ATTENTION COACHES, PLAYERS, PARENTS, AND SPECTATORS

The major point of rules emphasis for 2022 for NFHS is Sportsmanship. Our league exists to prepare middle school boys for high school baseball and we apply the same rules in every case we can. We have experienced an unacceptable number of sportsmanship issues during this season. In an attempt to control these as we conclude our season and move to post season play, be advised of the following: 

• Parents and other spectators are expected to use good sportsmanship toward opponent, spectators and umpires. Under no circumstances should a spectator enter the field of play or confront an umpire on or off the field. Head Coaches are responsible to inform your parents and followers of this rule.  We have experienced excessive chirping toward umpires and opponents.  Head Coaches, this is your WARNING.  The umpire has the authority to eject spectators if he feels that course of action is warranted.  Following this WARNING, this is a first offense ejection.  Please inform your parents, families, and other spectators poor sportsmanship toward umpires and opponents will not be accepted.  If a spectator chooses to not abide by the umpire’s decision, the Head Coach will be ejected and subject to league ejection rules.

• Assistant Coach behavior is the responsibility of the Head Coach. Please inform your assistants they are not to communicate directly with umpires or make negative comments toward opponents.  This includes pre-game, during the game, and post-game.  Head Coaches, this is your WARNING.  The umpire has authority to eject assistant coaches if he feels that course of action is warranted. Following this WARNING, this is a first offense ejection. Please inform your assistant coaches of this enforcement item.  Assistant coaches ejected are subject to league ejection rules.

• Head Coaches are asked at the Home Plate meeting if your players are legally and properly equipped. Jewelry and non-conforming apparel are not legal and proper equipment.  We have asked the umpires prior to this communication to enforce this rule but improper equipment use continues. Head Coaches, this is your WARNING.  The umpire has the authority to eject participants if he feels that course of action is warranted.  Following this WARNING, this is a first offense ejection.

• Chants/intentional distractions/loud noises (natural or artificial) directed at the opponent’s pitcher prior to his pitching, the batter preparing to hit, or a fielder getting ready to make a play is not good sportsmanship and will not be accepted. Head Coaches, this is your WARNING. The umpire has the authority to eject participants if he feels that course of action is warranted.  Following this WARNING, this is a first offense ejection. Team participants ejected are subject to the league ejection rules.

• Players are not allowed to stand or kneel outside their dugout/bench and/or make “cat-calls” or any other disparaging remarks to the other team. Rooting for your team is an integral part of high school/middle school baseball. Supporting your teammates is extremely important and encouraged, however, making disparaging remarks toward your opponent is not part of the game, and in fact, it detracts from the game. Head Coaches, this is your WARNING. The umpire has the authority to eject participants if he feels that course of action is warranted.  Following this WARNING, this is a first offense ejection. Team participants ejected are subject to the league ejection rules.

To be making this communication is very disappointing.  We all are here to provide the best possible experience for middle school boys and prepare them for high school baseball, and beyond.  Please communicate these important items with your teams and families.

WCCBL Board of Directors