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A disaffected coach took a swing at a little league umpire after his baseball team lost a game Tuesday night at the Pleasant Valley Youth Activity Field.

Around 7:15 p.m. the 35-year-old coach reportedly followed umpire Jim Knight, 49, to the concession stand, yelled at him, and punched him in the side of his head, said Calhoun County Sheriff Larry Amerson.

Knight said the coach had been chiding him over calls he made during the game for 7 and 8 year olds.

Knight was getting a drink at the concession stand afterwards when the coach confronted him, calling him "stupid" among other things, before striking him in the right ear with his fist or forearm, said Knight.

The umpire, who said he gave up officiating older kids' sports because of the stress involved, reportedly fell down and cut his hand as he tried to break his fall.

Knight said he has officiated sports for 27 years and has never experienced "anything close" to Tuesday's incident.

"I've been cussed and fussed, but no one ever laid a hand on me before, thank God," he said.

On the recommendation of his lawyer, Knight said he went to the hospital Wednesday morning to get checked out.

He suffered bruises and contusions on his hand and head but no broken bones, said Knight.

Amerson said the law is tougher in regard to sports officials.

If an arrest is made, the coach would be charged with harassment, but because it involves an umpire, the charge would be upgraded to a Class B misdemeanor, he said. Amerson said a warrant has not yet been issued for the coach's arrest, pending a signature from Knight.

Several groups of people have encouraged him not to sign the warrant, said Knight but he believes there is too much at risk.

"This is not about me but everyone who puts on an official's uniform. I'm going to have to do it," said Knight.