parent calling pitches in dugout?

Wanted your take on something I saw at a HS varsity game where a dad (I was told he was not a coach & not a school employee) was giving signals for every pitch to the catcher for his daughter (the pitcher). He was sitting on a bucket clearly inside the dugout area (actually slightly in front of dugout) in plain view of everyone. When "his" team was hitting, he would take his bucket & stand outside the dugout.

Are there any rules that govern this parent being in the dugout & calling pitches? Or is it an individual coach's decision or policy to allow this type of parental participation?

Something about this just didn't look "right" in a HS game, but I do not know if rules or policy govern this. Thanks.

 

i've seen this before in most cases where the coach is not as knowledgeable in the sport especially when it comes to pitching. the coach will allow this to hopefully get as much out of his pitcher and the one that usually knows is the dad or the dad is a little over bearing and no one calls pitches for his little girl but him and the coach needs the pitching. i've also seen coaches that didn't know how to call pitches, so they would call them at random...........uuuugggggghhhhhhlllllllyyyyyy.

 

FYI, I see nothing wrong with that. I call pitches for a high school and I don't have a child on the team. All the pitcher come to me and I know the pitchers weakness and strength. I do know you have to be in the dug to call pitches and that it is illegal to call pitches outside the dugout. That's all I do is call pitches the coaches make all other decision for the team. If they decide to do drug teat which I think is a great idea. I would be glad to take any test.

 

I call the pitches also and I do remember on at least (2) ocassions that the ump made me get in the dugout before I could preceed....I don't know the ruling on that part of the game,but I would venture to say that it's a umps call because he is in control of the play....Softball Guru....:banginghe

 

Calling

I have seen college coaches call pitches from outside the fence so the catcher could see their calls better. Many umpires will allow coaches to sit just outside the dugout to call pitches, while some require the gate to be closed. Some schools have open dugouts so it is different almost anywhere U go. Rules are in the eyes of the umpire in charge. (Would that be right?)

 

the place for parents

Great responses , thanks.
This is my opinion: It's about perception. Unless the "in the dugout" parent is officially a volunteer coach, cleared with paperwork, tests, whatever, etc, I feel that the dugout is not the place that a parent should be stationed. That area is for coaches, scorekeepers, batboy/girl, & players.

I can't see a coach allowing a non-"official" coach/parent in the dugout. Again, just my opinion.
I've noticed on our team the catcher calls the pitches. She & the pitchers seem to have a good understanding of what to call for. I notice the pitcher shaking off certain pitches, etc.

Again , if the parent is officially a volunteer coach with official approvals, then OK.

 

NCHSAA rule: The defensive team's coaches must be inside the dugout. Whether a coach/parent is calling pitches or not is irrelevant. Some umps enforce the rule, some do not. The rule is usually strictly enforced during playoffs.

There is no rule prohibiting non-coaches from being in the dugout unless its the head coach's own team rule.

Many local school boards set policies regarding volunteer coaches (parent or non-parent).

Coaching is prohibited from the grandstand area behind the back stop.

If the head coach wants a parent to call pitches, who cares?

 

On The Bucket

To EastofRaleigh. I know this sounds pretty trivial, but you mentioned it so I thought I would give you another rule. The posters are exactly correct about a parent or whoever calling pitches from the dugout. It is legal if a Head coach wants that to be done. The Head coach is responsible for his dugout and the dugout itself is not considered a live ball area. So actually, anyone can be in the dugout area. However, you mentioned that this person was on a bucket outside the dugout area. If that is true, there is one more rule to abide by.

From NFHS Rulebook: Rule 3- Section 5- Article 3

Any time a coach is in live-ball area to confer with players or an umpire, or to occupy a coach's box, that coach shall be attired in school uniform or jersey/coaching shirt with coaching shorts/slacks or warm-up suits in school colors or colors of khaki, black, white or gray.

Penalty: A coach not dressed in appropriate attire shall not be permitted in the field of play following the pregame conference for the duration of the game or until the situation has been remedied.

I know this was not the intent of the question you had, but if that coach comes out into the live ball area to call pitches or to congratulate his/her daughter after striking out the side, he/she is in violation if not properly
attired. Note: Jackets are not considered part of the school uniform.

Just thought I would throw that rule out there for you!

Thanks,

Pop Rivers
President/NCFSCA