Electronic Edge

[Mad Mike]

OBR Rule Set:

SITUATION: A coach who was previously suspended for conduct in a prior game, while serving his one game suspension at a new game, uses Face-Time to communicate with his assistant coach and deliver instructions, etc to get an "edge" and help his team.

I noted that Rule 4.07 talks about a coach ejected shall take no further part in that game. This does not seem to be covered by the rules as written and probably needs to be addressed in the current by-laws of the league regarding not being able to use an electronic device to communicate with your team at any time while serving a suspension. Just wondering if anyone else has had a similar situation and if so, how did you sort it out?

[noumpere]

Yes, it's a league issue (MLB has instructions regarding this).

If it were me, I'd suspend the manager for one more game to replace the game in which he "participated" plus an additional game.

[White47]

I think its crazy that we are at a point in time ( and I'm relatively young) where we have to define that a  coach can't use facetime when ejected/suspended. IMHO, it a no-brainer. coaches need to find a better loop hole then this. 

[stkjock]

Quote

(d) (4.07) When a manager, player, coach or trainer is ejected from a game, he shall leave the field immediately and take no further part in that game. He shall remain in the club house or change Rule 6.03(b) to 6.04(d) 82 2016 Official Baseball Rules (PDF)_2016 Official Baseball Rules 3/15/16 2:38 PM Page 82 to street clothes and either leave the park or take a seat in the grandstand well removed from the vicinity of his team’s bench or bullpen.

Rule 6.04(d) Comment (Rule 4.07 Comment ): If a manager, coach or player is under suspension he may not be in the dugout or press box during the course of a game.

if he's communicating by electronic means he's "taking part in that game" and should be subject to further consequences.  Furthermore it's obviously within the spirit of the rule that if under suspension, that the rule should still apply.

[Mudisfun]

https://youtu.be/_bIoeBpSeU4

 

Wonder how long until this takes place...