DISCUSSING OR ARGUING AN UMPIRE’S CALL

 
Unless otherwise prohibited by the baseball rules, managers (or acting managers) have the right to approach an umpire to discuss or argue a call.  No other team personnel should engage in a discussion or argument with an umpire over a disputed call.

A manager is expected to engage in a conversation or argument with an umpire from an arm’s-length distance away from the umpire.  A manager that moves closer than an arm’s-length distance from an umpire during a conversation or argument forfeits any benefit-of-the-doubt if there is physical contact (including incidental contact) with the umpire.

A manager is expected to engage in a conversation or argument with an umpire without spitting, spraying or projecting “spittle” on an umpire.  (Spittle is saliva that is projected and lands on the face or neck of the person with whom you are talking.)  Spitting or projecting spittle on another person is incredibly disrespectful and disgusting, and will not be tolerated in the South Atlantic League.   Violators will be subject to a fine and/or suspension.

Other hostile behaviors or actions such as throwing or kicking dirt on an umpire (including kicking dirt on an umpire’s shoes) will be punished as if the manager had made physical contact with the umpire.

Team personnel other than the manager (or acting manager) that violate league policies while discussing or arguing an umpire’s call should expect harsher penalties, including higher fines and/or longer suspensions.