Handling fans/parents, specifically "that fan"

[RingEmUp918]

It seems like every game there is "that fan" that has something to say about every single pitch, for or against their team and it drives me up the wall.  Most of the time their comments are malicious just a little jab/comment on each pitch close or not.  

 

I had one yesterday in a 12u tournament game, it was an older lady.  after about the 10th time, i turn around walk to the fence and politely tell her that i can handle the balls and strikes on my own. It seemed to work in this case but alot of times its much worse.  I'm usually pretty lenient with parents, because being a parent myself I know the sacrifices they make and they money they invest so their kids can play ball.  I dont mind some banter on close calls, but the things I dont tolerate are profanity, disrespect, and constant badgering of me or my partner.

 

How do you like to handle these fans?  

 

Do you prefer to deal directly with the fan/parent or  let the head coach know that if he dosent get them under control its on him?

 

 

[Aging_Arbiter]

In tournament ball, hit up the coaches and/or the TD.  That "should" do it.  This is one part I really like about the LL rules.  Granted, we can't control anything outside of the fence.  Thus, Little League allows you to enforce 9.01 (f) (I believe it is, no LGR at work) and place the players (which are INSIDE the fence) in their dugouts until a member of the league/game management handles the situation.  Most likely, grandma will take care of it for you at that point.  Not only with some seniority, but I've seen a handbag wielded as she informs the problem parent that she is here to see her grandson play, not listen to the likes of him.

[dvangundy]

Fans!!  I don't hear no stinking fans!!  Fans are like assistant coaches they mean nothing, ignore them and your life will be so much easier.

[Mike Prince]

Don't speak to fans.  Simple as that.  There is never a positive outcome to this.

 

If something needs addressing in your opinion (profanity, personal attacks on you or partner, etc), go through the appropriate head coach or tournament director depending on the situation.

[JaxRolo]

Throw them all out!!!!

[cyclonehokiece]

Throw them all out!!!!

Worked out well for this guy: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090614&content_id=5321588&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp

[semper_fi_72]

Never address fans!!!!!!!

[Dannytheman]

I stopped hearing them years ago.  I have heard them say, "I know he can hear me."

 

It's like not hearing the first or third base coach yell safe. I don't hear that anymore either.  K

Keep calling the games and you grow ears your wife will hate!

[HeadHunterLA]

Always try and tune them out but when they cross the line handle things through the appropriate HC.  Always part of my pre-game meeting to remind the coaches that the players and fans are their responsibility.  I agree that you should never address the fans/parents directly although one time had a mom come on the field because I rang her daughter up in a LL Juniors Softball game, and she wouldn't leave!  More funny than anything and I had to say something to her.  Coach eventually got her to the parking lot.

[sdix00]

[catsbackr]

Worry about what's going on inside the fences, not the stands.  If a fan is profane or unruly, etc. contact your site administrator.  If that fails, contact the home team coach.  DO NOT address the fans!

[boyinr]

Worry about what's going on inside the fences, not the stands.  If a fan is profane or unruly, etc. contact your site administrator.  If that fails, contact the home team coach.  DO NOT address the fans!

 

Never engage the unwashed masses.  Once you do, you have lost.  Granted some of these folks are creative, know where the line is and know how to get under your skin.  If you devide your attention, it will bite you someday.

[kylejt]

I once had a wheelchair bound grandfather wheeled out for foul language. That was actually hilarious to hear him curse at me whilst being pushed away. The kids didn't need to hear him, but I thought some of his lines were pretty funny.

[Plate Duster]

I disagree with "ignore fans" in every case. Yes, ignore whining, ignore you sucks, ignore that's terrible etc. But, if she wants to keep going, and she wants to get up on the fence of the backstop, go ahead and address it, but never ask her to settle down. If I speak to a fan, it is to eject them. I don't do 12U ball (for this reason), but there is no place for it at that level. 

 

If you get to college games, or professional baseball, its 100% different, but this game is FAR from that. 

 

Moral of the story, eject the fan - don't ask them or warn them to stop.

[umpcoachfather]

I'd like to have one of those crowd control water trucks at the game, that'll do em.