MAC/NVBUA Umpire Mechanics for Engagement with Assistant Coaches
by Craig Hughes
It is a fine idea to start off the game by introducing yourself to the assistant coaches as your paths cross, or if you are the field umpire, deliberately shaking hands with the assistant coaches at first base. Having a good relationship with assistant coaches helps to facilitate an efficient and safe sporting event. For example, ask them to direct players back into the dugout or direct players to pick up equipment, and the such. Perhaps ask an assistant coach how long they have been with this team and thank them for supporting their players.
All is good with assistant coaches…until it isn’t.
The NFHS rulebook, in the 2025 Points of Emphasis section, recognizes that coaches (to include assistants) set the tone at athletic contests with their display of sportsmanship and respect. Their sportsmanlike manner and player management sets a positive tone for players, spectators and others. NFHS rules allow for umpire penalties for (assistant) coaches to include restricting the coach to the dugout or ejecting an offending coach. Lastly, the NFHS rulebook defines violations of bench and field conduct, to include: committing unsportsmanlike acts; using words or actions to incite; using profanity, intimidation tactics, remarks reflecting unfavorably upon any other person, or taunting or baiting; behaving in any manner not in accordance with the spirit of fair play; being in live ball territory; leaving the coaches box or the dugout to dispute a judgment call by an umpire; and confronting or directing unsportsmanlike conduct to umpires after the game.
Penalties when assistant coaches commit offenses – when dealing with a head coach, the NFHS rulebook directs offender penalties to include warnings, such as verbal or written (with a bench/dugout restriction), followed by ejection (and if the offense is considered major, direct to ejection may be warranted). HOWEVER, umpires do NOT have to follow all of these steps for an assistant coach. If the first offense is EXCEPTIONALLY minor and professional, a quick verbal warning to the assistant coach may be appropriate. If that first offense is anything other than EXCEPTIONALLY minor and professional, the umpire should immediately approach the head coach, direct that the head coach handles the assistant coach, and remind the head coach that if they do not handle it, then the umpire will do so. For ANY additional offenses, it is perfectly acceptable to IMMEDIATELY restrict the assistant coach to the bench/dugout or, depending on the umpire’s judgment of the offense, it is perfectly acceptable to IMMEDIATELY eject the assistant coach.
Unique for assistant coaches leaving the dugout or coaching box to dispute a judgment call by an umpire – it is perfectly acceptable, at that moment, to give both the head coach and the assistant coach a written warning, and to restrict both of them to the dugout/bench. If the offense is so severe, it is perfectly acceptable, at that moment, to IMMEDIATELY eject the assistant coach and give the head coach a written warning (with restriction to the dugout/bench).
For ANY ejection, the crew chief should call into the MAC hotline at 703-978-3601 immediately after the game and give the assigner a brief summary of the facts regarding the ejection. Upon arriving home after a game with an ejection, the crew chief should then find the fillable VHSL or MPSSAA Commissioner’s Ejection Form in the MAC section of Arbiter, under FORMS making sure again to review the facts of the ejection with all umpires on the crew. Once completed, send the form to Chris Williams using the MAC Assignor email address at [email protected]. Even if your contest wasn’t “VHSL” or “MPSSAA”, consider using one of those forms as a guide so you remember to include all the relevant info. The first sentence of the description should be a stand-alone statement about who was ejected, when, and why. You can then follow with any other applicable information. It should take you about 10 minutes to fill out and send this form. As appropriate, MAC leadership may forward that form or relevant info, or they may decide to keep it handy in case athletic directors or commissioners reach out to MAC leadership.
If, between innings, an assistant coach approaches you in a professional manner with a legitimate and quick rules question, it is perfectly acceptable to explain a rule and to help educate that assistant coach. This is a good investment of your time since assistant coaches are the next generation of head coaches. Do not allow yourself to get into any discussion about any previous play.
Bottom line for interactions with assistant coaches – If convenient to do so, work to create an initial professional engagement. Remember that umpires do not have to use all of the same levels of sanctions as used with head coaches. Do NOT tolerate ANY offenses by the assistant coach, and ALWAYS take action.