The Amateur Softball Association is the governing body for amateur softball played in the United States. The ASA sets rules for spectator conduct at softball tournaments, which also apply to all local ASA-affiliated leagues. Local leagues may set additional rules of conduct to enhance player enjoyment. In addition to rules of conduct, the ASA rules of the game address situations involving spectator interference with the ball or a player during a game.
Tournament Rules
The ASA Code sets forth the operating rules for the ASA, which includes rules regarding team conduct during tournaments. Several of these rules apply to spectators. As a general rule, any team manager who observes a spectator acting in an unsportsmanlike or derogatory manner must report the matter to the tournament director. The ASA has strict rules prohibiting altered bats and any person, including a spectator, in possession of an altered bat at or near a tournament site is subject to having the bat confiscated. The ASA also acts on reports of abuse or property damage at a hotel or motel used by a team and its guests during tournament play. A violation of any of these rules can result in a team forfeiting tournament wins or suspension for future tournament play. Although not grounds for a forfeit or suspension, spectators are prohibited from using artificial noise-makers during tournament play.
Local League Rules
ASA-affiliated leagues for local, non-tournament play adopt the ASA Code. The ASA Code recognizes that local leagues may revise or modify rules to better suit the local league's situation. For example, local leagues typically specify rules of conduct prohibiting the use of alcohol or tobacco, engaging in obscene gestures or instigating verbal or physical confrontations at the playing fields. Local rules of conduct also often require spectators to act in a manner that fosters a healthy and safe environment for the players, such as demonstrating positive support for all players, managers and coaches.
Spectator Interference
In all levels of ASA softball, the Official ASA Rules of the Game must be followed. Rules regarding spectator conduct during the game primarily involve interference with a play on the field. For example, as a general rule a spectator is prohibited from engaging in any conduct that "impedes, hinders or confuses" a defensive player in the course of making a play, regardless of whether there is any contact between the spectator and the player or the ball in play. If the spectator interferes with a player's attempt to catch a fly ball, the batter is out and the any runners advance a base. This call is made at the umpire's discretion. If the spectator interferes with any thrown or fair ball, the ball is dead from the moment of interference.
Spectator Violence
The ASA Code also addresses the issue of spectator violence director toward an umpire. Any physical attack on an umpire will result in the team at fault forfeiting the game. In addition to ASA rules, spectators engaging in such behavior face criminal charges, sometimes with potentially greater penalties. For example, in California a battery conviction is punishable by a maximum fine of $2,000 and up to six months in jail. However, if the battery is committed on a "sports official" in an organized amateur contest, the maximum jail time is increased to one year.
References
- Amateur Softball Association: ASA Code 2011
- Amateur Softball Association: 2005 Official Rules of Softball -- Umpire Edition
- Twin Hills ASA Fastpitch Softball: Code of Conduct
- Spokane Valley Girls Softball Association: By Laws -- Section 1. Parent/Spectator Code of Conduct
- California Legislature: California Penal Code Sections 240 to 248
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