Note to Coaches and Parents About Umpiring

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LondonBaseball is committed to the development of the baseball and softball skills of our players in a safe, fun, and competitive environment free from any of the stereotypically aggressive behavior some may associate with parents and coaches in other youth sports organizations. It is in this regard that we remind all parents and coaches of some important guidelines and rules regarding behavior and interaction among umpires, players, parents and coaches.

1. All LondonBaseball umpires are young men and women who, first and foremost, are interested in the game of baseball and who, along with our coaches, work to develop the skills of our players. They have read and understood the rules of the league they are working in, and will do their best to judge all games fairly and consistently. LondonBaseball sees the role of umpiring as another opportunity for young people to learn the game, and develop the qualities of good judgement, effective communication, and maturity. It is a fundamental principle of LondonBaseball that each head and assistant coach takes active responsibility for mentoring and developing not only our players, but also our umpires. This mentoring responsibility is more important than winning games.

2. The commissioners of LondonBaseball have done their best to prepare our umpires for their roles; however we expect and understand that mistakes will be made over the course of the season.

3. LondonBaseball operates a ZERO-TOLERANCE policy towards public or private intimidation, questioning, criticism or arguing with our umpires (and by extension, with other coaches and players). It is the responsibility of all head-coaches to strictly enforce this rule with their co-coaches, assistant coaches, parents and players. This applies to all ball/strike, out/safe, and other judgement calls. Coaches, parents or players who are determined by umpires or commissioners to be in violation of the spirit of this rule are subject to suspension from participation in LondonBaseball activities.

4. We recognize that in some instances even an experienced umpire may mis-apply or mis-understand a league rule. If a coach disagrees with the application of a rule by an umpire, upon completion of the play the head coach challenging the ruling will ask the umpire to call time-out. One head coach from each team and the umpire will meet at the pitcher’s mound to discuss the ruling. The umpire will make the final decision as to the application of the rule. Head coaches must accept the final decision of the umpire without further question. The umpire will have the ability and authority to contact a commissioner for advice, however this is at the umpire’s discretion.

5. Coaches are expected to brief their players and players’ parents about these guidelines early in the season.