Umpire assaulted over walk up song

[okla21fan]

If I am ever 'concerned' about what is being played/said over a P.A. system, that is only for me to tell the administrator on duty, and let him/her handle it. The P.A. (like the fans in the stands) are not 'between the lines' and I have no bushiness dealing with this directly. Let the Administrator be aware of the situation and let them handle it.

[RKBUmp]

FED a couple of years ago, at least in softball, did issue a directive about music being played. Have not been able to find the wording yet, but had to do with being intimidating etc. So there is basis for the umpire taking action with regard to the music.

The report says there was an interaction between the umpire and the player, it does not state who initiated it. The umpire may never have said a word to the player in trying to get the music stopped, it may have been the player who took exception and confronted the umpire.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

FED a couple of years ago, at least in softball, did issue a directive about music being played. Have not been able to find the wording yet, but had to do with being intimidating etc. So there is basis for the umpire taking action with regard to the music.

It was in the 2011 POEs:

SPORTSMANSHIP. The NFHS disapproves of any form of behavior intended or designed to embarrass, ridicule or demean others. There have been instances noted nationally of the Public Address (PA) system being utilized to intimidate or “taunt” the visiting team by playing negative sound effects when specific opponents come to bat or the playing of “motivational” music only for the home team. When the PA system is used for announcements, introductions, sound effects, music, etc., the presentation should be as neutral as possible. Clear guidelines and expectations should be developed by school administrators and shared with the individuals serving in this capacity so presentations are not viewed as acts of intimidation.

As I read it, there shouldn't be any kind of walk-up music unless it's being done for both teams. At least that's how I interpret "playing of 'motivational' music only for the home team." Not sure if NFHS made this across the board for all sports, not just softball, but I would assume that they did.

So, is that something for umpires to police? If we have a responsibility to make sure that there are no possibilities of things escalating to where they can become unsporting, I think it's within our rights to do something about it without going over the top.

[MD Longhorn]

It is my understanding that this is not the umpire's purview ... not even close.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

It is my understanding that this is not the umpire's purview ... not even close.

I guess we'll have to A2D.

I think umpires and other sports officials have a fundamental responsibility to prevent things from escalating on the field. Until I see something official from the powers-that-be that says we ignore non-game personnel from doing things that could cause problems, I believe we should nip this in the bud.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Manny A

I guess we'll have to A2D.

Fair enough, although I'd suggest asking your assignor. Considering you also work college games, I'd think you'd have a better understanding that things occurring outside the fence are generally best handled by someone else entirely. I don't mean this disparagingly, but I honestly can't even begin to imagine a fellow umpire deciding to try to enforce something like this in a high school game. I'd be completely shocked to see a partner doing such a thing.

Take it a step further... given that this part of the rulebook has nothing to do with the actual game... what do you do if the HC will not go talk to the PA announcer (again ... not HIS job either)... or what if he does and the PA guy refuses. What penalty are you going to invoke?

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

Fair enough, although I'd suggest asking your assignor. Considering you also work college games, I'd think you'd have a better understanding that things occurring outside the fence are generally best handled by someone else entirely. I don't mean this disparagingly, but I honestly can't even begin to imagine a fellow umpire deciding to try to enforce something like this in a high school game. I'd be completely shocked to see a partner doing such a thing.

Take it a step further... given that this part of the rulebook has nothing to do with the actual game... what do you do if the HC will not go talk to the PA announcer (again ... not HIS job either)... or what if he does and the PA guy refuses. What penalty are you going to invoke?

If I gave the impression that I would take aggressive action about this, forgive me. I would stop at advising the head coach that the music could cause problems. If he/she does something about it, great. If he/she does nothing, I'm not going to invoke any kinds of penalties. What I would do, however, is inform my association after the game for them to take appropriate action, if any.

I just feel that if I completely ignore it, it could come back and bite me.

[IRISHMAFIA]

It is absurd for the umpire to open his mouth on the field. Just because he finds it offensive, doesn't mean anyone else may.

If he wants to write up a report to the school/league/conference/AIA, fine, do that. But that is the extent of it and I really don't care what the song or lyrics were, it is none of his business.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by irishmafia

it is absurd for the umpire to open his mouth on the field. Just because he finds it offensive, doesn't mean anyone else may.

If he wants to write up a report to the school/league/conference/aia, fine, do that. But that is the extent of it and i really don't care what the song or lyrics were, it is none of his business.

+4,363,743,123

[HugoTafurst]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

(snip)
If he wants to write up a report to the school/league/conference/AIA, fine, do that. But that is the extent of it and I really don't care what the song or lyrics were, it is none of his business.

BINGO
I would think writing a report for actions like this is the only way to handle it...

I haven't been able to view the video, so I haven't seen exactly what happened, but based on the comments, I can guess.
I say this despite the fact that I do seem to remember hearing about an organ player (or music button pusher) that once got thrown out of an MLB game for playing 3 Blind mice...