Article 7 – Sportsmanship & Acts of Disbarment Interpretation Guide
Premium STLWEST Interpretation Guide for sportsmanship, ejections, suspensions, prohibited conduct, jewelry rules, and acts of disbarment.
Purpose of This Guide
Article 7 establishes conduct expectations for players, coaches, managers, parents, fans, team followers, and association representatives. These rules protect player safety, umpire authority, sportsmanship, league integrity, and the overall youth sports environment.
Section 7.01 – Sportsmanlike Behavior
Official Rule:
All players and coaches will be expected to always behave in a sportsmanlike manner.
Meaning:
STLWEST expects respectful, appropriate, and fair behavior at all times.
Practical Implications:
Coaches and players are expected to model good conduct before, during, and after games.
Simplified Wording:
Be respectful and act appropriately.
Governance Purpose:
Sets the foundation for all discipline and conduct enforcement.
Important Note:
Sportsmanship applies at all STLWEST events, not only during active play.
Best Practice:
Coaches should model sportsmanship consistently, as player and parent behavior often follows leadership example.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Sportsmanship expectations begin with team leadership.
Bottom Line:
Sportsmanship is not optional.
Section 7.02 – Abusive or Unbecoming Conduct
Official Rule:
Any player, coach, or parent / fan whose conduct is unbecoming or abusive will, at minimum, be warned and may be removed from the playing field and/or stands at the discretion of the park administrators, tournament officials and/or umpires. A team may be forced to forfeit, if necessary.
Meaning:
Poor conduct by anyone connected to a team can result in a warning, removal, or team consequence.
Practical Implications:
Parents and fans are included under this rule, not just coaches and players.
Simplified Wording:
Bad behavior can get people removed and may cost the team the game.
Governance Purpose:
Gives officials and park administrators authority to maintain order and safety.
Important Note:
A team can be affected by the conduct of people associated with that team.
Best Practice:
Managers should address parent and fan behavior early before it escalates.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Team behavior includes players, coaches, parents, fans, and followers.
Bottom Line:
Abusive or unbecoming conduct can lead to removal or forfeit.
Section 7.03 – Foul or Abusive Language
Official Rule:
Foul or abusive language will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Meaning:
Profanity, abusive comments, insults, threats, degrading language, or hostile verbal conduct are prohibited.
Practical Implications:
Officials may discipline participants immediately for abusive or profane language, even without prior warning.
Simplified Wording:
Abusive language is not allowed.
Governance Purpose:
Protects players, umpires, coaches, and families from hostile behavior.
Important Note:
The rule says under any circumstances, meaning the standard applies broadly and strictly.
Best Practice:
Coaches should establish language expectations with players and families before the season begins.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Language violations can create immediate discipline.
Bottom Line:
Foul or abusive language is prohibited.
Section 7.04 – Automatic Ejection Conduct
Official Rule:
Cursing, throwing equipment and coaches making a call prior to an umpire’s call will be an automatic ejection.
Meaning:
Certain conduct is serious enough to require immediate ejection.
Practical Implications:
Coaches cannot loudly pre-call plays before umpires make calls, and equipment throwing or cursing triggers automatic removal.
Simplified Wording:
Cursing, throwing equipment, or making calls before the umpire equals automatic ejection.
Governance Purpose:
Protects umpire authority and prevents escalation.
Important Note:
These actions do not require a warning first.
Best Practice:
Coaches should communicate calmly and avoid reacting before an umpire completes the call.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Automatic ejection conduct is immediately enforceable.
Bottom Line:
These actions can remove a person from the game immediately.
Section 7.05 – Coach Ejection Penalty
Official Rule:
If a coach is ejected from a game, they must sit out the remainder of that game and leave the field area. In addition, ejected coaches will be suspended for one additional game, to be served during the following game.
Meaning:
A coach ejection carries an automatic next-game suspension.
Practical Implications:
Coaches cannot return later in the same game or coach the next game.
Simplified Wording:
Coach ejection means out for that game and the next game.
Governance Purpose:
Creates meaningful consequences for adult misconduct.
Important Note:
Suspensions apply automatically and do not require separate board review.
Best Practice:
Associations should track coach ejections to ensure next-game suspensions are served.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Coach ejections automatically affect the following game.
Bottom Line:
Coach ejections carry immediate and next-game consequences.
Section 7.06 – Player Ejection Penalty
Official Rule:
A player ejected must sit out the remainder of that game.
Meaning:
A player who is ejected cannot return to that game.
Practical Implications:
Player ejections may also trigger additional review depending on severity or repeated offenses.
Simplified Wording:
Player ejection means done for that game.
Governance Purpose:
Removes unsafe or inappropriate behavior from the game.
Important Note:
The ejected player may not re-enter later in the same game.
Best Practice:
Coaches should immediately remove and de-escalate ejected players.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Ejected players are out for the remainder of the game.
Bottom Line:
Ejected players cannot re-enter that game.
Section 7.07 – Last-Play or Post-Game Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Official Rule:
Should unsportsmanlike conduct occur during the last play of the game and/or after the completion of the game by any coach, player or spectator the coach, player or spectator will be ejected from the current game and must sit out the next league game they play.
Meaning:
Conduct after the final play still counts and can carry into the next league game.
Practical Implications:
Teams cannot avoid discipline just because the game is ending or already completed.
Simplified Wording:
Bad behavior after the game still counts.
Governance Purpose:
Prevents end-of-game blowups and post-game confrontations.
Important Note:
Spectators are included in this rule.
Best Practice:
Coaches should supervise post-game handshakes and team exits to prevent escalation.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Sportsmanship rules apply after the final out too.
Bottom Line:
Last-play or post-game misconduct can create a next-game penalty.
Section 7.08 – Removal from Park
Official Rule:
Anyone ejected may be asked to leave the park at the discretion of the Umpire or Park Administrator.
Meaning:
Ejection may include removal from the entire facility, not just the field.
Practical Implications:
An ejected person may not be allowed to remain nearby, continue arguing, or watch from another area.
Simplified Wording:
Ejected people may be required to leave the park.
Governance Purpose:
Protects safety and prevents continued disruption.
Important Note:
Failure to leave when directed may create further disciplinary action.
Best Practice:
Park administrators should calmly direct the ejected person where to exit and document noncompliance.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Park removal is enforceable after ejection.
Bottom Line:
Ejection can mean leaving the whole park.
Section 7.09 – Manager Responsibility for Team Conduct
Official Rule:
The Manager of a team is responsible for the conduct of their players, coaches, and followers of the team. Failure of the manager to control or maintain proper conduct of their team players, coaches, and/or followers will result in the ejection of the manager from the game. Should a second ejection of any player or coach occur, the Umpire-in-Chief will declare a forfeit.
Meaning:
Managers are responsible for the behavior of the entire team environment, including spectators connected to the team.
Practical Implications:
If a team’s behavior repeatedly escalates, the manager may be ejected and the team may forfeit.
Simplified Wording:
Managers are responsible for controlling their team and followers.
Governance Purpose:
Gives one adult leader responsibility for maintaining order.
Important Note:
A second ejection involving the team can result in forfeit.
Best Practice:
Managers should address parents, coaches, and players early before officials have to intervene.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Poor team conduct can become a manager problem and may result in forfeit.
Bottom Line:
Managers are accountable for team conduct.
Section 7.10 – Dishonorable Conduct, Intoxicants, Profanity, and Vulgar Language
Official Rule:
All that is dishonorable, unsportsmanlike, and unbecoming of a gentleman/lady is condemned. The use of intoxicants in any form or profane or vulgar language by players, managers, coaches, or league officials is strictly prohibited. This restriction applies to the field of play, the player’s bench, or anywhere in close proximity to the field of play.
Meaning:
STLWEST prohibits dishonorable conduct, intoxication, profanity, and vulgar language near the game environment.
Practical Implications:
This applies broadly to participants and league officials, including areas close to the field.
Simplified Wording:
No intoxication, profanity, vulgar language, or dishonorable behavior near the field.
Governance Purpose:
Protects the youth sports environment and preserves league professionalism.
Important Note:
The rule applies beyond the field of play and includes close proximity to the field.
Best Practice:
Associations should clearly communicate conduct expectations before the season and during tournaments.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Conduct standards apply around the field, not only during gameplay.
Bottom Line:
Dishonorable, intoxicated, profane, or vulgar conduct is prohibited.
Section 7.11 – Removal, Probation, or Suspension
Official Rule:
Any player, manager, coach, or team guilty of conduct such as described in Sec. 7.10 here of SHALL BE REMOVED FROM THE GAME, AND FROM THE AREA SURROUNDING THE FIELD, AT THE DISCRETION OF THE UMPIRE-IN-CHIEF, AND SUCH PERSON MAY BE SUBJECT TO PROBATION OR SUSPENSION BY THEIR MEMBER ASSOCIATION. The Umpire-in-chief will submit a written report of the incident to the appropriate Commissioner of the STLWEST and the STLWEST Umpire-In-Chief within seventy-two (72) hours.
Meaning:
Serious conduct violations can result in removal and possible probation or suspension.
Practical Implications:
Discipline may extend beyond the game if the Member Association reviews the incident.
Simplified Wording:
Serious conduct can get someone removed and possibly suspended.
Governance Purpose:
Gives umpires and associations authority to address significant misconduct.
Important Note:
The Umpire-in-Chief must submit a written report within 72 hours.
Best Practice:
Umpires should document facts clearly, including who was involved, what occurred, and what action was taken.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Serious misconduct creates both immediate removal and written reporting requirements.
Bottom Line:
STLWEST conduct violations can lead to removal, probation, or suspension.
Section 7.12 – Contact with an Umpire
Official Rule:
Any manager, coach or player making contact with an umpire, whether unintentional or not, shall be suspended immediately for the remainder of the current game and the next two (2) games. The Umpire-in-Chief will submit a written report of the incident to the appropriate Commissioner of the STLWEST and the STLWEST Umpire-In-Chief within seventy-two (72) hours for review. If the contact is determined to be intentional, the manager, coach or player will result in a one (1) year suspension.
Meaning:
Physical contact with an umpire is treated as a serious safety and authority issue.
Practical Implications:
Even unintentional contact creates an immediate suspension for the current game and the next two games.
Simplified Wording:
Do not make contact with an umpire.
Governance Purpose:
Protects umpire safety, authority, and game control.
Important Note:
Intentional contact may result in a one-year suspension.
Best Practice:
Coaches and players should maintain physical distance when speaking with officials.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Umpire contact has automatic suspension consequences.
Bottom Line:
Contact with an umpire can carry severe penalties.
Section 7.13 – Multiple Manager or Coach Ejections
Official Rule:
Any manager or coach ejected from any two (2) STLWEST sanctioned league or tournament games during the season shall receive a two (2) game suspension immediately following the second such ejection. A third ejection in the same season will result in a one (1) year suspension. Suspensions may continue into the next season.
Meaning:
Repeated ejections create escalating suspensions.
Practical Implications:
A coach or manager who is ejected multiple times may lose eligibility for multiple games or an entire year.
Simplified Wording:
Two ejections bring a two-game suspension. Three ejections bring a one-year suspension.
Governance Purpose:
Prevents repeat misconduct and holds adults accountable.
Important Note:
Suspensions may carry over into the next season.
Best Practice:
Associations should track all ejections across league and tournament games.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Repeat ejections create automatic escalating discipline.
Bottom Line:
Multiple ejections can threaten a coach’s or manager’s season eligibility.
Section 7.14 – Prohibited Bench and Field Conduct
Official Rule:
A Manager, Coach, Player, Substitute, Attendant, or other bench personnel shall not:
7.14(a): Deliberately throw a bat, ball or helmet. Penalty: the umpire shall banish the offender from the field. Failure to comply shall result in the game being forfeited.
7.14(b): Call “Time” or use any command or commit any act for the purpose of trying to cause the opposing pitcher to balk. Penalty: the umpire shall banish the offender(s) from the field. Failure to comply shall result in the game being forfeited.
7.14(c): Use word or act to entice or try to entice spectators to demonstrations, or use profanity or remarks which reflect upon opposing players, umpires, or spectators. Penalty: if the offense is judged to be of a minor nature, the umpire may warn the offender(s) and then disqualify them if they repeat the offense.
7.14(d): Enter the area behind the catcher while the opposing pitcher and catcher are in their positions. Penalty: if the offense is judged to be of a minor nature, the umpire may warn the offender(s) and then disqualify them if they repeat the offense.
7.14(e): Use amplifiers, bullhorns, cowbell or any other artificial noisemaker on the bench, the playing field or anywhere around the playing field, including stands, during the course of the game. Penalty: if the offense is judged to be of a minor nature, the umpire may warn the offender(s) and then disqualify them if they repeat the offense.
7.14(f): Walkup music and music between innings will be allowed. Music must not have inappropriate language. Music must be played at a volume level that is not distracting instruction on the field or neighboring fields. Music cannot be played while the game is in play, such as while a pitcher is getting ready to pitch or during a live ball situation. One warning will be issued at the discretion of the Umpire/Director on Duty to a coach for any music violation. If a second offense occurs the music will not be allowed for the remainder of the game.
7.14(g): Maliciously run into a fielder who has the ball.
7.14(h): As a baseman, fake a tag upon a base runner without having possession of the ball. Penalty: obstruction will be called; repeated violations of faking a tag without the ball will result in disqualification of the player.
7.14(i): Have any object in their possession in the coach's box other than a score book which shall be used for scorekeeping purposes only. Penalty: if the offense is judged to be of a minor nature, the umpire may warn the offender(s) and then disqualify them if they repeat the offense.
7.14(j): Be outside the vicinity of the designated dugout, bench, or bullpen area if not a batter, runner, on-deck batter, in the coach's box, or one of the players on defense. Penalty: if the offense is judged to be of a minor nature, the umpire may warn the offender(s) and then disqualify them if they repeat the offense.
Meaning:
STLWEST lists specific prohibited behaviors that interfere with safety, sportsmanship, game control, or umpire authority.
Practical Implications:
Some violations may lead to warning, disqualification, banishment, or forfeit depending on the behavior and compliance.
Simplified Wording:
Do not throw equipment, fake calls, incite spectators, use improper noise/music, create contact risks, fake tags, or leave proper team areas.
Governance Purpose:
Creates specific enforceable standards for bench conduct, field conduct, safety, and game control.
Important Note:
Some violations may result in forfeiture if the offender refuses to comply with removal or banishment.
Best Practice:
Coaches should review these prohibited acts with players, assistants, bench personnel, and families before games.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Bench and field conduct rules are detailed and enforceable.
Bottom Line:
Section 7.14 gives umpires authority to control unsafe, disruptive, or unsportsmanlike conduct.
Section 7.15 – Jewelry and Pitcher Distraction Rules
Official Rule:
Players are allowed to wear jewelry with the exception that the pitcher may not wear any jewelry, wrist bands, bracelets, etc. that the umpire deems to be distracting or deceiving to the batter. Pitchers are allowed to wear sunglasses unless Umpire deems them to be distracting to the hitter. High School has removed the jewelry rule and players can now wear jewelry.
Meaning:
Jewelry is generally allowed, but pitchers may not wear anything that distracts or deceives the batter.
Practical Implications:
Umpires decide whether jewelry, sunglasses, wristbands, or accessories create a distraction.
Simplified Wording:
Jewelry is allowed unless it distracts the batter.
Governance Purpose:
Balances modern jewelry allowances with batter safety and fair play.
Important Note:
The pitcher receives special scrutiny because pitcher accessories may affect the batter’s ability to see the ball.
Best Practice:
Coaches should ask the umpire before the game if there is any concern about pitcher jewelry or sunglasses.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Jewelry is permitted, but umpire judgment controls distraction concerns.
Bottom Line:
Players may wear jewelry, but pitchers cannot wear distracting items.
Section 7.16 – Acts of Disbarment
Official Rule:
Acts of disbarment include:
7.16(a): A physical attack on an umpire or other tournament official or Association Officer during a game or immediately following a game, played under the administration of the Association.
7.16(b): Player, coaches, manager, or sponsor threatening an umpire, tournament official, Association Director, or Association Officer.
7.16(c): Any officer, director, umpire, player, coach, manager, or sponsor fighting, using unsportsmanlike conduct or abusive tactics or derogatory or unbecoming acts that could be detrimental to the Association and not in the best interests of STLWEST Baseball or Softball.
7.16(d): By knowingly competing with or against illegal or suspended players.
7.16(e): By participating in or permitting a fraud to be perpetuated.
7.16(f): Any official of the Association who refuses to submit funds to the Association that is due to the Association.
7.16(g): Competing under an assumed name.
7.16(h): Submitting a check, for any reason, that cannot be negotiated for payment.
7.16(i): Purposely using false information to hurt the Association.
7.16(j): An illegal player may be suspended for one year.
7.16(k): Any STLWEST Baseball Officer, Director, umpire, or participant that is suspended for any reason, shall not be allowed to participate in any capacity within the Association, until such suspension has been lifted.
Meaning:
Disbarment refers to severe misconduct that may remove or suspend a person from STLWEST participation.
Practical Implications:
These rules apply broadly to players, coaches, managers, sponsors, officials, umpires, officers, directors, and other participants.
Simplified Wording:
Severe misconduct, fraud, threats, illegal players, financial misconduct, or false information can remove someone from STLWEST participation.
Governance Purpose:
Protects STLWEST from violence, threats, fraud, illegal participation, financial misconduct, and conduct harmful to the association.
Important Note:
A suspended person may not participate in any capacity until the suspension is lifted.
Best Practice:
Associations should document serious misconduct immediately and preserve reports, emails, witness statements, payment records, and roster records when disbarment-level conduct is alleged.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Acts of disbarment are major governance violations, not ordinary game discipline.
Bottom Line:
Severe misconduct can result in suspension or removal from STLWEST participation.
Important Note: This interpretation guide is intended for educational and operational clarity. The official STLWEST rulebook remains the controlling authority for all sportsmanship, ejection, suspension, discipline, and disbarment rulings.