girls slow pitch softball chatter

Question
QUESTION: Is there an ASA rule about chatter?  Whether it be on the field, in the dugout, or the catcher?

ANSWER: Hi Debbie,

We have no rules about "chatter" but we don't need any.  Some chatter is a part of the game.

A good umpire will not let chatter become abusive, personal, distracting, profane or obstructive to name a few.  We can handle it under other rules if we need too.

Mark

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: we have a catcher on our league that barks like a dog and makes other noises it can be very distracting.  I like chatter in a game but this is something i have never encountered before. How should this be handled?

Answer
HI Debbie,

"barks like a dog"????? ok, sounds like some girls I dated in college. This is something the umpire needs to handle if it's distracting the batter.  ie if she's barking while the pitcher is taking the signal, I have no problem with that (maybe it's a code, just kidding).

All kidding aside, if the batter is being put at a disadvantage, I'm going to handle it.  After a little "discussion" w/ the catcher and/or their coach, we'll probably need a new catcher if it continues.

Mark