Transcript West Springfield Little League

UMPIRE 101
February 22, 23, March 9, 15 2011
Rule 8 – Pitching Regulations


Two positions - Wind-up & Stretch.
From either, pitcher may only:
 Deliver the ball to the batter;
 Step and throw to a base (must get
direction and distance); and
 Disengage from the rubber with the
pivot foot first.
Rule 8.05 - 12 Illegal Pitches






Check to see which require P to be in contact
with rubber.*
Pitch or pretend to off of rubber.
Fake a pitch (Stop his delivery once he
makes any motion “naturally associated with
his delivery”).*
Fake a throw to first base.*
Throw to any base without stepping directly
toward that base.*
Drop the ball.*
Rule 8.06 – Pitcher Shall Not

Add a ball:
 Touch
lips or mouth while in circle.
 Various rub, deface the ball offenses (eject on
2nd offense).

Warn or Eject
 Throw
at a batter
 Intentionally delay the game by throwing ball
around when batter ready (warning, then
eject).
Rule 8 – Misc.

Warm ups
“not to exceed” 8
 may not take MT 1 minute (may be more for
emergency pitcher).
 Rule of thumb 90” is plenty between innings, but
don’t carry a watch and use common sense.


Visits

3 per inning, 4 per game per pitcher
Rule 9 – Umpire

9.01
Both umps may order things to be done or not
done. Penalty = ejection. 9.01
 Both may rule on matters not covered in rules.
9.01(c).


9.02
Umpire judgments (fair/foul, safe/out, ball/strike)
may not be questioned. Rule 9.01
 A “manager” may appeal, to the ump that made it,
a the decision contrary to “the rules.”
 Umpires may not “criticize, seek to reverse or
interfere” with another umpire’s decision unless
asked to do so by that umpire.

Rule 9 – Umpire

9.03 – Plate umpire = chief umpire


9.04 – Field Umpire


See 9.03 for particulars – most you know
Some duties are shared.
9.05
Both umpires must forward within 12 hours any
Must report all DQs any other rule violations of
note
 Within 4 hours any D! for “flagrant offense such as
the use of obscene, or indecent language, or an
assault upon an umpire, trainer, manager, coach or
player.”

Local Rules Of Note
Behavior (p. 11)
 restrict to bench
 Consider a warning
 Ejections = 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 Note
Game preliminaries - 2 baseballs (see
conference @ 26)
 Calling games – photo cells, lightening –
27.
 AAA – 3 outs or 4 runs – 5 runs in 5-6
innings
 AA – 3 outs or 3 runs all innings.

AA Rules

No Walk Rule – 29 – till 5th Monday.





Limited advance – till 5th Monday.




No stealing 2B on BB.
No stealing home – all season



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).
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
Situations – Runner Does Not Slide

Any runner is out when the runner does not
slide or attempt to get around a fielder who
has the ball and is waiting to make the tag.
Little League Rule 7.08(a)(3).
Mechanics
Where you stand to make a call
 How you stand making the call
 How you got there to make the call
 What you say when you get there to make
the call
 How you make the call
 How you signal the call

Mechanics – General Principles
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 Conference

Introduce self and partner and shake hands.

“Have you exchanged lineups? (get one)”. Any
issues?**

“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, unless
stopped earlier by the photo cell” GB at 20.**
Plate Conference

Ground rules are: should be none unless a
puddle.

“Please have your players ready to go as soon as
the inning ends, so we can get the 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.
Starting the Inning
New pitcher gets 8 pitches. Once he has
one pitch left, announce “One more
pitch!”
 After throw down sweep off the plate
facing backstop and square to the plate.
 You will yell “Play” in concert with this
mechanic: pointed finger – “throw a dart

Plate Mechanics
Plate 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 mound
 Catch/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
HEEL
TOE
TOE
THE SLOT (FRONT VIEW)
Proper head position is controlled by:
1. Width of stance
2. Amount of squat
3. Forward body tilt
Proper use of protective
equipment facing front
Proper head height
Wrist relaxed and
forearm wrapped
Nice wide stance
shoulder width or greater
THE SLOT (TOP VIEW)
Catcher
HEEL
Good view of the
outside corner
TOE
HEEL
TOE
Proper use of protective
equipment facing front
HEEL
TOE
HEEL
TOE
Right hand on
or behind the thigh
Good clearance
from the catcher
Plate Stance – Rhythm

Try to establish a rhythm with the pitcher:
Once P is off the rubber, step back and relax.

Once P steps onto the rubber, move trail foot
in (middle of C’s back) and then lead foot over
(i.e., heel to toe) position.

As the pitcher initiates his delivery to the plate,
move to your set position.
Tracking
 Track
ball from the pitcher’s hand to
catcher’s mitt (or bat) with your eyes
keeping your head perfectly still.
 See
the ball to the glove. This will
increase accuracy!
 Timing
is the proper use of the eyes!
Clearing the Catcher

On passed balls, wild pitches, and foul pop-ups
it is necessary to clear the catcher so that you
don’t inhibit his/her ability to catch the ball.

This involves pivoting away from the catcher’s
pursuit of the ball. Think of it as “opening the
gate” to allow the catcher to pursue the ball.
Clearing the Catcher

After the catcher passes you, remove your
mask after catcher throws his mask.

On balls in the air, you should read the
catcher, get out of his way, and then locate
the baseball. When catcher camps under the
ball, advance parallel to the catcher and be
alert to fair/foul.

On passed balls and wild pitches, you clear the
catcher and then immediately locate the ball
as you advance into position for a possible call.
Signaling – Balls & Strikes
 Balls
are verbalized only (no signal).
 Called strikes are verbalized and signaled
physically after standing up.
 Make sure that when you make the strike
call, you do not interfere with catcher.
 On a swinging strike, you stand up and
signal physically only – not verbally.
 Keep your eyes down on the ball!
Half-Swings

This is your responsibility as PU; it is not the BU’s
responsibility. If you are not sure, you can ask for
help prior to the time the defensive team requests
that you seek help.

Strikes are not appealable.

Mechanic: If you need to ask for help, clear the
catcher and point to the BU with left hand: “Mitch did
he go!” If BU says “yes, he went,” return to behind
the plate and announce revised count, e.g., “three
balls, 1 strike!”
Determining if Batter Went:
 The
question is whether the batter
“offered” (i.e., “attempted”) to strike the
ball – not whether he broke his wrists or
whether the bat passed over the plate,
although those might be helpful
indicators to you. Rule 2.
 Same principle applies to offering a bunt.
 This is a ball/strike decision – manager
can’t leave position to argue.
Signaling – Fair/Foul

No voice is ever used for a fair ball.

Never yell “fair ball!”.

Just point with index finger closer to fair
territory – or hand with mask if down the right
field line.

On close calls, you will “pump” it fair.
Signaling – Fair/ Foul

Foul balls are made by raising both arms
slightly in front of the head. The hands should
be open with palms facing fair territory, fingers
together, and elbows slightly bent.

Aggressive voice should be used.

On an obvious foul ball, you do not need any
verbal indication.
Signaling – “Play/Time”
 Any
umpire may signal “Time.” Only the
PU may put the ball back into play after
a dead ball situation.
 To put the ball into play, the action is like
throwing a dart and verbalizing “Play.”
 To suspend play, raise the arms above
the head and say, “Time!” You should
hold right hand up with palm facing the
pitcher until the batter is reasonably set.
Clearing the Bat

With a runner in scoring position, it may be
necessary for you to clear the bat from the
plate area. Only do if it is necessary for
safety, available, and possible.

If you do it, get down on one knee keeping
your eye on the ball, glancing at runner. Slide
the bat back and out of the 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
Safe/Out

The safe call is “Safe!”

Arms straight arms, palms down, fingers together;
initiated from the chest – no “flapping wings.”

If throw pulls the fielder off of the bag: “Safe, He’s
off the bag,” accompanied by sweeping motion in
the direction that fielder is pulled off the bag.

If a tag missed: “Safe. . . No tag. . . Safe.”
Before You Make The Call
Angle over distance
 Stop before action occurs (catch/tag)
 Be still - head quiet, eyes moving with ball
 Set up 90 degrees to throw/tag
 Never get closer than about 8’
 Wait 2" before making call - first look up to
ensure fielder has possession

Base Umpire – Signaling
Safe/Out

The out call is made with a clenched fist in a
hammering type motion. “He’s out!”

If the out is recorded on a tag: “On the tag!”
“He’s out.” Point at the tag while doing this.
Base Umpire Positioning and
Movement on Batted Balls




Three Positions, A, B & C.
A: No runners on base (12’ up line in Foul).
B: Runners on 1st and 1st and 3rd (behind 2B).
C; Runners on 1st and 2nd, or 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
(behind SS)

Always one position ahead of lead runner, but
never farther than C.
Base Mechanics

Positioning 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 - Mechanics

Interference and Obstruction: Point and
“That’s Interference (Obstruction).”

Batted Ball Hits Batter While In Box: If you
see it, say “Foul!”

Illegal Pitch: “That’s an Illegal Pitch!” DO
NOT KILL THE BALL unless the pitch is not
imminent.
Duties & Responsibilities

PU - 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)
Catch/No Catch in
OF
X
Catch/No Catch in
IF - In front of
fielder or moving
to line
X
X
Plays at Base
Plays at Home
X
Tag ups at Bases
Tag ups at Home
X
X
Touches at Bases
Touches at 3B
U2 (Field)
X
X
General Approach to
Decisionmaking
Go slow, try to get it right.
 Role of Fair Play and Common
Sense/purpose of game/level of game
 Don’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 partner
 Don’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 - General
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 - General

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 Managers

THREE 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 Managers

1st 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.
Preparation
Read a chapter a week.
 Visit web sites, like eteamz baseball boards
 If last minute, read this outline and levelspecific 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 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 Practicalities
 Uniform:
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