LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association Ethics Committee issued the following public reprimand to Mississippi State University Associate Head Coach Tyler Bratton.

The NFCA Ethics Committee recently reviewed a complaint it received involving Mississippi State University Associate Head Coach Tyler Bratton and his conduct during a game on April 1, 2023. In a video that was broadcast nationally, Coach Bratton yelled at and charged towards an umpire, picked up first base and threw it, stormed off the field, and then returned and continued his outburst. The Ethics Committee deemed this conduct unacceptable and a total failure to comply with the NFCA Diamond of Ethics, which all NFCA members are expected to uphold. 

The Ethics Committee sent a letter to Coach Bratton, copying his head coach and athletic administration, that highlighted the unprofessionalism, lack of integrity, and disrespect he showed for the game and all of those participating in it. Coach Bratton’s treatment of the umpires was of paramount concern, especially given the umpire shortage that softball is experiencing.

The Ethics Committee issues this public notice of reprimand, a step above a private letter of warning, in order to underscore that this conduct was egregious enough that all NFCA members should be made aware of the consequences. As coaches, role models, and guardians of this game, we must be better.

The Ethics Committee consists of six elected member coaches and is chaired by the NFCA President. View the Diamond of Ethics HERE.