WCLL Umpire Clinic Minor and Major

• Welcome and Introductions• Local Division Rules Minor and Major• Little League Rules• Umpire Mechanics• Umpire Expectations• Next Steps

• Schedule

WCLL Umpire Clinic Minor and Major

Minor & Major Local RulesSection 6.3.1 & 6.4.1 Umpires/Rulings

6.3.1.1. No judgment call shall be disputed by any manager. The 6.4.1.1 Manager may calmly discuss rules interpretations with the umpire. In

the event that a judgment call is disputed by a manager, that manager is ejected from the game. Play does not continue until the manager has left the property. In the event that the umpire is a minor, the umpire should contact the nearest WCLL board member and that board member executes the ejection(s).

a) For the first offense, the volunteer is suspended from managing their team for one (1) game. When serving

that suspension, the volunteer cannot be present at the park.b) For the second offense, the volunteer is suspended

from managing their team for three (3) games. When serving that suspension, the volunteer cannot be present at the park. As well, the volunteer is not eligible to manager any All-Star teams.

c) For any additional offense, the volunteer is banned from managing in Warren County Little League.

Minor & Major Local RulesSection 6.3.1 & 6.4.1 Umpires/Rulings

6.3.1.2 No spectator shall interrupt the game in the attempt to 6.4.1.2dispute any decision made on the field by any

coach or any umpire. In the event that this occurs, the spectator will be ejected from the field

along with the manager of the team that spectator represents. Play will not continue until both parties have left the property. In the event that the umpire is a minor that umpire will contact the nearest WCLL board member and that board member will execute the ejection(s).6.3.1.3 The Umpire is the only person that can call time. 6.4.1.3 Players can request time, but the umpire has the final

decision.

Minor & Major Local RulesSection 6.3.2 & 6.4.2 Field Markings/Dimensions

6.3.2.1 The home team must line the fields. Lining includes 6.4.2.1 the batters box.6.3.2.2 The base path distance is 60 ft.6.4.2.26.3.2.3 The distance of the pitching rubber to home plate is 6.4.2.3

46 ft.

Minor & Major Local RulesSection 6.3.3 & 6.4.3 Base Running

6.3.3.1 Base runners are permitted to steal after the ball 6.4.3.1crosses home plate.6.3.3.2 Base runners are not permitted to leadoff. 6.4.3.2 6.3.3.3 There is no overthrow rule in effect as long as the ball 6.4.3.3 stays within playable boundaries.6.3.3.4 Base runners always advance at their own risk. If not 6.4.3.4 on a base and time has not been called by the umpire

the base runner can be tagged out

Minor Local RulesSection 6.3.4 Hitting

6.3.4.1. A team’s turn at bat concludes when the defensive team records 3 outs.

6.3.4.2. During the first 5 innings, no runs count after the 7th run crosses the plate in any given half inning. If the 7th run is scored before the play ends, the players will continue with the play even though no more than 7 runs will count. In the 6th inning, there is no limit on the number of runs that a team can score.

6.3.4.3. During the first 5 innings, the offensive team must notify the umpire when 6 runs have scored in the inning.

Minor Local RulesSection 6.3.5 Fielding/Defense

6.3.5.1. Teams will play with 9 defensive players (6 infielders and 3 outfielders). Players will play normal positions.

6.3.5.2. Outfielders cannot cover bases on the initial play.

Minor Local RulesSection 6.3.6 Pitching

6.3.6.1. Pitching rules will coincide with rules printed in LITTLE LEAGUE YEAR RULE BOOK.

6.3.6.2. Pitch counts and days of rest are to adhere to the permitted limits for players 10 and under in the LITTLE LEAGUE CURRENT YEAR RULE BOOK (see Regulation VI – Pitchers).

Minor Local RulesSection 6.3.7 Games

6.3.7.1. Games will consist of 6 innings. A new inning cannot start after the game has lasted 2 hours.

6.3.7.2. If the score is tied after the conclusion of the game, extra innings are played until a winner is determined.

6.3.7.3. The mercy rule will take effect if one team is leading by 10 or more runs after 5 complete innings or 4 ½ if home team is winning.

6.3.7.4. There will be umpires for each game. Umpires will be scheduled in advance.

Minor Local RulesSection 6.3.7 Games

6.3.7.5. If a game is stopped due to darkness or inclement weather, the game will be counted as official if 5 innings have been completed or 4 ½ if home team is winning. Every opportunity must be given to complete an inning. If the game is called before 5 full innings are complete, the game will be made up entirely. Refer to the Little League Current Year Rule Book for all situations.

6.3.7.6. Every attempt will be made to play the game. Teams can play with 8 or more players. If playing with 8 when the 9th spot in the batting order comes up 1 out shall be given to the offensive team.

Minor & Major Local RulesSection 6.3.9 & 6.4.9 Other Rules

6.3.9.1 The Manager is to notify the Player Agent when their 6.4.9.1 team will be short players. Failure to notify the Player

Agent in a timely manner will result in a forfeit.6.3.9.2. All other rules will follow the Little League Rule book 6.4.9.2 for the current season.

Major Local RulesSection 6.4.4 Hitting

6.4.4.1. A team’s turn at bat concludes when the defensive team records 3 outs.

Major Local RulesSection 6.4.5 Fielding/Defense

6.4.5.1. Teams will play with 9 defensive players (6 infielders and 3 outfielders). Players will play normal positions.

6.4.5.2. The infield fly rule will be in effect.

Major Local RulesSection 6.4.6 Pitching

6.4.6.1. Pitching rules will coincide with rules printed in LITTLE LEAGUE YEAR RULE BOOK.

6.4.6.2. Pitch counts are to adhere to the permitted pitch counts for players 11 and 12 years old in the

LITTLE LEAGUE CURRENT YEAR RULE BOOK (see Regulation VI – Pitchers).

6.4.6.3. There will be no rule stating the balance of 11 to 12 yr. old player having to pitch a certain number of

games or innings.

Major Local RulesSection 6.4.7 Games

6.4.7.1. Games will consist of 6 innings. A new inning cannot start after the game has lasted 2 hours and 30 minutes.

6.4.7.2. If the score is tied after the conclusion of the game, extra innings are played until a winner is determined.

6.4.7.3. The mercy rule will take effect if one team is leading by 10 or more runs after 5 complete innings or 4 ½ if home team is winning.

6.4.7.4. There will be umpires for each game. Umpires will be scheduled in advance.

Major Local RulesSection 6.4.7 Games

6.4.7.5. If a game is stopped due to darkness or inclement weather, the game will be counted as official if 5 innings have been completed or 4 ½ if home team is winning. Every opportunity must be given to complete an inning. If the game is called before 5 full innings are complete, the game will be made up entirely. Refer to the Little League Current Year Rule Book for all situations.

6.4.7.6. Every attempt will be made to play the game. Teams can play with 8 or more players. If playing with 8

when the 9th spot in the batting order comes up 1 out shall be given to the offensive team.

Regulation IV (i)

PLAYER

Regulation IV (i)• Every player on a team roster will

participate in each game for a minimum of six (6) defensive outs and bat at least one (1) time.

Regulation VI

PITCHER

Regulation VI• Any player on the team

roster may pitch.• There is no limit to the

number of pitchers a team may use in a game.

Regulation VI• The manager must remove the

pitcher when the pitcher reaches the pitch limit for his age group.

• The pitcher may remain in the game at another position.

Regulation VI• EXCEPTION: If a pitcher

reaches the pitch limit while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until that batter 1) reaches base or 2) is put out, or 3) the third out is made to complete the half-inning.

Regulation VI• League Age # of Pitches

17 – 18 10513 – 16 9511 – 12 85 9 – 10 75 7 – 8 50

Regulation VI• Rest Periods for League Age 16 and under

# of Pitches Days & Game Rest 1 – 20 None21 – 40 1 Day & 0 Game 41 – 60 2 Days & 1 Game

61 or more 3 Days & 1 Game

Rule 1.00Objectives

OfThe

Game

Rule 1.08BENCHES & DUGOUTS

On-Deck Batter

• TB/CP/Min/Maj/Min: Not Permitted

Rule 1.08BENCHES & DUGOUTS

• Only the first batter of each half-inning will be permitted outside the dugout between half-innings in Maj/Min.

Rule 1.10BATS

• The batting donut is ILLEGAL.

• The batting sleeve is LEGAL.

Rule 1.11(a)(3)• Any part of the pitcher’s

undershirt or T-shirt exposed to view shall be of a uniform solid color.

Rule 1.11(a)(3)• A pitcher shall not wear any items

on his hands, wrists or arms which may be distracting to the batter.

• White long sleeve shirts are not permitted.

Rule 1.11(h)• Metal spikes or cleats are

ILLEGAL in Maj/Min.

Rule 1.11(j)• Players must not wear watches,

rings, pins, jewelry or other metallic items.

• EXCEPTION: Jewelry that alerts medical personnel to a specific condition can be worn.

Rule 1.11(k)• Casts may not be worn during

the game.

Rule 1.15(a)• The pitcher’s glove shall be of

one solid color other than white or gray, OR if multi-colored, white and light gray shall not be included in the colors.

Rule 1.15(b)• No pitcher shall attach to the

glove any foreign material of a color different from the glove.

Rule 1.15(b)• The pitcher may wear a batting

glove on the non-pitching hand under the pitcher’s glove provided the batting glove is not white, gray or optic yellow.

Rule 1.15(c)• Sweat bands of any color, size

or shape are not allowed on either arm or wrist of the pitcher.

Rule 1.17• All catchers must wear chest

protectors with neck collar, throat guard, shin guards and catcher’s helmet.

• The catcher’s helmet must meet LL specifications and bear the NOCSAE stamp.

Rule 1.17• All catchers must wear a mask,

“dangling” type throat protector and catcher’s helmet during infield/outfield practice, pitcher warm-ups and games.

• Skullcaps are ILLEGAL.

Rule 1.17• “Hockey style” masks are

authorized.• The “dangling” throat guard

MUST be attached to all masks … including the “hockey style” masks.

Rule 2.00

DefinitionOf

Terms

BALK• No balks in Maj/Min

FAIR BALL• A batted ball that settles on

FAIR ground between home and first base, or between home and third base, …

FAIR BALL• Or that is on or over FAIR

territory when bounding to the outfield past first or third base, …

• Or that touches first, second or third base, …

FAIR BALL• Or that first falls on FAIR

territory on or beyond first base or third base, …

• Or that, while on or over FAIR territory touches the person of an umpire or player, …

FAIR BALL• Or that, while over FAIR

territory, passes out of the playing field in flight.

FAIR BALL• A ball shall be judged based

on its relative position and the foul line … NOT the position of the fielder … when it is touched.

FAIR BALL• DO NOT MAKE A VERBAL

CALL!!!!• Just point into fair territory.

FAIR TERRITORY• The playing field within and

including the foul lines.

• All bases are in fair territory.

FOUL BALL• A batted ball that settles on

FOUL ground between home and first base, or between home and third base, …

FOUL BALL• Or that bounds past first or

third base on or over FOUL territory, …

• Or that first falls on FOUL territory beyond first or third base, …

FOUL BALL• Or that, while on or over FOUL

territory touches the person of an umpire or player, or any object foreign to the natural ground.

FOUL BALL• A ball shall be judged based

on its relative position and the foul line … NOT the position of the fielder … when it is touched.

FOUL BALL• MAKE A VERBAL CALL!!!!• Throw your hands in front of

you and yell “FOUL!”• Then point into foul territory.

FOUL TERRITORY• The playing field outside of the

foul lines.

ILLEGAL PITCH• A pitch delivered to the batter

when he doesn’t have his pivot foot in contact with the rubber.

• A quick pitch.

ILLEGAL PITCH• Any pitch meeting criteria in

Rule 8.05.

ILLEGALLY BATTED BALL

• A batted ball hit by the batter with one or both feet on the ground entirely outside of the batter’s box.

ILLEGALLY BATTED BALL

• Stepping on home plate while batting the ball is not an out UNLESS his foot is entirely out of the batter’s box.

INFIELD FLY• A fair fly ball (not a bunt or line

drive) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort when 1st & 2nd bases OR 1st, 2nd & 3rd bases are occupied with less than 2 out.

INFIELD FLY• Yell “Infield Fly” when you

determine it is an Infield Fly.• If it is near the foul line, yell

“Infield Fly if Fair.”

INFIELD FLY – Note (1)• If a declared Infield Fly falls

untouched in FAIR territory and rolls FOUL, it is a FOUL BALL.

• If a declared Infield Fly falls untouched in FOUL territory and rolls FAIR, it is an INFIELD FLY.

OBSTRUCTION & INTERFERENCE

YES There is a difference.

Rules of Thumb

• On a batted ball, the fielder has the “right-of-way” over the runner.

• On a thrown ball, the runner has the “right-of-way” over the fielder.

• A runner always makes his own base path.

Rules of Thumb

• When a fielder and a runner collide, one of three things has occurred:ObstructionInterferenceTrain Wreck (everybody is doing what

they are supposed to be doing)

OBSTRUCTION • OBSTRUCTION is the act of a fielder who,

while not in possession of the ball, impedes the progress of any runner. A fake tag is considered obstruction. (NOTE: Obstruction shall be called on a defensive player who blocks off a base, base line or home plate from a base runner while not in possession of the ball.)

OBSTRUCTION - Types

• Type A – a runner is obstructed while a play is being made on him.

• Type B – a runner is obstructed when no play is being made on him.

OBSTRUCTION – 7.06(a)

• TYPE A - If a play is being made on the obstructed runner, or if the batter-runner is obstructed before touching first base, the ball is dead and all runners shall advance without liability to be put out, to the bases they would have reached, in the umpire's judgment, if there had been no obstruction.

OBSTRUCTION – 7.06(a)

• TYPE A - The obstructed runner shall be awarded at least one base beyond the base last legally touched by such runner, before the obstruction. Any preceding runners forced to advance by the award of bases as the penalty for obstruction shall advance without liability to be put out.

OBSTRUCTION – 7.06(b)

• TYPE B – If NO play is being made on the obstructed runner, the play shall proceed until no further action is possible. The umpire shall the call “TIME” and impose such penalties, if any, as in that umpire’s judgment will nullify the act of obstruction.


• TYPE B – NOTE 1: When the ball is not dead on obstruction and an obstructed runner advances beyond the base which, in the umpire's judgment, the runner would have been awarded because of being obstructed, the runner does so at his/her own risk and may be tagged out. This is a judgment call.


• TYPE B – NOTE 2: If the defensive player blocks the base (plate) or base line clearly without possession of the ball, obstruction shall be called. The runner is safe and a “delayed dead ball” shall be called.

INTERFERENCE - Types

• Offensive Interference• Defensive Interference• Umpire Interference• Spectator Interference

On any interference,On any interference,the ball is dead the ball is dead

(with one exception)(with one exception)


• (a) Offensive interference is an act by a member of the team at bat which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play.


• (b) Defensive interference is an act by a fielder which hinders or prevents a batter from hitting a pitch. (Typically this is catcher’s interference.)


• (c) Umpire's interference occurs (1) when an umpire hinders, impedes or prevents a catcher's throw attempting to prevent a stolen base, or (2) when a fair ball touches an umpire on fair territory before passing a fielder.


• (d) Spectator interference occurs when a spectator reaches out of the stands or goes on the playing field, and touches a live ball.

STRIKE ZONE• Armpits to the knees over

home plate.• Beware of crouching batters.• THINK STRIKES!!!!!!!

“TIME”• The announcement by the

umpire of a legal interruption of play during which the ball is dead.

• Managers ASK for “TIME” … umpires CALL “TIME.”

Rule 3.00

GamePreliminaries

Rule 3.05• Pitcher listed on batting order

must pitch to the first batter until such batter is put out or reaches 1st base unless the pitcher sustains an injury.

Rule 3.05• Any substitute pitcher shall

pitch to the batter then at bat until the batter is put out or reaches 1st base unless the pitcher sustains an injury.

Rule 4.00

Starting And Ending The

Game

Rule 4.01• The umpire(s) shall proceed

directly to home plate where they shall be met by the managers of the opposing teams, just preceding the established time to begin the game. In sequence -

Rule 4.01(a,b)• (a)The home team manager

shall give the batting order in duplicate to the umpire-in-chief;

• (b) next, the visiting manager shall give the batting order in duplicate to the umpire-in-chief;

Rule 4.01(c)• The umpire-in-chief shall make

certain that the original and duplicate copies are the same, then provide a copy of each batting order to the opposing manager. The original copy retained by the umpire shall be the official batting order;

Rule 4.01(d)• As soon as the home teams batting

order is handed to the umpire-in-chief, the umpires are in charge of the playing field and from that moment have the sole authority to determine when a game shall be called, halted or resumed on account of weather or the conditions of the playing field.

Rule 4.02• The players of the home team

shall take their defensive positions, the first batter of the visiting team shall take a position in the batter’s box, the umpire shall call “Play” and the game shall start.

Rule 4.04• Batting Order

– Minors & Below: The continuous batting order is mandatory.

Rule 5.00Putting

The BallIn Play

(Live Ball)

Rule 5.09• Dead Ball Base Awards

Rule 5.09(c)• Maj/Min: An illegal pitch is

committed: A “ball” is awarded to the batter.

Rule 5.09(f)• A fair ball touches a runner on fair

territory BEFORE it touches or passes an infielder including the pitcher: Ball is dead, runner touched by fair ball is out, batter awarded 1st base and all other runners advance one base IF forced.

Rule 5.09(f)• A fair ball touches a runner on fair

territory AFTER it touches or passes an infielder including the pitcher: Ball is NOT dead and runner is NOT out PROVIDED no other infielder had a chance to make a play on the ball.

Rule 5.09(f)• A fair ball touches an umpire

BEFORE it touches an infielder including the pitcher OR BEFORE it has passed an infielder other than the pitcher: Ball is dead, batter awarded 1st base and all other runners advance one base IF forced.

Rule 6.00

The Batter

Rule 6.06• Illegal Actions by the Batter

Rule 6.06(a)• Hitting the ball with one or both

feet on the ground entirely outside of the batter’s box … fair or foul. Ball is dead.

• Batter is OUT!

Rule 6.06(b)• Stepping from one batter’s box to

the other when the pitcher is ready to pitch. Ball is dead.

• Batter is OUT!

Rule 6.06(c)• Interfering with the catcher’s fielding

or throwing by stepping out of the box or making any other movement that hinders the catcher’s play at home. Ball is dead.

• Batter is OUT!

Rule 6.06(c) Exception

• Batter is NOT out if any runner attempting to advance is put out OR if a runner trying to score is called out for batter’s interference.

Rule 6.07• Batting Out of Turn

Rule 6.07(a)• A batter shall be called out, on

appeal, when failing to bat in his PROPER turn and another batter completes a time at bat in place of the PROPER batter.

Rule 6.07(b)• When an IMPROPER batter

becomes a runner or is put out and the defense appeals before the next pitch to the next batter of either team, the umpire shall …

Rule 6.07(b)• Declare the PROPER batter out.

• Nullify any advance or score made because of the a ball batted by the IMPROPER batter or the IMPROPER batter’s advance to 1st base on a hit, error, base on balls, a hit batter or otherwise.

Rule 6.07(b)• If a runner advances during the

IMPROPER batter’s at-bat on a stolen base, illegal pitch, balk, wild pitch or passed ball, such advance is LEGAL.

Rule 6.07(c)• When an IMPROPER batter

becomes a runner or is put out AND a pitch is made to the next batter of either team BEFORE an appeal is made, the IMPROPER batter becomes the PROPER batter and the results of such at-bat becomes LEGAL.

Rule 6.07(d)(1)• When the PROPER batter is

called OUT for failing to bat in turn, the next batter shall be the batter who follows the PROPER batter.

Rule 6.07(d)(2)• When an IMPROPER batter

becomes a PROPER batter, the next batter shall be the batter who follows that of such legalized IMPROPER batter.

Rule 6.07 Note• The umpire and the scorekeeper

shall not direct the attention of any person to the presence in the batters box of an improper batter. The rule is designed to require constant vigilance by the players and the managers of both teams.

Rule 6.07 Note• There are two fundamentals to keep in

mind: • 1. When a player bats out of turn the

proper batter is the player called out. • 2. If an improper batter bats and reaches

base or is out and no appeal is made before a pitch to the next batter, or before any play or attempted play, that improper batter is considered to have batted in proper turn and establishes the order that is to follow.

Rule 7.00

The Runner

Rule 7.03• Two Runners may not occupy

a base, but if, while the ball is alive, two runners are touching the base, the following runner shall be out when tagged. The preceding runner is entitled to the base.

Rule 7.08• Any runner is out when:

Rule 7.08(a)(1)• Running more than 3 ft away from

his baseline to avoid being tagged UNLESS he is avoiding interfering with a fielder fielding a batted ball.

Rule 7.08(a)(1)• A runner’s baseline is established

when the tag attempt occurs, and is a straight line from the runner to the base to which he is attempting to reach.

Rule 7.08(a)(2)• After touching 1st base, he leaves

the base line and abandons all efforts to touch the next base.

Rule 7.08(a)(3)• The runner does not slide OR

attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag.

Rule 7.08(a)(3)• Fielder MUST …

“Have the ball in his possession” AND“Be WAITING to make the tag”

• Runner must EITHER …“Slide” OR“Attempt to get around the fielder”

• Contact may occur with no penalty.

Rule 7.08(a)(4)• Maj/Min: Slides headfirst while

advancing.

• It is LEGAL to slide headfirst while RETURNING to a base.

Rule 7.13• Runner leaving the Base Early

Rule 7.13• Maj/Min: When a pitcher is in

contact with the pitcher’s plate and in possession of the ball AND the catcher in in the catcher’s box ready to receive the delivery of the ball …

Rule 7.13• Base runners shall not leave their

base UNTIL the ball has been delivered AND has reached the batter.

• Violation by ONE runner affects ALL runners!!!!

Rule 7.13(a)• When a runner leaves early and the batter

does NOT hit the ball, allow the play to continue.

• IF the runner is put OUT, he is OUT.

• If he is SAFE, all runners must return to their original base occupied before the pitch.

Rule 7.13(b)• When a runner leaves early and the

batter does hit the ball, allow the play to continue.

• IF the runner is put OUT, he is OUT.

• If he is SAFE, all runners must return to their original base OR to the unoccupied base nearest to their original base.

Rule 7.13(b)• In no event shall a batter advance

beyond 1st base on a single or error, 2nd base on a double or 3rd base on a triple.

• The umpire-in-chief shall determine the value of the hit.

Rule 7.13(c)• When a runner leaves early and

the batter hits or bunts the ball WITHIN the infield, NO runners will be allowed to score.

Rule 7.13(c)• If the bases were loaded, the batter

reaches 1st base safely and all runners advance one base, then the runner who was on 3rd base will NOT score … and NO out is recorded.

• This is known as the “POOF” play.

Rule 7.13• When a runner leaves early, the

base umpire should immediately drop a red signal flag OR his hat to indicate the violation.

Rule 7.14• Special Pinch Runner

Rule 8.00

The Pitcher

Rule 8.03• Eight (8) pitches not to exceed one

(1) minute.

• EXCEPTION: If a pitcher has not warmed up prior to being summoned, the umpire will allow as many pitches as the umpire deems necessary.

Rule 8.04• The pitcher must deliver the ball

within twenty (20) seconds to the batter with NO runners.

• PENALTY: “Ball”

Rule 8.05• Definition of an Illegal Pitch

(With Runners)

Rule 8.05(a)• The pitcher while touching the

rubber makes any motion naturally associated with the pitch and fails to make such delivery.

• PENALTY:Maj/Min: Ball

Rule 8.05(b)• The pitcher while touching the

rubber feints a throw to 1st base and fails to complete the throw.

• Penalty:Maj/Min: Ball

Rule 8.05(c)• The pitcher while touching the rubber

fails to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base.


Rule 8.05(d)• The pitcher while touching the rubber

throws or feints a throw to an unoccupied base except to make a play.


Rule 8.05(e)• The pitcher makes a “quick pitch.”

This is a pitch delivered before the batter is set in the box.


Rule 8.05(f)• The pitcher delivers the ball to the

batter while not facing the batter.


Rule 8.05(g)• The pitcher makes any motion

naturally associated with the pitch while NOT touching the rubber.


Rule 8.05(h)• The pitcher unnecessarily delays

the game.


Rule 8.05(i)• The pitcher WITHOUT the ball

stands ON or ASTRIDE the rubber OR while off of the rubber feints a pitch.


Rule 8.05(j)• The pitcher while touching the

rubber accidentally or intentionally drops the ball.

• Penalty:

Maj/Min: Ball

Rule 8.05(k)• The pitcher while giving an intentional

base on balls pitches when the catcher in not in the catcher’s box.


Rule 8.05• If a play follows an “illegal pitch,”

the manager of the offense may advise the umpire of a decision to decline the illegal pitch penalty.

Rule 8.05• If the batter hits an “illegal pitch,”

reaches 1st base safely and all runners advance at lease one base, the play proceeds without reference to the illegal pitch.

Rule 8.05• If a pitcher violates 8.05(a – m)

and throws wild to a base, the runners may advance at their own risk.

• This is a “delayed dead ball.”

Rule 8.06• Visits by the Manager or

manager to the Pitcher

Rule 8.06(a)• Two (2) visits per INNING

• Third (3rd) visit in an inning – Pitcher must be replaced.

Rule 8.06(b)• Three (3) visits per GAME

• Fourth (4th) visit in an game – Pitcher must be replaced.

Rule 8.06(c)• Manager is prohibited from

making a 3rd visit to a pitcher while the same batter is at bat.

Rule 8.06(d)• A manager or manager may

confer with any other players during the visit.

• This means “any or all players.”

Rule 8.06• A conference with any player

regarding an injury is NOT a visit.

• Manager or manager should advise the umpire.

• Umpires should monitor the conference.

Rule 9.00

The Umpire

Rule 9.01• Umpire’s Authority

Rule 9.01(a)• Umpire is responsible for the

conduct of the game in accordance with these rules and for maintaining discipline and order on the playing field during the game.

Rule 9.01(a)• Plate umpire will wear mask with

“dangling” type throat guard, shin guards and chest protector.

• Male umpires must wear a protective cup.

Rule 9.01(b)• Each umpire has the authority to

order a player, manager, manager or league officer to do or refrain from doing anything that affects the administering of these rules and enforce the penalties.

Rule 9.01(c)• Each umpire has the authority to

rule on any point not specifically covered in these rules.

Rule 9.01(d)• Each umpire has the authority to

disqualify any player, manager, manager or substitute for objecting to decisions or for unsportsmanlike conduct or language and eject them from the playing field.

Rule 9.01(e)• All umpires have the authority to

eject from the playing field any person whose duties permit that person’s presence on the field OR any spectator or other person not authorized to be on the playing field.

Rule 9.01(f)• Umpires may order the teams into

their dugouts and suspend play until such time as League Officials deal with unruly spectators.

Rule 9.01(f)• Failure of League Officials to

adequately handle an unruly spectator can result in the game remaining suspended until a later date.

Rule 9.02• Umpire’s Decisions

Rule 9.02(a)• Any umpire’s decision which

involves judgment such as but not limited to whether a batted ball is fair or foul, whether a pitch is a strike or a ball, or whether a runner is safe or out is FINAL.

Rule 9.02(a)• No player, manager, manager or

substitute shall object to any such judgment decisions.

Rule 9.02(b)• If there is a reasonable doubt that

any umpire’s decision may be in conflict with the rules, the manager may appeal the decision and ask that a correct ruling be made.

Rule 9.02(b)• Such an appeal shall be made

only to the umpire who made the protested decision.

Rule 9.02(c)• If a decision is appealed, the

umpire making the decision may ask another umpire for information before making a final decision.

Rule 9.02(c)• No umpire shall criticize, seek to

reverse or interfere with another umpire’s decision UNLESS asked to do so by the umpire making it.

Rule 9.02(d)• No umpire may be replaced

during a game UNLESS injured or ill.

Rule 9.03• Umpire’s Jurisdiction

Rule 9.03(a)• If there is only one umpire, that

umpire shall have complete jurisdiction in administering the rules.

Rule 9.03(a)• This umpire may take any position

on the playing field which will enable the umpire to discharge all duties.

• Usually behind the catcher but sometimes behind the pitcher if there are runners.

Rule 9.04• Umpire’s Duties

Rule 9.04(a)• Umpire-in-Chief

Take full charge of and be responsible for the proper conduct of the game.

Call balls and strikes.Call and declare fair and foul balls

except those commonly called by field umpires.

Rule 9.04(a)• Umpire-in-Chief

Make all decisions on the batter.Make all decisions except those

commonly reserved for the field umpires.

Decide when a game shall be forfeited.

Rule 9.05(a)• The umpire shall report to the league

president within 24 hours after the end of a game all violations of rules and other incidents worthy of comment including the disqualification of any manager, manager or player and the reasons therefore.

Rule 9.05(b)• When any manager, manager or player is

disqualified for a flagrant offense such as the use of obscene or indecent language or an assault upon an umpire, manager, manager or player, the umpire shall forward full particulars to the league president within 24 hours after the end of the game.

Rule 9.06• Umpire’s Shoes

Umpires shall NOT wear shoes with metal spikes or cleats.

Umpire Mechanics

One Umpire System Video

Umpire_1_Man_System_0001.wmv

Umpire Signs Video

Umpire signs.mp4

Umpire Expectations1. Arrive 10 minutes before the game suited up and

ready to umpire.2. Ensure field is properly lined3. Cover Ground Rules before the game with

Managers4. Know Little League rules (read rule book)5. Have the Little League rule book with you6. If you cannot make your assigned umpire date

you must find a replacement. If the game is within 24 hours of play and you have not found a

replacement notify the Umpire Coordinator with the names of the replacement umpires you contacted and that you were unsuccessful in finding a replacement.

Ground Rules Minor1. Inform the managers of the Strike Zone. 2. Tell them that they are responsible for tracking the pitch

count. Any discrepancies in pitch count the home team book will

be used as the source of truth.3. Cover the infield fly rule. Even if the ball is in the outfield

grass and the ball can be caught by the infielder with ordinary effort. This is a judgment call.

4. No judgment calls can be disputed. 5. Only the MANAGER can ask calmly ask to discuss a rule interpretation.6. If parent or coach is ejected from the game so is the

manager.7. Base runners are permitted to steal after the ball crosses

home plate.8. Base runners are not permitted to leadoff.

Ground Rules Minor 9. Runners advance at their own risk.10. Umpire is the only person that can call time.11. No Balks. If the pitcher does not deliver a valid pitch the umpire shall call a ball.12. During the first 5 innings, no runs count after the 7th run crosses the plate in any given half inning. 13. In the 6th inning, there is no limit on the number of runs that a team can score.14. During the first 5 innings, the offensive team must notify the umpire when 6 runs have scored in the inning.15. Games will consist of 6 innings. A new inning cannot start after the game has lasted 2 hours. 16 If the score is tied after the conclusion of the game, extra innings are played until a winner is determined.

Ground Rules Minor17. The mercy rule will take effect if one team is leading by 10 or more runs after 5 complete innings or 4 ½ if home team is winning.18. If a game is stopped due to darkness or inclement weather, the game will be counted as official if 5 innings have been

completed or 4 ½ if home team is winning. Every opportunity must be given to complete an inning. If the game is called before 5 full innings are complete, the game will be made up entirely. Refer to the Little League Current Year Rule Book for all situations.

19. Every attempt will be made to play the game. Teams can play with 8 or more players. If playing with 8 when the 9th

spot in the batting order comes up 1 out shall be given to the offensive team.

20. The Manager is to notify the Player Agent when their team will be short players. Failure to notify the Player Agent in a timely manner will result in a forfeit. Supplemental player shall wear the uniform of their current team, play right field, and bat last.

Ground Rules Major1. Inform the managers of the Strike Zone. 2. Tell them that they are responsible for tracking the pitch

count. Any discrepancies in pitch count the home team book will

be used as the source of truth.3. Cover the infield fly rule. Even if the ball is in the outfield

grass and the ball can be caught by the infielder with ordinary effort. This is a judgment call.

4. No judgment calls can be disputed. 5. Only the MANAGER can ask calmly ask to discuss a rule interpretation.6. If parent or coach is ejected from the game so is the

manager.7. Base runners are permitted to steal after the ball crosses

home plate.8. Base runners are not permitted to leadoff.

Ground Rules Major 9. Runners advance at their own risk.10. Umpire is the only person that can call time.11. No Balks. If the pitcher does not deliver a valid pitch the umpire shall call a ball.12. Games will consist of 6 innings. A new inning cannot start after the game has lasted 2 hours and 30 minutes. 13 If the score is tied after the conclusion of the game, extra innings are played until a winner is determined.14. The mercy rule will take effect if one team is leading by 10

or more runs after 5 complete innings or 4 ½ if home team is winning.

Ground Rules Major15. If a game is stopped due to darkness or inclement weather, the game will be counted as official if 5 innings

have been completed or 4 ½ if home team is winning. Every opportunity must be given to complete an inning. If the game is called before 5 full innings are complete, the game will be made up entirely. Refer to the Little League Current Year Rule Book for all situations.

16. Every attempt will be made to play the game. Teams can play with 8 or more players. If playing with 8 when the 9th spot in the batting order comes up 1 out shall be given to the

offensive team.17. The Manager is to notify the Player Agent when their team

will be short players. Failure to notify the Player Agent in a timely manner will result in a forfeit. Supplemental player shall wear the uniform of their current team, play right field, and bat last.

WCLL Umpire Clinic Minor and Major

Documents

wcll umpire clinic minor

base runners

home team

outminor local rulessection

base running6

offensive team

base path distance

nearest wcll board member