I ammended local rules on the spot.

[MarsOmega]

Last night I was umpiring a 15u game. In this division, there are 3 divisions of 15u based on skill. This game was the lowest skill level of the three. They play OBR, with High School balks, and equipment rules (bats, catchers helmets, etc.). Our association has been cracking down on language use this year. The pitching was not great, as can be expected, with one pitcher from the VT hitting several kids. In the fourth inning, the VT pitcher hits #29 in the hands for the THIRD time. He was hit once in the ankle, once in the back, and now the hands. While he is jumping around in pain, he exclaims "F***". Now by my associations and the local rules, I am to immediately eject him for using such language, but I decided on the spot that in this game and future games, players who have been hit for a third time may use some foul language while in immediate pain, as long as the language is not excessive or directed at anyone. 

Has anyone else done something like this?

[JSam21]

Only the third time? Forth time they are on their own. 

[ArchAngel72]

I have done LL games with the same mindset.  If its language blurted out not directed at me or another player, what do I care if little johnny has a potty mouth.   At least he's using it not directed at someone other than the air around him or at himself maybe.

Now I will say something to the player like watch your language.

 

But if its used at a coach or another player or me.  Different ballgame.

[kylehutson]

A few years ago, I was working a HS JV game. Blooper hit to shallow center field. F8 is running up fast to get a one-hop on it, and the ball took a horrible bounce and hit him square in the nether-region. He dropped an f-bomb loud enough I'm sure everyone in the stands could hear. I told his coach "I should probably say something about the language, but I might say something similar if it happened to me." He responded that he wasn't going to say anything about the language, but that he'd tell him to try to keep the volume down.

[The Man in Blue]

2 hours ago, MarsOmega said:

VT pitcher hits #29 in the hands for the THIRD time. He was hit once in the ankle, once in the back, and now the hands. While he is jumping around in pain, he exclaims "F***".

 

3rd time = HBP

4th time earns one more letter and allows four-letter words.   🤬  😉

 

I think it is absolutely reasonable to allow it and then give a little reminder, "I get it, but . . . " 

Those rules are intended to curb misbehavior.  Reacting to pain and frustration (not anger) is not misbehavior.  

[beerguy55]

4 hours ago, MarsOmega said:

While he is jumping around in pain, he exclaims "F***". Now by my associations and the local rules, I am to immediately eject him for using such language,

This, like anything else is a "judgment" call.   Just like those times where you didn't see a tag...it doesn't matter if everyone else in the park saw the tag, your judgment stands. 

You don't have to change any rules...if you didn't hear him swear you didn't hear him swear.

[love to ump]

Sorta like the strike zone...what the rules say and what you call are age and skill dependent.

I do LL & Men's League....little Johnny dropping a F-bomb is one thing....big John yells f--k after

being called out is another....profane okay, just don't be personal or persistent...I will drop the f-bomb myself

when the foul nails me!

[corespoon]

I think he earned that pass. Surprised he held it in that long.