Rules

Enforcement of NFHS Rules Violations

There have been some recent conversations concerning how to enforce NFHS rule violations (penalties), NFHS Point of Emphasis violations and VHSL (State) requirements regarding three particular situations:

1. Coach/Team ignoring the NFHS Use of Props, Face paint Point of Emphasis (POE) (2025; UNSPORTSMANLIKE conduct, Rule 3-3-1 i. (f-k) PENALTY)
2. Coach not adhering to the new VHSL (State) 45’ line meeting location for conferences with the umpires (2025 Pre-Season VHSL Online Clinic)
3. Improper use of electronic equipment (2024 NFHS rule change (Rule 1-6-1, 1-6-2; 3-2-5)

All three of these examples, for that matter for any other rule violations (e.g. interference, obstruction, etc.), it’s not a question of when does a crew take action (which should be immediately,) but what ENFORCEMENT approach method should be taken. Remember, the rules provide Umpires with the authority to act (impose penalties) but the right enforcement approach method is a critical element to successful game management.

Enforcement may come in at least two forms:

1. Rule violation-related enforcement e.g.

1. Batter Interference
2. Runner interference
3. Illegal equipment (e.g. illegal electronic equipment)
4. Exceeding conference visits
5. Malicious contact
6. Etc.

2. Behavior-related enforcement e.g.

1. Props, Face paint
2. Bench jockeying
3. Coach out the coaching box
4. Not adhering to the new 45’ line meeting location for conferences with the umpire requirement

Rule violation-related enforcement is fairly straight forward…you enforce the rule as written. Behavior-related issues offer the Umpire Crew some degree of flexibility when taking corrective action. For many years now the MAC/NVBUA guideline for umpires has been to employ a graduated approach to addressing unacceptable behavior. Absent clearly offensive behavior that always warrants an immediate ejection, the Umpire Crew should always consider taking a graduated approach to correcting unacceptable behavior.

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 Coaches that final authority rests solely with the Umpire

REMIND – “Coach…May I REMIND you that you/your team’s unacceptable behavior is not allowed. Please stop. Thank you.”

REQUEST – “Coach…I politely REMINDED you/your 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 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 (bench restriction) is 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 leave me no alternative but to EJECT you.”

• If a player is ejected, player may remain in dugout
• If a coach is ejected, coach must leave vicinity (sight AND sound) of the field immediately
• Umpire(s) contact MAC/NV office and inform them of the ejection immediately following the end of the game

It’s acceptable to immediately WARN or EJECT someone if their action is deemed serious or egregious.

Depending upon the game situation or at the umpire’s 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:

Thank you! Please contact me anytime with questions or comments:

Greg McEvoy
571-215-0016
[email protected]