BACK THE BLUE

"The goal is simply to rebuild the mutual respect between umpires and teams so we can all continue to enjoy this great game, and leave it in a better place for the next generation of players and umpires."

May 1, 2021 — It is with great pleasure and humility to announce our ‘Back the Blue’ policy. The goal of this policy is to create a better experience for umpires, protect umpires from verbal (and sometimes physical abuse), and get young men and women back into officiating.

Unfortunately, we are losing umpires at an alarming rate every single year. This is simply due to the criticism and abuse umpires face during games and events. Bottom line, without umpires we can’t play. It is imperative that we show appreciation for the very people that allow us to play this great game, work long days and hours, and help young players and other officials develop. It can be a thankless job at times coupled with constant scrutiny from players, parents, and coaches.

We all know umpires make mistakes, and during competition emotion can take over resulting in heated exchanges between coaches and umpires. This has been part of the game for years and will continue to be part of the game. This policy is not designed to take the emotion out of the game, it is simply asking coaches, parents, and players to think before verbally attacking an umpire. Lets handle ourselves as if we were in their position and try to see things through their eyes. We are developing young generations and we are role models for them; lets not let them think it is okay to ‘trash’ another human being when he/she makes a mistake or when things don’t go your way during competition.

In addition to this policy, we are asking umpires to share that same respect with coaches, players, and parents. The goal is simply to rebuild the mutual respect between umpires and teams so we can all continue to enjoy this great game, and leave it in a better place for the next generation of players and umpires.

2D Sports ‘Back the Blue’ policies:

  • zero tolerance policy on verbal and physical abuse of umpires; including profanity or consistent berating of officials during the game
  • zero tolerance policy on verbal and physical abuse/altercations with opposing coaches and fans; including profanity or consistent verbal altercations throughout the game
  • zero tolerance policy on verbal and physical abuse of event staff; including facility workers, directors, and event staff
  • Zero tolerance policy on excessive ejections of coaches from games.

In the event of an altercation:

  • one warning will be issued by umpire and/or director
  • if behavior continues, fan will be ejected along with the head coach of the team

In the event of a coach ejection:

  • the director and umpire will review the ejection; if deemed excessive, the coach will be suspended a minimum of 1 game (at the discretion of the director and umpire in chief)

The game needs you! We are asking you to pledge your support and ‘Back the Blue’. Just simply CLICK and LIKE to agree to be part of the rebuild of mutual respect between teams and umpires.