Coaches chirping at each other

[umpire_scott]

At what point do you put a stop to coaches chirping at each other?  I had the championship game of a 14U select tournament this past weekend.  One coach was complaining about the other teams players being up to far in the box (the lines had been gone for several games).  My partner drew a box in the dirt.  The other coach then complained that the box wan't official and his kids should not have to adhere to it.  After this I noticed that the coaches were jawing at each other when one would be coaching on the bases.  This lasted a few half innings.  I could not hear what was being said but it was not friendly.  I just ignored it.  Then after a force play at 2nd the kid that was forced out stared down F4 as he was heading back to the dugout.  I told the player to get in the dugout and cut it out.  The first base coach says that F4 must have said something to him.  After the inning ends I called both coaches out and told them I was tired of the nonsense and that if I saw either of them talking to each other the rest of the game I would eject them.  I said that goes for players too, so you better tell your kids.  No problems the rest of the way, but I felt like maybe I should have stopped it sooner?

[umpcoachfather]

A.  Never draw a box - because what you said happened will happen. 

B.  He complained about the players being up to far in the box, thats a judgement call, he can't so you shut it down, immediately.

C.  Good on the team warnings.  With one caveat, you would have had to toss one or both if they would have talked to each other, too broad.  "if I witness any poor conduct, foul language etc.  from coaches or players I will eject".  or something similar. 

[catsbackr]

Learn the term, "Knock it off!", it will serve you well.

[maven]

Coaches coach, umpires umpire.

 

Regarding coaches addressing each other: unless it's obviously and mutually friendly banter, shut it down immediately.

 

Regarding your calls: don't argue judgment calls. Warn, then eject.

 

First time: "He's good coach."

 

Second time: "I said he's good, now that's enough!"

 

Shouldn't be a third time.

[BRUMP]

Not sure if it was an option but when coaches jaw at each other this is one (and probably the only) situation where i feel restricting could be a viable option

[MPLSMatt]

I put a stop to coaches chirping immediately.  All of the above advice is good, but I usually go with a simple "we're not talking to the other dugout today, guys." If you catch it early enough and sternly enough, usually that's the last you'll hear of it.  You run into problems when you ignore it so it's already been going on for a couple of innings before you intervene.  If it keeps up, maybe one more very specific warning and then the heave hove.