Graduated Approach to Managing Unacceptable Behavior
Introduction
There are numerous reasons why Teams display unacceptable behavior to include school rivalry/history, tight league standings, personalities (Player, Coach, Umpire), poor Team performance or displeasure with an Umpires call. Umpires shouldn’t be surprised if tempers flare requiring the Umpire Crew to take immediate action. Umpires should view addressing unacceptable behavior as just another game responsibility we prepare for just like executing good mechanics and solid rule knowledge.

Situation
There are always warning signs, actively look for them throughout the game:
- Bench jockeying (directed and orchestrated)
- Assistant Coach arguing with Umpires
- Coach excessively arguing or prolonging an argument
- Use of props
- Any action deemed by the Umpire to be unacceptable behavior
Umpiring Components of the Play
NEVER too early to take action:
- Ignoring or acting too late could lead to deeper chaos
- Remain polite, courteous and professional
Agree to Disagree:
- Point at which the Umpire has determined the conversation needs to end and restart play
Getting Help on the Call:
- Absent an obvious missed call, an option for the Umpire to get help ensure a correct call…but
- CONDITIONAL…only if Coach agrees to immediately return to dugout before Umpire conference and can’t come back out
Graduated Approach to Addressing Unacceptable Behavior is Critical
Make an effort to keep participants in the game and return to play as quickly as possible. Be approachable but firm. Coach-Umpire conversations may elevate up and down but remember and if necessary remind Coach’s final authority solely rests with the Umpire.
REMIND – “Coach…May I REMIND you that you/you’re Team’s unacceptable behavior is not allowed. Please stop. Thank you.”
REQUEST – “Coach…I politely REMINDED you your/you’re Team’s unacceptable behavior is not allowed. I am now REQUESTING you/your Team to stop. Thank you.”
WARN – “Coach…I politely REMINDED you, then REQUESTED you/your Team to stop the unacceptable behavior. You have now forced me to WARN you/your Team’s actions are unacceptable. Thank you.”
- Must use the word WARN, no substitutes
- Dugout Arrest an additional option to a written warning
EJECT – “Coach…I politely REMINDED you; I then REQUESTED, I then WARNED you/your Team to stop…you left me no alternative but to EJECT you.”
- If player, player may remain in dugout
- If Coach, Coach must leave vicinity of the field immediately
- Contact MAC/NV office and inform them of the ejection
It’s acceptable to immediately WARN or EJECT someone if their action is deemed serious or egregious.
Depending upon game situation or at Umpire discretion, it’s acceptable to take a shorter, three step approach (combine Remind and Request).
Here are some examples of unacceptable behavior at each graduated step:
REMIND:
- Bench Jockeying, Dugout Chirping – Mid-level of unacceptable behavior
- Arguing Calls (i.e. ball/strike, safe/out, etc) – Mid-level of unacceptable behavior
- Use of Props
- Assistant Coach Challenging Calls
REQUEST/DIRECT:
- After Second Offense
- High-Level of Aggressive Behavior
WRITTEN WARNING/DUGOUT ARREST:
- Repeated Offenses After Being Requested/Reminded/Directed
- Ignoring Umpire Direction
EJECT:
- Derogatory Comments
- Offensive Language
- Umpire Contact
- Prolonged Arguing
- Fighting
- Ignoring Umpire Direction