“I want you
to always remember and never forget…”:
Little
League baseball is a game played by children for fun.
Adults* are
NOT there to:
·
Yell
or swear at children, opposing coaches, umpires, or each other
·
Dispute
or challenge umpires’ calls or manipulate game situations
·
Abuse
the kids in any way, including angry yelling, shaming, etc.
Adults* ARE
there to:
·
Constructively
help children understand the game and their role
·
Be
behavioral role models for sportsmanship as well as athletics
·
Help
make a positive atmosphere for the players and their families
·
Embrace
all players’ abilities and appreciate all contributions
* This
includes managers, coaches and spectators
In
instructional leagues such as Little League Baseball, umpires should teach,
review and clarify the rules as occasions arise during each game.
Players, fans, and even coaches sometimes do not know rules clearly or
misunderstand a rule and deserve to hear an explanation of non-obvious calls.
When to do this and how is up to the individual umpire. Just be sure to keep
the game moving along.