Umpire needs advice on 'One Way' communication use questions (OBR, American Legion)

[TheLovejoy]

Question on Catcher's Communication Device Usage

We have a semi-local team with a catcher using what appears to be a full behind-the-ear phone-style headset—not just a standard earpiece with a receiver on the belt, but a two-way device capable of transmitting voice.

During a game, I noticed the catcher speaking, and shortly after, I clearly heard his voice come through a radio device near the dugout. I approached the head coach and informed him that this setup wasn’t allowed. He replied, “No, he’s not talking to us,”—but the radio said otherwise. 🤦‍♂️

Later in the same game, I noticed the 3rd base coach (not the head coach) was also wearing an earpiece while coaching the base. The game was a blowout, so we finished it and moved on without further incident.

I have that same team again tonight, this time at their home field. I’ve been researching for a specific rule or clarification and haven’t found much—which leads me to believe this isn’t permitted. But I want to be sure before going into the next game.

Here are my questions:

1. Can the device used by the catcher be a two-way communication device, or even capable of responding (regardless of whether they claim the mic is muted)? This looked more like a phone headset than a passive listening earpiece.

2. Can another coach (e.g., 3rd base coach) also be wearing a device to “listen in” on communication between the head coach and catcher—even if it’s only one-way?

3. What’s the proper penalty if illegal communication is confirmed? My understanding is that it's an automatic ejection of both the player and the coach involved—but I want to make sure that’s accurate before enforcing it.

This was the first time I’ve come across this situation. Every team I’ve worked with up to this point has followed the rules, so I’m second-guessing myself a bit. Any clarification would be appreciated.

[JSam21]

American Legion rules do not cover electronic devices. Under OBR, the only rule that covers electronic equipment is 3-10-b, which just states that there can't be any markers on the field that create a tangible reference system. **edit* OBR only allows electronic communication between the pitcher and catcher. 

So lets go down a level to the NCAA. NCAA 5-16 states that all electronic "communication devices from the dugout, the coaches' box, or a position player on the field for the purposes of relaying the pitch or play call" must be exclusively one-way. If they are communicating back to the dugout in anyway through the device, it is not legal. The penalty for violating the rule in the NCAA has the violator and head coach being ejected. 

[dumbdumb]

@lawump is big time with american legion and might???? comment. he is very very good at a lot of levels and organizations.

[zoops]

What I've been told by some administrative figures in Legion baseball is that no electronic communication of any kind is allowed.  Local rules could trump that I suppose.  

[SeeingEyeDog]

@TheLovejoy so, your first task is to call either your assigner who is assigning you these Legion games and confirm what their rules are regarding electronic devices and communications. Failing that, contact your local Legion league administrator and again attempt to confirm how they want this enforced...if at all.

Absent any specific direction from your assignors and our league administration then I am "going vulture" at the plate meeting (thanks, @MadMax)..."Ok, Coaches...we have a Legion game out here tonight. We're under OBR, official baseball rules with local Legion modifications. What local rules modifications do we need to be aware of to adjudicate this game?" (I am presuming for the moment they won't bring up electronic devices...)

If they do bring up electronic devices and the coaches concur...roll with what they tell you.

If they do NOT bring up electronic devices, I would say the following, "Coaches, in the interest of fair play and pace of play, all electronic communication devices from the dugout, the coaches' box, or a position player on the field for the purposes of relaying the pitch or play call must be exclusively one-way. Any communicating back to the dugout in any way through the device, is not legal. The penalty for violating this rule is the violator and head coach being ejected."

DO NOT tell them you are "enforcing the NCAA rule"! You are going to get all kinds of bs about "This ain't college ball!" Simply recite the above absent any reference to the NCAA rule. If they resist this, simply state absent any direction from the league you are enforcing this rule as you've indicated.

Rest assured...after this game, one of these Coaches will go back and complain about this situation and the league will have no choice but to evaluate the situation fully and issue direction. And now, you and all of your local Legion umpires and Coaches will now know how the league wants this handled.

~Dawg

[TheLovejoy]

@SeeingEyeDog This is good advice on how to approach it. 
@zoops This is correct also, which I found out after creating this post.

I KNOW we've been instructed by state umpire admins to allow communication devices. However, I did my diligence yesterday before posting, and was searching all over any rulebooks and online information that I could find, and came up with nothing. Because as zoops pointed out, American Legion hasn't addressed it at all, anywhere. So, it's a no go.

  Our state did 'verbally' say we'd allow it, but they haven't put it in writing yet. I heard from the top last night, that they are just following the NFHS rules during the regular season, not allowing any electronic communication during post season, and it will be readdressed at a later date.

So at least that gave me a definitive way to handle it.
The better part is this: The head coach of the team that was trying to pull all the tricks to get away with whatever he could, quit a couple weeks ago, and they didn't have anything at all in place last night, so it wasn't an issue at all. 

Thanks all for the feedback. ❤️

[SeeingEyeDog]

@TheLovejoy...sometimes The Game takes care of us and sometimes? We have to take care of The Game.

~Dawg