Protest – attempt at resolution

The sequence for resolving a potential protest is:

1. The protesting coach must identify the alleged failure to apply the correct rule, effect or misapplication of the rule.  This must be done before the next pitch. We should not expect the coach to give us a specific rule number.  For example, if the protest involves the pitcher not taking the signal correctly, the coach does not have to state that he/she is protesting rule 10.2.2; it would suffice for the coach to state that the rule application he/she is protesting is the rule for the pitcher taking the signal.

2. The opposing coach is given an opportunity to provide input on the issue.

3. The crew then collaborates privately to attempt to resolve the issue and may use the rule book to arrive at a decision

4. The crew brings the coaches together to explain the ruling with one final opportunity to use a rules book to determine the on-field resolution.

5. If the resolution of the above meeting is unsatisfactory, the protesting coach has the right to continue the game under protest.

Continuing the Game Under Protest

6. The plate umpire must announce this to the opposing coach and the scorekeepers, and ask the public address announcer to announce the game will be resumed under protest.

7. See rule 7.2.5.3.2 for the relevant  information which must be included in the Protest Form to be submitted within 24 hours of the conclusion of the game.

Forfeits

Forfeits are a very last resort and should not be declared unless all game umpires concur. There shall be no forfeit of a game until both participating teams are present and the umpires have assumed jurisdiction of the game.

See the Forfeited Game rule in the Rule Book (Rule 6) for the conditions under which a forfeit might be issued to the offending team.  The plate umpire is responsible for submitting the electronic Incident Report within 24 hours after the game.