Plate Conference Procedures

[MD Longhorn]

I've read that. And I don't think I've ever worked with anyone that does 80% of that. One school district I work requires a sportsmanship statement at the conference. And one umpire I work with there simply says, "Required sportsmanship statement" and moves on.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

...One school district I work requires a sportsmanship statement at the conference. And one umpire I work with there simply says, "Required sportsmanship statement" and moves on.

While I am not advocating "required sportsmanship statements", if they are required, saying what this guy says seems ill-advised. It runs the real risk (IMO) of being taken as belittling sportsmanship rather than protesting/belittling the requirement (which is probably his intent).

It doesn't take too long perusing the sports media to find that lack of sportsmanship in youth sports IS a problem.

I must say, though, we rarely have an issue with sportsmanship in HS girls fast pitch here in MN. But when we do, it usually starts with the coach and is reflected in the team.