Obviously a "don't touch the umpires at all ever" rule is very simple, but is it necessary? In a game notorious for wooly, malleable rule interpretations, why does this one have to be zero tolerance?
A player can punch another player in the face and everyone starts fretting over the minutiae of intent, force, blah blah blah, and meanwhile a friendly pat on the back or tug on the sleeve of an umpire is strictly verboten. I find it odd.
As Shane says, and this is one of my least favourite things in the world, it's a case of trying to justify overreach. Rather than admit you went overboard, you double down.
