In Game Management Principles Five for Umpires we discuss ejection rule tips to regard. Make sure you’re always in control and know when to eject. How will you handle objections to your decisions and unsportsmanlike conduct?
EJECTION RULE TIPS TO REGARD:
- In most cases an umpire should warn a player before ejection
- Any umpire can eject any player, coach or manager at any time
- As far as ejecting spectators, you may, however, refer them to management
- Mandatory ejection rules are grouped into three categories
1. Malicious Contact
2. Unsportsmanlike Conduct
3. Objecting to Umpire Decisions
ALWAYS BE IN CONTROL:
- Know the fine line between allowing too much to happen and being trigger-happy or too quick to eject
- Experience will help you to know when to draw the line and you don’t learn that overnight
- Umpires need to be able to communicate and be approachable
- Avoid confrontation if possible
- Never give the perception that you are the aggressor
- If all else fails, take care of the situation
- If nothing works do what you must do
- Don’t be quick to eject them – let them run themselves
- Remember image is everything
- Don’t get caught up in the heat of the moment
- Be above the fray and in command of the situation yourself and look as though you are in complete control
- Always try to avoid confrontation
- Be firm but reasonable
- Earn respect by being longsuffering and don’t look as though you are looking for trouble
- Keep your voice under control when being challenged
- Never yell and scream
- Never threaten or tell participants to shut up
- When you do raise your voice they will pay attention if you have earned their respect and it will be out of character and they will understand you are serious
WHEN TO EJECT:
- Certain magic words
- Anything derogatory preceded by “YOU”
- If a coach persists, let him know he has made his point and to stop
- Tell the coach if you hear it again it will be “GOODBYE”
- Assistant coaches should be seen and not heard
- When a batter draws a line in the dirt – immediate ejection
- Never be shown up!
- No need for showmanship – just a statement
- If you don’t eject, you will not be respected and get a reputation that they can walk all over you
- Arguing balls and strikes, don’t just take off the mask and tell them no more comments – eject them
- If you invade their territory and return to the plate, you will surely hear a rejoinder
- Look over, put your hand up and tell them firmly, “THAT IS ENOUGH”
OBJECTION TO DECISIONS:
- Decisions on rules may be appealed, however, many umpire’s decision concerning judgment is final
- Arguing balls and strikes is prohibited
- Coaches and players cannot leave the dugout or their position to protect a decision by an umpire
- No one may protest a ball or strike call on the pretense they are asking an umpire for information about a half swing
- Eject any player or coach who leaves his position to argue
IF YOU EJECT SOMEONE, THEN WHAT?
- The person ejected must leave the field immediately
- They may have no further part in the baseball game
- May not remain in the dugout, runway, bullpen or press box
- Removed from sight and sound from the ballgame
- The ejected may not communicate in any way with the team or umpires
- If the ejected person refuses to leave the field and be out of sight and sound, you may forfeit the game to the opposing team (a warning should first be given)
UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT!
- Act not in the spirit of fair play
- Minor offenses can be handled with a warning
- Two unsportsmanlike acts are sure ejection
- Fighting
- Intentionally throwing at a batter
- Unsportsmanlike act can and most often is verbal
- Malicious contact if a runner flagrantly contacts a fielder and is obstructed or is otherwise safe on the play. He is still safe but ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct (especially in the amateur baseball game)
