The Division III Softball Committee issued a public reprimand to East Texas Baptist softball coach Janae Shirley for comments made during a postgame press conference May 23.
After the conclusion of the super regional at East Texas Baptist, Shirley questioned the committee’s decision to allow an umpire to work the game.
The Division III Softball Committee investigated alleged behavior by the umpire from the previous day and found no evidence to corroborate the allegations.
Coach Shirley’s comments were deemed an act of misconduct as defined by NCAA Bylaw 31.02.3, which was read during the pretournament meeting. Misconduct is any act of unprofessional behavior that discredits the event and occurs from the time the championship field is announced through the end of the championship (including travel to or from or in the locale of the competition or practice).
