Be respectful of Umpire calls.

2019-05-14


No player or coach may ever question the call of an umpire that involves a matter of judgment,  As per rule 9.02 of the Little League Rule book.  Any umpire's decision which involves judgement, such as, but not limited to, whether a batted ball is fair or foul, whether a pitch is a strike or a ball, or whether a runner is safe or out, is final, No player, manager, coach, or substitute shall object to any such judgement decisions. 

Players and coaches may, however, question the interpretation of a rule and how it is applied (e.g., how many bases are awarded a runner, and from what point, if a live ball thrown by a fielder goes out of the playing area; the consequences of a foul tip on the second vs third strike; the consequences of a coach nudging his/her base runner to get running; etc.). While coaches and players are strongly encouraged to do their homework by reading and learning the rules, such inquiries are generally welcomed, provided they are civil and short, because they help build a better understanding of how the rules apply.

The routine for an inquiry of an umpire is as follows:

  • Wait for play to stop.
  • The coach requests “time” from the Umpire (often called “Blue”).
  • When the umpire calls time and invites the coach or player to come onto the field, enter the field. (Note that the coach “requests” time; the umpire “calls” it.)
  • The coach can go directly to the umpire and keep the conversation quiet and civil – i.e., no big public scene.
  • The coach can ask the umpire what the rule was, how it applied, what he/she saw and why he/she thinks it applies.
  • If the coach has a different interpretation/understanding, point that out and ask if the umpire agrees if it applies, and if not, why not.
  • No umpire can overrule another umpire 
  • Accept the umpire’s final decision.

Coaches or players are never to go onto the field without umpire’s permission