Eliminating the Abuse of Officials

Umpires should not have to deal with abuse from participants and spectators of the game. They are an integral part of the game and are required to enforce the rules.

To prevent abuse being directed at you, and in line with the Coloured Shirt Program, Respect in Sport and Play By The Rules, Baseball SA strongly supports a zero tolerance towards abuse of officials.

Practically, this will mean that an immediate ejection (i.e. no warning) should occur for any of the following actions:

• A player or manager continually arguing balls and strikes

• Profane language that is directed at the umpire

• Questioning an umpires honesty or integrity

• An obscene gesture directed toward an umpire, their partner, opposing player, or fan

• Flagrantly throwing equipment or part of uniform in obvious protest of a call

• Intentional physical contact with an umpire

• Kicking or throwing dirt on or at an umpire

• Spitting on or at an umpire

• Drawing a line in the dirt with the obvious intent of showing the umpire up

• Throwing objects from the dugout onto playing field

Abuse from Spectators

This policy extends to spectators of the game. If an umpire hears abuse from one or more spectators, they should stop the game and approach the Manager of the team that they believe the spectator belongs to.  The umpire will request that the manager takes action to ensure the abuse ceases immediately.  Failure of the manager to take appropriate action leaves them liable to be ejected.

Should the abuse continue from spectators from the same team (which does not have to be from the same person or persons) the umpire will stop the game and advise the Manager of that team that their club has been reported for the actions of their spectators.

Any subsequent abuse from spectators from the same team will also result in a report of their club. Should the abuse continue to an unacceptable level, the umpires have the ability to forfeit the game against the reported team.

In the unlikely event that the team that the spectator is associated with cannot be determined, it becomes the responsibility of the home club to take action.

Baseball can be an emotional game.

As an umpire you cannot get caught up in the emotion.
Stay Calm, Keep Cool.
As much as any abuse can feel VERY PERSONAL it often isn't.
Players, Coaches and even spectators are upset with the situation, decision or position, not the person.
Remember people cannot abuse a decision, a decision has no feelings (or ears!)

So more often than not, the umpire is the one who receives the result of the frustration.

That is not to say that you should accept the behaviour in any way.

If someone says or does the wrong thing then you can and should take action. You will receive full support from Baseball SA and even stronger support from the Umpiring Community and the Officiating Officer.