7. The Umpire, Participant Conduct, Ejections, Game Protests

7.1 – Time Outs

7.1.1 Requesting a Time Out

• A coach may request a time out only when they are in the coaches’ box or the dugout.
• Time out may only be requested after a completed play.
• The umpire is not required to grant a time‑out request.

7.1.2 Entering the Field of Play

• A coach must not run onto the field to dispute a call without first requesting and being granted a time out.
• Doing so may result in immediate ejection without warning.

7.2 – Game Ejections and Suspensions

7.2.1 Automatic Suspension

• Any player or coach who is ejected is suspended for:
  a) the remainder of that game, and
  b) their next scheduled league or playoff game,
  with no right of appeal.

7.2.2 Discipline Committee Review

• All ejections are reviewed by the KTBA Discipline Committee.
• After receiving the umpire’s report and speaking with the ejected individual, the committee may reduce or increase the automatic suspension.

7.2.3 Actions That May Result in Ejection

The following behaviours, including but not limited to, may result in immediate ejection before, during, or immediately after any KTBA‑sanctioned game:

a) Profane or obscene language directed at an individual
b) Arguing with a game official or disputing a judgment call
c) Bumping, shoving, or pushing an umpire
d) Conduct deemed detrimental to baseball and/or the KTBA
e) Use of tobacco products or consumption of alcohol on or near the playing field
f) Disrespect toward game officials or KTBA Executive members
g) Destruction or abuse of KTBA or personal property, including throwing bats or helmets
h) Unsportsmanlike conduct on or off the field
i) Taunting, teasing, or bullying opposing players
j) Verbal harassment, threats, or physical abuse

7.2.4 Warnings and Ejection Procedure

• It is at the umpire’s discretion whether to issue a warning before an ejection.
• Once ejected, the individual must immediately leave the vicinity of the ballpark.
• A parent/guardian may remain with a young player if necessary (see Rule 7.2).

7.2.5 Reporting Requirements

• The Umpire‑in‑Chief will notify the VP of House League of all ejections.
• The Discipline Committee may impose additional suspensions after reviewing the report.

7.2.6 Multiple Ejections

• Second ejection: automatic 3‑game suspension.
• Third ejection: reviewed by the Discipline Committee for further discipline.

7.2.7 Failure to Leave the Field

• Any coach who refuses to leave after an ejection receives an additional minimum 2‑game suspension.
• This refusal triggers an automatic Discipline Committee review.
• Any conversation with the umpire after an ejection is considered refusing to leave.

7.2.8 Restrictions During Suspension

• Suspended individuals may not participate in any capacity at KTBA events during their suspension.
• Suspensions must be served before participating in any KTBA‑sanctioned game, including Select and House League.
  • Example: A House League suspension must be served before playing in a Select game, and vice versa.

7.3 – Game Protests

7.3.1 Eligibility

• Only protests involving rule interpretation (Official Rules of Baseball or KTBA House League Rules) will be accepted.
• Umpire judgment calls cannot be protested.

7.3.2 Filing a Protest – Regular Season

a) During the Game

• The Head Coach (or acting Head Coach) must notify the umpire immediately when protesting a rule interpretation.
• The umpire will inform the opposing Head Coach that the game will continue under protest.

b) After the Game

• The umpire must file a Protest Report with their Crew Chief by noon the following day.
• The protesting team must submit a written protest via email to:
  • Their Division Convener, and
  • The VP of House League,
    by noon the following day.
• A $100 deposit must be submitted to the Chair of the House League Protest Committee by this same deadline.
• Late submissions will not be accepted.

c) Limitations

• Protests based solely on technicalities that did not affect the outcome of the game will not be upheld.

d) Serious Incidents

• If an ejection, suspension, or serious matter is involved, the individual(s) may be required to attend the Protest Committee meeting.

7.3.3 House League Protest Committee

The committee consists of:

• Division Convener
• VP of House League
• Umpire‑in‑Chief
• President

Members may appoint a delegate if unavailable or if a conflict exists.

The committee will meet and issue a decision as soon as possible.
All decisions are final.
If the protest is upheld, the $100 deposit will be refunded.

7.3.4 Playoff & Tournament Protests

Because immediate decisions may be required:

a) During the Game

• The Head Coach must notify the umpire at the time of the infraction.
• The umpire will notify the opposing coach and the game will continue under protest.

b) After the Game

• If the protest is not withdrawn, the umpire must immediately report it to the Umpire‑in‑Chief or Crew Chief.

c) Committee Decision

• The House League Protest Committee will rule as quickly as possible to avoid disrupting tournament or playoff schedules.
• All decisions are final.