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By Jonathan Schwab Parry McCluer High School recently posted a statement on its Facebook page that was issued by the Virginia High School League baseball and softball umpire associations last month regarding interactions between umpires and spectators.
The statement was issued to all schools in the region and not due to any incidents at a local school. PMHS posted the statement on March 25. Mike Cartolaro, PM’s athletic director, said he chose to share it on social media so that spectators would be aware of it. Rockbridge County High School athletic director Adam Haynes said RC received the statement, and he emphasized to coaches and student-athletes the importance of sportsmanship.
Here is the full statement: “Due to complaints and aggressive interactions at area schools already this season, the baseball and softball umpire associations have asked spectators not to address officials during or after ball games. If there are confrontations from spectators, the host school will be put on a 14day suspension where the association will not service our games. If there is a second occurrence, we will not receive their services for the remainder of the season. We want to avoid this at all costs and want our athletes to have a great season. Therefore, we are asking that our fans be supportive our team’s play on the field and cheer on our athletes with positive praise.”
