Inappropriate language and actions at 18u

[Yappi]

Watched a game yesterday at 18u that had a disrespectful team. They were dropping f-bombs throughout the game as well as other inappropriate actions.

Can or should umpires deal with inappropriate language/behavior at a game or is this acceptable when most of the players have reached adulthood?

 

[oxat622]

This is where it has to be frustrating to be an umpire. In soccer, basketball, etc there is official recourse built into the rules. Yellow cards, technical fouls, official warning. Seems baseball and softball can't go far before your only tool is ejection.

 

[Neo440]

Watched a game yesterday at 18u that had a disrespectful team. They were dropping f-bombs throughout the game as well as other inappropriate actions.

Can or should umpires deal with inappropriate language/behavior at a game or is this acceptable when most of the players have reached adulthood?

Most youth sanctions have some sort of sportsmanship specified in their rules which are enforceable by the umpire. For NFHS, it's 3-6-13.

ART. 13 . . . Unsporting acts shall not be committed, including, but not limited to:
[...]
b. use of profanity, intimidation and/or deceitful tactics, baiting or taunting;

PENALTY: (Arts. 11 through 16) The umpire shall eject the offender from the game, unless the offense is judged to be of a minor nature. If minor, the umpire may warn the offender and eject if the offense is repeated. (Art. 13) For coaches who violate, the umpire may restrict the offender to bench/dugout for the remainder of the game, or eject the offender.

While some 18U players may legally be adults, profanity still has no place in the youth game. As an umpire, I would almost always warn first and then eject.

For what it's worth, all adult softball leagues I've played in also have similar rules as there's often families around at the games. I've seen umpires warn and eject adult male players for extreme profanity.

 

[Yappi]

Thanks for the info!

My experience at 18u is that it is more relaxed as recruiting is mostly over and teams can play more for the enjoyment of playing. Maybe it was this team's way of having fun by being obnoxious. Wasn't sure if this was normal and allowed or just an aberration.