Deptford Township Little League starts new rule to cut down on spectators yelling at umps
"They're coming here, they're being abused, they don't need that," said Deptford Township Little League President Don Bozzuffi.
DEPTFORD TWP., New Jersey (WPVI) -- A new rule at a South Jersey Little League organization is being implemented to cut down on spectators fighting with volunteer umpires.
For years, officials with the Deptford Township Little League say a small number of spectators yell at the umpires for calls they don't like.
Now league officials say if you fight with the umps, you could find yourself making the calls.
Spring is here and the fields are being prepped for another season of Little League baseball in Deptford.
"The kids love it. The kids come up to you, they're all excited, it's great," said Deptford Township Little League President Don Bozzuffi.
What's not great, he says, is the parent or spectator who fights with the umpire.
"They think that the call was bad, which always amazes me that they can see a strike better over there than the umpire can one foot in back of them," said Bozzuffi.
He says it's gotten so bad, two volunteer umpires have quit in the past week.
"They're coming here, they're being abused, they don't need that," said Bozzuffi. "So they're walking away."
It happens all over.
Action News talked to folks who have seen it at youth soccer and football games, too.
"If one kid is shoving too hard, parents get really aggressive," said Paige Durham of West Deptford.
"It's bad sportsmanship, but it also, a lot of times, teaches the kids like - winning is everything, rather than playing hard, competing," said Pop Little of Paulsboro, who played football through high school and college.
And so this season, Deptford Township Little League is trying out a new rule: if you fight with the umps during a game, you have to volunteer your time to umpire three games before you're allowed back as a spectator.
"The main purpose is not for them to be able to call a baseball game, but for them to see what's going on out here and it's not that easy," said Bozzuffi.
Parents we spoke to like the idea.
"If the parents are going to be sitting there yelling the whole entire game they might as well use that energy out on the field," said Kateland Tokley, a mother in Somerdale.
Officials say they're trying to keep it a positive experience for the kids.
"They're not baseball players, they're children. So always keep that in the back of your mind and let them play," said Bozzuffi.
If they do have to use this new rule, Bozzuffi says a certified umpire would be there too, to make sure the calls are correct.
He adds 99% of the spectators follow the rules and are a positive presence.
He says if you do have an issue with a call made during one of these youth games, bring it to your child's coach or manager and let them handle it.
