Blue’s News On-Line Official Australian Softball Umpire’s Magazine
Contributions to [email protected] March Edition 3/2006
BNOL DEADLINE Just a reminder that the deadline for contributions is the 15th day of each month. All umpires are reminded that anyone can submit articles and pictures to Blue’s News On-Line. BNOL is the official Australian umpiring magazine written by umpires for umpires. Contributions can be sent to [email protected]
Our future Blues
Plenty of Blues: Queensland State Director, Darren Sibraa recently conducted a Level One clinic in Marlborough which was attended by a number of young umpires. Darren said he was pleased with the turn out considering the size of the local association. Darren has been traveling the State to spread the word on umpiring and conducting clinics. Queensland ranks should see a number of new Level 1 umpires coming through this year. Well Done Darren.
NATIONAL UMPIRES EXAMINATION
REMINDER
THE NATIONAL UMPIRE’S EXAMINATION WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 29.
BY NOW YOUR LOCAL ASSOCIATION
SHOULD HAVE ORDERED EXAMINATION PAPERS.
IF THERE ARE ANY CONCERNS REGARDING THE EXAMINATION
UMPIRES HOLDING LEVEL 1 TO LEVEL 8 SHOULD CONTACT YOUR RESPECTIVE
STATE DIRECTOR OF UMPIRING.
REMEMBER YOU CAN ONLY SIT THE EXAMINATION ON MAY 29, SO SET THE
DATE ASIDE.
IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY GET TOGETHER WITH OTHER UMPIRES FOR
STUDY NIGHTS.
GOOD LUCK!
Hi Bob, I am pleased to see that you enjoyed the article on the Scoring of Runs and that it has encouraged you to reconsider your interpretation of when runs score. It is for the very reason that many new and aspiring umpires over many years have misinterpreted the rule that the article has been written. You are correct in your statement "It appears that the third out ruling with runs not counting applies to the entire play in question which may include multiple outs, not just the last bit of the play, i.e. the part of the play after the second out is made." Timing of when a run scores before the second out when multiple outs are achieved has no bearing on the final decision of allowing runs to score. The official interpretation of Rule 5 Section 7b is that no runs score, regardless of what may have happened prior to the third out, when the third out falls into one of the 5 categories listed in the rule. I trust this goes some way in assisting you to better understand the rule and I wish you well in the forthcoming exam. Regards, Alan McAuliffe National Rules Interpreter Softball Australia
Looking at Rules with Alan McAuliffe Last month Blue’s News On-Line received a response to the February edition of Looking at the rules. BNOL has printed this letter and asked the Australian Rules Interpreter to address it in this section this month. I really enjoyed the article Looking at Rules with Alan McAuliffe. I have had some of those situations arise and I now realise that I may have misinterpreted the third out ruling for not allowing runs to score. It is easy if two outs have already occurred. However, I can see how I had problems when there was only one out when the batter was in the box. I always thought that the rule was to be enforced as follows: a. any runs scored before the second out would count (timing issue of when
the second out happened),
b. but that any runs made after the second out would not count if the third out was a force out etc.
I was particularly interested in his Play 1 situation. I thought the run was scored before the second out was made and conse-quently it should stand. Any runs that would have been made after the second out would not have counted as the third out was a force or the batter/runner out at first. I always thought it was a timing issue to determine when the second out was made and then determine how the third out was made to see if runs scored. I also saw Play 7 as a timing issue. I would have counted any run scored prior to the second out but not afterwards as the third out was the result of a force. I could have been the rookie umpire who was hard to convince that no run had counted. It appears that the third out ruling with runs not counting applies to the entire play in question which may include multiple outs, not just the last bit of the play ie the part of the play after the second out is made. I would really appreciate if someone would confirm this for me (especially as exams are coming up in the not too distant future). Regards Bob Miles
National Umpire Appointments Tasman Exchange (NZ Men’s National Club, Hawkes Bay, 22 to 26 March) Scott Rindfleish Steelers Tour of Japan for the Pacific Series (28 April to 6 May) Bruce McCahon Australia v Japan Women’s Test Series (Sydney, 17 to 19 March) Darrell Shephard, Sue Itzstein, Scott Rindfleish, Greg Baker Grand Prix 3 (Sydney, Easter weekend) Deb Grove, Sue Itzstein, Greg Baker, Greg Zucchetti, Ken Culpitt, Warren Duff. Darren Sibraa, Di Waller
ISF PRESIDENT: SOFTBALL PEKING
Despite 2012 Olympic Vote, High-ranking Officials Supportive Too International Softball Federation (ISF) President Don Porter said today that in-terest is very high in the upcoming XI Women’s World Championship, despite what could have been perceived as otherwise as a result of the lack of support by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Members last month to keep women’s softball on the program of the 2012 Games in London. “The popularity of our sport is right up there with many of the others that, like softball, have been successful on the world’s stage,” the ISF President said. “Of course, this was all detailed in the IOC’s own Evaluation Report that they were quick to point to when pressed on trying to provide a reason why Softball was taken off the 2012 program. “For the Women’s World Championship alone, not only do we have our 16 teams, but there’s even a waiting list of other countries that had expressed in-terest in having their team compete if a spot opened up. We also are confident that television will be involved in this event. Softball is a great sport being played competitively all around the world, even if the IOC failed to acknowledge that with regards to the 2012 program vote.” Mr. Porter added that, “Certainly the spectator support is sure to be great as well. Softball is very big in China and the people there turn out in great num-bers for events like a world championship.” The ISF XI Women’s World Championship, to be held in Beijing from August 27 – September 5, is not only one of the qualifiers for the 2008 Olympic Softball competition that will be held in the same new stadium that will open this sum-mer, but is an Olympic Test Event as well. “We’re going to do great in Beijing,” the ISF President said, “both this summer and in 2008.” Mr. Porter indicated that since last month’s IOC Session in Torino when a vote on whether or not to reconsider softball’s 2012 Olympic status went (47-43) against taking such action, he has still received communications from various sporting officials, including IOC Members, who have indicated that the sport de-served to be in the Games in London. Furthermore, the venue that would’ve been built for the 2012 competition is still being considered despite last July’s 52-52 vote being upheld by last month’s result.
Letter to the editor I would just like to take this opportunity to recognised a Level 2 umpire from the Toowoomba Softball Association in Queensland. Her name s Naomi Busiko and she was given the task of Umpiring co-ordinator for the local association this year. Never having to do anything like this before she took on the task and through all of the ups and downs that a season may throw at you she came through with flying colours. Toowoomba have its Grand Finals on April 1 and the quality of umpires that will do the games is a reflection on Naomi’s organisational and people’s skills and pleasant manner. The Blues who will take part in Toowoomba’s premier Day include, Mark Toft (Level 6), Vicky Markey (Level 3), Paul Gierke (Level 3), Jason Russ (Level 2), Chris Edards (Level 2), Naomi Busiko (Level 2), Eric Eyre (Level 2), Jamiee Milsom (Level 1), Katrina Gierke (Level 1), Sarah Gierke (Level 1). The player umpires who assisted to get to the grand final are a valuable asset to the association and with more umpiring clinics (similar to the one conducted by Darren Sibraa) Toowoomba will have a new bred of umpires flowing through the ranks in years to come.
More chalk drawings from Julian Beever. Incredible!!!!! Julian Beever is an English artist who's famous for his art on the pavement of England, France, Ger-many, USA, Australia and Belgium . Beever gives to his drawings an amazing
When after a sun delay he was about to resume play with Cheesy pitching with-out a mask. As usual, we came to his aid (it’s just the type of guys we are). The only other memorable moment was having to request a high chair for Gary Pitman after he ordered a kids meal at the pub for tea. The rest of the night was pretty uneventful, just as well as the heat had made everyone pretty tired. Day 3 There was never any trouble knowing what time it was in the morning. 8am every morning you could hear the splash of water as Leigh Evans dived into the pool at the motel. (I think it must be some sort of spiritual healing or some-thing). The softball itself was gaining momentum in the passion and must win areas, which makes for some great spectator games. In the umpires room the one liner sparring was continuing as it normally does with Darren and myself heavily involved and Leigh jumping in at any opportunity usually to back Darren up when he turns on me (and that’s often). But that’s alright; I can take them both on. Day 4 As I sit down to write a few things about the previous day, I hear that familiar splash of Mr. Evans entering the pool. The day passed by pretty much without trouble, with the exception of the last game. Due to our UIC having a prior en-gagement we had an interesting transfer of control and a new temporary head of the management team, was installed for the last game of the night, being Damo. As Leigh, Andy and myself walked out onto the diamond the silhouette of a tall slender man ( DAMO) could be seen relocating himself into the boss’s office (it didn’t take him long). The only other incident for the night was a Queensland player had his chin cut open by a thrown ball that bounced up and hit him at 3rd. The poor fellow was taken to the local hospital where he received five stitches and was there until 5.30am. Before I leave day four behind me I can’t leave out the story of the day involv-ing my mate Kev Broomhall. As most people know Kev is heavily into training in the umpiring system. At times I would think he tests new or altered Plate movements. I’m not sure this particular move is going to make the training manual. OK hear we go, you need to try to get a visual on this one. Kev’s at the plate – the pitch comes in and whack, the batter gets nailed by the ball, as the batter goes toward first base, Kev darts out (yes, darts out) to get between the batter and pitcher just incase something untoward happens. In his eagerness to get out there and on a moist diamond and on a way too big a lean angle BOOMF!!! Down he goes flat out on the diamond (bounced up quick, mind you). Now when this happens to you on diamond one at Blacktown Olympic Park, believe me, there is a large crowd participation on that move.
Open Men’s National Championship – Sydney 2006 By Phil Waller Crew: Ken Culpitt (UIC), Andrew Rindfleish (Examiner), Leigh Evans (Examiner), Kevin Broomhall, Bruce McCahon, Damien McCauley, Garry Pittman, Scott Rindfleish, Dave Shedlock (NZ), Darren Sibraa and Phil Waller. As usual we all met up at Sydney Airport, that is all the guys from interstate – Damien McCauley, Darren Sibraa, Leigh Evans, Kevin Broomhall, Garry Pit-man (the candidate), myself Phil Waller (1st emergency as Tofty and Itzsy pulled out for various reason) and Dave Shedlock from NZ. Bruce McCahon, Andy and Scott Rindfliesh along with Itzsy helped transport us. Andy loaded all the gear into a trailer and he and Scott took the gear back to Blacktown Olym-pic Park and unloaded our gear into the umpire’s room for us. (Thanks guys) We all headed for Darling Harbour, for as usual NSW softball had something different in mind for the Opening Ceremony. All the teams and Officials were treated to a Harbour cruise with some good tucker and drinks and to top it off, Adam Rindfleish performed his comedy and illusion show during the cruise. The show was great and enjoyed by all that attended. It was a good way to open the tournament. I must mention the highlight of the short time we have been in Sydney was the drive to Darling Harbour from the Airport. The chauffeur was the unflappable Bruce McCahon. The passengers were Leigh Evans, Darren Sibraa and my-self. I can’t go into the full detail of the ride, but Leigh, Darren and myself should be off medication by the time you read this and I now consider a ride on the Big Dipper at Luna Park a fairly tame ride. We were back at the park for the technical meeting at 6.30pm and out of there by 7.15pm. We called into a local pub (dive) for some tucker and then on to our accommodation for the week- a motel at St Mary’s about 10 minutes from the park. Day 1 The weather was good on the first day, the ground was in good nic and all games went to schedule. At least two games went extra innings and one pro-test was heard. Plenty of action for the first day of play. We went for dinner at a local pub in shifts and then headed back to our accommodation after the last game. Day 2 Another superb day weather wise that got hotter as the day went on. By day 2 we had a common denominator for extra innings – Damien McCauley and I’m on his game tomorrow at 11 am (can’t help bad luck). The unflappable Bruce McCahon came into play again today.
I’m sure that all the umpires would like to thank Kenny Culpitt for his job as UIC, the grounds people at Blacktown Olympic Park for the great diamonds and Kyria Cox for being our liaison officer, we never wanted for anything and I thank her for organizing my dry-cleaning. And to all the other staff at the park, who were all friendly and helpful people, with a special mention to Cathy Kerr. Thanks for the short jokes and the ride to the Airport. I only got on this crew at the last minute due to some alterations to the personnel. I consider myself very lucky as I had a great time. See ya somewhere soon Phil Waller PS Andy (PFA) I just checked my diary – Don’t think I can make the Under 16 Girls. I’ll post you that survey shortly.
Day 5 Another day passes without any fuss. The results of the games didn’t really mean anything as far as final positions were concerned, but there was still that competitive nature in everyone that says winning is better than losing. The same goes for us umpires, no matter what is at stake we try to umpire every game to the best of our ability. Tomorrow things will start to hot up. Day 6 Today passed quickly. First game was at 3pm, that was 1st (ACT) playing 2nd (Vic), which ACT won. Next game was 4.30pm for last place – 5th (NSW) play-ing 6th (SA). SA was very keen to win this one and NSW was just as keen not to drop to last place. NSW managed it that way. 6pm start was 3rd (Queensland) playing 4th (WA) with the winner to face the Vics tomorrow and that spot did go to the Queensland team. Day 7 Grand Final Day – 1st up was the Preliminary Final Queensland v Victoria, in which Qld won giving us a Qld v ACT Grand Final at 7.30pm (I’m not 100% sure, but I think this may be the first National night Grand Final). A good crowd came in for the game. The umpires allocated to the game were on the plate – Bruce McCahon, 1st – Leigh Evans, 2nd – Damien McCauley and at 3rd – Andy Rindfleish. The game passed without incident. ACT winning well 7 runs to 2. Queensland must be congratulated on their performance during the week and ACT were as usual a very good, well-disciplined team. Congratulations to Bruce, this being his first Men’s Open National Grand Final and probably not his last, as he did a great job. Congratluations also must go to his team in Damo, Andy & Leigh. The Closing Ceremony was well thought out with the winning team brought in on motorcycles (loud), followed by the Awards – Jason Nathan (Frecks) from Qld won the Batting award, Andrew Kirkpatrick (Cheesy) from ACT won the Pitching and the MVP awards and Andrew Titterton from WA won the Rookie of the year. After the crew had eaten (a BBQ was put on for all) we headed back to our ac-commodation where some kept the celebrations going and some just retired for the night. The next morning we left at 7.30am to load up the trailer with our gear. It was painfully obvious who had continued to party into the night. There were only two sore heads and I can only think my mate Darren had been lead astray by a certain wine buff from Victoria. I think Darren may have actually been suffering a little bit from lack of sun-screen during the day. Anyway we all got loaded up and headed for the Air-port, where we all shook hands and went our separate ways. I’m sure we all felt the same way – Can’t wait for the next tournament.
Western Fastpitch State League 2005/2006 A Long Journey Draws to an End
After 128 regular season games, 50 tournament games and 11 play off games, the 2005/2006 Western Fastpitch State League has (finally) drawn to a close. Allen Cheesman took the task as State League Coordinator and did an excel-lent job in covering as many games as possible. Allen received support from the following umpires who all participated in some form or another during the tournament - Peter Baker, Steve Gunter, John Mooy, Rene D’fleur, Rob Harris, Julie Richardson, Warren Duff, Phil Harvey, Peter Richardson, Gabrielle East, Tracy Illingworth, Danny Wikitoa, Collin Gibb, Bill Kilmurray Umpires for the Best of 3 Grand Final series were: Men’ GF 1 - Allen Cheesman, Julie Richardson, Peter Richardson Men’s GF 2 - Warren Duff, Allen Cheesman, John Mooy Women’s GF 1 - Warren Duff, John Mooy, Steve Gunter Women’s GF 2 - John Mooy, Danny Wikitoa, Phil Harvey Women’s GF 3 - Danny Wikitoa, Warren Duff, Steve Gunter Thanks to Allen Cheesman and all umpires for their assistance. Warren Duff State Umpire in Chief Softball WA
