Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-04-27
RULES FOR THE uMPIREs.
Laws Laid Down for Their Govern
ment by the Atlantic League.

League, has sent a circular letter ol III
structions to the umpires OF the league
in which he advises them Of the laws as
laid down by the magnates for their gov
ernment. The letter is as follows:
Philadelphia Pa, April 10, 1897.
Dear Sir,-I take it for granted that you
have acquainted yourself with all new
rules and changes. Your success VIII de-
pend not only upon q thorough knowl-
edge Of them. but also upon your ability
to show the players from the start that
you know the rules and mean to enforce
them.
Our league passed rule at the last
meeting giving the umpire power to re-
move any player from the game who
uses profane language. threatens you, OF
delays the game i'm any way contrary TO
rules You are also given the further
power to suspend the offending player for
two days # you see fiji. and in case you
do suspend the player, you must at once
notify the captains OF both teams, ana
also notify me by wire.
This rule will be of great help 10 YOU
for as soon as the players find out that
you mean to enforce il they Will be more
careful and treat YOU with greater re-
spect. Don't. under any circumstances.
allow the captain 10 leave his position; II
YOU once start TO allow IL there will be
no stopping il. Do your best to make
the decision in al cases that you honest
" think is right. no matter how close It
is Don't let yourself be Influenced by
the home players or audience. Any
threat made against you by a club-owner
or official. or any attempt to influence
YOU I'm any way, should be at once report
ed 10 me.
The league also adopted a rule. placing
a fine Of $2j on any umpire who fails 10
be on hand for a game 10 which he has
been regularly assigned There will posi-
lively be no deviating from this rule, eN-
cept i'm q case of dangerous Illness
which must be proven by "A doctor
sworn certificate.
You must also umpire all extra or dou-
ble-champonship games which may be
played i'm a city during your assignment
there.
No club official or owner is allowed 70
advance money to an umpire without an
order from the president.
Avoid. If possible. stopping at the same
hotel with players. but if you are COM
PEELED by reason OF lower rates to do so,
avoid gecoming "too friendly" and $50
command their respect. both on and off
the field. to be successful
Now. a few words as to flushing and
"Iushers." From what | can hear, the
members of my staff are sober and re-
liable gentlemen. and / trust ! have been
truthfullv informed But 10 show you
how I stand on the question / will say
that ] don't object 10 glass or two OF
beer after game, but l will not, under
any circumstances. countenancc lush
ing" No umpire who has been up all
night drinking and carousing can success
fully perform his duties. Especially be-
fore a game should an umpire refrain
from drinking for in my opinion, "one
glass" will unfit you for duty.
Umpires are also requested TO refrain
from discussing "A game. the merits OF
club or its players predicting the out
come Of a game or a clubs standing IN
the race. etc. Such things invariably
cause bad feeling or start ugly stories
and rumors. I'm fact, all RAINING
should be avoided
Above all other things. keep your en-
gaRements. | would rather have poor
umpire who was always on hand than
good umpire whom I could not depend on.
And now. In conclusion. l will say that
if you treat the Atlantic League right
YOU will be treated right. and as IT'S
president, l will stand by you in all
things.
There are no pulls" attached TO my
office. You have been appointed solely
for your ability as an umpire. and you
can only hold your job by showing that
AFFINITY at all times. Very truly yours
+. G.. BARROW. President
\ LATER LETTER.
Philadelphia, April p. 1895
Dear Sr.-At our meeting yesterday the
rule regarding kicking and rowdy ball
playing was changed so that when you
put player out of the game he VIII
remain suspended for the two following
games without pay You do not need
10 notifp the captain that he is suspend
ed but YOU must notify me by wire
Immediately after each game, giving me
the names Of an players that you put
out of the game that day
The managers of our league have also
signed an agreement 10 keep their play
ars from doing any unnecessary kicking,
,r delaying the game. and 20 support YOU
I'M every possible way. Before you put
player out Of the game YOU must warn
him. and If he repeats the offence put
him out Don't be too hasty or too
enient. but use your own good judgment
and be firm at all times.
II a player refuses 20 go out Of the
game. call on police officer to take him
out.
Positively do not allow any one but
,layers in uniform. and the managers TO
sic ON the players bench. l want you to
be- very particular with this rule. Ac-
knowledge receipt Of this at once.
Very truly +. G.. BARROW,