UMPIRES AND BALLPARK BEHAVIOUR

Baseball is a game of emotion and at times we can get caught up in it. The problem is that we tend to verbalize that emotion – sometimes loudly and sometimes towards the umpires. While the majority of spectators know the boundaries of what is appropriate behaviour, there are some who need a reminder that we are a community level sports association, not the Major League.

There have been several instances of adults yelling at umpires because they felt they made a wrong call. Some have quit because in their words “it’s not worth the money”, “it’s too scary” and “would you like working at a place where you were yelled at?”

The decrease in the number of kids wanting to umpire is not coincidental.

The kids who umpire games at the Tadpole to Pee Wee level are 11 to 14 years old. They participate in a 2 day clinic every year and try their best to call a game on which most decisions are based on judgment. Their judgment is based on what they see at that moment. They do not have the luxury of an instant replay to verify their calls.

The executive of Surrey Canadian is taking a strong stand on unacceptable behaviour towards umpires. There will be a zero tolerance policy for the abuse of an official in our park. The policy will be strictly enforced to protect the remaining and upcoming umpires. Should there be unacceptable behaviour from either the dugout or the stands toward an umpire; the following steps will take place:

• The umpire will request the coach control the person behaving inappropriately. (this includes spectators, players and coaches)
  
• If the person (s) continues to be abusive, the game will be forfeited unless the offending person leaves the park.

The SCBA wants all kids and parents to look forward to playing and watching ball. When you come to the park, grab a drink and a hot dog, sit back and enjoy! After all, it’s just a game