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4. Misconduct Reports
Misconduct reports sometimes referred to as incident reports
should be sent to proper authorities, even if it’s not required. Report
any ejection, unsportsmanlike conduct or unruly fan behavior. By sending
in a report, you’re accomplishing two important things: You’re taking the
time to write down facts immediately after the incident and you’re
covering your bases by reporting it.
Sometimes officials look at writing reports as a laborious
chore. If the report never gets done, those officials risk forgetting key
information if they’re required to reconstruct an incident much later.
Equally important, those officials are doing an injustice to other
officials. If you don’t identify a coach in a misconduct report, the
proper authorities may not know Coach Smith is a problem.
For example, let’s say Coach Smith received two dugout
restrictions in two different games, neither of which was reported by
officials. Later in the season, Coach Smith is restricted a third time.
That time, however, the official did his job and reported it to the
proper authorities. The governing body thinks that is Coach Smith’s first
incident, but it is actually his third. The proper authorities were not
able to track Coach Smith’s pattern of poor behavior because the officials
failed to file reports. Those officials hurt themselves and others.
Game reports. Game reports are often treated differently from
misconduct reports, but are equally important. In some conferences or
leagues, games reports are required from officials after every contest.
Those reports look for patterns of behavior and also are used to specify
player injuries, etc.
Game reports don’t always have to have a negative tone,
either. Many high school state associations are encouraging officials to
note positive experiences and good sportsmanship and send reports to
their offices.
The specifics. There are a few givens that should appear in
each report:
1. Date and time of the incident.
2. The game site.
3. The names of all the officials involved, plus the
names of the teams and, if possible, the names of the head coaches.
4. Weather conditions.
5. Field conditions.
6. Light conditions.
7. Game situation at time of incident (for example,
the inning).
8. Detailed description of incident or injury,
including if medical attention was given and by whom.
9. If possible, names or numbers of players involved.
10. Additional notes or diagrams if necessary. You may want to
include things that lead up to the incident, if you feel they are related.
Writing strategy. The tone you set in your report is very
important. It speaks to your credibility. Stick to the facts. Don’t make
hyperbolic statements that can’t possibly be proven; "He approached
the player with anger in his eyes and punched him." Avoid those
drastic conclusions and you’ll gain credibility.
Avoid using vague terms. "The coach lost total control of
himself." What does that mean? It’s too vague and subject to
interpretation and criticism. Only relate what you observe. Don’t bring
up hearsay or past experiences, unless they’re directly related to the
incident.
Don’t speculate. "The player’s actions are a direct
result of the coach’s lack of control." That’s not only a bold statement, but
how does an official know that the coach’s actions lead directly to the
player’s actions? Those are dangerous speculations that usually can’t be
proven.
Avoid recommending courses of action, like, "The coach
should be suspended for his actions." The official’s job is to relate the
facts, not pass judgment. Let the appropriate authorities handle the
punishment. Also, don’t threaten. "If someone doesn’t stop this team
from acting like it does, I’m not going to work any more of its games.
Plus, I’ll spread the word at my local officials association and soon no
one will work." By threatening, you’re credibility dissolves. Keep
in mind that what you’re reporting is likely a bit outside of the norm
during a game. There’s no need to report on every cross word you have
with a coach or player. When in doubt, however, file the report.
Jot down pertinent information as soon as possible after the
game. Coordinate your thoughts with your partner(s). The incident is
fresh; the more you wait the more you’ll forget. Bring a note pad and pen
to each game so you’re ready if you need it. Tape recorders are also
handy tools.
After you’ve written the report, let it sit
for a while and think about something else. Consider having another
respected official read it to provide input. Then, re-read the letter as
if you were the person receiving it. Does it clearly convey what
happened? Is it credible? Does it have the proper tone? If yes, you’re
ready to send it. If not, fix what’s necessary. Keep a copy of your
report. You may be later asked to clarify your statements or reconstruct
the incident. Also, follow up with the governing body. You have a right
to know what action was taken following an incident.
Section IV requires that a form be completed
when any player or coach is ejected because of misconduct. In
addition it is mandatory that you fill out a form any time you eject a
player or coach from a high school game. The forms are included in
the handbook. Complete the forms and contact the BUA abuse
officer as soon as possible.
For games other than high school, all teams
have been notified that the BUA will refuse to service any team/league
where a player, coach, or fan physically abuses an umpire. Forms
for reporting abuse are also included in the handbook. The forms
should be completed and returned for any abuse or misconduct by
players and/or coaches in games you are playing.
-You must report any incident of physical
abuse to the assignor or the vice-president.
-Verbal harassment or threats should also be
reported.
-You must make reports to protect your fellow
officials.
-No official action can be taken until you
file a written report, but please make the phone call first.
-If you have any questions concerning umpire
abuse, call the BUA Abuse Officer.
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