Umpire Manual Slow Pitch - Amazon S3€¦ · WBSC Softball Slow Pitch Umpire Manual INTRODUCTION Rules are written for the players, managers, umpires and fans. There are rules for

UmpireManual

SlowPitch

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WBSCSoftballSlowPitchUmpireManual

INTRODUCTION

Rulesarewrittenfortheplayers,managers,umpiresandfans.Therearerulesfortheoffenseandrulesforthedefense.Therulesarenotmeanttohinderorrestrictplaybutrathertoguidethegamesothatitisplayedfairlywithoutoneteamgaininganunfairadvantageovertheother.Umpiresaretheretoapplytheruleswithoutfavour,biasoremotion.Umpiresarethejudgesofwhetherthegameisplayedfairly. Umpirestakeprideintheirjudgementandmechanics.Includedinmechanicsaretheumpire’spositioning,theumpire’ssignals,umpire’shustle,theumpire’sgamemanagementandtheumpire’sattitude.Mechanicsareallabouttheumpire.Thismanualassumesthatyouhavesomebasicknowledgeofthefundamentalsofthegame,and of umpiring, and is written to provide guidelines to the WBSC preferred method ofumpiringandtheexpectationsofaWBSCumpire.Umpiringhasexistedformany,manyyearsanditisnottheintentionoftheWBSCtore‐inventthe wheel. The standard signals and mechanics used in umpiring are adopted here withvariationsofferedtosomeacceptedpracticestoimproveanumpire’sviewofaplay.Thismanualwouldnotexistwithouttheassistanceofmany,manypeople.Manyorganizationshavecontributedtothedevelopmentofumpiringandwemustacknowledgethefollowingfortheir contributions to thismanual: Softball USA (the ASA – Craig Cress and Kevin Ryan);SoftballAustralia(AlanMcAuliffe,KevinBroomhallandMargoKoskelainen);SoftballCanada(RandySouliers,BobHenning,BrianVanOs);NCAASoftball(EmilyAlexanderandJeffHansen)Special thanksandacknowledgement toHenryPollard, formerDeputyDirectorof then‐ISFUmpiring,forhismanyideasandhardwork.Thismanualwouldnothavebeenpossiblewithoutthevision,hardwork,dedicationandloveofumpiringofoneman,Mr.MerleO.Butler.TheWBSCdedicatesthismanualtothememoryofourdearfriendMerle.BobStantonWBSCDirectorofUmpires,Softball

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TABLEOFCONTENTS

SECTION1 BEINGANUMPIRE 61.1 WhybeUmpire 71.2 ThisManual 71.3 MissionStatement 81.4 PrerequisitestoGoodUmpiring 81.5 HelpfulHintsforUmpires–DO’SandDON’TS 9

SECTION2 WHATITMEANSTOBEANWBSCUMPIRE 11

2.1 WBSCUmpireCodeofEthics 12 2.2 Ethics 122.3 ResponsibilitiesandExpectations 142.4 MentalPreparationandGameStrategies 152.5 InteractionWiththeWorldAroundYou 15

2.5.1 Partners 152.5.2 Coaches 162.5.3 Players 162.5.4 Fans 16

2.6 FraternizationandOffFieldBehavior 16

SECTION3 UMPIRETERMINOLOGYANDCONCEPTS 173.1 TermsusedinUmpiring 183.2 UniformandAppearance 243.3 UmpireConditioning 253.4 Pre‐Game–Self,PartnerandCoaches 263.5 EquipmentCheck 263.6 Forfeits,Protests,andEjections 273.7 Rain,Darkness,Grounds 293.8 Lightning 293.9 Post‐Game–PartnersandSelf 29

SECTION4 SIGNALS 31

4.1 StandardUmpireSignals 33 Out 33 OverhandOut 34 PunchOut 35 Safe–NoCatch–NoTag–NoInfraction–TrappedBall 36 SellSafe 36 DeadBall–FoulBall–NoPitch 37 Time 37 FairBall 38 Fair/FoulIndicator 39 DelayedDeadBall 40 InfieldFly 41 Point 42 HomeRun 42 Double 43 Ejection 43 PlayBall 44 DoNotPitch 45

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Strike 45 FoulTip 46 Count 464.2 Umpire‐to‐UmpireSignals 47 InfieldFly 47 HowManyOuts? 48 What’stheCount? 49

SECTION5 HANDLINGEVERYGAMESITUATION 51

5.1 AppealPlays 525.2 Catch 525.3 CheckSwings 535.4 Conferences 535.5 DeadBallandDeadBallSituationsatthePlate 535.6 IllegalPitch 545.7 InfieldFly 555.8 IntentionalWalk 555.9 Interference,Obstruction 555.10 Tie‐breaker 55

SECTION6 LINE‐UPCARDMANAGEMENT 57

Line‐UpManagement,HowtousetheLine‐UpCard, 58Situationsandexamplesforusage

SECTION7 BEINGINCONTROL 59

7.1 Communication 607.2 GameControl 617.3 GoingforHelp 627.4 PreventiveUmpiring 62

SECTION8 MECHANICS 638.1 GeneralMechanics 64

8.1.1 Choosingaposition,anglesanddistance 658.1.2 GuidelinesforUmpires 65

8.2 PlateMechanics 668.2.1 AtthePlate 668.2.2 BeingReadyfortheFirstPitch 678.2.3 SteppingintotheStance 678.2.4 WorkingtheSlotPosition 688.2.5 MovingtotheDown(Set)Position 688.2.6 Footwork 698.2.7 TrackingthePitch 698.2.8 TimingandRhythm 698.2.9 TheCount 698.2.10 BallRotation 708.2.11 DecisionTime 708.2.12 CheckSwings 718.2.13 ‘NottoPitch’Signal 728.2.14 LeavingthePlateArea 728.2.15 CatchandCallResponsibilities 738.2.16 HittingtheBallaSecondTime 738.2.17 BatterHitbythePitch 748.2.18 StrikeZone–MindSetTheory 74

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8.2.19 ConsistencyistheUmpire’sUltimateGoal 758.2.20 ThirdBaseCalls 758.2.21 Run‐downs 768.2.22 RunCount(TimePlay) 768.2.23 TagPlaysatthePlate 768.2.24 AppealatthePlate 778.2.25 ToSpeedupPlay 778.2.26 HelpfulHintsforPlateUmpires 77

8.3 BaseMechanics 808.3.1 TechniquesontheBases 808.3.2 DecisionsonBases 808.3.3 BaseCalls 818.3.4 TheForcePlay 818.3.5 TagPlays 838.3.6 PulledFoot 848.3.7 SwipeTag 848.3.8 OneWordDescriptions 848.3.9 Inside‐OutsideTheory 858.3.10 Button‐Hook 858.3.11 ThreeFootLine 858.3.12 RunningOutoftheBaseLine 858.3.13 Interference 858.3.14 Obstruction 868.3.15 Catcherobstruction 868.3.16 Collisions 878.3.17 IllegalPitches 878.3.18 HelpfulHintsforBaseUmpires 87

APPENDIX1ONEUMPIRESYSTEM APPENDIX2TWOUMPIRESYSTEMAPPENDIX3THREE/FOURUMPIRESYSTEMS

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SECTION1BEINGANUMPIRE

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1.1 WHYBEANUMPIREWhatkindofumpiredoyouwanttobe?Whydoyouwanttoumpire?Therearemanyreasonswhypeopleumpire:

Financial Givebacktothegame Exerciseauthority Earnrespectofplayers,coaches,fans,friendandcolleagues Beinanationalorinternationalgameasanofficial

Oneoftheabovereasonsmaybethemainmotivationoritmaybesomethingelse.Eachumpirehastheirownreasonforumpiring,howeverregardlessofwhatthatreasonmaybe,allumpirescanworktowardsbeingthebestumpiretheycanbe.Thismanualiswrittentohelpyoubringoutthebestinyourselfandtoassistyouinattainingyourgoals.Whensettinggoals,ensurethattheyareattainable,arerealisticandaremeasurable,i.e.,youcantellwhenyouaregettingclosertoattainingwhatyoudesire.Workonyourimprovementinsmallsteps,improveonethingandthengoontothenext.“Umpiringistheonlyjobwhereapersonmustbeperfectthefirsttime,andTHENimproveovertheyears!”1.2 THISMANUALThisManualhasbeenpreparedonanassumptionthattheumpirehasabasicknowledgeofthegameofsoftball,includingruleknowledgeandanunderstandingofthesignalsandmechanicsused.This is only oneminor part of thewhole picture, whenwe are taking a total approach toofficiating. The goals, themechanics, the positioning, the rules and,most importantly, theATTITUDEoftheumpire,areallpartofthetotalapproach.Noonepartistheanswer,justasnotonesourcehasalltheanswers–norshouldweexpectit.TheManualisnotcomplete,norwilliteverbe,asthereisalwaysmoretolearnandtobeadded.USETHEMANUALASITWASMEANTTOBEUSED….whichisonlyone(1)partofthetotalapproachtobecomingthebestumpirethatyoucanbe.EnjoyreadingthisManualandremember,focusonYOURVISION,andneverlosesightofit.

THE EMPHASIS is for uniform signals and calls, so thatUmpires will have a common base to work from. Allumpireswillthenpersonalizetheirsignalsandcallsfromthatcommonbase.

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SOYOUWANTTOBEANUMPIRE U UNIFORMITY–maintainconsistency M MOBILE–alwaysHUSTLEandbeinposition P PRIDE–beprofessionalinattitudeanddress

I INCONSPICUOUS–beconfident,butnotcockyR REVIEW–therulebookandthisManualformechanicsE EXCELLENCE–continuallystrivetothebestyoucanbe

1.3 MISSIONSTATEMENTThe mission of the WBSC. Umpire Program is to improve the overall quality of umpiringthroughouttheworldby:

Identifying, observing, evaluating and trainingumpires for assignments toNational,RegionalandWorldChampionships.

Providing consistency in the interpretation of WBSC softball rules and umpiringmechanics.

Promotingbettercommunicationbetweenumpires,coachesandtheadministratorsofWBSC.

Providing the best educational material available to umpires around the world toimproveumpiringandthegameitself.

1.4 PREREQUISITESTOGOODUMPIRINGEveryumpireisperformingaservicetotheirfellowumpires,theleaguesthattheyserveandtothemanagers,playersandspectatorsofSoftball. Inperformingtheirduties,acompetentumpirewilltakeonanumberofroles.

Firstly, an umpire is theBrandor Image representing their league, State/Provincialbody, National body, the umpiring fraternity, and the sport of Softball. From themomentumpiresentertheballpark,peoplewilljudgethem,andalltheorganizationstheyrepresentbasedontheirappearanceandbehavior.Firstimpressionsarealwaysveryimportant.

Secondly,anumpireisaDecisionMaker.AttheverycoreofumpiringistheabilitytoobservethegameandmaketimelydecisionsbasedonthoseobservationsandtherulesofSoftball. Yourdecisionsmustbemadefairly, impartially,withoutemotionorbiasandwithinthespiritoftherules.

Thirdly,anumpiremustbeaCommunicator. Theymustbeable to talkand listeneffectivelytotheirpartner(s),playersandcoaches.Umpiresmustalsouseproperandeasilyrecognizedsignals.

Finally,umpiresareTeamPlayers.Theymustsupporttheirpartnersbyalwaysbeinginpositiontohelpthemandnotsubmitanysuggestionsoropinionsconcerningtheotherumpires’decisionsuntil requestedby thoseumpires. Aswithany good teamplayer,trytohelpyourotherteammembers.Leadbyexample….Doitright!

Toeffectivelycarryouttheseroles,agoodumpiremusthaveasoundsetofskillsandattitudesasdetailedthroughoutthismanual.

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1.5 HELPFULHINTSFORUMPIRES–DO’SANDDON’TS

DO: Studyrulesregularly Takeprideinyourwork Alwaysstrivetoimproveyourselfandyourumpiring Stayinshape Hustle Bepleasantandprofessionalatalltimes Beapproachable Becourteous,butfirm(controlthegame) Bealertinthoughtandaction Betruthful Bepunctual Beneatandwell‐groomedatalltimes Avoidunnecessaryconversationwithplayersandmanagers Knowtheballparkandgroundrules Forgetthebaddaysandtheplayersthatgaveyouproblems.Tomorrowisanotherday Keeptheplate,bases,andthepitchingrubberclean Keepyoureyesontheball Beontopoftheplay Stayfocusedwhenevernecessary Beclear,crisp,andmeaningfulwhenmakingcalls Workwithandback‐upyourpartner(s) Keepyourcap,shoes,ballbag,anduniformitemsclean Keepyourhandsofftheplayersorcoachesatalltimes Usetheenergynecessarytomakeacallbelievable,butneverembarrassaplayer.DONOT: Gooutonthefieldwithachiponyourshoulder Beoverlytechnical.Usecommonsense! Callthestrikeoverlyoutloudwhenthebatterobviouslyswingsatandmissesthepitch Makeexcusestoanyoneatanytime!Itwon’thelp Lookfortrouble.You’llfindplentyofitwithoutlooking Getlazy.Noonerespectsorappreciatesanumpirewhodoesn’thustle.You’refooling

noonebutyourself Secondguessyourpartneratanytime,onoroffthefield Chewtobaccowhenonthediamond. Trytoout‐taketheplayers,coaches,ormanagers.Letthemdothetalkingandwhen

theyhavesaidenough,makethemPlayBall Makeanyofyourcallstoosoon.Itisbettertobealittlelateinmakingthecallthanto

havetochangeyourdecision Havetoheareverythingthatissaidorrespondtothespectators Tell theplayerswhattodo,orhowtoplaytheirposition.Your job is toumpireand

attendtothatonly. Pickonanyparticularplayer. It leadstoumpire/playerfriction.Avoidthoseplayers

(andmanagers)whoarelookingforanargument.

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AFEWWISEWORDS “It’snotthemistakeswemakethatcount,it’show

welearnfromthemistakesweandothersmake.” “Knowledgeisoftwokinds…weknowasubjectourselves, orweknowwherewecanfindinformationonit.”

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SECTION2WHATITMEANSTOBEAWBSCUMPIRE

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2.1 WBSCUMPIRECODEOFETHICSTheUmpireProgramoftheWBSCplacesresponsibilityforethicalconductinsoftballonthefollowing:

Umpires Teammembers Administrators Spectators Themedia Educators Parents Sponsors

TheWBSCUmpire is toactasan impartialarbitratorofsoftballcompetitionsandcarryouttheirdutieswith:

Accuracy Consistency Objectivity Thehighestsenseofintegrity

TheUmpireProgramoftheWBSC.recognizesthattopreserveandencourageconfidenceintheprofessionalismandintegrityofumpiring,ethicalbehaviourmustbefosteredbyallumpires.In conjunctionwith theUmpires “Code of Ethics,” UMPIRESHAVETHERIGHTTOEXPECTTHAT:

Theirhealthandsafetyareparamount. Theyaretreatedwithcourtesy,respectandopenness. Theyarenotappointedorrecommendedtoalevelofcompetitionbeyondtheirlevel

competence. Theyhaveaccesstoself‐improvementopportunities.

2.2 ETHICSThefollowingBehaviouralEthicsapplytoWBSCUmpires:

1) Respecttherights,dignityandworthofeveryhumanbeingregardlessofage,gender,ethnicorigin,religionorability.

Refrain fromanydiscriminatorypracticesonthebasisofage,gender,ethnicorigin,religion,orability.

Cooperateandbeprofessionalinyourassociationwithyourfellowofficialsonandoffthefieldanddonothingtocausethemembarrassment.

Refrainfromnegativelycriticizingtheon‐fieldperformanceandconductofanyumpire.

2) Beprofessionalinyourappearanceandmannerandacceptresponsibilityforallactions

taken. Display high standards in language, manner, punctuality, preparation and

presentation. Display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved with

softball (including athletes, coaches, officials, scorers, administrators, the

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media,parents,andspectators)andencourageotherumpirestodemonstratethesamequalities.

Becourteous,respectfulandopentodiscussionandinteraction. Honorallassignmentsandreporttotheplayingfieldatleast45minutesprior

tothescheduledgametime. Bepreparedbothphysicallyandmentally. Refrainfrommakinganycommentsorcommittinganyactionthatundermines

theWBSCanditsofficers. Donotsmokeorchewtobaccoonorinthevicinityoftheplayingfieldnordrink

anyalcoholbeveragesonthedayofthegame. Refrainfromtheuseofbannedorillegalsubstances.

3) Refrainfromanyformofharassment.

Thisincludesexplicit,implicit,verbalandnon‐verbalharassment.4) Avoidanysituationwhichmayleadtoaconflictofinterest.5) Operatewithintherulesandspiritofsoftball.

Abidebyandrespecttheregulationsgoverningsoftballandsportgenerallyandtheorganizationsandindividualsadministeringthoseregulations.

6) Refrainfromanyformofpersonalabusetowardsathletes.

Thisincludesverbal,physicalandemotionalabuse.

7) Placethesafetyandwelfareoftheparticipantsaboveallelse. Ensure that equipment and facilities meet rule requirements and safety

standards.

8) MakeacommitmenttoprovidingqualityservicetoumpiringandtheWBSC,byseekingcontinual improvement of your umpiring knowledge and skill through study,performance,appraisalandregularupdatingofcompetencies.

Maintainandimproveonumpiringskills. Observetheworkofotherumpiressoyoumaygainknowledgeandnewskills

orsuccessfulmechanics. Studytherulesthroughrulebooksandcasebooksdiligentlyandaskquestions

whenindoubt.Alwaysremember,“noquestionisastupidquestion.”

9) Beimpartial. Befairandunbiasedinyourdecisions,renderingthemwithoutregardtothe

score.

10) Showconcernandcautiontowardssickand/orinjuredathletes.Callthemedicalstaffontothefieldimmediately.

11) Encourageinclusivelyandaccesstoallareasofumpiring.

Rememberthatwhileyourworkasanofficialisimportant,youmustconductyourselfinsuchawaythatspectatorattentionisdirectedtothoseplayingthegameandnotatyourself.

12) Beapositiverolemodelforsoftballandumpiring,andalwaysbeawarethatyouarearepresentativeofyourcountryandtheWBSCUmpireProgram.

Personalconductonthefield,aroundtheballparksandatsoftballeventsandmeetingsshouldbeabovereproach.

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Keepinmindthatthegameismoreimportantthanthewishesofanyindividualplayerorcoach,ortheambitionsofanyindividualumpire.

Dress and maintain your appearance in a manner befitting the dignity andimportanceofthegameandtheWBSC.

Befair,butnotoverbearing;courteous,butnotingratiating;positive,butneverrude;dignified,butnever“cocky”;friendly,butnotcompanionable;andcalm,buteveralert.

13)WorldChampionships: AttendOpeningandClosingCeremonieswhenrequested. Beapartoftheumpireteamonandoffthefield. Followinternationalprotocolwhereeverachampionshipmaybeheld. Becourteoustoallhostcommitteemembers,drivers,andsponsorsatalltimes.

2.3 RESPONSIBILITIESANDEXPECTATIONSWBSCumpiresmustcontinuouslyseekself‐improvementbystudyingthegame,therules,andtheacceptedmechanicsofumpiring.Umpireshavetokeepupwiththewaythegameisbeingplayed,whatnewstrategiesarebeingadopted,whatnewskillsetsarebeingusedandthetendenciesoftheplayers.Umpires need to know the rules, the intent of the rules, the spirit inwhich they are to beenforcedandthefairnesstobeadoptedintheapplicationoftherules.Using accepted mechanics allow umpires to be in the best position possible and tocommunicatetheirdecisionswithclarity.Umpiring isacombinationofscienceandart;anglesanddistancesandsetpositionsareallscience; signals however, while maintaining the basic elements can employ an individualartistictouchthatallowsanumpire’spersonalitytobedisplayed.Umpiresarenotmeanttoberobots.Umpiresmust always put their best foot forward and present themselves as professional,courteous,approachablewhilealsobeingafirmdecisionmakerwithoutdisplayingarrogance.Anumpireispartoftheumpiringteamandpartofthegame.Umpiresmustensurethatthey:

Supporttheirpartners Allowthegametobeplayedsafelyandfairly Notallowanyplayer,coachoradministratortounfairlyinfluenceagameorany

ofitsparticipants Handleconflictsquicklyandwithdignityforallinvolved.

Everythinganumpiredoeswillreflectonhimself,hispartners,thegame,andhisFederationororganization.Alwaysbeawarethatyourepresentmorethanyourself.Asanumpireyouwillmakeerrorsfromtimetotime.Thisshouldnotcauseyoutofeelshameortoseekforgiveness.Itisahumantraittoerrinjudgmentfromtimetotime.Wemustlearnfromourmistakesandworkhardertolessenthem.

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2.4 MENTALPREPARATIONANDGAMESTRATEGYMental preparation is as important as physical preparation for a game. An umpire mustunderstandthetheorybehindtherulesandthemechanics.Gamesdonothappeninavacuumsorulescannoteasilycaptureeverysituation. Knowingtheintentandspiritoftherulecanhelpwhendealingwiththosegrayareas.Likewisewithmechanics.DiagramsencourageustoassumethatXmarksthebestspotwhereweshouldbe. Xismerelyanindicatorofwheretobeinanidealsituation. Idealsituationsrarelyhappensoyoumustadapttowheretheball is,wherethefieldersareandwheretherunnermight be. If you know the theory and keep the four elements in front of you, ball,defensiveplayer,baseandoffensiveplayer,youwillbeinbeingoodstead.ThinkintermsofanovalarearatherthananX.Before each game, visualize how youwill umpire the game; prepare a strategy using yourknowledgeoftheteams,players,levelofplay,pasthistory,whatisatstake(playoff,NationalorWorldChampionship)andwhoyourpartnersare.Thinkabouthowyouwillhandlecertainsituationslikeobstruction,interference,confrontationandcloseplays.Clearyourmindofpersonalproblems, leavethembehind. Forgetaboutpersonalbiases. Ifproblemshaveoccurredinthepastbetweenyou,aplayerorcoach,forgetitandstartwithafreshpage.Beprepared. Visualizeyourselfbeingtheumpireyouwanttobe. Seeyourselfinthetoughsituation.Seeyourselftakingcharge,managingandresolving.Seeyourselfhustling,gettinginperfectpositionandmakingagood,crispsignal.Whensituationsarise,youhave“beenthere‐donethat”inyourmindandyouwillknowjusthowtoact.Alwayscontrolthethingsyoucancontrol. Donotcreateyourowndistractions. If it ishot,beginhydratingafewhoursbefore.Ifumpiringinatournament,beginhydratingdaysbeforethestartofthetournament.Plantoeatwhenitismostcomfortableforyou.Donotallowbeingphysicallyunpreparedtodestroyyourmentalpreparation.2.5 INTERACTIONWITHTHEWORLDAROUNDYOU

2.5.1 FellowumpiresBeingamemberofanumpiringcrewislikebeingthememberofapartnership.Whileyoumaynotalwaysagreeorseeeyetoeye,youareinittogethertoobtainadesiredoutcome – a well officiated game. Some things you can do to ensure a workingpartnershipare:

Keepthebigpictureinmind Berespectful,treatothersasyouwouldwanttobetreatedyourself Setasideprejudicesandbiases Worktogether,communicateandmaintainaunitedfront Supportoneanother–workatunderstandingculturalandlanguagedifferences

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2.5.2 CoachesUmpiresandcoacheshavearoletoplayinanygame.Understandinghowthoserolesinterrelatecangiveyouanappreciationofthecoach’sroleandhowyoucanbetterworktogether.Alwaysmakeaneffortto:

Forgetanynegativecommentsyoumayhaveheardaboutacoach Bear inmindwhere thecoachmaybecoming from,his job is todefendand

motivatehisplayers Beprofessionalandyouwillbetreatedprofessionally Seethecoachasaprofessional,hewilldolikewise Useallyourcommunicationsskills,beagoodlistener Acknowledgethecoach’sefforts Showempathy Remaincalm Stayincharge,managethesituation Keepconversationsoneonone

2.5.3 Players

Thegameneedsumpiresandplayersso theyneed to findaway togetalong;somethingsyoucandotogetalongwithplayers:

Treatthemwithrespect Understandthat,inmostcases,theyaredriventowin Bemindfulofyourcomments–keepyourcommentsgeneralinnature Acknowledgeagoodplay Acknowledgefairplayanddisplaysofsportsmanship Letthemstarttheconversations

2.5.4 Fans

Fansaretheretocheerforandsupporttheirteam.Theywillseethingswiththeirheart,nottheireyes.Ifthereareproblemswiththefansletthehometeamortournamentofficialsdealwithit.Umpirescannotwinattryingtomanagefans.Enterandleavethefieldasacrew,ignorecommentsfromthefansandifamongstthefansdonotmakecommentsaboutthegame.

2.6 BEHAVIORAsanofficialyoumustbehaveinaprofessionalmannerbothonandoffthefield.Youareseenasarepresentativeoftheorganizationtowhichyoubelong.Dressandspeakinanappropriatemanneratalltimes.Evenifyouaremerelywatchingagameasafan,itisimportanttorealizethatalmosteveryoneintheparkwillknowyouareanofficial.Ensurethatyoudonotcommentontheworkoftheumpiresdoingthegame.Mostimportantlydomakeanycommentsonaplayorcall.Yousetanexampleforotherstofollow.Youmaybethefirstofficialthatsomeoneseesatthepark.Makeagood,lastingfirstimpression.

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SECTION3UMPIRETERMINOLOGYANDCONCEPTS

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3.1 TERMS90‐DegreeAngle–Tag

This conceptdetermines theumpire’s locationon tagplays. Theumpire shouldbe90‐degrees to thepathof therunner intoabaseor theapplicationof the tagonaplaynotinvolvingabasefromalocation3‐4meters(12feet)away.

90‐DegreeAngle–Throw

Thisconceptdeterminestheumpire’slocationonforceplays.Theumpireshouldbe90‐degreestothepathoftheball(throw)toabasefromalocation5‐6meters(18feet)away.

B1

Thebatterorbatter‐runner.Thebatter‐runnermayalsobereferredtoastheBR.Backfilling

Thisiswhentheplayrequiresanumpiretocounter‐rotatetocoverapositionnotfilledbyanotherumpirebeingrequiredtocoveraplaysituationelsewhere.Anumpiremustbereadytomovetocoveroffaplaywhentheresponsibleumpirecannotgetinpositiontomakethecall.

Example:Witharunnerat2ndor3rdbaseorrunnerat2ndand3rdbaseandeitherU2orU3goesouttocoveraflyballtotheoutfieldandthePUstaysormovesbacktohomeforaplay.Dependingonthedevelopmentoftheplay,theBUat2ndbasemayneedtobackfilltoprovidecoverageat3rdbase.

BaseLine

Theimaginarystraightlinebetweenhomeandfirst,firstandsecond,secondandthird,andthirdandhome.

BasePath

Animaginarystraightlinebetweenthebaseandarunner(advancingorreturningtothebase),whenaplayisbeingmadeontherunner.

BR

Abatterwhohashitafairballandhasnotreachedfirstbaseorbeenputout.BU

Thebaseumpire.Whenmorethantwoumpiresworktogether,U1isthefirstbaseumpireandU3isthethirdbaseumpire.

CallingDepth

Aforceplayshouldbeviewedfromanapproximatedistanceof5‐6meters(18feet),allowingtheumpiretoseetheball,runner,baseanddefenderwithinhis/herfieldofvision.

A tagplay shouldbeviewed fromanapproximatedistanceof3‐4meters (12 feet).Theremaybetimeswhen,becauseofthepositionoftheplayer’sbody,theumpiremayneedtomovecloserorlookoverthetoptoclearlyseetheplay.

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Calling‐MakingtheCallWhileinthesetposition,theumpireshouldpicktheballupwiththeeyesandtracktheballbyturningtheheadwiththeball.

Onforceplays,justpriortothethrownballreachingthereceiver,changeyourfocustotheball,fielderandrunner,watchingalltheelementscometogether.Onceyouhavemadeyourdecisionon theplay, rise fromthesetpositionandsignalandverbalizeyourcall,usingappropriateemphasisandvoice.Ontagplays,watchthethrownballintothefielder’sgloveandfollowtheballandglovetotheareaofthetag,pickinguptherunnerinyourfieldofvisionasthefielderbeginstomovetowardstheareawherethetagwillhappen.WiththeFourEssentialElementsinfrontofyoujudgewhetherthetagwasmadepriortotherunnertouchingthebase.Stop,set,seetheplayandmake thecall andmake the signal andverbal call, using the appropriateemphasis and voice. If required, youmust adjust your position to best see all the FourEssentialElements.

CallingPosition

The subsequent movement or adjustment, usually one or two steps from the PrimaryPositiontophysicallyseethetag(orwhatneedstobeseendictatedbytheplay)andtomakeaninformedjudgment.Rememberontagplays,neverhave(a)afielderbetweenyouandthetag;(b)arunnerbetweenyouandthetag;or(c)abasebetweenyouandthetag.

CleartheCatcher

Theplateumpirewillclearthecatcherwheneveraplayfollowsapitche.g.,passedballorpopfoulflyballbacktoscreen.Toclearthecatcher,stepbackwiththefootawayfromthecatcher’sturn(witharight‐handedbatterandthecatcherturningtotheright,stepbackwithyourrightfoot;ifthecatcherturnsleft,stepbackwiththeleftfoot).Thesameistruewith a left handed batter. This will increase the distance between your body and thecatcher. When properly executed, the movement prevents contact between the plateumpireandthecatcherandallowstheumpiretomovetoobservethedevelopingplay.Donotremoveyourmaskuntilyouhaveclearedthecatcher.

Dead‐ballSignal

Toindicatethattimeisoutandtheballisnolongerinplay,anumpirewillraisebothhandsabovehis/herhead,armsextended,palmsforwardandcall“DeadBall!”

Fielders

Thedefensiveplayersareroutinelydesignatedbytheirnumericalscorekeepingidentifyingnumbers: F1 is thepitcher, F2 is the catcher, F3 is the firstbaseman,F4 is the secondbaseman,F5isthethirdbaseman,F6istheshortstop,F7istheleftfielder,F8theleftcenterfielder,F9therightfielderandF10rightcenterfielder.

First‐baseLineExtended

Animaginarylinethatextendsthefirst‐basefair/foullineintofoulterritorybehindhomeplateforanunlimiteddistance.Theplateumpirewillassumeapositiononthefirst‐baselineextendedinseveralinstancesincluding:torenderfair/fouldecisionsonbattedballstotherightofhomeplate; toobserveactionat firstbaseasanotherrunnerscores (whichhe/shemustalsoobserve),orasastartingpositiononselectedtagplaysathomeplate.

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FlyBallCoverageOnaflyballtotheoutfield,onebaseumpireshallgoouttodeterminewhethertheballisfairorfoul(includingballsleavingthefieldofplay)andwhetherafielderhasmadeacatchorthereisnocatch.Ifacatch,theumpireistosignaltheout.Inthe3‐umpiresystemif,theresponsibleumpireisatthe2ndbaseposition,thentheplateumpireshallmakethecallfairorfoul(includingballsleavingthefieldofplay),catchornocatchfromF7orF9tothefence.

FourEssentialElementTheory(FEET)

TheFourEssentialElementsare;1. The Ball. 2. The Defensive player. 3. The Offensive players. 4. Thebaseortheareaoftheplay.

TheumpirepositionsandrotationsshowninthefollowingdiagramsforLiveBallplaysfromtheInfieldandOutfield,andFly‐BallCoverageareWBSCbestpracticeforthelargemajorityofprimaryplays.Itisacknowledgedthatassomeplaysdevelop(thisisparticularlysoforsecondaryplays)umpireswillberequiredtoadjusttheirpositiontobetterseetheFourEssentialElements.

Hammer

Thefinalpositionofthestrikeoroutsignal.Itisholdingtherightarmuptothesideandawayfromthebodyatanangleof90degrees,andthehandclosed.Thehammerisheldlongenough toconvey thedecisionwithconviction. Thearm isbroughtdownprior tomovingthefeet.

HoldingPosition

Apositioninfoulterritory,halfwaybetweenhomeplateand3rdbaseorhomeplateand1stbase,4‐5meters(12‐15feet)offthefoullineortoanareawheretheumpirecanobserveallFourEssentialElementsandbereadytomovetotheirnextposition.Umpiresusetheholding position while watching the play develop to determine which base they arerequired to cover.U1shalluse theholdingzonebeforerotating tohomeplate. IfnoimmediateplayathomeandwithU3abandoninghisposition,movetohomeplateandpushthePUupto3rdbase.

Hustle

Brisk,purposefulandappropriatemovementatalltimesduringagame.In/OutTheory

Onhitballstotheinfield,baseumpiresshouldstayontheoutsideofthebasepathsandeitherstayattheirstartingpositionormovetothecorrectcallingposition.Onballstotheoutfield,baseumpiresnotgoingoutonaflyballshouldrotateintotheinsideofthediamond.Withnorunnersonbase,U2maystayoutsideonlyifitwillkeepU2outofapossiblethrowinglane.Oncetheballreturnstotheinfield,thebaseumpireshavingrotatedtotheirpropercoveragesmaymovebackoutbeyondthebasepathwhenitisclearthattherewillnoplayatanumpire’sareaofcoverageandthereistimetomoveoutwhilekeepingalltheFourEssentialElementsinfront.

If runners aremoving and there is a possibility of a play at an umpire’s area of

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coverage,openuptotheball,stayingoutofanypossiblethrowinglaneandmovetotheproperangleanddistanceforapossibleplayandcall.Onhitstorightfieldorrightcenterfield,U3,ifnotrotatingto2ndbase,maycomedownthe line in foul territory, toapointevenwith thebagandallow theFourEssentialElementsdictatewhetherU3shouldrotateinsideorgobackoutbeyondthebaseline.Ifthereisapossibilityofaplayat3rdbaseonthethrowback,rotateinside.Ifthethrowistohomewithnoimmediateplayat3rdbase,movebackoutbeyondthebaselineinfairterritory.

OverhandOut

Oneofthe“sell”callsreferredtolater,withtheumpireusingemphasistomakethecallbyusingasimilarmovementasaballplayerthrowingaball.Therightarmcomesupandoverastheumpirestepstowardstheplayandendsupwiththefeetsquaretotheplayandtherightarmendingatthewaist.Someumpiresusea“punch”toemphasizetheir“sell”call.

Overthrow

Athrownballthatgoesbeyonditsintendedtarget.Theballisinplayunlessitentersdeadballterritoryorisblocked.

PrimaryPosition

Theinitiallocationassumedbyanumpiretoruleonaplayasarunnerapproachesabaseorasaplaydevelops.Theumpire’slineofvisionformsa90‐degreeangleto:1. Thepathoftherunneronatagplayintoabase.2. Theapplicationofthetagonatagplaynotinvolvingabase.3. Thepathoftheflightoftheballonforceplays.

ReadyPosition:

The ready position is the body position a base umpire takes immediately prior to thepitcherpausingupuntilthepitchisreachesitshighestpoint.Asthepitcherassumesthepauseposition,theumpireshouldtakethereadypositionbyplacingthefeetatacomfortabledistanceapart,(normallyshoulderwidth)stayingrelaxedbutstill.Asthepitchreachesitshighestpoint,softentheknees(slightlybend),adjustbodyweighttotheballsofthefeetanddrawthehandsin,closetothebodyatbeltlevel.Iftheballishit,pushofftheballoftheouterfootandmovetotheappropriatepositionforapossibleplay. Iftheball isnothit,relaxuntilthestartofthenextpitchbutalwaysbeawareofpickoffplays,passedballs,etc.thatmaycausetheumpiretomovetoapositiontocallaplay.

Rotations

Umpireinfieldrotationsshallbeclockwise.

Exception:Ifrequirestobackfill,trailarunnerorreturnfromaholdingzone.SecondaryPosition

Thesubsequentlocationassumedbytheumpireaftertheinitialplay,orafterarunnerhasobtainedabase.

Sellcall

Amovementsimilaroridenticaltoanumpire’sbasicsignal,butdeliveredwithaddedflair

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or emphasis in an effort to convince all players, coaches, and fans in attendance of theimportanceand/orcorrectnessoftheumpire’sdecision.

SetPositionontheBases

This is thepositionabaseumpireshouldtake,prior tomakingacallonaplay.Thesetpositionmimics the readyposition in that the feet are spreadapart, normally shoulderwidth,kneesaresoftenandslightlybentwiththehandsdrawntowardsthebodyatbeltlevel.Onaforceplay,theumpiremovestoaproperpositiontoseetheplay;5‐6meters(18feet)back,90degreestothethrow;onplaysat1stbase,donotgobeyond45degreestothebase.Onceatthispositiontheumpireshouldstop,set,seetheplayandthenmakethecall.Onatagplay,theumpiremovestoaproperpositiontoseetheplay,3‐4meters(12feet)backandnotinlinewiththethrow,90degreestotherunner’sbasepathandjustshortoftheleadingedgeofthebaseorhomeplate.Onceatthispositiontheumpireshouldstop,set,seetheplayandthenmakethecall.

SetPositionatthePlateBendattheknees,notthewaist.Theumpire’seyesshouldbeatthetopofthestrikezone,allowingtheumpiretolookdownthroughthezonewithanunobstructedviewoftheentirezone.Thehandsmaybeinfrontofandinclosetothebody,butnotsupportingthebody.Theplateumpiremustbecompletelysetwhen thepitch is releasedandkeep thebodymotionlessasthepitchisdelivered.See“trackingtheballattheplate”belowSee“stance”– the position the plate umpire begins prior to dropping to the “set position.” The setpositionmustbemirroredforbothrightand lefthandedbatters. Thepositionmustbebalancedandcomfortable,butnotrelaxed.

Slot

Theareabetweenthecatcherandthebatterwhenthebatterisinhis/hernaturalstanceand the catcher is in his/her normal crouched position. For right‐handed batters, theumpire’srightearisonalinewiththeleftedgeoftheplate.Forleft‐handedbatters,theumpire’sleftearisonalinewiththerightedgeoftheplate.

SquaretotheBase

When set for a play at any base, your head, shoulders and feet should be in line andperpendiculartoalinefromyourlocationtothebase.Bytakingapositionsquaretothebag,youwillavoidatendencytoturnawayfromtheplaybeforeitiscomplete.Whenusingthe“OverhandOut”sellcall,yourfinalpositionshouldbe“SquaretotheBase”aswell.

Stance

The position the plate umpire establishes behind the catcher. A heel/toe stance isrecommended.Thelegsareshoulderwidthorwider.Thepelvicarea(beltbuckle)alignedwithaspotbetweenthetopmiddleandtheoutsidecorneroftheplate.Fortheheel/toe,theslotfootshouldbeintheslotpointingdirectlyatthepitchingplateandinlinewithorslightlyinfrontofanimaginarylineextendedfromthecatcher’sheels.Thenon‐slotfootisbehindthecatcherinlinewithorslightlyinfrontofanimaginarylineextendingfromtheheeloftheslotfoot.Thisfootmayangleupto45degrees.

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StartingPositions–BaseUmpires–3UmpireSystemWithnorunnerson,U1andU3’spreliminarystartingpositionshouldbe5‐6meters(18feet)behindthebase,15‐30cm(6‐12inches)offtheline(measuredfromtheoutsideofthefootclosesttothefoulline.)Withanyonebase,U1andU3shouldbe4‐5meters(15feet)behindtheirbase.Witharunnerat1stbase,U1shouldtakeaposition4‐5meters(15feet)behind1stbaseinfoulterritorysoastohaveanobstructedviewofthepitcher,runnerandhomeplate.Witharunnerat3rdbase,U3shouldtakeaposition4‐5meters(15feet)behind3rdbaseinfoulterritorysotheumpire’sviewofthepitcher,runnerandhomeplateisnotobstructedbytherunnerleaving3rdbaseonthereleaseofthepitch.

StartingPositionAlsocalledthe“ready”position. Thelocationof theumpireastheball isreadyforplaypriortothenextpitch.Theumpireshouldbestoppedandhaveshiftedhis/herweighttotheballsofthefeetatthetimeofrelease.

SubsequentPlay

The action that follows the defensive team’s first attempt to retire a runner, but is notreasonablypredictable. Forexample,when there isa squeezebuntandcollisionat theplate,thetagplayathomeistheinitialplay;ifaftertheplayathomeB1advancestoward2ndbase,theensuingplayat2ndbaseisasubsequentplay.(See“secondaryposition”)

TimingonBases

Readingtheplay,choosingaprimaryposition,allowingtheplaytobecompleted(adjustingifneeded),locatingtheball,makingadecisionandonlythensignallingthedecision.Thesignal isheld longenough tocommunicatecompleteunderstandingandstrengthof themessage.

TimingatthePlate

Take the time to accurately assess the merits of each pitch by ensuring the ball hascompletelypassedover theplateand into thecatcher’sglovebeforemakingadecision.Makingthedecisionfirst,andthenmakingthecall.Theverbalcallisinthedownpositionandsignalisinthe“up”position.Thesignalshouldbegivenimmediatelyaftertheverbalcall.Thehammerisstrongwithanangleof90‐degreestothesideandthesignalisheldlongenoughtoconveythedecisionwithconviction.Thefeetdonotmoveuntilthesignaliscomplete.

Tracking

Followingtheballwithyournose.Lettingtheballbringyoutotheplay.See“bases”and“plate”below.

TrackingtheballontheBases

Observethefielderreleasetheball.Tracktheflightoftheballuntiljustbeforeitreachesthetargetedreceiver,thenswitchfocustothereceiver’sgloveandfollowtheballintotheglove.

TrackingtheballatthePlate

Observetheentireflightofapitchwithonlyslightheadmovement.Headmovementissotheumpirewillseetheball.Itisnotasignalofpitchlocation.Seethereleaseofthepitch,trackittojustinfrontoftheplate,switchfocustothebatter’szone,thenseetheballinto

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thecatcher’sglove.Thiswillallowyoutomakeyourdecisionwhenitcrossestheplateandassistonoutsidepitchesbyseeingwhere thecatcher’sglove is locatedwhentheball iscaught.Don’tlosetheball,butfollowitintotheglovewithyournose.

Umpires

PUistheplateumpire.BUisthebaseumpire.Whenmorethantwoumpiresworktogether,U1isthefirstbaseumpireandU3isthethirdbaseumpire.ULFistheleftfieldumpireandURFistherightfieldumpire.

3.2 UNIFORMANDAPPEARANCE You only get one chance tomake a first impression. Your appearancewillmake a lastingimpressiononthosewhoseeyou.Itwillmakeastatementaboutwhoyouareandwhatyouareabout.Ifyouwearyourumpireuniformproperly,thatis,youruniformis:

Propershirt–powderbluecolorwithinsignia Pants–navyblue‐pressedandcreased Shoes–shined Allclothingshouldbecleanandproperlyworn Hatshouldbeneatandfitproperly

Ifyourfirstimpressionisthatofapersonwhocaresaboutyourselfandwhatyouaredoingyouwillalsosendthefollowingmessages:

Iamaprofessional IamherebecauseIwanttobe Icareaboutmyumpiring Icareaboutthegame,theplayersandthecoaches

Thesearestrongmessagestosendtoplayers,coachesandfansalike.Ifyoulookthepart,theywill give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that you are knowledgeable and able toumpire.Wearingtheuniformproudlyandcorrectlymakesyouamemberofthelargeumpirefamily.Weneveraddtoouruniformsoastocallattentiontoourselves.Theumpireuniformisourbusinesssuit.TheWBSCuniformis:

Powderblueshort‐sleevedshirt. Navyblueslacks. Black shoes – clean and shined, not patent leather. Manufacturer’s logo is

permitted. Navybluesocks. NavybluecapwithwhiteWBSClettersonthefront. Blackbelt. Navybluejacket. Whitet‐shirtwornunderthepowderblueshirt.

Theumpiringcrewshallbedressedalikeexcepttheplateumpiredoesnothavetowearajacket

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evenifthebaseumpiresdo.Ifonebaseumpirewearsajacket,allbaseumpiresmustwearajacket.Equipment

Plateumpirescanwearablackmaskwithblackortanpadsandblackharness. Ball/strikeindicator–mustbeusedontheplateandonthebases. Brush–everyumpiremustcarryone. Navyblueballbagtomatchpants.Plateumpiresonlyandifpreferred,twomay

beworn. Penorpencil Batring Line‐upholder Sunglasses–musthavesmokelensordarkerandallblackframes.Nomirror

lens allowed. If a strap isused, itmustbeblackand thekind thatholds theglassestighttothehead,notthekindthatholdstheglasseswhentheyarenotbeingworn. Sunglasses are to be removedwhen discussions are heldwithcoaches or players. Sunglasses should never be worn on top of the cap orhookedintothebelt. Iftheyarenotneeded,removethesunglassesfromthefieldofplaycompletely.

Umpires must not wear exposed jewellery (with the exception of Medical Alert Braceletsand/ornecklaces).Whiletheumpiringuniformforsomeleaguesortournamentsmaydifferfromthatdescribedhere,thepridewithwhichitiswornandthestandardofitsappearanceshouldneverchange.3.3 UMPIRECONDITIONINGAllumpiresshouldbephysicallyfitatthestartofeachseasonandthenmakecertainthattheykeepthemselvesingoodcondition.Umpiresmustbeabletokeeppacewiththeplayersandthegame.Physical conditioning is a prime requisite of umpiring and requires a certain amount ofdiscipline.Pre‐seasonconditioningshouldincludeexercisesdesignedtostrengthenthelegs,suchas jogging,running inplace,etc. Conditioningduringtheseasonitselfboilsdowntoamatterofweightcontrolandwaterlevelbalance.Fluidsmustbereplacedduringandbetweengamestopreventeventhebestumpiresfromdehydratingduringtheseason.Keep thegamemoving. Goodplayersusuallyhustle. Goodumpiresalwayshustle. Afterarotationonaplay,backtothenextstartingposition;tothepitchingplatetosweepitoffafterthethirdoutofaninning;backtothestartingpositionsaftertheteamhascompletedwarmingupbetweeninnings;whenrunningtotheoutfieldonaflyball,runbackintotheinfieldaswell.Thesearejustafewofthe“hustle”situations,whichareobservedbytheplayersandcoaches.Fansgainmorerespectofyourworkwhenthishustleisdemonstrated.YOUMUSTLEADBYEXAMPLE!Anditallbeginswithconditioning.

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3.4 PRE‐GAME–SELF,PARTNER(S),COACHESANDUICSelf:

Priortoyourgameyoushould: Clearyourmindofalldistractions Makesureyouhavelookedafteranyminorinjuries Focusonthegameahead

Partner(s):

Reviewcoverage Reviewrotations Reviewcommunications Discusshowtohandleunusualsituations Tagsups Ejections

Afterthepre‐gamewithyourpartners,youshouldenterthefield20minutespriortothestartofthegame.Yourdutieshereinclude:

Checkbats,helmetsandotherequipmentforlegalityandsafety Checkfieldforholesinthefencing,etc. Givethefieldagoodlooktoseeifanythinglooksoutofplace,basedistances,

pitchingdistance,etc. Infields‐15minutesbefore–hometeam;10minutesbeforevisitingteam;5

minutesbeforePlatemeetingwithcoaches.

PlatemeetingwithCoaches: Plateumpireintroduceshimself/herselfandcrew Allowcoachestointroducethemselves Goovergroundrules Inspectline‐ups,askifanychanges Makeline‐upsofficial Afterline‐upsisofficial,anychangesneedtobemadeinaccordancetotherules

3.5 EQUIPMENTCHECK

Coachesareresponsible forensuringthattheequipmentused incompetitionmeetstheprescribed WBSC standards of safety and legality. Coaches are also responsible forensuring that their players are legally equipped and properly attired. Umpires shouldcheck equipment to be used in the game for noticeable defects and anything obviouslyillegalorunsafe. Batsshouldbecheckedforanydents(metalbats)oranyobviousdamageaswellasweight,length,grip,knobandrequiredcertificationprovidedbyWBSC.Todeterminewhetherabat with dents (or a flat spot) is legal, a bat ring must slide over the barrel withoutsignificantforce. OnlyWBSCapprovedattachmentstoabatareallowedintheon‐deckcircle.Helmetsmusthavedoubleearflaps,andshouldbecheckedforcracksandmissingpadding.

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3.6 FORFEITS,PROTESTS,ANDEJECTIONSForfeits

Aforfeitedgameshallbedeclaredinfavoroftheteamnotatfaultinthefollowingcases: If a team is on site but refuses tobegin a game forwhich it is scheduledor

assignedwith‐infiveminutesaftertheumpirehascalled“PlayBall”. If, after thegamehasbegun,onesiderefuses tocontinue toplay,unless the

gamehasbeensuspendedorterminatedbytheumpire. If,afterplayhasbeensuspendedbytheumpire,onesidefailstoresumeplay

withintwominutesaftertheumpirehascalled“PlayBall.” Ateamemploystacticsobviouslydesignedtodelayorshortenthegame. If,afterawarningbytheumpire,anyoneoftherulesofthegameiswilfully

violated. Iftheorderfortheremovalofaplayeroranyteampersonnelauthorizedtosit

onthebenchisnotobeyedinoneminute. If,becauseoftheremovalofaplayer(s)fromthegamebytheumpireorforany

cause,therearelessthan10or11withanEPor12inCO‐EDwithEPs,oneitherteam.

If a declared “Ineligible Player” re‐enters the game and one pitch has beenthrown.

If an ejected player/coach/manager is discovered participating in the gameagain.

An incident report should be filed immediatelywith the local league, local tournamentdirector,orworldand/orregionalchampionshipsifaforfeitisdeclared.

Protestsmayinvolve:

Participationofanineligibleplayerorcoach Thefailuretoapplythecorrectruletoasituation Thefailuretoimposethecorrecteffectforagivensituation Misapplicationofaplayingrule Acombinationofjudgmentandthemisapplicationofaplayingrule.

Protestsmaynotinvolve:

Judgmentonly.Ifthegameiscontinuedunderprotest:

Theplateumpiremustannouncetotheopposingcoach,officialscorerandthepublicaddressannouncerthatthegamewillberesumedunderprotest.

Theplateumpiremustnoteandrecordtherelevantinformationincluding:o Theopponents,date,timeandplaceofthegame.o Thenamesoftheumpires.o Theruleandsectionof theofficialrulesoracopyof thegroundrule

underwhichtheprotestismade.o The essential facts, details and conditions pertinent to the protested

decision.

Iftheprotestisaboutparticipationofanineligibleplayerorcoach,accepttheprotestandresume the game after doing the above items. Make no effort to settle this protest.IneligibleplayerprotestsmustbehandledbytheLeagueorTournamentDirector.

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EjectionsThefollowinggeneralprinciplesshouldbeconsideredwhendecidingwhethertoejectaplayerorcoachfromagame:

Useofprofanityspecificallydirectedatanumpireorvulgarpersonal insults,

includingaccusationsofbiasorcheating. Deliberate physical contact with an umpire or towards another player,

throwingequipmentinarecklessanddangerousmanner. Refusal to stop arguing and further delaying the game after the umpire has

providedaplayerorcoachadequateopportunitytomakehis/herpoint.Theumpire should warn the player or coach that he/she has been heard andinstruct the coach to return to their position or the dugout, or theywill beejected.

Arguingballsandstrikesafterbeingwarned. Use of gestures (e.g. jumping up and down, putting hand around neck

resembling a choking motion, kicking dirt, or violently waving arms) whilearguingwithanumpire.

Throwinguniformitems,atowel,acaporotheritemsfromthedugoutorwhilearguing.

Exercisepatienceandcommonsenseintheejectionofplayers.Donotejectaplayerexceptforgoodcause. Ejectionofplayers for trivialoffenses is indefensibleandreflectsbadlyupontheumpire.Neverloseyourtemperandejectoutofanger.Onlyejectwiththedignityofknowingtheejectionwasdeserved.Onceyoudecidetoeject,doitassoonasallplayhasstoppedorimmediatelyiftheactionforwhichtheplayerisbeingejectedisalsoanactofInterference.Ifyoudelay,youwilllookindecisiveorunsure.Dolooktootherstohelpyouwiththeremovaloftheplayerorcoachfromthegame.Iftheejectionisforaruleviolation,donotembarrasstheplayerofcoach.If the ejection is for some serious action, then ensure that you are being seen to havehandledthesituation.Handlingejectionsproperlywillgainyourespect.Onceanejectionoccurs,itistimeforyourpartnerstoenterthesituationtohelpdefusethereactiontotheejection.Yourpartnersshouldensurethattheejectedplayerorcoachleavestheplayingfieldandthenthedugoutasquicklyaspossible.Partnersneedtobealerttothesituationandbereadytohelp. Onceyouhaveejected,walkawayandletyourpartnershandleit.Donotcauseconfusionbetweenanejection(leavetheplayingfield)andremovalofaplayerduetoaruleviolation(illegalplayer,illegalre‐entry,etc.)foronaremoval,theplayercanremaininthedugoutandevencoachfromthecoach’sbox.

Pointstoremember:

1. Umpiresshouldnotcalltimetoejectaplayeruntilallplayhasbeencompleted.Ifanactofinterference,obstructionorfightingoccursaftertheactionwarrantingejection,theumpireshoulddealwiththosesituationsassetoutintherules.

2. IftheumpireprematurelycallstimeimmediatelyandtheplayertobeejectedisaBR,then:a. iftheBRhasnotyettouched1BthentheBRisoutandallrunnersreturn

tothebaselasttouchedwhenTimewascalled.

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b. If the BR had touched 1B prior to Time being called, then allow asubstitutetotaketheplaceoftheBRonthebaselasttouchedbytheBR.Allotherrunnersreturntothebaselasttouchedwhentimewascalled.

c. TheBRisejectedinbothsituations.3. Iftheumpireprematurelycallstimeimmediatelyandtheplayertobeejected

isanoffensiveplayer,whoisnotaBR,theplayerisejectedandallrunnersarereturnedtothebaselasttouchedwiththeejectedplayerbeingreplacedbyasubstitute.TheBRisawardedfirstbaseandallrunnerswouldonlyadvanceifforcedbytheBRbeingawardedfirstbase.

4. Iftheumpireprematurelycallstimeimmediatelyandtheplayertobeejectedisadefensiveplayer,thentheBRisawardedfirstbaseandalrunnersareawardedthebase,intheumpire’sjudgmenttheywouldhavereachedhadtheumpirenotcalledTime.

3.7 RAIN,DARKNESS,GROUNDS

Thecallingofagameforrainordarknessisajudgmentcall.Thereisalwayspressuretoallowthegametocontinuebutthesafetyoftheplayers,fansandumpiresisthegoverningfactor.Theplateumpireshouldcheckwithhis/herpartners.InWorldChampionships,thedecisiontosuspendagamewillrestwiththeChampionshipUIC.

3.8 LIGHTNING

Whenlightningoccurs,safetyisthemostimportantthingindeterminingthesuspensionand resumption of play. If lightning is seen or thunder is heard, the game should besuspended. Look for direction from the Tournament orWorld Championship UIC. Allplayersshouldbeaskedtoleavetheplayingareaincludingmetaldugouts.A gamesuspended for lightning shouldnot resumeuntil aminimumof30minuteshaselapsedfromthelastsightingoflightning.Administratorswithknowledgeoflocalweatherconditionsandhabitsmaygiveadviceonthetimetowaitbeforeagameisresumed.Checkwiththelocalhostcommittee,justthunderitselfmaybeanindicationthatastormistooneartocontinueplay.

3.9 POST‐GAME–PARTNER(S),SELF,ANDUIC

Attheconclusionofthegame: Returnthegameballstotheballreturnorrollthemtothehometeamdugout. Bealertforanypossibleappealsorproteststhatcouldstillbelegallymade. Brisklywalkoffthefieldwithyourpartnersbythemostconvenientroutetothe

umpire’sdressingarea. Avoidminglingormovingthroughplayers.

Ifahotlycontestedgame,taketheexitrouteofleastresistance.Ifyouseeaproblemarising,goinanotherdirection.GodirectlytoyourchangeareabeforediscussingthegamewithcrewandUIC.Thepost‐gamedebriefcanbeveryvitaltothecontinuedsuccessofthecrew. Communicating in an open and honestmanner with each other can allowcontinuedindividualgrowth.Everygamecanbealearningexperienceifapproached

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properly.Duringthepost‐gamedebrief,itishighlyrecommendedthatyoutakenotesconcerningcrewandindividualfeedback.

Discuss:

Unusualplays Missedrotations Confusingruleinterpretations Lessonslearnedandareasforimprovement BesuretoaddressinconsistentfeedbackfromUIC/AUICtoensureumpire

understanding.

Beware thatadditional feedbackmaybeofferedoutside thedressingroom/debriefareathroughoutthetournament.Doaself‐evaluationaftereachgame. Youarethebesttoknowwhatyoucouldhavedonebetter,whereyouneedtoimproveandwhatyouaredoingright.Areyoustillworkingtowardyourgoals?

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SECTION4SIGNALS

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Communication isessential toumpiringand the first lineof communication is theumpire’ssignals. Thesesignsenableoneumpiretoletafellowumpireknowthegamesituationonaspecificplay.Thesedecisionsarealsorelayedtotheplayers,coaches,andspectatorsbytheirusage.Youmusthavegoodsignalstobeagoodumpire. Everysignal initiates fromasetorreadyposition.Thefeetareplantedinasolid,widebaseatleastshoulderwidthapart.Inorderforasignaltoconveyitsmessage,itmustbeseen.Thefirstmovebeforegivinganysignalis,withoutmovingyourfeet,tocometoafullstandingposition.NearlyallsignalsaregivenuporawayfromthebodyfortheexpresspurposeofbeingseenOnce a signal is seen, everyonewho sees itmust understandwhat itmeans. Signalsmustalways be informative, precise, structured and meaningful. They are designed to conveystrength,confidenceandauthority.Themannerinwhichasignalisgivendetermines,atleasttoadegree,itsacceptancebyplayers,coachesandspectators.Anymovementwhilegivingasignalisalwaysforwardtowardtheplay.Thesignalisheldlongenoughtoconveyconviction,thenthearmsandhandsarebroughtbackintothebody,thuscompletingthesignal,beforemovingtothenextposition.Signalsshouldnotbeusedunnecessarily.Poorsignalsareconfusing.Donotdrawattentiontoyourselfbyoverusingorneedlesslyusinganysignal.Itisoftheutmostimportancethatweusethecorrectsignalandthatitisdoneproperly.Equallyimportantisthatwegivethesignalthecorrectamountofemphasisinrelationtotheplaybeingcalled.Donotechoapartner’scall(exceptforillegalpitchesorfoulballswithrunnerson).Ifthereisnoplay,acallorsignalisnotneeded.Someexamplesofwhenasignalisnotneededare(butnotlimitedto):

Theballclearlygoingoverthefielder’shead,orbouncinginfrontofhim/her. Apitchisfouleddirectlybacktothebackstoporfouledoverthebackstop,or

overthesidesofthebackstop. Theballisoverthrownorcompletelymissedbytheintendedreceiver. Arunnerclearlyobtainsabaseorhomebeforetheballarrivesortheball is

clearlydropped.

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4.1 STANDARDUMPIRESIGNALS

OUT

Fromastandingpositionwithfeetshoulderwidthapart,pullthelefthand/armintothemidsectionof thebody. Extendtherightarmstraightupwiththepalmof thehandfacingtheear.Bringtherightforearmslightlyforwardwhileclenchingitintoafist(thisis theHammer). The rightupperarmand forearmshouldbeat a 90‐degree angle.Verballycall“Out”.Bringtherightarmbackintothebodybeforemovingthefeetormovingtothenextposition.

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OVERHANDOUT

Withfeetatleastshoulderwidthapart,steptowardtheplaywiththeleftfoot.Bringtherightfootoverandbehindtheleftfootwhileraisingtherightarmhighintheair.Planttherightfootandstepforwardagainwiththeleftfootwhilebringingtherightarmoverthetopoftheheadinathrowingmotionwithaclosedfist.Justasthethrowingmotioniscompleted,bringtherightfootforward,inlinewiththeleftfootandendinasetposition. Averbal call of “Out” (usuallydrawnout – “oouutt”) accompanies thesignalusuallystartingwhenthearmisdirectlyoverheadandfinishingwiththethrownfist.

1. 2. 3.

4. 5.

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PUNCHOUT

Usethissignalasaselloutwhenyouaretooclosetotheplaytodoafulloverhandout.It can also be used if a playwarrantsmore than a routine out but less than a fulloverhandout.Fromastandingpositionwithfeetshoulderwidthapart,stepbackwiththerightfootandpunchforwardwiththerightarmataboutshoulderheight.Thehandisinafist.The technique brings you no closer to the play thanwhen you started. The initialsteppingbackisovershadowedandcompensatedforbythestrengthandforwardtrustofthepunch.

1. 2. 3.

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SAFE–NOCATCH–NOTAG–NOINFRACTION–TRAPPEDBALL

Fromastandingpositionwithfeetshoulderwidthapart,bringbotharmsintothechestatshoulderlevelwiththepalmsofthehandsfacingdown.Extendbotharmsstraightouthorizontallywiththepalmsdown.Donothaveyourhandsinfists.Verballycall“Safe”,“NoCatch”,or,“NoTag”.Bringbotharmsbackintothebody(similartoaReadySetposition)beforemovingthefeetormovingtothenextposition.

1. 2.

SELLSAFE

Fromastandingpositionwithfeetshoulderwidthapart,bringbotharmsintothechestatshoulderlevel,paralleltotheground,withthepalmsofthehandsfacingdown.Takea step toward the play with the left foot while extending both arms straight outhorizontallywiththepalmsdown.Loudlycall“Safe”.Completethesignalbybringingtherightfootforwardonalinewiththeleft foot. Bringbotharmsbackinthebody(similartoaReadySetposition)beforemovingthefeetormovingtothenextposition.

1. 2.

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DEADBALL–FOULBALL–NOPITCH

Fromastandingpositionwithfeetshoulderwidthapart,raisebotharmsstraightupwithpalmsforward.Armsshouldbeatabouta35‐to40‐degreeanglefromthebody.Verballycall:“DeadBall”,“FoulBall”,or“NoPitch”.Iftheballisclosetotheline,thefeetshouldbestraddlingtheline.Whentheplateumpiresignals“NoPitch”,thesignalmaybeaccompaniedbymovementtotheopensideoftheplateforbettervisibility.

TIME

Fromastandingpositionwithfeetshoulderwidthapart,raisebotharmsstraightupwithpalmsforward.Armsshouldbeatabouta25‐to30‐degreeanglefromthebody.Verballycall:“Time”.

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FAIRBALL

Fromastandingpositionwithfeetshoulderwidthapart,extendthearmclosesttothefieldhorizontallyatshoulderheightandpoint,witheitheropenhandpalmforward,tofairground.Donotmakeaverbalcall.Iftheballisclosetotheline,thefeetshouldbestraddlingthelineanduseapumpingmotionwiththearmclosestotheline.

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FAIR/FOULINDICATOR

TheFair/FoulIndicatorsignalispermissibleprovideditissubtle.Onanyflyballclosetothefoullinetheumpireshouldstraddletheline,feetshoulderwidthapart,and,dependingontheresultingactionruletheballfair,foul,oranout.Use1,2,or3tomaketheappropriatecall:

1. 2.

3.

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DELAYEDDEADBALL

Extendtheleftarmstraightoutatshoulderheight,paralleltotheground.Thehandisinafistwiththefingersofthefistfacingforward.Display the signal continuously while the runner is between the bases where theobstructionoccurredunlessarundowndevelops.

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INFIELDFLY

Fullyextendtherightarmabovetheheadwiththehandinaclenchedfist.Verbalize:“Infieldfly–thebatterisout”.Iftheballisclosetoalinesay:“Infieldfly–thebatterisout,iffair”.Eithertheplateorbaseumpiremaymakethiscall.Oncetheplateumpiremakesthecall, itshouldbeechoedbythebasesumpiresusingthesamesignalbutverbalizingonly:“Infieldfly”.Iftheplateumpiredoesnotmakethecall(forgetsorisnotcertainofthecall)andabaseumpire,aftereyecontactcommunicationwiththeplateumpire,iscertaintheballisaninfieldfly;thebaseumpiremaymakethecall.

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POINT

Therightorleftarmextendedstraightoutattheplayorplayer.Allfingersshouldbeextendedonthehand.Theotherarmshouldbeundercontrolinclosetothebody.UsethePointtoindicateanabnormalityinaplay(e.g.atag,amissedtag,apulledfoot)ortoreferenceaplayerwhocommittedsomeact.Thissignalisfollowedbyanothersignal,usually‘out’or‘safe’.ThePointsignalmustbefinished(bringthearmintothebody)beforeanothersignalisstarted.

HOMERUN

Fullyextendtherightorleftarmabovetheheadwiththeindexfingerpointedskywardandmakeaclockwisecirclemotionwiththehandandarm.

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DOUBLE

Fullyextendtherightarmabovetheheadwiththeindexandmiddlefingershowingonthehand.Donotcirclethearm.

EJECTION

It is imperativewhenmakingthissignal thatnoaggressivemoveorgesture,realorperceived,ismadetowardthepersonbeingejected.Thesignalshouldbemoderatelyanimatedafter increasing thephysicaldistancebetween theumpireand theejectedperson as needed. This signal does not have to be exact, but it must be clearlyunderstood(thatsomeonehasbeenejected)andshouldnotbeoverlydemonstrative.Twooptionsareoffered:

1. 2.

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Whilefacingthepersontobeejected,stepbackwiththerightfoot(thisopensthebodyandwillallowittoturn/opentoyourrightasyoumakethearmsignal).Bringtherightarmwiththeindexfingerextended,up,acrossthebodyandpointskywardtoyourleft.Yourarmshouldbeata45‐degreeangletoyourbody.Youwillbefacingawayfromtheejectedpersonnowandtherightsideofyourbodywillbefacinghim/her.

1. 2. 3.

PLAYBALL

Anyofavarietyofhandmotionsusedbytheplateumpiretoindicatetheballisinplay.Witharmextendedtowardthepitcher,theumpiremayuseabeckoningmotionwithanopenhand,apointingmotionwithanopenhandorapointingmotionwithoneortwofingersextended.Thesignalmaybeaccompaniedwiththeverbalcall:“Play!”Theverbalcallmaybeusedwithoutanysignal.

1. 2.

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DONOTPITCH

Eitherarmoftheplateumpireextendedstraightoutdirectlyatthepitcherwiththehandopenandthepalmofthehandfacingthepitcher. Usingthehandoppositethebattergivesthissignalbettervisibility.

1. 2.

STRIKE

Theverbalcallof“Strike”ismadeinthedown/setposition.Thesignalismadeinthe“up”or“goingtotheup”position. Thefeetdonotmoveduringthesignal. The lefthand/arm is pulled into themidsection of the body. The right arm is 1) extendedstraightupwiththepalmofthehandfacingtheearthenfollowedbybringingtherightforearmslightlyforwardwhileclenchingitintoafist(thisistheHammer),2)extendedupandforwardasthehandcloses ina fist. Ineitherstyle, therightupperarmandforearmshouldbeata90‐degreeangle.Thesignalisheldlongenoughtoconveythedecisionwithconviction.Thesignalisfinishedbybringingtherightarmbackintothebodybeforesteppingbackormovingthefeet.

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FOULTIP

Thisisanoptionalsignal.Itmaybeusedeverytimetheballisafoultiporusedonlyattimeswhentheballbeingatipisnotcompletelyobvious.Bringthelefthandinfrontofyourbody,mid‐chestorhigher,withthepalmorbackofthehandfacingyou.Withanupwardmotion,brushthefingersofthelefthandwiththefingersoftherighthand.Thissignalisalwaysfollowedbyastrikesignal.

1. 2.

COUNT

Raise both arms up and in front of the body. Each arm/hand should be seenperipherallywhentheumpireislookingatthepitcher.Ballsareshownwiththefingersof the lefthand. Strikes are shownwith the fingersof the righthand. Consecutivefingersshouldbeusedindisplayingthecount.Averbalcallmayaccompanythesignaland, ifused, shouldbeas follows: “2balls and2 strikes”. Thecount is given to thepitcherandheldlongenoughforanyotherplayertoseeit.Thehandsshouldbeturnedtoincreasevisibility.

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4.2 UMPIRE‐TO‐UMPIRESIGNALSUmpiretoumpiresignalsareexactlythat.umpiretoumpire.Thereisaneedforumpirestocommunicateamongstthemselvesandthiscanbedoneattimesverballyandatothertimesbytheuseofsignals.Whilethesesignalsareonlyintendedforumpires,thereisnoneedtotryandhidethemorkeepthemsosubtlethatumpireswillmissthem.Because of this difference, unlikemost signals that are given up and away from the body,umpire‐to‐umpiresignalsaregivenlowerandcloserintothebody.Likeallsignals,thesesignalsarevitaltogoodcommunicationwithinthecrew.Thesesignalsshouldbeprecise,dignifiedandusedconsistently.Toenhancevisibilityandrecognitionthesignalsshouldalwaysbegivenagainstacontrastingbackgroundsuchastheshirtorpantleg.

INFIELDFLYSITUATIONON

Therighthand,palmopen,ontheleftchestindicatestheinfieldflysituationisineffect.The infield fly signal shouldbe initiatedby theplateumpire justprior to thebatterstepping in thebox. Eachbaseumpireshouldacknowledge, to theplateumpire,byreturning the samesignal. The signal shouldbegivenbeforeeverybatterwhenaninfieldflysituationispossible.

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INFIELDFLYSITUATIONOFF

Therighthandusedinwipingmotionfromtheleftelbowtotheleftwristindicatestheinfieldflysituationisnolongerineffect.

1. 2.

HOWMANYOUTS

Toverifyordeterminehowmanyouts thereare, theumpire looks toapartnerandclenchestherightfistagainsttherightthigh.Thereisnothingwrongwithverbalizingtherequest:“Partner,howmanyoutsdoyouhave?”This,however,drawsattentiontotheumpireand,ifitisnotnecessary,umpiresshouldavoiddrawingattentiontothemselves.Ifsucharequestneedstobemademorethanonceduringagame,itgivestheimpressionthattheumpireisnotconcentrating.

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HOWMANYOUTS?–RESPONSE

Therespondingumpireshouldindicatethenumberofoutsbyputtingtheappropriatenumberoffingersagainsttherightthigh.

WHAT’STHECOUNT?

Torequestthecountfromapartner,placebothopenedhandsagainstthechest.There is nothing wrong with verbalizing the request: “Partner, what count do youhave?”This,however,drawsattentiontotheumpireand,ifitisnotnecessary,umpiresshould avoid drawing attention to themselves. Also, if the count is being lost on aregularbasis,itgivestheimpressionthattheumpireisnotconcentrating.

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WHAT’STHECOUNT?–RESPONSE

Therespondingumpireshouldindicatethecorrectcountbythefingersonthechest.

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SECTION5HANDLINGEVERYGAMESITUATION

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5.1 APPEALPLAYSAppealplaysareplaysonwhichanumpiremaynotmakeadecisionunlessrequestedtodosobyaplayerorcoach.Appealsmaybemadewhiletheballisaliveordead.Appealplaysare:

Missingabase Leavingabasetoosoononacaughtball Battingout‐of‐order Attemptingtoadvancetosecondbaseafteraturnatfirstbase Illegalsubstitution Useofunannouncedplayersunderthereplacementplayerrule Illegalre‐entry UseofunannouncedplayersundertheDesignatedplayerrule baserunnersswitchingbasestheyhadoccupiedfollowingaconferenceortime

out.

Liveballappeals: Mustbemadeonrunnersattemptingsecondbaseafterpassingfirstbase. Canbemadeonamissedbaseorleavingtoosoononacaughtflyball. Aremadebytaggingtherunnerattemptingtogotosecondbase.Therunneror

basemaybetaggedonamissedbaseorleavingabasetoosoononacaughtflyball.

Runnersmayattempttoadvanceduringaliveballappealandiftheappealisabandonedtomakeaplayonanotherrunner,theappealmaystillbemadeaftertheplay.Deadballappeals:

Onlyallowedafterallplayhasceasedandtimeisgranted. Playersmayaskfortimetomakeanappeal Maybegivenverballyorwithball. If to thewrong umpire, refer player to the correct umpire by indicating the

umpireandsayingtheirname–“Susan,theyareappealingnumber8missingsecondbase”.

Allappealsmustbemadebeforethenextpitchandbeforealldefensiveplayershaveleftfairterritoryorinthecaseofthecatcher,thecatcherhasleftthecatchingposition.Anyfieldermaymakeanappeal,providedtheyareintheinfieldwhendoingso.Fourthoutappealsareallowedincaseswherethethirdoutisobtainedbyplayingactionorapreviousappealandasuccessfulfourthoutappealwouldnullifyarun.5.2 CATCHTobeconsideredalegalcatch,thedefensiveplayermusthavecontroloftheballineitherhandandcontrolofhis/herbody.Thereisnotimelimit,howevercontroloftheballandthebodymustbeestablishedtotheumpire’ssatisfaction.Ifthefielderdropstheballwhiletransferringtheballfromtheglovetothehandforathrow,itisstillconsideredalegalcatchprovidedalltheelementsofalegalcatchwereestablishedbeforethetransferbegan.

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Toberuledacatch,afieldermusthavesecurepossessionoftheballbeforesteppingorfallingintodeadballterritory.Afieldermaybesteppingonthedeadballlineorintheairandmakea legal catch, but no footmaybe touching the groundor an object completely indeadballterritoryatthetimeofthecatch.5.3 CHECKSWINGSIfonaballcalledbytheumpire,thecatcherrequestsortheumpirehimself/herselfisunsure,theumpiremaycheckwithhispartnertodetermineifthebattermayhaveattemptedtohittheball.Theplateumpireshouldstepoutfrombehindthecatcher,pointtohisopenumpirepartner,sayhisorhernameandask–“Swing”.TheresponseshouldbeYes,withastrikesignalorNowithasafesignal.Theumpirebeingaskedshouldbesureifthebatterattemptedatthepitchornot.Thingstoconsiderarebatlocation,(Overtheplate);wristaction(wristsbent);andlocationoftheball,(wasthebattermerelytryingtogetoutofthewayofthepitch).ThePlateumpireshouldgivethecountafteranycheckswingsituation.

5.4 CONFERENCES

Conferencesmustberecordedontheline‐upcard.Move up on the line nearest the team having the conference. Advise the coach that theconferencewascharged.Ifacoachischeckingonaninjury,accompanythecoachtoensurethattheinjuryistheonlyissue that the coach is dealing with. If no othermessages are delivered, do not charge aconference.

Ifyoutheumpireisthecauseofadelayinthegame,donotchargeaconferenceifthecoachistalking to a player. Get the game going as soon as you are ready. It is not an offensiveconferencewhenacoachandbattertalkwhileyouaresweepingtheplateorretrievinggameballs.Norisitadefensiveconferenceifacoachstandswiththepitcherinthepitchingcircleduringthetimebetweeninnings.Itisnotadefensiveconferenceifthecoachmakesapitchingchange.5.5 DEADBALLANDDEADBALLSITUATIONSATTHEPLATE

Theplateumpirehasprimaryresponsibilitiesfordeterminingiftheballhasentereddeadballterritory.Ifabaseumpireischasingtheball,itisthenthebaseumpire’sresponsibility.Oncetheballentersdeadballterritorytheumpireshouldcall“DeadBall”andsignalwithbotharmsupandpalmsextendedforward.Theumpireshouldgetascloseaspossibletotheareawheretheballisabouttoenterdealballterritory

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Umpiresnotinvolvedincallingthedeadballshouldmentallynotethelocationoftherunnersatthetimeofthepitch,orthroworwhentheballbecamedead.Baseumpiresshouldonlymirrorthedeadballcallifnecessarytostoptherunners.Whenawardingbases,theumpireshouldindicatethebasesawarded,i.e.,Number18,awarded2ndbaseand3rdbase.Thisshouldhelppreventrunnersskippingawardedbases.Deadballsituationsattheplateinclude:

Hitbyapitch Hittingthepitchwhileoutoftheboxortouchingtheplate Hitwithabattedball Hittingapitchedballtwice Batter’sboxviolation–Mustcauseadelay inthegame. “DeadBall;Pointat

Batter’sBox,SayViolation,SignalStrike’.OnDeadBallsituationsattheplate:

Usetheterm“DeadBall” Sellit Plateumpirehasprimaryresponsibility

Hittingthepitchwhileoutoftheboxorontheplate‐Elements

Plateumpirescall Deadball Out Entirefootoutofbox,onthegroundattimeofcontact Ballcanbefairorfoul Partoffoottouchingtheplate.

Thiscallbelongssolelytotheplateumpire. Itisadeadballandanout. Thebatmusthavecontactedtheballanditdoesnotmatterwhethertheballgoesfairorfoulbecauseitisdeadatthemomentofcontact. Forthedeadballandanout,thebatter’sfootmustbetouchingtheground completely outside the lines of the batter’s box or some part of the foot must betouchingtheplateevenifpartofthatfootisstillonthelineofthebatter’sbox.Batterhitwithbattedball

Anyumpiremaycall Ifstillinbox,foulball Ifoutofbox,out Ifhitsbattwiceandbatstillinbatter’shandsandstillinbox–foulball.

5.6 ILLEGALPITCH

Maybecalledbyanyumpire–Pauseandhandviolationsareplateumpire’sresponsibility.Feetviolationarethebaseumpire’sresponsibility.

Outside the 24 inches of the pitcher’s plate is the responsibility of the plateumpire.(Onlysteppingfoothastobewithinthe24inches,pivotfootmaybeoutside)

Illegalpitchcallshouldbeechoedbyotherumpires Shouldindicatetothepitcherwhattheinfractionwas

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Allowcoachtocomeouttoexplaintopitcherwhattheinfractionwas;ensurethatstrategyisnotdiscussed.Notaconferenceunlessstrategyisdiscussed.

Callitwhenyouseeit Givethepitcherachancetocorrect. Donotoverfocusonenforcingthepitchingrule

5.7 INFIELDFLY

Signalinfieldflysituationtootherumpireswhenitexists.Plateumpireshould

initiate EitherPlateorBaseumpire’sjudgmenton“ordinaryeffort” Signalendtoinfieldflysituation

5.8 INTENTIONALWALK

Canbeissuedatanytime Requestedbypitcher,catcherorcoach Onewalkatatime,runnertotouchfirstbeforeadministeringasecondintentional

walk.

5.9 INTERFERENCEANDOBSTRUCTION

Interferenceisanillegalactbytheoffensethatimpedes,hindersorconfusesadefensiveplayerattemptingtoexecuteaplay.

Obstructionisanillegalactbythedefensethathindersorpreventsabatterfromstrikingataballorimpedestheprogressofarunner.

Responsibilityoftheumpiretowhomtheplayiscoming. Iftheresponsibleumpireisinvolvedwithanotherplaythenanotherumpirecan

makethecall.Besuretheresponsibleumpirehasnotalreadymadeajudgmentontheplay.

Interferenceisadeadball(armsupandpalmsextended)andanout. Obstructionisadelayeddeadball(leftarmout)andanawardofbasestothebase

thatwouldhavebeenobtainedhadtherenotbeenobstruction. Otherrunnersonlyadvanceifforced.

Collisionsthatareneitherinterferencenorobstructionwilloccurfromtimetotime.Allthreeelements have to be at the sameplace at the same time, ball, defensive player andoffensiveplayer.Ifnothingmorethanthethreeelementscomingtogetheratthesametimehappens,youhaveacollisionwithouteitherinterferenceorobstruction.Asafesignalatthispointwillshoweveryonethatyousawtheplayandjudgedthatnoruleviolationoccurred.Crashingintoacatcherorfielderwhohastheballisanactofinterferenceandifflagrant,shouldresultinanoutandanejection.5.10TIE‐BREAKERRULEAttheendofseveninnings,theTie‐Breakerruleisenforcedinordertohelpdetermineawinner.Theplayerscheduledtobatninthintheinning(topofeighthandeveryhalfinning

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thereafter)beginsatsecondbase.(i.e.ifthenumber8batterisscheduledtobat,number7beginsonsecond;ifthenumber2batterisscheduledtobat,number1beginsonsecondbase.)

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SECTION6LINE‐UPCARDMANAGEMENT

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6.1 LINE‐UPCARDMANAGEMENTGoodline‐upmanagement,beginningatthepregameandcontinuedthrougheverysubstitutionofthegame,willensurethatanumpirerarelyhastodealwiththoseobscure,troublesomerulesassociatedwiththeline‐upcard.Asidefromtheboostofself‐assuranceyougetfromknowingyouareontopofthepaperwork,herearethingsyoucandowhiletendingtothepaperworkthatcanmakeyoulookpoisedandinstilconfidenceinothers.

Knowwherethescorekeeperisandtheprocedureforreportingchanges. Carryanextrapencilorpen.Havingtoaskforapencilbecausetheleadinyours

brokeoryourpenwentdrymakesyouappearunprepared. Stepawayfromtheplatetorecordallchanges.Donotstepbackinbehindthe

catcheruntilyourline‐upcardsandpencilareputawayandyourmaskisonyourface.

Donotputyourpencilinyourmouth.Thisdoesnotlookprofessional. Donotbendoverandwritechangesonyourleg.Ifnecessary,carrytheline‐up

cardsinaline‐upholderandusetheholderasaminiclipboard.Acoachstandingaboveabent‐overumpireconveysasubtlebutundesiredmessage.

Record what is necessary when it happens even though this may slow themomentumofthegame.Donotburdenyourselfwithhavingtoremembertodosomethingatthenextbreak.

Youmustrecordand/orreportall:

Alldefensiveconferences Alloffensiveconferences Alldefensivechanges Allsubstitutions Allre‐entries

Sometips:

Donotacceptchangesthatyouknowareillegal Ensurethattheline‐upiscorrectattheplateconference Trackallchangesandre‐entriesclearly–Matchingmarksforplayergoinginand

theplayerbeingremoved.Putapencillinethroughthenamesnolongereligibletoplay.

Take one change at time from the coach, go over the changeswith the coachbeforegivingtothescorekeeper.Trytousenumbers,notnames.ChecktoensuretheproperTemporaryrunnerisbeingused

Adopt a system anduse it consistently. Most umpires use a letter system forsubstitutes.

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SECTION7BEINGINCONTROL

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7.1 COMMUNICATIONCommunication skills areoneof thegreatest assets that anumpire canhave. Thegreatestcommunicationskillistheabilitytolisten.Othercommunicationskillsweuseare:

1. Words–chooseyourwordscarefully2. Tone–thepitchofyourvoicewilladdmuchtoyourmessage3. Volume–thestrengthofvoice,loudorlowalsocarriesamessage4. Bodypositioning–isyourmessageconfrontationalorcalmness5. Gestures–handmovementscanexpressmuchabouthowwefeel

Anytimeyouhavesomeonemakingadecisionbasedontheactionofothersortwopeopleorgroupcompetingforthesameprize,thereispotentialforconflictandconfrontation.Itisthenatureofthegameandoneoftheaspectsofthegameswehavetoaccept.Wecanneverbeafraidtoenforcearuleforfearthatitmaycauseaconflict.Themerefactthatwedonotenforcearulemaycauseconflictandconfrontation.Howanumpirehandlesconfrontationwillgoalongwayinestablishingthelevelofrespectthattheumpirewillearn.Wecannotalwayscontroltheconfrontationbutwecancontrolhowwereactandhandleit.Inordertobeincontrol,wemustbeincontrolofourselves.Rememberconfrontationusuallyariseforthefollowingreasons:

Itislegitimate‐acoachismerelylookingforanexplanationofasituationthathe/shedoesnotunderstandoragreewith.

TheCoachislookingtointimidate–manycoacheswilltestumpiresortrytobullythemintogivingthemthenextclosecall.

Thereisapersonalityconflictbetweenyouandthecoach–obviouslyinthissituationyouandthecoachhavesomehistoryanddonotgetalong.

Thecoachisreactingtoasituation–ifthereisacloseplayattheplateandthecallgoingonewayoranotherwillmakeadifferenceinthegame,youcanexpectsomereactionfromthecoachwhodidnotgetthecall.

Ifyoucandeterminewhythecoachorplayeriscomingtoquestionacall,youcanquicklyformastrategyonhowtohandleit.Iflegitimateorsituational,youcanhavemoretoleranceforthecoach.Ifintimidationorapersonalityconflict,youcanusedifferentskillstohandleit.Besureitisnotyourpersonalitythatiscausingtheproblem.Inaconfrontation,anumpireshould:

Remaincalm Useanappropriatetoneofvoiceforthesituation.Ifyoukeepyourvoicelow,

otherswillsoonlowertheirvoicetomatchyours Ifacoachorplayerstartstoapproachyou,walktowardthemandmeetthemin

themiddle. Establish eye contact, (remove sunglasses) however avoid face to face

discussions,turntothesideabitsothatyouhavecreatedsomespacebetweenyouandthecoachandplayer

Usecalmingbodylanguage,handsatthesides,notonthehips;bodyerectbutrelaxed,nottightandtense,wearanexpressionofinterestonyourface,notascowlorsmirk.

Let thecoachorplayerhavetheirsaybutdonot let themdispute,ballsandstrikes,safesandoutsorfairandfoulballs.

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Oncethecoachorplayerhasfinished,repeatthequestiontoensurethatyouhaveunderstoodwhatthecoachorplayerisasking,thengiveyourexplanationofwhatyousawandwhatyourcallwas.

Oncethecoachorplayerbeginstorepeatthemselves,youshouldtellthecoachthattheconversationisoverandstartwalkingthecoachbacktotheircoachingboxordugoutarea.

Keepyourhandgesturestoaminimum.Swingingofthearmshandsorlargegesturesindicatesthatyoumaybelosingcontrolorbecomingemotional

Let a coach save his player. If a coach comes to take a player’s place in adiscussion,lethimasthatistheroleofacoach.

Neverthreatentoeject.

Self‐Control:Controlissetbythewayyouhandleyourselfonthefield.Controlnotonlymeansofyourself,butalsoofothers(players,coaches,spectators).

C CONFIDENCE–Knowthesituation;Don’tbemeekinyourresponseO ONLYenlightenwithyourresponse(don’tdebateorpreach)N NEAT–Properuniform(pressedandshoesshined)showsyourconfidenceT TOOLStouse–Mind–Face–Body‐VoiceR RESPOND–don’treact‐helpskeepyouropponentcalmerO OPPORTUNITYtobepositiveandnotnegativeL LISTENtoquestionsandgiveanswers

7.2 GAMECONTROLSometipstokeepthegameundercontrol:

Knowtherules Makeagoodfirstimpression–weartheuniformproudly Remaincalm Developarapportwiththeplayersandcoaches Keep conversations between an umpire and coach or player one on one.

Partnersmustmoveallotherplayersandcoachesawayfromthediscussion. Do not have “rabbit ears.” Do not always react to everything you hear.

Rememberintheheatofcompetitionthingswillbesaidbutitisnotpersonal,itissaidtowardstheuniform,notyou.

Usethecoachorotherplayerwithwhomyouhavearapportwithtodealwithplayerswhoarecausingaproblem.

Donotaskaplayertorepeatwhattheysaid.Ifyoudidnothearitthefirsttime,letitgo.

Make your call andmove to your next position. Do not hang around for adispute.

Never touch players, coaches, other team personnel; do not permit them totouchyou.

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7.3 GOINGFORHELPUmpire should only go for help when they believe that another umpire has differentinformationonaplaythantheythemselveshave.Umpiresmustbeawarethatsomecoacheswillaskumpirestocheckcontinuallytocastdoubtintheumpiresmindsothatcallswillstarttogoinfavorofthecoach’steam.Onlycheckifyoufeelanotherumpirehasdifferentorbetterinformation,otherwisestickwithyourcall.Oncheckswings,itisalrighttocheckifaskedasitwillbuildarapportbutdonotletthemaskeverytimethebatterflinches.7.4 PREVENTIVEUMPIRINGPreventiveumpiringmeansbeingawareofwhatisgoingonaroundyouandtakingwhateverstepsarenecessarytoensurethatasituationorthegamedoesnotgetbeyondyourcontrol.Herearesomepreventiveumpiringtipsthatcanassistyouinkeepingthingsundercontrol:

Beontime–showsyouarefocused,preparedandinterested Actprofessionallyatalltime–givestheteamsconfidence Properlywornuniform–goodfirstimpression Checkbatsandhelmets–eliminateshavingtodealwithanissuelateron Keepplayersintheirdugouts Keepgatesclosed Keepunusedequipmentoffthefield Keepanearattunedforplayercommentstooneanother–dealwithplayerwho

trytogoadorintimidateotherplayersimmediately Watchforhardtagsandhardslides–dealwithit Homerun–watchforinflammatoryactionsorcomments–watchforretaliation

pitches Hitbatter–getoutinfront–takeBatter‐runnerhalfwaydowntheline,1stbase

umpiremeetsathalfwayandtakesBRtherestofthewayto1stbase.‐watchforretaliation

If something happens between players, closest umpire goes to controlconfrontation;otherscontroldugoutsandotherplayers.Getcoachestoassist.

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SECTION8MECHANICS

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8.1 GENERALMECHANICSIn order to be effective umpires must communicate. Umpires need to use all theircommunicationtools,verbalandphysical.Positioningonthefieldcanassistinthedeliveryofgoodcommunications.Mechanicsisthephysicalpartofumpiring–thepositioningumpirestakeonvariousplays.Itiswhereyougowhensomethinghappens.Itiswhatpeoplesee.Whatpeopleseeaffectswhattheybelieve,howtheyfeel,andhowtheywillact.Asumpireswewantpeopletobelieveinourcallsandfeelconfidentinourability.Alwaysknowwhatthebodyissaying.Learntosendthemessageyouwanttosend.Alwaysmovewithbrisknessandpurpose.Neverstrollorwalk.Makeallsignalscrispandstrong.Inthemanualwearelimitedonhowwecanshowmechanicsbystaticpictures.Thisgivestheimpressionthatthereisonlyoneposition,onlyonecorrectlocation.Weallknowthatthegameisnotplayedthatway.Thingsaredifferentoneveryplay.Inthemanualwesetoutastartingpremiseorpositionbutifyoufollowtheprincipleofpositioningthatdictatesthatyoukeepthefourelementsinfrontofyou:ball,base,defensiveplayerandoffensiveplayer,thenyouwillhavenoprobleminadjustingduringeachindividualplay.Becauseofthis,umpiresshouldnottrytomemorizethemanual,butinsteaduseitasaguideandstartingplaceforapplyingtheguidelinesthathaveproventobereliableinumpiring.Knowthereasonwhyonepositionismoredesirablethananother.Understandwhatadvantagesyouareseeking,orrisksyouaretaking,asyouchooseaposition.Havepurposeanddirectionasyoumoveaboutthediamond.Ifyoudonotknowwhereyouwanttobe,itisguaranteedyouwillnevergetthere.Mechanicsisbeingintherightplace,orthebestplace,attherighttime.Ifweareattherightplaceattherighttime,wevastlyincreasetheoddsofhavinggoodjudgmentbecausewecanseewhathappenedfromthebestpossibleview.Youcannotbeintherightplaceattherighttimeifyoudonothustle.Wehaveahugeareatocover.Hustledoesnotmeanfast;hustlemeansmovingefficientlyandwithpurpose.Hustleismovingasefficientlyaspossible.Todothisyou:

Mustknowwhereyouneedtobe Mustknowwheretheballissoyoucanmovewithoutgettinginthewayofa

thrownball Mustfindtheoptimumroutetotravel Mustbethinkingthreestepsandoneplayahead.

Onceyougettowhereyouneedtobe,thejobisonlybeginning.Youhavetoseetheplay,useyourjudgement,givethepropersignalusingtherightamountofemphasisandyouhavetodoallofthisinwhatappearstobeawell‐rehearsedsetofactions.Makesureyourcallsarecorrectandyoursignalsstrong.

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8.1.1 Thethingsyoulookforinchoosingapositionare:

Youwanttheballinfrontofyou. Youwantthebase,therunner,andthefielderinfrontofyou. Youwanttobe90‐degreesfromthethrowonaforceplay. Youwanttobe90‐degreesfromtherunner’sbasepathandjustshortofthe

leadingedgeofthebaseonatagplay. Youwanttobe5‐6meters(18feet)fromaforceplay–toobtainthebigpicture. Youwanttobe3‐4meters(12feet)fromatagplay. Youwanttostop,set,seetheplayandthenmakethecallforeveryplay. Youwanttobeoutsidethediamondiftheballisintheinfield–putstheballin

frontofyou. Youwanttobeinsidethediamondiftheballisintheoutfield–putstheballin

frontofyou. Youwanttomoveparallelwiththerunnersortheflightoftheball.

Angleisalwaysmoredesirablethandistance:

Anglesarealloverthefield. Angleschangeallthetime. Learntorecognizewhereanglesexistandhowtheydevelop. Ontagplaysneverhavetherunnerbetweenyouandthetag. Ontagplaysneverhavethefielderbetweenyouandthetag. Ontagplaysneverhavethebasebetweenyouandthetag.

Distanceservesthreepurposes:

Theabilitytozoomin. Theabilitytozoomout. Credibility–ifyoucannotgettheangle,getcloser.

Withthisknowledgeyouwillbeabletofigureouttheidealspotyouwouldliketobeinonanyplaythathappens.Arriveattheplaybeforeithappens.Itisfarbettertobeinpositionforapossibleplayandnothaveaplaydevelop,thantohaveaplayhappenandnotbethere.Committoyourposition.

8.1.2 RandomGuidelinesforUmpires:

Callinyourownarea.Seeinallareas. Supportyourpartners. Strongverbalcallsareoneofthebestandeasiestformsofgamecontrol. Donot retreat fromacall. That isanegativemovementanddoesnot show

commitmenttothecall. Aholdingpositionisoval. Aholdingpositionisneveracallingposition. Holdroutinesignalsanappropriateamountoftime–nottoshortortoolong–

butlongenoughtoshowconvictionofthecall. Allumpiresneed tohold theirpositionsat theconclusionofaplayuntil the

pitcherhastheballinthecircleandallrunnershavestoppedonabase. Ifyoufinishaninningwithacontroversialcallandfeelyouwillbeatargetfor

remarksbystandinginyournormalposition,movesomewhereelse.

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Donotmoveyourfeetwhenmakingacall.Keepyourfeetinawidestance.Thisisstrongerandyouarepreparedtomoveefficientlytoyournextplay.

Ifthereisnoplaynocallisneeded.Obviousuncaughtflyballsdonotneeda“NoCatch”signal.

Ontag‐upplays,lineuptoseethetagandthenmovetoaprimaryposition. Donotcall,“Time”unlessneeded.Thepitchermusthavetheballinthecircle

andallrunnersmustbestoppedonabasebefore,“Time”iscalled. Noneedtocleanbasesunlesstheycannotbeseen.Donotbreaktheflowof

thegame. Donottouchaball,aplayer,oracoach. Donotinviteconversations. Donotcarrymessagesfromacoachorplayertoyourpartner.

Sometimes–RARELY–aplayhappenswhereanumpiremusttakechargeandtakeacallnotinhis/herarea(e.g.,asinkinglinedrive,checkedswingwithtwostrikesandballnotcaught).Whenithappens,youwillknow!DONOTlookforanopportunitytodothis.

8.2 PLATEMECHANICS

Themost crucialofficiatingposition in anyball game is thatof thePlateUmpire. Coaches,playersandspectatorsallfocustheirattentionontheareaaroundhomeplateandtheplateumpire. They are constantly observing every action, sound, expression, movement andjudgmenttheplateumpiremakes.Onceyouhavedevelopedsolidplatemechanicsyoushouldconstantlyworkatimprovingandfine‐tuningyourskills.Theuseofvideocamerasandyourownself‐evaluationofthosefilmswillgreatlyassistyourstyle,positioning,mannerisms,bodylanguage,demeanorandeventualsuccess.Whenanumpiredemonstratesathoroughknowledgeoftheir“PlateMechanics”,alloneneedsto add, is hustle and consistency to their game, thus earning them the reputation as an in‐demand,dependabletop‐notchumpire.

8.2.1 AtthePlate

Worktheslot–besureyoucanseetheoutsidecornerattheknee. Useaheel/toestance.Theboxcanbeusedifyoucanseethatyouneedtosee.

Thescissorsstanceisnotacceptable.Itisnotasoftballmechanicandrestrictsmobility.

Usethesamestanceonbothsidesoftheplate. Besetbeforethepitchisreleased. Ifthecatcherblocksyourview,obtainanunobstructedviewofthestrike

zone/pitchersreleasepoint.Itisimportantthatthecatcherdoesnotblockyourview.

Oncesetdonotmoveyourbody. Tracktheballwithyournose. UsethestrikezonedefinedintheRuleBook.Donotcall,“Myzone.”orthepitch

isin“mystrikezone.” Beingconsistentisnotgoodenough.Youmustcallanaccuratestrikezone.

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Forstrikes Theverbalcallisinthedownposition. Thesignalisintheupposition. The

signalshouldbeimmediatelyaftertheverbalcall. Useastronghammer–itmaybeupandintoahammerorslightlyforwardinto

ahammer.Anglesmustbe90‐degrees.Holditlongenoughtoshowconviction.Donotmovethefeetuntiltheconclusiononthehammer.

Acalledthirdstrikemusthaveastrong“sell”signal. Aswingingthirdstrikeisaslightlydelayed,routine–notcausal–signal. Beaggressive;callborderlinepitchesstrikes.

Forballs

Thewordballmustbeverbalized. Ballissaidinthedownpositionbeforemovingorstartingup Theballcallissaidinthesametone,withthesametimingandemphasisevery

time.No“ball,”ismoreimportantthananotherball.Aballisjust,“Notastrike.”Ifyouchangeyourtoneoremphasisonaballclosetotheplate,itwillappearthatyoumighthavemissedthepitch.

Stepbackandrelaxwhenthepitchisoverandthecallismade. Bealerttothebatterforanyreactionorconferencerequest. Prepareforthenextpitch.

8.2.2 BeingreadyfortheFirstPitch

Whilewaitingforthepre‐gameconferencetobegin,taketimetowatchbothpitchersduringtheirwarm‐upsonthesidelines.Thistipwillallowyoutoquicklyevaluateeachdifferentpitcher’srhythm,tempo,technique,demeanoranddeliverystyle.Youmayalsowanttoobserveafewwarm‐uppitchesfromeachpitcherwhentheytakethepitchingplatefortheirwarm‐uppitchesbeforetheinningbegins.Nowisthetimetoadjustyourfootwork,balanceandbodyposition.Thisvaluabletimeallowsyoutoworkonyourowntimingandrhythm,movementoftheball,typeofpitches,speedofdelivery,releasepointandtimetomakesureyoucanseetheentirestrikezone.Informthe catcher that you are going to look at some warm‐up pitches. This mechanicdemonstratesacommitmenttoyourstrikezoneandtheirgame.

8.2.3 SteppingintotheStance

Fromyourrelaxedposition,stepinbehindthecatcherwithyourinsidefoot(non‐slotfoot). Once set behind the catcher’s foot, step into the staggered stancewithyouroutsidefoot(closesttothebatter/slotfoot).Ifitismorecomfortableforyou,thenuseafewsmallstepstopositionyourselfintheslotbyusinganoffsetsquarestance,whereyouroutsidefoot(closesttothebatter/slotfoot)isabitmoreforwardthanyourinsidefoot(behindthecatcher/non‐slotfoot)‐referredtoasheel/toe.LineupyourpelvisorbeltbucklewithapointbetweenthetopmiddleoftheplateandthetopoutsidecorneroftheplateYoumustalwaysfeelbalancedwithmostofyourweightdistributedequallybetweentheballsof your feet andyourheels. Keepingyour feet spreadat least asmuch asdoublethewidthofyourshoulderswillputyouinperfectposition.Havingyourfeettooclosetogethercancausemoremovementoftheupperbody.Digin,getbalancedandfeelcomfortable.Relaxbeforethepitcherstepsonthepitcher’splate. Stepintoyourstancewhenthepitcherstepsonto thepitcher’splate. Alwaysremainupright

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untilthepitcherbeginsthepitchingmotion.Nextdropintoyourslotsetpositionwhilemaintainingyourstancebalanceandupperbodycontrol.

8.2.4 WorkingtheSlotPosition

The“slot”istheareabetweenthebatterandthecatcher.Itisatbestsomethingthatmayvaryanddriftmarginallytoaccommodatethestanceofthecatcherandbatter,butitremainsontheinsideedgeoftheplate.Makesureyoucanhaveanunobstructedviewoftheentireplatewithbotheyeswheninyourslotset‐upstance.Theslotalsoaffordstheumpirethemaximumvisibilitytocompletestrikecoverageandtheabilitytoseetheballintheentirezone.Foulballswilltendtodeflectawayfromtheslotordirectlyovertheplate.Ifthecatchersdomove,youcanadjustasnecessary,butneverletthecatchersworkyou. Workwiththemtoattainthebest lookyoucan. If thecatcherstakeawaytheinsidecorner,letthemknow.Ifitisthecatcher’sglovethatisblockingtheview,informthemtogivethetarget,thendroptheglove,soyoucanseetheballcoming.Iftheyfailtodroptheglove,saysomethingtothecoachbetweeninningsandhavehimpassthewordtothecatcher.Ifthebatterstakeawaytheinsidecorner,makeasmalladjustmenttoyourstance.Ifyoucan’tsee thecorner,anypitchthat is insidemusthavecrossedtheplate. Morestrikesleadtomorecooperationfromthebatter.

8.2.5 MovingtotheDown(Set)Position

Tryusingasmoothandbriskmotiontodropintoyoursetposition.Thistechniquewillincludedoingamultitudeofthingsallatonce.Keepyourheadsquaretotheplate.Yourbackshouldfeelabitstraightandstiff,althoughitneverreallyiscompletely.Useyourlegstogoupanddown.Bendatthekneesandonlyslightlyatthewaist.Timingisveryimportantindroppingtothesetposition.Youshouldneverdroptoosoon(youoftenanticipatethepitchwhileyouarewaiting)ortoolate(youwillbemovingonthepitchand thischanges thestrikezone. Youshoulddrop to thesetpositiononeyouhavedeterminewhethertheheightoftheballislegalorillegal.Rememberthebodymustnotmoveonceyoudroptothesetposition).Alwaysremember,youreyesshouldneverbeinthestrikezone,buttheywillbesetatthetopandinsidecornerofit–lookingdownthroughthestrikezone.Apitchdeliveredatyoureyesandyournoseisa‘strike’ontheinsideandatthetop.Ifyouhavetolookuporinside,youprobablyhavea‘ball.’Lockandholdyourposition.Remainabsolutelystillduringtheentirepitch.Yourshouldersmightbeabitoffset,duetoyourfootwork,butcouldbesquareifyouprefer.Thismaygiveyouthefeelingthatyouarejustabouttositinachair,butitismuchmoreeffectivethanbendingyourbackandtryingtolookup.Thehandsshouldbeplacedwheretheyare‘mostlikely’nottogetinjured.Mostofficialsplacetheminfront,betweenthelegswhichhelpsrelaxyouandalsoprotects.Someplacethembehindtheirback.Keepyourentirebodystillwhilepreparingtojudgethepitch,evenifthecatchermovesinfrontofyouafteryouareset.Yourheadshouldnotmoveuntiljustbeforethepitcharrivesintheglove.Tracktheballwithyournoseandthenuseaslightheadtilttosee

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theball into the glove. Thismaybe themost criticalmechanic that you canuse toimproveyourconsistency.

8.2.6 Footwork

Alwayssetyourfootbehindthecatcherfirstthenyouroutsidefoot.Itisrecommendedthatyourfeetbeapartatleastdoubleyourshoulderwidth.Thetalleryouarethemoreimportant it is towiden your stance. A goodwide stance by a taller plate umpire,requireslessdropandbendingoftheknees,whenmovingtothesetpositionforbatters–particularlyshorterbatters.

8.2.7 TrackingthePitch

Thisisprobablythemostcriticalaspectinimprovingyourstrikezone.Begintopickuptheballfromthepitcher’ship.Tracktheballtoitshighestpoint,determinelegalityandthendropto thesetposition. Nextyoushould lock in thebatter’snormalzonewhentheyareactuallyswingingthebat.Followtheballthroughthezoneandwatchtheballallthewayintothecatcher’sgloveortheground.Thistechniqueisagreatwaytodoublecheckthelocationoftheball,createanaturaldelayinyourtimingandensurethatyouhaveseentheballallthewaytothecatcher’sgloveortheground.Neverblinkyoureyesduringthepitchasyoucouldmissanumberofimportantactionstakingplacearoundtheplate.

8.2.8 TimingandRhythm

It is very important that an umpire develop proper timing and rhythm in makingdecisions. Thattimingandrhythmshouldnevervary. Onlytheemphasisofvariouscallswilldiffer.Itissaidthattheplateumpiresetsthetempoandcontrolthegame,buttodothistheumpiresmust firstbe incontrolof themselves. Umpireswhomakecallsquicklyoneverypitchwillappeartobeguessing.Concentrate!!!Youverballycallthe‘strike’whileinthesetpositionandthesignalstartsasyouimmediatelyriseup.Thisrisingupshouldnotbedelayedafterthecall.Everyoneappreciatestheumpirewhohasdevelopedpropertiminginadministeringdecisionsasaplateumpire.Thissetsthetempoofthegamemorethananyotherfacetofumpiring.Delayingtoolongmayseethecatcherandbatterturntoseewhatthecallwillbe.Andthisshouldnothappen.

8.2.9 TheCount

Howoftenthecountisgivendependsonanumberofdifferentsituations.Ifthefieldisequippedwithascoreboardit isonlynecessarytogivethecountperiodically(ortocorrectthescoreboard).Ifthereisnoscoreboard,thenthecountshouldbegiven:

Whenrequested. Afteradelayinthenormalflowofthegame. Afteralldeadballsituations. Whenever thenextpitchwould create a change (i.e., threeballs and/or two

strikesonthebatter).Itisasituationwhereonthenextpitchtherewillbea

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baseonballsor a strikeout. This simply alerts thedefensive andoffensiveteamsofthegamesituationaswellasalertingallumpirestobeready.

Thecountshouldbegivenaboveyourheadwiththenumberofballsonthebatterwiththelefthandandthenumberofstrikesontheright.Inaddition,givethecountverbally.ALWAYSwiththenumberofballsfirst.Itisrecommendedtogivethecounttowardscenterfieldandrotatethewrists.Theplateumpirecanhelpkeepthecrewinthegamebysendingand/oracknowledgingthenumberofoutswheneveranotheroutisadded.Ifthecatcherrequeststhecountorthenumberofoutsandthenquestionstheumpire’sreply,theumpireshouldcheckwiththeirpartner.

8.2.10BallRotation

AccordingtoWBSCprocedures,thecurrentgameball is inplayuntilsuchtimeas itgoesoutofplay.Givethecatcheranewballtothrowtothepitcherimmediately.Donotwaitfortheballthatjustwentintodeadballarea(orthestands)toreturn.Ballsdohavedifferentseamsandsomedoweighmorethanothers,soifthepitcherdoesnotlike the new ball thrown to him/her, allow them tomake a change. Never place aremovedballbackintoyourballbag.Ifbothballsdonotgetintoplayinthefirsthalfofthefirstinning,thepitcherinthebottomhalfofthefirstinningMUSTthrowtheunusedball.Nochoiceisoffered.Eachhalfinningafterthefirst,thepitcherdoeshaveachoiceofwhichballhe/shewantstouse.InCO‐ED,theplateumpireisresponsibletoensurethatthepitcherhasan11”ballwhenpitchingtoafemalebatteranda12”ballwhenpitchingtoamalebatter.

8.2.11DecisionTime

Ifyouhaveacalledstrike,verbalizeitwhileyouaredown,thenstartthesignalasyoustandupandcompletethesharp,crisphammerasyouarestanding.Alwaysfacethediamondwhenyouaresellingstrike three. Youmayusewhateversignal, styleandactionsthatyoudeemappropriate,butbecertainthatyouarefacingthebatter’sboxareasoyoucanseeiftheballhasfallenoutofthecatcher’sglove.

Neversellaswingingstrikethreecall.Simplygiveaneasyhammer.Otherhelpfulhints:

Ifitisaball,staydownandverbalizeit.Donotpointtowardsfirstbaseonball

four. Ifyouhaveaswingingstrikethree,justuseyourhammer. Inalloftheaboveverbalizations,lettheclosenessofthepitchanditsrelevant

importancedictatetherequiredvolumeofyourverbalcalls. Foul tips – give the fingertip‐to‐fingertipbrush away signal, followedby the

hammer. Ballstouchedinfoulterritory–foulballsignalwiththeverbalcall“Foul.” Groundballsthatarehitfoul–ifpastabaseorhittinganything–foulballsignal

withtheverbalcall“Foul.” Groundballshitfairbeyondabase–signalbypointingrepeatedlytowardsfair

territory–NOVERBAL. Flyballsthatarehitclosetoafoulline:

✓ Onfirstbaseline,useleftarmtoindicatefairandrightarmtoindicatefoul

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✓ Onthirdbaseline,userightarmtoindicatefairandleftarmtoindicatefoul✓ Slightlymovethearmawayfromthehiptoindicatetoyourselfthestatus

oftheballwhileinflight,oncestatusisconfirmed: Iffairandcaught–pointfair,givethehammer,andverballycall‘out.’ Iffairanddropped–pointfair,repeatpointingandsellifrequired. Iffoulandcaught–pointfoul,givethehammerandverballycall‘out.’ If foul and dropped – point foul, give foul ball signal and verbal call

“Foul.” Pop‐upstothecatcherneartheline–getaproperlookanddoasstatedonfly

balls. Pop‐upstothecatcherwhenyoumustvacate–donotwatchtheball–watch

thecatcher’sshoulders.Oncethecatcherturnsusethatfoottopivotandkeepoutoftheirway.Thenremoveyourmask.

Foulballsthatarehitclosetothescreenortowardsadugout–HUSTLE–getinpositionandlookatyourpartnertoseewhogotthebestlook.Ifyouhavethebestlook,delayandmakeacall.Makesureyougettothescreentoseeaboutatrappedballortheballtouchingthescreenbeforethecatch.

Onallflyballshustleouttogetagoodlookforpossibletrapsifabaseumpiredoesnot turnhis/herbackandgoout. Ifyoumakethecall, cometoastop,delay,andthenmakeyourcallwithacrisphammerwhenout.Ifthereareanyrunners on base, or if the out is not obvious, add a verbal “out” with yourhammer.Ifyouhaveatrapsituation,givethe‘nocatchorsafesignal’andaddastrong“safe”call.

8.2.12 CheckSwings

Umpiresshouldusethemechanicsofhittingtoassisttheminjudgingcheckswings.Didthebatterdoanyofthefollowing?

Passtheirbatthroughthezone Rolltheirwristsandturntheirhips Wasthebatinfrontoftheirbody Didthebatpassinfrontoftheplate Didtheyconvinceyouthattheymadeanattempttoswing?

Ifyouaregoingtocallit,pointwithyourlefthandandsay‐“Yes.”Thengivethehammerwiththerighthand.Ifonaballcalledbytheumpire,thecatcherrequestsoriftheplateumpireisunsure,theplateumpiremaycheckwiththeirpartnertodetermineifthebatterhasattemptedtohit theball; takeoffyourmask, step to theumpireaway fromthebatterandaskhim/her ‐ “Swing?” Thedefense, thebatter, runners and coaches shouldalwaysbeawareofthegamesituation,thecountandthenumberofouts.Ifthecatcherrequeststhe count or thenumberofouts and thenquestions theumpire’s reply, theumpireshouldcheckwiththeirpartner.Someumpiresarereluctanttoaskforhelp,however,thebottomlineisbeingcorrect,sodonothesitatetocheckwithyourpartnerifrequestedtodoso.Andonlygoforhelpifyoucalledthepitcha‘ball.’Onepointisthatifyouconcentratetoohardonacheckswing,youmayforgetaboutthepitchitselfandendupcallinganoswing,a‘ball’andthepitch couldhavebeen in the strike zone. Checkingwithyourpartner is alwaysadvised.

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Onceyouhavecalledthepitchastrike,youmustnevercheckwithyourpartner.Youcalledit,soyouhavetolivewithit.

8.2.13‘NotToPitch’Signal

Thereareafewpointsofemphasisgoverningthesesignals.Thefirstsignalof‘nottopitch’ isconveyedto thepitcheronly ifhe/she isonthepitchingplateandabout toquickpitchthebatter.Thesignalisanopenhandaimedatthepitcher’sfacewiththefingersspreadwide.YouMUSTalwaysusethehandthatisFURTHESTawayfromthebatter(towardstheemptybatter’sbox).Ifapitcherconstantlyrushesyouorthebatter,advisethecatchertopleaseslowdownthesigntothepitcher.Ifthatdoesn’twork,stepforwardandexplaintothepitcherthattheyarerushingthebatter.Thesecondexampleforthe‘nottopitch’signalisusedifyouarenotreadytoworkorif you have granted “TIME” to the batter before the pitcher has broken the pause.Rememberabattercanrequesttime,buttheplateumpiredoesnothavetograntit.This request shouldnever be granted if the pitcher has separated his/her hands instartingthepitch.Callthepitchastrikeorballdependingonwhetheritpassedthroughthestrikezoneornot.Ifthe‘nottopitch’signalisupandthepitcherthrowsanyway(orthrowswhile“TIME”hasbeencalled),leavefrombehindthecatchertowardstheopenbatter’sboxandcall“TIME–NOPITCH”.Twohandsareupintheairforthedeadballsignal.Waituntilitissafetoreturn,putonyourmaskandgobehindthecatcheronceagain.

8.2.14LeavingthePlateArea

Developthehabitofleavingtheplateareafromtheleftsideofthecatcher.Thisfitsintooneoftheumpire’sprioritiesthatshouldincludeavoidingacollisionwiththecatcherand/orallowingcatcher’stheirfreedomtoroam.Withnorunnersonbaseorarunneronfirstbaseonly,leavetheplateareaontheleftsideandtrailthebatter‐runnertowardfirstbaseinfairgrounddownapproximately9meters(30feet)(wherethe1metre(3‐footline)begins).Stopclosetothelineandobservetheplayatfirst.Youshouldlookfor:

Obstruction and interference, with or without contact between the catcher,

pitcher,firstbasemanandthebatter‐runner. Collisions Overthrows Blockedballs Pulledfoot Infractionsinvolvingthebat Spikingcommittedbythebatter‐runner\Violationsofthe1meter(3‐foot)lane Possible swipe tags or tagsmade by the catcher or infielders on the batter‐

runnerforthefirst30feetofthebasepath.

3UmpireSystem:o IfU1turnstogototheoutfield,watchdownthe1stbaselinetoassistat

1stbase.WatchthecatchandindicatesFair/Foulonthetouchoftheballifnecessary.

Onlyofferassistancetoyourpartnerifasked.Nevertipoffyourthoughtsonanyoftheaboveactionswithanytypeofbodylanguage.

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Aftermovingtowardfirstbasewitharunneronfirstbaseonly,beawareofapossibleplayatthirdbasewiththeleadrunner,sincethatwouldbetheresponsibilityoftheplateumpireinthetwoorthreeumpiresystems.If there isarunnerstartingatsecondorthirdbase, theplateumpiremustviewtheactionsupthefirstbaselinefromapositionthatwillnotimpedeanybaserunners,apositioninfoulterritoryonthethirdbaseside(calledaholdingzone)whichallowstheplateumpiretomovetothirdorhome,ifathrowisbeingmadetoeither.Youmustwatchhomeplateforthetouch,glanceupthefirstbaselineforactionandthenproceed to the next potential call. In a twoor three‐umpire system, the plateumpiremustobserveavarietyofthingsthatwouldincludemissedbases,obstruction,interference,tag‐ups,andpureno‐faultunintentionalcollisionsthatoccasionallyoccur.

8.2.15CatchandCallResponsibilities

Theplateumpire is responsible for all fly balls, exceptwhen abaseumpireTURNSHIS/HERBACK to the infield, and goes to theoutfield tomake the call. If thebaseumpiredoesnotturntogototheoutfield,he/sheshouldnotmakeacall.Itisimperativethatyoureleaseleftofthecatcher,andhustleoutasfarasyoucantoseetheattemptedplayorcall.Itmightrequirearulingonapotentialtrap,linedrive,fair/foul,spectatorinterference,homerun,ground‐ruledoubleoraballthatbecomesdeadbeforebeingcaught.Anexampleofthis,isaballtouchingthefencebeforeitwascaught(ortrappedagainstthefence).Makesureyoualwayscometoacompletestopastheplayisbeingmade.Thenafteraslightdelay,makeyourcall.Ifyouhavea‘NoCatchorTrap’,besuretoverbalizeitandbepreparedtosellthecallwhererequired.Alwaysbeawareofthepositionofalltheotherbaserunners. Youmustalwayskeep the four ‘Elements’ in frontofyouatalltimes.Neverallowabaserunnertoscorebehindyou.Makesureyouhaveacatchbeforecallingtheplay.Oftentimesyouseetheballinthegloveandturntopickupotherrunners,onlytoturnbackatthefielderandhe/sheispickinguptheballfromtheground.Donotrushthesecalls.Ifyouarenotsure,oftentheactionsbytheplayersinvolvedcan‘tipyouoff’tothecorrectdecision.

8.2.16HittingtheBallaSecondTime

Theproblemthatmostumpireshaveisthatdoublehitscanbeextremelytoughtosee.Itoccursmostoftenonbuntsandslaps,butitcanalsohappenwhenthebat,afteritisdroppedbythebatterandstillmoving,contactstheballasecondtime.Rememberiftheballhitsadroppedbatthatisstationary,wehavenocall. Ifthebatisoutofthebatter’shandsandhitstheball,thisisruledintentionalandthebatterisout.Ifthebatisstillinthebatter’shandsandthebattedballhitsthebat,thepositionofthebatter’sfeetdeterminesthecall:

Ifbothfeetareinthebatter’sboxandthebattedballhitsthebatorfeetofthe

batter,itisafoulball. Ifonefootisoutofthebatter’sboxoverfairterritoryandthebattedballhits

thisleg,thebatterisout. Ifonefootisinthebatter’sboxandthebattedballhitsthisleg,theballshould

beruledfoul,eveniftheotherfootwasoverfairterritory. Ifonefootisoverfoulterritoryandthebattedballhitsthefoot,itisafoulball.

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Ifaballrollsagainstabatlayingstationaryoverfairgrounditisafairball,butiftheballthenrollsontofoulterritoryandistouchedorcomestorest,itshouldberuledfoul.

Ifaballrollsagainstabat layingstationaryover foulground, it isa foulballimmediatelyandthiswillnotchangeiftheballthenrollsontofairground.

Note,abaseumpirewillnotcallabatter‐runneroutfromhisposition23meters(75feet) fromhomeplate. Thebaseumpireonlysignalsdeadball. It isuptotheplateumpiretomakethedecision,andchancesareifyoudidnotseeit,thecallwillbeafoulball.Anumpireshouldneverguessanoffensiveplayer‘out.’

8.2.17BatterHitbythePitch

Theballisdead.Thereisnobaseawardoradvancementofbaesbyrunners.Donotletbatterswearsweatshirts,jackets,orloosesweaterstotheplate,althoughitisuptoyouwhattheywearwhenondefense.Itisastrikewhenabatterishitbyapitchiftheballwasinthestrikezone.Thisoccurswhenthebatteriscrowdingtheplate,leaningovertotryandforcethepitchertopitchoutside.Ifthebatterswingsatapitchandthepitchhitshim/her,thattooisastrike,andifonthethirdstrikeitisa‘deadball’and‘strikethree.’

8.2.18StrikeZone–MindSetTheoryTosurviveinthegameoffastpitch,theplateumpiremustdeterminethewidthofthestrikezone.Everyoneknowsthewidthofhomeplateis43.20cm(17‐inches).Remember some part of the ball crossing over some part of the plate is a strike,therefore,widentheplateto63,5cm(25inches)–thesizeofthewidthoftheplate43.20cm(17‐inches),thewidthofeachsoftballisapproximately10,16cm(4‐inches)(20.32cm‐8‐inches).ThepointhereistogointoyourgameLookingforStrikes.Whencallingmorestrikes,moreoftenthannot,thebatterswillbegintoswingmore,ratherthansitonpitchesthatareclose.Youwillhavemorestrikes,fewerwalksandtheentirerhythmandtempoofyourgamewillimprove.

StrikeZone–NaturalStanceTheWBSCteachesumpirestojudgethenaturalstanceofthebatter,asthestancetakenbythebatteratthetimethepitcherreleasestheballandasthebatterpreparestotakeorswingatthepitch.Somebattersmaytakeanexaggeratedlowstancewhentheyfirstenterthebatter’sboxbutumpiresshouldanticipatethestancethebatterwillassumewhentheyareputtingthemselvesinapositiontojudgethelocationofthepitchedballanddecidingwhethertotakeorswingatthepitch.Anotherfactorindeterminingyourstrikezoneinordertogainmoreconsistencyistomakesureastrikeinthefirstinningisstillastrikeinthefourthinningandagainintheseventhinning.

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8.2.19ConsistencyisourUltimateGoal

ThereisnobettercomplimentthatwillevercomeourwaythantohearfromourUIC’sandsupervisors,“Greatjob,youwerereallyconsistenttoday.”Thentohearcommentsfromtournamentdirectors,coaches,players,spectatorsandothers“ThanksBlue,greatjob……..Veryconsistentwork.” Wheneveryouaskanyoneinvolvedinourgamehisorheropinionaboutthefollowingquestion,youwillalwayshearthesameanswer.“Whatisthemostimportantqualitythatyoulookforinanumpire?”TheAnswer:CONSISTENCY!Thisisnotawordweshouldtakelightly.Youmustworkextremelyhardtohavethereputationofbeingconsistent.Youmightbeforagame,aday, a tournament or a season. But your goal should be to achieve and maintainconsistencythroughoutyourentirecareer.

8.2.20ThirdBaseCalls

Inmaking calls at third base the plate umpire should stay in foul territory halfwaybetweenhomeandthirdbase,whilewatchingtheplaydevelop.Ifthereisinfactacalltobemadeonatagplayatthirdbase,cutinsidethediamondabouttwo‐thirdsofthewaydowntothird,moveinto3‐4meters(12feet)fromthebaseandmakethecall.Thereasontheumpireshouldbeinsideatthispoint,isthatitisthebestpositiontomakethecall.Iftheballshouldgetawayfromthethirdbaseman,itisnormallygoingintofoulterritoryandanyinterferencebytheumpirewillbeavoidedbybeinginthisposition.Hereagain,weareusingtheinside‐outsidetheory.Inaddition,ifthethrowiswildandtherunnercontinuestoadvancetowardhome,theplateumpirehasavoidedacollisionwiththerunnerroundingthird.Anotherreasonwouldbethatfromthisinsidepositiontheumpirewillhavea3‐5meter(10to15foot)advantageincoveringanyplayattheplate.

8.2.21Run‐downs

Whenarunneriscaughtinarundown,itisimportantthatthecoveringumpiremovetogetthebestperspectivebothendsoftheplay.Usuallytheumpirewillbeaminimumof3‐4meters(12feet)fromtherunnerandmoveparalleltothebaseline,unlessyouare covering the play alone, and it is not necessary to run back and forthwith therunner.Theumpiremustfollowtheballandwhentheactualtagisattempted,movequicklytowardoraroundtheplaytogetthebestangle.Bealertforobstruction.Mostrundownsarecoveredbyoneumpirebecausetheyhappenquickly.WithasinglerunnerinaRUNDOWN,twoumpiresshould‘bracket’theplayasfollows:

Between first and second – the plate umpire should take the trail position

closesttofirstbase,insidethediamondandthebaseumpireshouldtaketheleadpositionclosesttosecondbaseontheoutfieldsideofthediamond.

Between second and third – the plate umpire should take the lead positionclosesttothirdbase,insidethediamond,andthebaseumpireshouldtakethetrailposition,closesttosecondbaseontheoutfieldside.

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Betweenthirdandhome–theplateumpirewilltaketheleadpositionnearesthomeplateoutsidethediamond,whilethebaseumpiretakesthetrailpositionnearestthirdbase,insidethediamond.

Inallcases,theumpireshouldcommunicate,“I’vegotthelead,”“I’vegotthisend,”etc.Thiscommunicationiscriticaltobeingabletoteamonthecall,ratherthanmakingapossibledoublecall.Whentwoumpiresarecoveringarundown,thedirectioninwhichthisrunnerismovingatthetimeofthetagwilldictatewhichumpirewillmakethecall.Twoumpiresshouldnotmakethecall,eveniftheyarethesamecall.

8.2.22RunCount(TimePlay)

It is important thatumpireswork togetheron situationswhere the thirdoutof theinningisatagplaywitharunnerabouttocrosshomeplate. Thebaseumpiremustmake his/her call LOUD and CLEAR to assist the plate umpire in making his /herdetermination. This is one situationwhen the out call on the basesmust bemadewithoutanyunnecessarydelay.Theplateumpireshouldimmediatelyandwithouthesitationindicatethe“RunCounts”orthe“Rundoesnotcount”andinformthescorekeeper.Theumpireshouldknowarundoesnotcountifthethirdoutoftheinningisaresultof:

1) Abatter‐runnerbeingputoutpriortoreachingfirstbase.2) Aforceoutatanybase.3) Arunnerbeingputoutbyatagorliveballappealplaypriortotheleadrunner

touchinghomeplate.4) Aprecedingrunnerisdeclaredoutonanappeal.NOTE:Anappealcanbemade

afterthethirdoutinordertonullifyarun.

8.2.23TagPlaysatthePlate

Basically,therearetwopositionsformakingcallsontagplaysattheplate:

1) Whenreturningfromthirdbasetomakeacallfrominsidethediamondand2) whentheplayiscomingfromfairterritoryorathrowfromtheoutfieldtomake

acallfromtheoutside.

Inreturningfromthirdbase,theplateumpireshouldstayinsidethediamond,movingparalleltothebaselineandassumeaposition3‐4meters(12feet)fromhomeplateand90degreesfromthepathoftherunner.Keepyourweightdistributedontheballsofyourfeet,moveinontheplayasitdevelops,findtheballandmakethecall.ThereasonWBSCwantsyoutoremaininsidethediamondinreturningtohomeplatedeals with the inside‐outside theory. On a play at third that allows the runner toadvance,theball,forthemostpart,willwindupinfoulterritory.Ifyouremaininsidethediamondasyouretreattotheplate,allfourelementswillremainwithinyourview–theball,thedefense,therunnerandthebase.Onplaysattheplatewheretheballiscomingfromfairterritoryorathrowfromtheoutfield, theplateumpireshouldassumeaposition in foul territory,3‐4meters(12feet)back,90‐degreesfromthepathoftherunnerandjustshortoftheleadingedgeofhomeplate.Aftermakingthiscalltheumpireshouldmoveawaywhilecontinuingtowatchtheball,remaininginfoulterritory.

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Assumethebasicposition.Keepyourweightdistributedontheballsofyourfeet,moveinastheplaydevelops,findtheballandmakethecallaccordingly.Duetothecriticalnatureoftheplayathome,moveintofindtheball.Ifyoucan’tfindit,asktheplayerto“Showmetheball,”pointatitwithyourlefthandand“SELLIT”accordingly.Never,neverask“showmetheball”andthencalltherunnersafe.

8.2.24AppealatthePlate

Ifarunnermisseshomeplateandthecatchermissesthetag,theumpireshouldhesitateslightlytoallowtheplayerstofinishtheplay,eithertherunnerreachestotouchtheplateorthecatcherreachestotagtherunner. Ifnotag ismade, theumpireshoulddeclare the runner SAFE. If a proper appeal play ismade, the umpire should thendeclaretherunnerOUT. TherearethreereasonswhytheWBSCadvocatesthisprocedure:

1) Theumpiredoesnotwanttoalerteitherteamthattheplaymaynotbeover,

and2) ArunnerisassumedSAFEuntilputout.IfaproperappealisNOTmade,the

runnerisSAFE.3) Ifaproperappealismade,thisisanotherplayanddeservesanotherdecision,

thereforeifthebaseortherunneristouched,therunnerwouldbeOUT.

8.2.25ToSpeedUpTheGame

HereareafewtipstohelpSpeeduptheGame:

Haveyourpre‐gameearly. Startyourgameontime. Hustletoyourpositions.Thisshowstheplayerstheyshouldhustleaswell. Don’t allow the pitcher to walk around the mound, point to fielders, and

generallyjustwastetimeafterreceivingtheballfromthecatcher,theumpireorfielders.

Makesurethepitcherdeliversthepitchin20seconds. Getthebatterintheboxwithintenseconds. Don’tletthebattersdelaythegame;onefootmustremaininthebox. Speaktoacoachifhe/sheistooslowsendingsignals(pitchestobecalledby

thecatcher). Hustleplayerswhennecessarythroughouttheentiregame. Encouragea team tohaveanotherpersonnot in the game receivewarm‐up

pitchesuntilthecatcher(whoisnotwastingtime)isdressedandready. Don’tallowlengthyconferences. Makesureaplayerisintheon‐deckcirclewaitingtobat. Workwithyourpartnerstoachievesuccess.

8.2.26HelpfulHintsforPlateUmpires:

Obtainthebattingorderfrombothmanagersatthepre‐gamemeeting,review

itmakingsuretherearenoerrorsinnames,numbersorpositions.Discussthegroundrulessobothmanagersandtheumpiresareinagreement.

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Keep theplatecleanandwhendusting theplate, turnyourback toward thepitcher.Alwaysbrushtheplatewithalotofpepandenthusiasm.

Takethetimespentinbrushingtheplatetowarnthecatcherorbatterwhennecessary.

Sayballonly.Ifitisballfour,thenemphasisshouldbeplacedonthefour. Neversay“Ballfour,takeyourbase,”anddon’tpointtofirstbase. SayStrikeonly.Ifitisstrikethree,thenemphasisshouldbeplacedonthethree. Neversay,“Strikethree,you’reout.”forthecatchermaydroptheball. Abigthirdstrikecallisimportant,butdon’tintimidateorembarrassthebatters

with the call. Use a signal and voice that reflects the importance, difficulty,and/orclosenessoftheplay.

Donotverballydescribeapitchoruseahandsignal.Useonlyaslightmotionfortrackingthepitchtotheglovewithnose.

Plate umpire has all Fair/Foul decisions unless a base umpire chases. Thisincludesgroundballsandballsoverfirstorthirdbase.Thisisnotanoptiontobedecidedinapre‐game.

Alwaysgoforhelponacheckswing(totheopensideumpire–evenifrotated)whenaskedbythecatcher.

Makesureyouhaveagoodangletoseetheplayandarunnercrossinghomeplate,ifthenextoutisathirdout.Reportrunscoresordoesnotscoretotheofficialscorerimmediately.

Onanout‐of‐the‐parkhomerunwhenteammatesconvergeatoraroundhomeplatetocongratulatethehitter, theumpireshouldstayoutsidethediamond,keepingthehitter’s teammatesaway fromtheplate, tosee therunner touchhomeandwatchforanytouchingoftherunnerbyherteammates.Whentherunnerhastouchedhomeplate,giveanewballtothepitcherandpreparetoresumeplay.

Justgivethesignalwhenanoutisobviousonaflyballwithnorunnersonbase. Donotneedlessly‘holdthepitcher.’Mostpitcherswaituntilthebatterisready.

Usethe"Hold"signaltocontrolasituationthatneedscontrolling. Watchfortouchedbases. Writedownallconferencesonthe“Line‐up”card. Reportchangestotheofficialscorerandtoeachdugout. Donotpointatyourpartnerstoseeiftheyarereadypriortostartingthegame

oraninning.Lookatthem.Iftheyareinposition,thenplayball. Communicateonacontinualbasiswithyourpartner(s). Alwaysknowthecount,thenumberofoutsandwheretherunnersare. Plateumpireinitiatesorwipesofftheinfieldflysignaleachtimeanewbatter

stepsintothebox. Anticipate,butdonotassume.MovingBats Ifabatatthehomeplateareapresentsapotentialhazard,youshouldsafely

removethebatwithoutinterferingwiththeplay.Youcandothisbypickingthebatupandplacingitwhereitisnolongerapotentialhazard.Donottakeyoureyesofftheballandtheanyplayoccurringorabouttooccur.

Umpiresshouldalwaysuseextremecautionwhenhandlingequipment,askyouTournamentUICfordirectioninthisregard.

Neverallowabatboyorgirlrunontotheplayingfieldtopickupabatwhileplay is inprogress. Batboysandgirls shouldbe instructednot to leave thedugoutareauntilallplayhasceased.

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Successis1%Inspiration And 99%Preparation

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8.3 BASEMECHANICS

8.3.1 TechniquesontheBases

Liketheplateumpire,thebaseumpire(s)mustfocusoneverypitchandbereadyforanyplay.Watchforillegalpitches.Shouldafoulflybehitinterritorynotadjacenttotheplate,coverthefielderascloselyasthebasesituationpermits.Bealertforcheckswingsorhitbatsman. Bereadytocover thecatcher’sattempts topickrunnersoffbases.Betweenplays,infact,betweenpitches,thebaseumpiremustremainalertforanyofthesepossibilities.Theumpiremustalwayskeepinmindthatumpiring–attheplateoronthebases–demandscompleteconcentration,undividedattentionandfullenergiesuntilthefinalout.Bealertatalltimes;workyouranglesonthebases.Donotleaveyourselfopenonaplayandabovealldonotletthecoachcallthemforyou.Onacloseplay,sellthecall;butonawideopenplay,aroutinesignalisallthatisnecessary.Beonyourtoesatalltimes.Thinklikeaballplayerthinksandyouwillnotbesurprisedon certainplays. Wheneverpossiblemakeall yourdecisions from the set or readyposition.Donotgiveavocalcallorarmsignaluntilyouknowthattherunnerisoutorsafeandthefielderhascontrolof theball. Thiswillhelpyourtimingandeliminatedoublecallsorthedreaded“Out/Safe”call.Followtheballatalltimes.Knowwheretheballis,andwhohaditlast. Ifaballishittotheoutfieldandthereappearstobetrouble,gooutonit.A“catch”or“nocatch”shouldbethefirstpriorityoneverybattedball,eveniftherearebaserunnersonbase(s).Ifaballishitoutoftheparkbesureyouknowwhereandwhentheballleavesthepark.

8.3.2 DecisionsonBases

The base umpire indicates decisions by simultaneously giving vocal and physicalsignals. UmpiressignalSAFEwhena runnerhasbeatenaplay. TheypunctuateanemphaticSAFEsignalwithanenthusiasticSAFEcall.Incallingarunnerout,themotionofthearmintheformofahammeriscombinedwiththewordOUT.Andiftheplayisclose,theumpirewillselltheOUTwithanoverhandsignalandasimilarenthusiasticOUTcall.Attempted base stretching on hits, close force plays,most rundowns, almost all tagplaysarecloseplaysandtherulingshouldberenderedaccordingly.Shouldanumpire,afteranappeal,rulearunnerout,theoverhandoutcallisinorder.Forfairlycloseforce‐plays,wideopentagplays,andrun‐downstheeasydecisioncall,withmediumemphasisastovoiceandsignaliscalledfor.Keepfullpowerinreserveforthereallycloseones.The ‘out‐safe’or ‘safe‐out’ callsarearesultofpoor timing. Ifyougive it thatslighthesitationandallowthementalimageor’instantreplay’totakeplace,youwillneverhaveanother ‘out‐safe’ call inyour career. HOLD IT‐SELL IT! (Youcan’thavegoodjudgmentwithoutgoodtiming.Theygohand‐in‐hand.)

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Shouldthebatterofagroundballbethrownoutatfirstbasebyfivefeetortheleadingrunnerbeforcedoutbyawidemarginonpotentialdouble‐plays,onlyaroutineoutisnecessary.Anobviouseasydecisionthatcouldberoutinemustbehandledasaclosesellcall(e.g.afielderfailingtotouchabaseforaforceout,failingtotagarunnerslidingintothebase,ormissingaswipetag.)Onattemptstopickrunnersoffbasearoutinesignalmayalsobegiven,unlesstheplayisclose,thenusethe‘overhand’out.Anytimethebaseumpire’sbackisturnedontheplateumpireonadeepflyballorapossibletrappedball,thebaseumpirehasallresponsibilityfor ‘fairorfoul’and‘outandsafe’decisionsonthatball.Abaseumpirethatgoesout,muststayintheoutfieldandneverdriftbacktotheinfieldforaplayonthebases.Thiscouldcausetwoumpirestomakeadecisiononthesameplay.Evenifbothdecisionsarethesame,itlooksbad.The proper angle will have the Four Essential Elements (the ball, the base, thedefensiveplayers,andtherunner)infront.Whenwatchingthetagonaslide,makesurethebaseisinview.Inwatchingforceouts,keepyoureyeonthebaseandwatchfortheballtohitthegloveorlettheballtakeyouintotheplay.Note:Makesureyouknowfromwheretheballisbeingthrown.Nevertakeyoureyesoffthethroweruntiltheballisreleasedandlettheballtakeyouintotheplay.Hustleisanintegralpartofgoodbaseumpiringtechnique.Inessence,itisthealertapplicationoftheprinciplesofgoodumpiring.Aimlessrunningaboutisnothustle–atleast,notproductivehustle.Thepolishedbaseumpirequicklyfindsthepositionforthebest possible angle of the play, yet the umpire’swhereabouts is overlooked by thespectatorsuntilthedecisionisrendered.

8.3.3 BaseCalls

TherearetwobasiccallsanumpireMUSTmasterbeforebeingconsideredasagoodumpire: 1)Theforceplay,and2)thetagplay. Forthepurposesofthismanual,theforceplayat1stbaseisdescribed,howevertheprinciplesinvolvedapplytoALLforceplays.

8.3.4 TheForcePlay

Again,theplayatfirstbase.Asthefielderisgettingintopositiontofieldthegroundball, the base umpire should be moving into one of the recommended positionsdescribedearlier.Asthefielderreleasesthethrowthen,andonlythen,doestheumpireturnintothebase.(Lettheballtakeyouintotheplay.Aplaycannotbemadewithouttheball.)Atthistime,theumpireshouldconcentrateontheBASE,where

Therunnertouchesit, Thefirstbasemanisonit,whentheballiscaught,and Theballisnotjuggledbythefielder.

Animportantconsiderationfortheumpireatthispointisifproperpositioninghasbeenmaintained(minimumof6meters(18feet)fromthebase),whileconcentratingonthebase,watchtherunnercomingdownthelineandatthesametimeactuallyseetheballbeingcaughtbythefirstbaseman.Apositiontooclosetothebaserestrictstheangle,

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closestherangeofvision,andmaycausetheumpiretogetcaughtintheaction.(i.e.,seesituationonnextpageaboutsmotheringtheplay.)Anotherelementinmakingyourdecisionissound.Whileconcentratingonthe‘base’andallowingperipheralvisiontoaidyouinseeingtheplaydevelop,thesoundoftheballhittingtheglovehelpsdeterminewhicharrivedfirst,theballortheplayer’sfoothittingthebase.Nevertakeyoureyeofftheballordependentirelyonthesoundoftheballhittingthegloveforcrowdnoisecoulddistractyouordrownoutthesoundoftheballhittingtheglove.If propermechanics are followedasdescribed, theonly consideration left to insureproper timing is a slight hesitation to allow a clear andmental picture to develop,ensuringthepropercall.Remember,wearetalkingaboutahesitationhere,notadelay.Toolongadelaygivesrisetothethoughtthatthecallwasweakandtheumpirewasindecisive.Considerationmustbegiventowardbeingconsistentinthetimeittakestoannounceyourcalls.Ifyouarequickoneverycallandthenhaveanexaggeratedhesitationononeparticularcall itwillappeartotheplayersandfansthatyouareundecidedandguessing.Slowyourtimingdownanddon’tmakeacalluntiltheplayiscompleted,butremainconsistentwithyourtiming. Once the umpire has observed the play come to its completion, has made a slighthesitationandknowstheoutcomeoftheplay,itistimetomakethedecisionthatwillbemadeknownbythe‘out’or‘safe’signal.Itisimportantthatweunderstandthebasicelementsandhowtheyrelatetoeachother.For example,wediscussed thebasicposition,properdistanceandhow it relates toperipheralvisioninsettingupyourtiming.Ifyouwindupinapositionwhereyouaresmotheringaforceplay(intooclose)andyouareconcentratingonthebase,youmayhavetophysicallylookuptoseeiftheballiscaughtandthenlookbackdowntoseeifthefirstbasemancomesdownonthebase,iftherewasanerrantthrow.Whilethisishappeningtherunnermayhavealreadypassedthebasewhileyouwerelookingupatthecatch.Ifproperdistanceismaintained,peripheralvisionwillallowyoutoseetheentireplay,makingyourjobconsiderablyeasier.

Therearetwobasicpositionsforcallingforceplaysatfirstbase:

1) Onallgroundballshit intotheinfield,theumpireshouldmovetoaproperposition in fair territory to see the play; 5‐6meters (18 feet) back, 90degreestothethrow;onplaysat1stbase,donotgobeyond4‐degreestothebase.Onceatthispositiontheumpireshouldstop,set,seetheplayandthenmakethecall.

2) The‘foulgroundtheory’shouldbeusedasanexceptionwhenyoucan’tgetto

fairterritory.Onlythesecondbaseman’sextremeleft,ortoashortrightfield,where the throw is coming to the firstbaseman fromnear the foul line, theumpireshouldstayoutsidethediamondinfoulterritory.Movenofurtherthanaline45‐degreesthroughfirstbaseand5‐6meters(18feet)backfromthebase.Astheoutsidepositionisveryvulnerableitispreferred,wheneverpossible, that the umpire moves inside the diamond unless forced to stay

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outsidebythethrowtothefirstbasemanoranotherfieldercomingfromnearthefirstbasefoulline.

8.3.5 TagPlays

Manyoftheelementsdiscussedonforceplaysalsoapplytotagplays,suchasposition,angle and peripheral vision especially as the play develops. However, the majordifferenceisinthefactthatontagplayswewantyoutocompletethecallwithyournoserightonthetag.Astheplaydevelops,stayback,keepALLtheelementsinfrontofyou–theball,thedefense,therunnerandthebase,aswellastheareawheretheyallcometogether.Nowastherunnerandtheballnearthattagarea,movetowardstheplay.Getabout3‐4meters(12feet)awayandlettheplaycarryyouintothetag.Normallythebestangleontagplaysis90‐degreesfromthepathoftherunnerjustshortoftheleadingedgeofthebaseorhomeplateatthepointofcontact.

PRIMARYPOSITIONSFORTAGPLAYSATABASE:Onatagplay,theumpiremovestoproperpositiontoseetheplay,3‐4meters(12feet)backandnotinlinewiththethrow,90‐degreestotherunner’sbasepathandjustshortoftheleadingedgeofthebaseorhomeplate.Onceatthispositiontheumpireshouldstop,set,seetheplayandthenmakethecall.Variousprimarypositionsexistaroundeachbase.Youshouldtrytoobtainaprimaryposition foreveryplayandshouldalwaysendaplay inyournextprimaryposition. Whenwespeakofunobstructedangles,wemeanneverpositionyourselfsothatthedefensiveplayerorrunnerisbetweenyouandtheactualtag.Theanglemaymoveasthetagandslidearemade.Theumpiremustalsomovetokeepanunobstructedview.Onceyouhaveallowedtheplaytodevelop,moveinontheplay,concentrateonwhetherthetagwasmadepriortotherunnerreachingthebaseortherunnerbeatthetagtothebase.Iftherunnerisinbeforethetag,theplayisover,providingtherunnerdoesn’tslidepastthebase.Hesitateslightlythenmakeyourcall,SAFE.Ontheotherhand,theoutcallismorecritical.Nothingcanbeanymoreembarrassingthantohavethetagbeattherunneronacloseplay,havetheumpirecomeupwithagoodstrongOUT,onlytohavetheballrolloutfromunderthepile.If the tag ismadeprior to the runner reaching the base, hesitate;make certain thefielderhascontroloftheball,pointattheballwiththelefthand,andcallOUTwiththe“overhand”outcall,makingcertainyouSELLIT. OnthesameplaywhereagoodhardslidecausesacollisionandyouCANNOTfindtheballafterthetag,continuelookingfortheballandaskinagoodcrispvoiceto,“ShowmetheBall.”Besuretobepointingatthedefensiveplayerwithyourlefthandwhileyouaremovingaroundtheplaytryingtofindtheball.Whenyouseetheball,makethecallwithagoodoverhandsignal,ofcourse,becertainyoudon’tturnyourheadawayfromtheplaywhenmakingthecall.Remember,youmustFINDTHEBALL.DONOTPLANTyourselflikeabatterdigginginattheplate,moveinandaroundtheplayifnecessarytoseethetagandmovetofindtheball.

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8.3.6 PulledFoot

Quiteoftentheplayitselfwilldictateyouractionsasto‘sellingthecall’.Forexample,thepulledfootatfirstbase.Itmightbeobviousthattheballarrivedinplentyoftimetoretiretherunner,however,thefirstbasemanpulledthefootoffthebagbeforethecatch.Inthiscaseyoushouldthinkintermsofpriorities.YoudoNOTwantanyonetothinkthattherunnerwascalledsafebecausetherunnerbeatthethrow.Thinkingintermsofpriorities,yourfirstmoveshouldbetowardtheplay,POINTINGWITHYOURLEFTHANDatthebaseindicatingthatthefielderdidinfactpullthefootfollowedwitha vigorousvocal anddemonstrative –OFFFFFFF!’ (OFF) and followwith theproper‘safe’signal–sellingit.Ifyougivethe‘safe’signalandnonchalantlypointatthebase,itwillappearasthoughyou‘blew’(missed)thecallandarelookingforanexcuse.

8.3.7 SwipeTag

Similarly,withtheplaywhereawildthrowgoesupthelinetowardhomeplateandthefirstbasemanmakesanexcellentcatchand‘swipetags’therunnerpriortoreachingfirstbase.Thinkintermsofpriorities,howwastheoutmade.Neverguessanout.Thisissimilartoneverguessingastrike.Iftherunnerbeattheball,nevergoforhelp.Ifyoudorequesthelp,maketherequestbeforemakingthecallandletthehomeplateumpiremakethecall.Ifyoudorequesthelp,theballbeattherunnerandnowitmustbedeterminedifthefootwasoffthebaseorthetagmadeandyouwereblockedoutandcouldnotseethetag.Moveupandtowardthefoullineinthedirectionoftheplay.Youmayhavetogetlowandleanonewayortheothertoseethetag.Thesemovementswillnotonlygiveyouabetterview,theywillhelpsellthecall. Ifyouhavenodoubtthatthetagwasmade,pointwith the left hand, andwith a one‐wordverbal description, strongverbal call‘TAGGGGG,’(TAG)followedwithagood‘sellout’armsignal.Ifyouhavedoubtorthinkthe tag was missed, the point should be accompanied with a strong verbal call‘NOOOOOOTAG’(NOTAG)followedwithagood‘sellsafe’signal.

8.3.8 OneWordDescriptions

WheneveranumpirePOINTS tohelp ‘sell’ thecallandusesavocaldescription, it isrecommendedusingonewordonly,suchas: “YESSS”(YES)forcallingacheckswingonyourownpointingthebatterbythe

batter’s‐sidehand,followedwithastronghammerforastrikewithverbalcall“STRIKE.”

“SWINGGG”(SWING)whenaskingpartnerforhelponcheckswing.Donotechothesignal.Onlygivethenewcountbeforesignallingthepitchertopitch.

“NOOOO”(NO)whenthereisamissedtag,andastrongsell‐safesignal,oronacheckswingrequestitwasfeltthebatterdidnotswing.

“TAGGGG”(TAG)whenthefieldertagsarunner,withastrongoverhandout. “OFFFF”(OFF)whenthefielderpullsafootandtherunnerissafe.Usesell‐safe

signal. “BALLLLL”(BALL)whenyoucan’tfindtheballandyouwantthefieldertoshow

ittoyou. Assoonasyouseetheball,giveastrongoverhandoutsignalwithverbalcall‘OUT.’

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8.3.9 Inside‐OutsideTheory

The inside‐outside theory is simple, if the ball is hit inside the diamond, (meaninganythinghitonthedirtinfield),stayOUTSIDEthediamond.Inthemajorityofcasesifballishitintotheoutfieldarea,moveINSIDEthebasesunlessyouhaveresponsibilityforflyballcoverage.Sometimesatthe2ndbasepositionanumpiremayhavetostayouttogettheproperangleandkeepallfourelementsinfront.Thepurposeisequallyassimple.ALLFOURESSENTIALELEMENTSareinfrontofyou:TheBALL,theRUNNER,theDEFENSIVEPLAYER(S),andtheBASEwheretheyallcometogether.

8.3.10Button‐Hook

TheKeytotheinside‐outsidetheoryismovementandthekeytomovementregardingtheinside‐outsidetheoryisthebutton‐hook.Thebutton‐hookisatermusedforthemethodofmovingfromoutsidethediamondtotheinside. Asyoumovetowardtheinsideofthediamondyoushouldbeconcentratingontherunner(s)youareresponsiblefor,makingsureyoudoNOTinterferewithanyone,checkingforthetagofthebase,obstructionorinterferencewhileglancingtopickuptheballintheoutfield.Asyouaremovinginsidethediamond,youshouldbe:Watchingtherunner,glancingtopickuptheball,watchingtherunner,glancingtopickuptheball.Onceinsidethediamond 3‐4meters (12 feet), pivot (or button‐hook) into the play,make sure therunnertouchesthebase,checkforobstructionandproceedwiththeplay.

8.3.11Three‐FootLine

Aviolationofthe1meter(3‐foot)lineisanexampleofaninterferencecallandcallsfortheumpiretotakecharge.Theumpireshouldstepintotheplaythrowingarmshighabovetheheadcallingloudly“DEADBALL”.Steptowardtheviolationarea,pointatthespotofinterferencebythelefthandwithverbalcall‘INTERFERENCE’andgiveastrongoverhandoutsignalwithverbalcall‘BATTER‐RUNNEROUT’.Atthistime,therunnersMUST be instructed to return to the last base legally touched at the time of theinterference.

8.3.12RunningOutoftheBasePath

RunningoutofthebasepathtoavoidatagisalsoaviolationbutdoesNOTresultinadeadball. Theumpireshouldpointwiththelefthandindicatingthattherunnerdidviolatetherules,(byrunningoutofthebasepath)andfollowwithastrongoverhandoutsignalifneededandverbalcall‘OUT.’Otherrunnersmaycontinuetoadvanceattheirownriskandtheumpireshouldreactaccordingly.

8.3.13Interference

For interference calls, a vigorous dead ball signal should be given with both armsextended high above your head, andwith a strong vocal call of “DEADBALL”. It isimportantthatyoustepinwithauthorityandtakecharge.Stopanyfurtherplayassoonaspossible,ascontinuedplaysimplyleadstoconfusion.Steptowardtheviolationarea,pointat thespotof interferencewiththelefthandandgiveastrongoutsignalwithverbalcall‘INTERFERENCE,RUNNER/BATTER‐RUNNER/BATTEROUT.’Threethings

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mustalwaysoccuronaninterferencecall:1)Theballisdead,2)anoutiscalled,and3)allrunnersmustreturnto thebasetheyoccupiedat thetimeof the interference.Note:Ifthebatter‐runnercausesinterference,theballisdeadfromthetimeofthepitch.

8.3.14Obstruction

Obstructionistheactof:

a) Adefensive player or teammemberwho hinders or prevents a batter from

strikingatorhittingapitchedball.b) Afielderwhoimpedestheprogressofarunnerorbatter‐runnerwhoislegally

runningbaseswhile:1. Notinpossessionoftheball,or2. Notintheactoffieldingabattedball,or3. Makingafaketagwithouttheball,or4. Inpossessionoftheballandwhopushesarunneroffabase,or5. In possession of the ball, but not in the act ofmaking a play on the

runner,impedestheprogressofthatrunner,whileheislegallyrunningthebases.

Allobstructioncallsrequireadelayeddeadballsignal,allowingarunnerplayedonornotplayedonthesameabilitytoadvance.Theumpirewillprotecttherunneronlytothebasetherunnerwouldhavemadeiftherehadnotbeenobstruction(Thisissolelythejudgmentoftheumpiremakingthecall). Iftherunnerisplayedonpriortothisbaseandtheball is incontrolofthedefender,adeadball iscalledandtheawardofbase(s)made.Iftherunneradvancesbeyondthebaseprotected,andistaggedout,theoutstandsandtheballremainslive.Itshouldalsobeclearthatwhensaying“arunnercannotbecalledoutbetweenthetwobasesobstructed,”doesnotpertainwhenanotherviolationisbeingplayedupon.(e.g.,arunnerleavingsecondbasetoosoononaflyballisreturningtosecondbaseaftertheball is caught and isobstructedbetween secondbaseand thirdbase. If the runnerwouldnothavemadeitbacktosecondbasepriortothethrowarrivingiftherehadnotbeenobstruction,therunnerwouldremainout.Thesameistrueonamissedbase).Remember, the obstructed runner cannot be called out between the two basesobstructed, therefore, if the umpire does not feel the runnerwould havemade theadvancebase,therunnerisreturnedtothepreviousbase.A fieldermay notmake a fake tag (a tagwithout a ball), on a runner advancing orreturningtoabase.Thisisaformofobstruction.Therunnerisawardedthebasethathe/shewouldhavemadeifthefaketaghadnotoccurred. Afaketagcouldresultinejection.

8.3.15Catcher’sObstruction

Ifacatcherobstructsabatterbytippingthebatorholdinghisgloveoverhomeplateandthebathitsthegloveontheforwardorbackwardswing,thebatterisawardedfirstbase.Exception:Thisisadelayedcallandifthebatterhitstheball,reachesfirstbasesafely

andallotherrunnersadvanceatleastonebase,theobstructionisignored.Itisalsoignorediftheabovedoesnothappen,buttheoffensivemanager

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wantstotaketheresultoftheplayonthebattedball.Refertothesectiononplatemechanicsforfurtherdiscussionon‘catcherobstruction’optionsandpropermechanics.

8.3.16CollisionsSimplybecausethereiscontactbetweenthedefensiveandoffensiveplayerdoesnotmeanthatobstructionorinterferencehasoccurred.

8.3.17IllegalPitches

Concernhereisthatthebaseumpireisawareofillegalpitchresponsibilities.Becausethebaseumpirehasthesideviewonthepoints(firstandthirdbase),meansthebaseumpireisresponsibleforanyactionbehindandinfrontofthepitchingplate.Feetonandoffthepitchingplate,frontandback.Itrequiresadelayeddeadballsignal.Allowtheplaytocontinueandruleaccordingly.Again,lookunderplatemechanics,fortheviolationandpenaltyenforcement.Plateumpireshouldjudgethelegalorillegalheightoftheball.

8.3.18HelpfulHintsforBaseUmpires

Hustle. Whenstationedat firstorthirdbase, theumpireshouldstandat thecorrect

distancedependingonwhethertherearerunnersonornot. Moveonallpitched,battedandthrownballs. Callallyourplaysinfairterritoryexceptwhentheplaydictatesforyoutobein

foulterritory. Don’tmakeacalluntilthecatchorplayiscompleted. Don’tletplayersorcoachescallplaysforyou. Checktomakecertainallbasesaresecureandcleanandthepitcher’splateis

clean. Donotmakeasellcallonobviousout,safe,fairorfoulcalls. Line‐uprunnersonallflyballstotheoutfield,asoutlinedintagupprocedures

inthismanual. Watchrunnerstouchallbases. Slowuprunnerswhentheballbecomesdeadbecauseoffoulballs,etc. Takepositionsthatwillkeepyououtoftheplayer’sway.Checkwiththefielders

everytimeyoumovetoseethatyouarenotobstructingtheirview. Hustleoutonflyballsandstayoutuntilplayisconcluded. Neverwalkfromonepositiontoanother;hustleandtheballplayerswillfollow

yourexample. Whether there are runners or not, base umpires should always start in the

‘ready’position. Makeyourclosecallswithastrongenthusiasticvoice. Onrun‐downs,theresponsibilityofthecallisdeterminedbythedirectionthe

runnerisrunningtowards. Don’ttouchballsthrowntoyoubythedefensiveteam,astheremaynotbethree

outs. Recognizeyournextplayandprepareforit. When calling, “TIME” for an injured player, stay nearby until the coach or

trainercomesout.Thenleavethearea.

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Donotsignal/echofoulballsfromthebases,(Unlessthebatterishitbyabattedball and the plate umpire does not see it or if runners are on base and arerunningtowardsyou.)Thiswouldbeafoulballsignal–neveranout.

Bereadytocallillegalpitches. Watchforthepositionofallrunnersatthetimeofthrowonoverthrows. Watchforapitchedballswungat(assistifrequestedbytheplateumpire). Watchforbatterhitbypitchinthebatter’sbox(immediatelysignaldeadball) Watchforbatterhitbyballoutofthebatter’sbox(signaldeadball) Watchforrunnersleavingbasebeforethepitchedballleavesthepitcher’shand. Watchforinterference. Watchforobstruction. Backuptheplateumpire.

ForthemostuptodateversionoftheUmpireManualgototheWBSCwebsite www.wbsc.orgunderSoftballUmpireArea

Umpire Manual Slow Pitch - Amazon S3€¦ · WBSC Softball Slow Pitch Umpire Manual INTRODUCTION Rules are written for the players, managers, umpires and fans. There are rules for

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