DC Area Sober Softball
    League Information 2008

Message from the Umpires Association

Dear John Horn:  ( 12 Step League )                    
 June 10, 2008
 
      I regret having to address an issue with you, however, I have 3 
complaints that have been brought to my attention on 3 different occasions, 
by 3 different umpires, and all 3 on the same team.
 
      In the past, your league has been, and still is, one of the most 
requested by our umpires. It is pretty obvious they enjoy the laid back 
atmosphere, and the fun they have in doing your league. As you know, since your 
league is intended for support groups, and rec ball, I try to use umpires who 
are out to have a good time umpiring, and who basically know and support the 
rules in general. It appears that the 3 complaints I have gotten are all 
based on "Taunting, Trash Talking, Smack Talk, Intimidation, etc", however, the 
last complaint also includes radical and racial remarks, and even was 
announced to the umpire that 911 may be called. As I see it, each complaint intends 
to get progressively worse, therefore, it has become a concern. I am not 
sure, however, this doesn't appear to be an umpire related issue. As you well 
know, we have umpires, (Even in Rec Ball) that are more qualified to handle 
these types of situations. ( Some umpires are simply out there to enforce the 
rules to the best of their ability and to just have some fun. They may not be 
able to handle, or have the experience to handle aggressive ball players, 
coaches, teams, etc, etc, etc. Doesn't mean they aren't good umpires, simply 
means they haven't dealt with these issues). I will be taking measures to have 
Higher Caliber Umpires doing some of your games.
 
       In NO circumstances does a team deserve to be humiliated, 
demoralized etc by another team. Nor does an umpire deserve to be victimized, or 
subjected to such actions, nor will these actions be tolerated. It is 
apparent that these concerns aren't rapid throughout your league, however, your 
league expects us to maintain control, and enforcement, of all teams, so that the 
ENTIRE league, and its community, (Score keepers, umpires etc) can enjoy and 
partake in having fun!!! 
 
       With that being said, I would like for you to remind your 
coaches of the following rules. Address these issues as a whole. We will be 
taking measures to address these issues, and we expect you, and your leagues help 
and support. As an Administrator of all the umpires, I can guaranteed you 
that we will do our part to bring: "Un Sportsmanlike Conduct" to an abrupt halt. 
Whether it be a Rec Ball F Troop League, or a College Division 1 Triple A 
League, we will not tolerate Un sportsmanlike Conduct in any degree. I will be 
sending Qualified Umpires to do some of your ball games.
 
 
 
A) If there is any issue in regards to an umpire being late, 
nonprofessional, out of uniform, etc, please advise your coaches to let you know. I want to 
hear from you, not anyone else please! I need to know if there are any 
issues with an umpire!
 
B) Be made aware that Taunting, Racial remarks, Fake tags, Mocking, Body 
Gestures, Arguing, Fighting, etc, all fall under "UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT" and 
under NO Circumstances will be tolerated. If teams have an issue with one 
another, they are to come to you with those issues. Partaking in Un 
sportsmanlike Conduct on the field will not do anything but get them ejected...
 
C) If a ball player is ejected, the following applies... NO EXCEPTIONS: 

    1) The coach is responsible for his players. If a player is ejected 
he is to leave the premises immediately. (Two minutes, S.S.S. ..Sight, Sound, 
Smell) Failure to do so WILL result in a forfeit to the team). 

    2) Any ball player who is ejected, is ineligible to play the next game. 

         Example: If Bill Kucklehead is ejected in the first game of 
a double header, he is not  allowed to participate in the second game. He 
must sit out the remainder of the game he was ejected from, and ONE additional 
game. (Even if it carries over to next week).

         Example: Bill Kucklehead was ejected in the 1st inning of 
the second game of a double header on Sunday afternoon. Bill has to sit out the 
 remainder of that game, and next Sunday he sits out the first game.
 
         It is the coaches responsibility to see that this rule is 
NOT violated.

    I would ask that if it is violated, the team causing the infraction 
Forfeit their Next Two games.

        This is an honor issue, and I hope it can remain as such, 
and not become an issue for the umpires. We would rather you, and your league 
handle it.
 
 
         If any player is ejected twice in a season, he/she, is 
suspended for one year!!!
 
 
           
UMPIRES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AND ARE ON ALERT!!!
 

 
ALL UMPIRES ARE TO REPORT ALL EJECTIONS WITHIN 24 HRS. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL 
RESULT IN FINES, OR SUSPENSIONS, OR BOTH.       




As umpires, you're not a good umpire based on how many people you eject, but 
 on how well you maintain control, and how many players you can keep in a 
game, however, certain facets of the game an umpire has no control over. I 
request that you advise your coaches that any player directing any abusive, or 
derogatory remarks, or actions as those described above,  toward ANYONE, will 
be ejected!!! The umpires must maintain control of your games. You, your 
league, expect, and deserve it. The umpires have been put on NOTICE! It is our 
only goal to see that your league remains enjoyable. Thanks for all your help 
and support.
 
     John, if you have any issues, concerns, remarks, or suggestions, 
please let me know. 
 
 
           Pleasure as always:                  
      Thanks, Bill Savage