes on in a dugout.

[Dakota]

I have on occasion suggested to coaches that they check the rule book (in the dugout).

As to bringing it on the field, the reason, timing, and demeanor are more important to me than what the coach may or may not have in his/her hand. Showing up the umpire is cause for ejection, not merely having a rule book in the hand. I do understand the traditional view on this; it has just not been an issue for me in practice.

But, in the dugout? No problem; have at it. He might learn something.

[CajunNewBlue]

hrmmm... I thought coaches already knew everything. just ask them!

[MichaelVA2000]

Originally Posted by Welpe

If they come out of the dugout without, shoving it in my face and trying to prove a point, they are probably going to be done for the game.

So if they come out of the dugout and do shove it in your face not trying to prove a point, are they probably going to remain in the game?