Umpires

Umpires should see themselves as facilitators of the game and will do as much as they can to promote a fair, safe, and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Umpires will take the responsibility of trying to prevent accidents and injury by informing players of their "improper" position play. Understanding that the umpire has a lot to watch for, this is an issue a team rep can ask an umpire to watch for if it is not being addressed. The umpire will see their role as educating players about rules and safety whenever possible.

Umpires will be taking an active role in maintaining the tone and spirit of the game. They will be interrupting abusive behavior and language. Umpires will expect players and teams to help take responsibility for keeping the tone and spirit of the game positive and enjoyable. Umpires should enforce the 1987 rule (see below) of giving a warning to a team for abusive acts and calling a forfeit if the acts continue.

Umpires should call the reps together if one team is beating the other to an extreme. The reps of both teams can decide if they want to continue.

Umpires will be using discretion on some rules. Example: Third base coach touches base runner. The umpire may issue a warning. It will be a judgment call in regards to whether that contact in any way assisted the runner in staying on the base or redirecting their momentum towards home. Players will not be penalized for hugging or congratulating each other at third base.

Umpires will expect players and teams to ask questions respectfully concerning unclear rules or calls.

Umpires will expect all players and teams to understand that a judgment call is just that . . . it is a call that is based on the judgment of the umpire in relation to the players, the ball, and the position of the umpire. There is no pretense that the call would not have been made differently from any other position. Judgment calls are not challengeable.

The 1987 Rule
On March 8, 1987, the league decided to clearly define what actions an umpire should take if harassed to an extreme:

Any behavior that interferes with the spirit or progress of the game, including but not limited to, abusive statements, unsportswomyn-like comments or endangering behavior. These actions will elicit a warning from the umpire to the team reps. The second violation will result in a forfeit by the offending team.