Taunton Little League umpires continue talks with city after quitting over threats
TAUNTON – The Greater Taunton Amateur Baseball Umpires Association (GTABUA) and Taunton West Little League (TWLL) continue without reconciliation a week after the umpires stopped officiating games over threats of violence toward two umpires after a controversial call in a game.
The two groups recently met with Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell, as well as members of the city council, to try to come to an agreement.
On Facebook, Councilor Christopher Coute said the league began by making concessions. The league would suspend all offenders for 30 days, with a zero-tolerance rule afterward.
Each game would have a designated board president who would monitor the crowd, and the league would work toward taking a proactive measure to creating plans and systems in place to protect the umpires.
The GTABUA elaborated on the discussions with WBZ-TV.
"Pay for a patrolman to monitor the fans while they are at the ballpark," tells Dominic Damiano, GTABUA President, "The TWLL president taking a probation period, not a suspension period."
Damiano took the negotiations back to the association for a vote. It was unanimously shot down. Damiano said the group was moved by more stories from their younger, teenage umpires.
"Young kids got me nervous because they were bringing up things about how they would get their stipend, leave, and a coach would confront them to talk about their strike zone," Damiano said.
Massachusetts State Representative Rodney Elliot is promoting a change at the legislative level.
"I applaud the umpires in Taunton for their stance," said Elliot. "We all get to the breaking point."
He has been a high school referee for many years, and has officiated numerous sports. You can often find him on the soccer field.
"We see an increase in yellow and red cards. Those are penalties given to players that misconduct or unsporting behavior," said. Rep. Elliot. "Games are becoming more combatant than competitive. Throughout the years, there has been an escalation of hostility, harassment, and yelling at officials. We have to send a message that we need to reverse the way officials are being treated."
Representative Elliot has filed house bills to protect officials. They were heard by a judiciary committee several weeks ago. The bills increase fines, and possible jail time, for anyone who assaults an official. He says 18 to 20 states have similar legislation.
"Unless there are consequences, I feel that this behavior will continue," says Representative Elliot.