UMPIRE 101

February 22, 23, March 9, 15 2011

Rule 8 – Pitching Rule 8 – Pitching RegulationsRegulations

Two positions - Wind-up & Stretch.Two positions - Wind-up & Stretch. From either, pitcher may only:From either, pitcher may only:

Deliver the ball to the batter;Deliver the ball to the batter;Step and throw to a base (must Step and throw to a base (must

get direction and distance); andget direction and distance); andDisengage from the rubber with Disengage from the rubber with

the pivot foot first.the pivot foot first.

Rule 8.05 - 12 Illegal Rule 8.05 - 12 Illegal PitchesPitches

Check to see which require P to be in Check to see which require P to be in contact with rubber.*contact with rubber.*

Pitch or pretend to off of rubber.Pitch or pretend to off of rubber.Fake a pitch (Stop his delivery once he Fake a pitch (Stop his delivery once he

makes any motion “naturally associated makes any motion “naturally associated with his delivery”).*with his delivery”).*

Fake a throw to first base.*Fake a throw to first base.*Throw to any base without stepping Throw to any base without stepping

directly toward that base.*directly toward that base.*Drop the ball.*Drop the ball.*

Rule 8.06 – Pitcher Shall Rule 8.06 – Pitcher Shall NotNot

Add a ball:Add a ball:Touch lips or mouth while in circle.Touch lips or mouth while in circle.Various rub, deface the ball offenses Various rub, deface the ball offenses

(eject on 2(eject on 2ndnd offense). offense).Warn or EjectWarn or Eject

Throw at a batterThrow at a batter Intentionally delay the game by throwing Intentionally delay the game by throwing

ball around when batter ready (warning, ball around when batter ready (warning, then eject).then eject).

Rule 8 – Misc.Rule 8 – Misc. Warm ups Warm ups

““not to exceed” 8 not to exceed” 8 may not take MT 1 minute (may be more for may not take MT 1 minute (may be more for

emergency pitcher). emergency pitcher). Rule of thumb 90” is plenty between innings, Rule of thumb 90” is plenty between innings,

but don’t carry a watch and use common but don’t carry a watch and use common sense. sense.

VisitsVisits3 per inning, 4 per game per pitcher3 per inning, 4 per game per pitcher

Rule 9 – UmpireRule 9 – Umpire 9.019.01

Both umps may order things to be done or not Both umps may order things to be done or not done. Penalty = ejection. 9.01done. Penalty = ejection. 9.01

Both may rule on matters not covered in rules. Both may rule on matters not covered in rules. 9.01(c).9.01(c).

9.029.02 Umpire judgments (fair/foul, safe/out, Umpire judgments (fair/foul, safe/out,

ball/strike) may not be questioned. Rule 9.01ball/strike) may not be questioned. Rule 9.01 A “manager” may appeal, A “manager” may appeal, to the ump that to the ump that

made made it, a the decision contrary to “the rules.” it, a the decision contrary to “the rules.” Umpires may not “criticize, seek to reverse or Umpires may not “criticize, seek to reverse or

interfere” with another umpire’s decision unless interfere” with another umpire’s decision unless asked to do so by that umpire.asked to do so by that umpire.

Rule 9 – UmpireRule 9 – Umpire 9.03 – Plate umpire = chief umpire9.03 – Plate umpire = chief umpire

See 9.03 for particulars – most you knowSee 9.03 for particulars – most you know 9.04 – Field Umpire9.04 – Field Umpire

Some duties are shared.Some duties are shared. 9.059.05

Both umpires must forward within 12 hours Both umpires must forward within 12 hours any Must report all DQs any other rule any Must report all DQs any other rule violations of noteviolations of note

Within 4 hours any D! for “flagrant offense Within 4 hours any D! for “flagrant offense such as the use of obscene, or indecent such as the use of obscene, or indecent language, or an assault upon an umpire, language, or an assault upon an umpire, trainer, manager, coach or player.”trainer, manager, coach or player.”

Local Rules Of Note Behavior (p. 11)

restrict to benchConsider a warningEjections = leave game site (sight and sound)24 hour report to President

Duration (p. 20)Note late start time cancellation – II.A.3 at 20.Time limits – No inning after – at 20.

Player protection – No kid base coaches for minors, chinstraps optional, bat throwing – 22.

Pitch counts – 23.

Local Rules Of NoteGame preliminaries - 2 baseballs (see

conference @ 26)Calling games – photo cells, lightening

– 27.AAA – 3 outs or 4 runs – 5 runs in 5-6

inningsAA – 3 outs or 3 runs all innings.

AA Rules No Walk Rule – 29 – till 5th Monday.

Soft tosses for remaining strikes, but at least 2 Decide at plate conference Make sure tosser is ready and opposite batter. Ball is dead until hit (not steals).

Limited advance – till 5th Monday. No stealing 2B on BB.

No stealing home – all season No delayed steals. R3 may steal only on WP/PB – once stops, may not steal,

but may be thrown out. If scores during run back, send back.

R1 may not steal No IFF No Illegal Pitches

Little League-Specific Rules and Little League-Specific Rules and Situations – Runner Does Not Situations – Runner Does Not

SlideSlide Any runner is out when the runner does Any runner is out when the runner does

not slide or attempt to get around a not slide or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. Little League Rule 7.08(a)make the tag. Little League Rule 7.08(a)(3). (3).

Mechanics

Where you stand to make a callHow you stand making the callHow you got there to make the callWhat you say when you get there to

make the callHow you make the callHow you signal the call

Mechanics – General Mechanics – General PrinciplesPrinciples

Hustle (and a sharp uniform will buy you lots of deference)

Communication with partner (ensure coverage and support)

Confidence (loud and wrong is better than quiet and right?)

Chest to ball

The Plate Conference

Plate ConferencePlate Conference

Introduce self and partner and shake Introduce self and partner and shake hands.hands.

““Have you exchanged lineups? (get one)”. Have you exchanged lineups? (get one)”. Any issues?**Any issues?**

““Are your players properly equipped?” Are your players properly equipped?” Wait for “yes” Rule 1 (no adornments, boy Cs must wear cup)**

““There will be no new inning after 7:25, There will be no new inning after 7:25, unless stopped earlier by the photo cell” unless stopped earlier by the photo cell” GB at 20.**GB at 20.**

Plate ConferencePlate Conference Ground rules are: should be none unless a Ground rules are: should be none unless a

puddle.puddle.

““Please have your players ready to go as Please have your players ready to go as soon as the inning ends, so we can get the soon as the inning ends, so we can get the game in.” game in.”

We will do our best today to get the calls right. If you think we have misinterpreted a RULE, please ask for time and talk to the umpire who made the call. We cannot discuss judgment calls.”

“Have a good game”

Shake hands.Shake hands.

Starting the InningStarting the InningNew pitcher gets 8 pitches. Once he New pitcher gets 8 pitches. Once he

has one pitch left, announce “One has one pitch left, announce “One more pitch!” more pitch!”

After throw down sweep off the plate After throw down sweep off the plate facing backstop and square to the facing backstop and square to the plate.plate.

You will yell “Play” in concert with You will yell “Play” in concert with this mechanic: pointed finger – this mechanic: pointed finger – “throw a dart“throw a dart

Plate MechanicsPlate Mechanics

Plate MechanicsPlate Mechanics The Stance The Angle (in the “slot”) Head position Making the Call Where do I go after ball hit?

Foul ball – up the line (not too far if R3).No one on = follow BR (pulled foot,

swipe tag)No on one (hit) – to front of moundCatch/No catch - Half way to mound for

OF (not too far if R3).Otherwise, point of the plate

THE SLOT (SIDE VIEW)Forward body tilt

Proper head height

Drop Foot

Slot Foot

HEEL TOE

HEEL TOE

THE SLOT (FRONT VIEW)

Proper head height

Proper use of protectiveequipment facing front

Wrist relaxed andforearm wrapped

Nice wide stanceshoulder width or greater

Proper head position is controlled by:1. Width of stance2. Amount of squat3. Forward body tilt

THE SLOT (TOP VIEW)

HEEL

HEEL

TOE

TOE

Proper use of protectiveequipment facing front

Good view of theoutside corner

HEEL

TOE

HEELTOE

Good clearancefrom the catcherRight hand on

or behind the thigh

Catcher

Plate Stance – RhythmPlate Stance – Rhythm

Try to establish a rhythm with the Try to establish a rhythm with the pitcher: Once P is off the rubber, step pitcher: Once P is off the rubber, step back and relax.back and relax.

Once P steps onto the rubber, move trail Once P steps onto the rubber, move trail foot in (middle of C’s back) and then lead foot in (middle of C’s back) and then lead foot over (foot over (i.e.i.e., heel to toe) position. , heel to toe) position.

As the pitcher initiates his delivery to the As the pitcher initiates his delivery to the plate, move to your set position.plate, move to your set position.

TrackingTrackingTrack ball from the pitcher’s hand to Track ball from the pitcher’s hand to

catcher’s mitt (or bat) with your eyes catcher’s mitt (or bat) with your eyes keeping your head perfectly still.keeping your head perfectly still.

See the ball to the glove. This will See the ball to the glove. This will increase accuracy!increase accuracy!

Timing is the proper use of the eyes!Timing is the proper use of the eyes!

Clearing the CatcherClearing the Catcher

On passed balls, wild pitches, and foul On passed balls, wild pitches, and foul pop-ups it is necessary to clear the pop-ups it is necessary to clear the catcher so that you don’t inhibit his/her catcher so that you don’t inhibit his/her ability to catch the ball.ability to catch the ball.

This involves pivoting away from the This involves pivoting away from the catcher’s pursuit of the ball. Think of it catcher’s pursuit of the ball. Think of it as “opening the gate” to allow the as “opening the gate” to allow the catcher to pursue the ball.catcher to pursue the ball.

Clearing the CatcherClearing the Catcher After the catcher passes you, remove your After the catcher passes you, remove your

mask after catcher throws his mask.mask after catcher throws his mask.

On balls in the air, you should read the On balls in the air, you should read the catcher, get out of his way, and then locate catcher, get out of his way, and then locate the baseball. When catcher camps under the baseball. When catcher camps under the ball, advance parallel to the catcher and the ball, advance parallel to the catcher and be alert to fair/foul. be alert to fair/foul.

On passed balls and wild pitches, you clear On passed balls and wild pitches, you clear the catcher and then immediately locate the the catcher and then immediately locate the ball as you advance into position for a ball as you advance into position for a possible call.possible call.

Signaling – Balls & StrikesSignaling – Balls & Strikes

Balls are verbalized only (no signal).Balls are verbalized only (no signal).Called strikes are verbalized and Called strikes are verbalized and

signaled physically after standing up. signaled physically after standing up. Make sure that when you make the Make sure that when you make the

strike call, you do not interfere with strike call, you do not interfere with catcher.catcher.

On a swinging strike, you stand up and On a swinging strike, you stand up and signal physically only – not verbally. signal physically only – not verbally.

Keep your eyes down on the ball!Keep your eyes down on the ball!

Half-SwingsHalf-Swings

This is your responsibility as PU; it is not the This is your responsibility as PU; it is not the BU’s responsibility. If you are not sure, you can BU’s responsibility. If you are not sure, you can ask for help prior to the time the defensive ask for help prior to the time the defensive team requests that you seek help.team requests that you seek help.

Strikes are not appealable.Strikes are not appealable.

MechanicMechanic: If you need to ask for help, clear the : If you need to ask for help, clear the catcher and point to the BU with left hand: catcher and point to the BU with left hand: “Mitch did he go!” If BU says “yes, he went,” “Mitch did he go!” If BU says “yes, he went,” return to behind the plate and announce return to behind the plate and announce revised count, revised count, e.g.e.g., “three balls, 1 strike!” , “three balls, 1 strike!”

Determining if Batter Determining if Batter Went:Went:

The question is whether the batter The question is whether the batter “offered” (i.e., “attempted”) to strike “offered” (i.e., “attempted”) to strike the ball the ball – – not whether he broke his not whether he broke his wrists or whether the bat passed over wrists or whether the bat passed over the plate, although those might be the plate, although those might be helpful indicators to you. Rule 2.helpful indicators to you. Rule 2.

Same principle applies to offering a Same principle applies to offering a bunt.bunt.

This is a ball/strike decision – manager This is a ball/strike decision – manager can’t leave position to argue.can’t leave position to argue.

Signaling – Fair/FoulSignaling – Fair/Foul

No voice is ever used for a fair ball.No voice is ever used for a fair ball.

Never yell “fair ball!”.Never yell “fair ball!”.

Just point with index finger closer to fair Just point with index finger closer to fair territory – or hand with mask if down the territory – or hand with mask if down the right field line. right field line.

On close calls, you will “pump” it fair. On close calls, you will “pump” it fair.

Signaling – Fair/ FoulSignaling – Fair/ Foul

Foul balls are made by raising both arms Foul balls are made by raising both arms slightly in front of the head. The hands slightly in front of the head. The hands should be open with palms facing fair should be open with palms facing fair territory, fingers together, and elbows territory, fingers together, and elbows slightly bent. slightly bent.

Aggressive voice should be used.Aggressive voice should be used.

On an obvious foul ball, you do not need On an obvious foul ball, you do not need any verbal indication. any verbal indication.

Signaling – “Play/Time”Signaling – “Play/Time”

Any umpire may signal “Time.” Only the Any umpire may signal “Time.” Only the PU may put the ball back into play after PU may put the ball back into play after a dead ball situation. a dead ball situation.

To put the ball into play, the action is To put the ball into play, the action is like throwing a dart and verbalizing like throwing a dart and verbalizing “Play.” “Play.”

To suspend play, raise the arms above To suspend play, raise the arms above the head and say, “Time!” You should the head and say, “Time!” You should hold right hand up with palm facing the hold right hand up with palm facing the pitcher until the batter is reasonably set.pitcher until the batter is reasonably set.

Clearing the BatClearing the Bat

With a runner in scoring position, it may With a runner in scoring position, it may be necessary for you to clear the bat be necessary for you to clear the bat from the plate area. Only do if it is from the plate area. Only do if it is necessary for safety, available, and necessary for safety, available, and possible. possible.

If you do it, get down on one knee If you do it, get down on one knee keeping your eye on the ball, glancing at keeping your eye on the ball, glancing at runner. runner. SlideSlide the bat back and out of the the bat back and out of the way. Don’t throw the bat!way. Don’t throw the bat!

Legal or Illegal

The entire foot is completely out of box.

Legal or Illegal

The foot is not touching the

ground when the batter makes

contact.

Legal or Illegal

The entire foot must be

completely out of box.

Base Umpire – Signaling Base Umpire – Signaling Safe/OutSafe/Out

The safe call is “Safe!” The safe call is “Safe!”

Arms straight arms, palms down, fingers Arms straight arms, palms down, fingers together; initiated from the chest – no “flapping together; initiated from the chest – no “flapping wings.”wings.”

If throw pulls the fielder off of the bag: “Safe, If throw pulls the fielder off of the bag: “Safe, He’s off the bag,” accompanied by sweeping He’s off the bag,” accompanied by sweeping motion in the direction that fielder is pulled off motion in the direction that fielder is pulled off the bag. the bag.

If a tag missed: “Safe. . . No tag. . . Safe.”If a tag missed: “Safe. . . No tag. . . Safe.”

Before You Make The CallBefore You Make The CallAngle over distanceStop before action occurs (catch/tag)Be still - head quiet, eyes moving

with ballSet up 90 degrees to throw/tagNever get closer than about 8’ Wait 2" before making call - first look

up to ensure fielder has possession

Base Umpire – Signaling Base Umpire – Signaling Safe/OutSafe/Out

The out call is made with a clenched fist The out call is made with a clenched fist in a hammering type motion. “He’s out!”in a hammering type motion. “He’s out!”

If the out is recorded on a tag: “On the If the out is recorded on a tag: “On the tag!” “He’s out.” Point at the tag while tag!” “He’s out.” Point at the tag while doing this.doing this.

Base Umpire Positioning Base Umpire Positioning and and Movement on Batted Movement on Batted

BallsBalls Three Positions, A, B & C.Three Positions, A, B & C. A: No runners on base (12’ up line in A: No runners on base (12’ up line in

Foul).Foul). B: Runners on 1B: Runners on 1stst and 1 and 1stst and 3 and 3rd (behind 2B)rd (behind 2B).. C; Runners on 1C; Runners on 1stst and 2 and 2ndnd, or 1, or 1stst, 2, 2ndnd, and , and

33rd (behind SS)rd (behind SS)

Always one position ahead of lead Always one position ahead of lead runner, but never farther than C.runner, but never farther than C.

Base MechanicsBase MechanicsPositioning and movement = where

am I going, how do I get there?)A, B, C - describe each

Ball hit to infield - move to position to make call, settle in, wait, make call

Ball hit to outfield - when ball goes out, you come in to the “WORKING AREA,” go where needed.

BU - MechanicsBU - Mechanics Interference and ObstructionInterference and Obstruction: Point and : Point and

“That’s Interference (Obstruction).”“That’s Interference (Obstruction).”

Batted Ball Hits Batter While In BoxBatted Ball Hits Batter While In Box: If : If you see it, say “Foul!”you see it, say “Foul!”

Illegal PitchIllegal Pitch: “That’s an Illegal Pitch!” : “That’s an Illegal Pitch!” DO NOT KILL THE BALL unless the pitch DO NOT KILL THE BALL unless the pitch is not imminent. is not imminent.

Duties & ResponsibilitiesDuties & ResponsibilitiesPU - All fair/foul, all fly outs, plays at

home, ALL touches and tag ups at 3rd

BU - All plays in infield, touches and retouches at 1 and 2, leaving early at 1-3.

Joint - “time,” infield fly (none at T=AA), illegal pitch

U1 (Plate)U1 (Plate) U2 (Field)U2 (Field)Catch/No Catch in OF

XX

Catch/No Catch in IF - In front of fielder or moving to line

XX

Plays at Base XXPlays at Home XXTag ups at Bases

XX

Tag ups at Home

XX

Touches at Bases

XX

Touches at 3B XX

General Approach to Decisionmaking

Go slow, try to get it right.Role of Fair Play and Common

Sense/purpose of game/level of gameDon’t change the rules, but see 9.01

9(c)“Don’t bring a shovel” (and dig yourself

a hole).Don’t coach (OK to explain rules)Don’t overrule your partnerDon’t manage the fans (ask manager to)

What If You Make A Mistake? Rarely change a judgment call. Always eat it, if you call foul by mistake. If it's a pulled foot or missed sweep tag at

1B ONLY, and if no one else is on base who might have done something different if you made the call differently, consult partner. You make the call.

If missed something else and partner saw it (see 2005 world series – HR call and A.Rod swatting ball) – but not on judgment calls.

Any rules question, consult partner. UIC has final say.

Talking To Managers - Talking To Managers - GeneralGeneral

Listen, listen, listen.Do not invade personal space - do not

point or touch - do not raise your voice.

Role of partner - nearby witness, keep others out, break it up, if going too long (agree in advance).

If question about judgment: “From my view, in my judgment, he was safe. I've heard your point but I cannot change the call.”

Talking To Managers - Talking To Managers - GeneralGeneral

If a RULE question, ask him to explain what he thinks the rule is. If he's wrong, tell him so and say your ruling stands. (His option is to protest - but don't tell him that). If you are not sure, ask your partner IN PRIVATE - come to an agreement, and stick with it. When in doubt the PU decides (but never on judgment call made by BU).

Disciplining ManagersTHREE STRIKES (when necessary):

Warn (a second warning is good too), Restrict to dugout, Eject.

No Warning (3 Ks at once): Any combination of “you” and a defamatory verb OR any physical contact or verbal threat of physical contact OR inappropriate language in earshot of fans or players.

Disciplining Managers1st Warning: “Coach, I’ve heard you,

that’s enough. Let’s play.”

2nd Warning: “Coach, I’d like to keep you in this ball game. Please no further . . . “

Coach, you've had your say and been warned, you’re restricted to the bench/dugout.

“Coach, I’m out of options, you’re ejected.

Ejection Script Pivot away from coach if he is close (so as not to

point at him) and thrust arm straight upwards, indicating to others what you have done.

“Please leave the field area. You may go to another field or the snack stand or to your car. I must make a report to the league president who will contact you. Any failure to observe my decision will also be reported. Who will be the acting manager?”

Return to your position or to baseline on other dugout's side of field. If he chases you, he has clearly sunk himself. Then, wait till he leaves field area. Recall he may have kid there, so cannot force to leave the park - but he may not remain in stands or along fence line.

PreparationPreparation

Read a chapter a week.Visit web sites, like eteamz baseball

boardsIf last minute, read this outline and

level-specific rules in Gray Book.Take another umpire class.Join WSUA or another association.Let us know you’d like to go to

Wmsport!

Review: A Quick GameReview: A Quick Game Plate conference Start game (call “play”) Call strikes and balls Call fair/foul Call foul tip (ball stays live) Call catch/no catch Call safe/out Call time/play (“Score that run”) Handle question re judgment call Handle question re local or baseball rule Eject a coach Deal with unruly fan (stop the game,

explain to coaches, call a Gray Hat).

Game Day PracticalitiesGame Day PracticalitiesUniform: What Goes

Inside/Outside.Equipment

Required - Counter, Plate Brush, watch (off wrist).

Other - Extras of all of the above, Pens/pencils, Notepaper, Water, Rule book(s) in waterproof bag.

Comfort - Plastic Bags, Towels, Handkerchief.

Assignments and Pay Paperwork: W-9, Ump Agreement and Release How to get games Who is my contact? Youth Pay Schedule

Bases - $15 AA and AAA Plate - $20 Majors Plate - $25 With Parent – add $10 to any of above Bonus: doing 10 plates any level = $75