Didn't get the message the first time? You're outta here!

Correct on ALL counts, Moddy.

It doesn't get any clearer than this language from the rules: "No cursing. If you are caught doing so, a 10 yard penalty will be assessed for the first [instance]. The second occurrence will result in a 10 yard penalty, player ejection and suspension from the next game."

I correctly applied and enforced the rule I was given to apply and enforce. My opinions on whether the rule is warranted or not aren't relevant.

 

Fuck that.

 

The softball league I used to play in had a no-swearing rule as well. Most umps wisely only enforced it if the profanity was directed at another player. "Ah, shit," is a lot different than "You're a shithead."

The one guy who did abide by the letter of the rule? Everyone just called him an asshole. (Not saying you are, F_T ... all the refs in your league may call it strictly, for all I know. I just happen to think it's a bullshit rule and if I'd paid $40 or whatever to play in a league, I'd be pretty pissed if I got suspended for saying something as benign as "shit.")

 

It's pretty clear what your opinions are, given that you started a thread to brag about what you did as if it were some sort of accomplishment.

As for my opinion, it coincides with those of Bubbler and bigpern.

 

Rules are rules. I play in a men's church hoops league where there is a zero tolerance on wearing jewelry. Every year someone gets a technical for wearing a cross. Shit happens.

 

I am a Christian and I think I would only be able to play one quarter every other game in that league.

Not proud of my swearing, it's a bad habit that rears its ugly head in competitive situations and at work when the computer turns into a piece of shit. There I go again.

 

Yes, I understand that rules are rules. I also understand that people can choose whether or not to participate in such leagues.

I choose to mock such leagues and people who pretend their morality is so great that someone twice saying "shit" in a non-insulting way is worthy of ejection from play.

 

Big, big difference between someone swearing because they're upset at themselves or the situation as opposed to someone aiming it at you. But I know Moddy and F_T know that.

Never threw someone out, but did have a frat boy one time upset me enough during a volleyball match that during a changeover of sides between games, I did call the "coach" of the sorority team and made it crystal clear that he said one more word, he was gone (he started bellowing during the second game and a simple, pointed stare ended it). My friend and fellow official, still a good friend to this day, was stunned. I had had enough.

But F_T's league apparently puts lots of emphasis on religion, the family hour, guarding against inappropriate language, etc. It's extreme, but those type of leagues usually don't shy away from those sorts of rules and, more importantly, enforcing them.

 

I created this thread as a way of expressing my disbelief that someone would be dumb enough to say the exact same word in back-to-back plays after the first time saying it cost his team 10 yards and the second time would result in his being ejected and suspended for the next game. I didn't enjoy throwing him out, as much as you want to believe I did.

But thanks for putting words on my computer screen for me. I really appreciate it. :

For the record, I don't like the rule. However, that rule is so explicit it leaves no room for interpretation.

In the other sports I officiate at the high school level, I give verbal warnings for cursing as a way of telling players "I hear you. Be careful." In those leagues, I've only ever thrown an unsportsmanlike conduct flag for swearing in a game once, and that was because the kid directed it at someone.