fielders yelling

[Tru_in_Blu]

I worked an invitational tournament [ASA 12U game] where the team at bat was making a lot of noise. The tournament had a specific restriction about artificial noise-makers such as air horns, clackers, bull horns, cow bells, etc.

These girls were just LOUDLY cheering their team. There may have been a subtle [or not] attempt to rattle the defensive team. But their cheers were the typical 12U stuff: Good eye - BALL! Good eye - BALL!; I see a GAP and Susie's goin' shoppin'!

So the defensive coach asks for time and wants me to stop the other team from cheering because it's bothering his pitcher. I told him there's no rule against cheering, or how loudly. I've heard no profanity, nothing addressing anyone but their own teammates. I reminded him of the tournament rules about artificial noisemakers and said I didn't hear any bats clanging on the fence or benches. Also, HIS team was entitled to make just as much noise as they wanted given the same restrictions.

Next half inning, the offended team is up on the fence doing their thing, loudly. Another half inning after that, things toned down significantly. I think they all just yelled themselves out.