Transcript ASA Umpire General Training
WELCOME TO ASA GENERAL UMPIRE TRAINING
• Hat • Shirt • Belt • Pants • Shoes
Appearance & Uniform
• Socks • Jacket • Ballbag • Brush • Indicator
WHAT’S THE CALL,
"She was safe BY A MILE!" "Hey Blue! That plate has corners ya' know!" "Want to borrow my glasses?" "Ya' leave your seeing-eye dog at home?" "This is the worst umpiring I've ever seen." "She was out BY A MILE!" "That pitch was a strike for the other team!" "Hey Blue, You're missing a great game here!" "Ask someone for help!"
BLUE!
"You're KILLING US!"
The Pre-Game
WITH PARTNERS BAT INSPECTION FIELD INSPECTION 1) Initial Meeting 2) Crew Chief Handles 3) Entrance/Exit 4) Help 5) Rules 6) Time Check 1) Purpose 2) What to check 3) Don't nit pick 4) Policy for Nationals 1) Safety 2) Keep ball in play 3) Keep ground rules simple 4) If in doubt, check with supervisor 5) Review professionally WITH MANAGERS 1) First impression 2) Positions 3) Hand shake/introduction 4) Friendly
FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE ONLY MADE ONE TIME
MANAGER’S MEETING
BASE UMPIRES
POSITIONING
BETWEEN INNINGS
COACHES COACHES
3B 1B Alternate P P
PLATE UMPIRE
UMPIRE SIGNAL CHART (1)
DOUBLE Raise right arm showing two fingers. Verbally call, "Two Bases." TRAPPED BALL Extend arms straight out with palms down. Verbally call, "Safe." DELAYED DEAD BALL Extend left arm straight out with fist closed.
INFIELD FLY Raise right arm with fist close. Verbally call, "Infield Fly." FAIR BALL Point towards fair ground with hand closest to infield. No verbal call.
SAFE Extend arms straight out with palms down. Verbally call, "Safe."
UMPIRE SIGNAL CHART (2)
HOLD UP PLAY With palm up, raise hand farthest away from pitcher towards batter.
FOUL TIP Fingers from both hands are touched together chest high in front of body and then a strike signal with no verbal call.
FOUR-BASE AWARD (SP) On any fair touched ball going over the fence, raise right hand showing four fingers. Verbally call, "Four Bases." PLAY BALL Motion with either hand to the pitcher. Verbally call, "Play Ball." TIME/DEAD BAL Raise both hands with open palms away from the body. Verbally call, "Time" or "Dead Ball." COUNT Raise both arms up, indicate strikes with fingers on right hand and balls with fingers on left hand. Verbally give count.
UMPIRE SIGNAL CHART (3)
FOUL BALL Give DEAD BALL signal then verbally call, "Foul Ball" HOME RUN Raise right arm. With fist closed move it in a counter-clockwise twirling motion. Verbally call, "Four Bases." STRIKE Bring left arm with hand closed to midsection as right arm is extended straight up with hand facing ear. Then pull down at elbow while closing fist. Verbally call, "Strike." OUT With hand closed, bring left arm to midsection as right arm is extended straight up with hand facing ear. Then pull down at elbow while closing fist. Verbally call, "Out."
OUT ROUTINE
1 2 3 4 5 6
SAFE ROUTINE
1 2 3 4 5
OVERHEAD “OUT”
1 2 3 4 5
4 5 3 2 1 1
SELLING THE “SAFE” CALL
1 2 2 3 2 3 1 1
FAST PITCH PLATE
Do not set up within the perimeter of the strike zone SET POSITION
SET POSTION - SLOW PITCH PLATE
Hold up pitch until all players are ready.
Stay in upright position until height of pitch (6-12 feet) is determined Do not place hands on knees as this locks you at the same height for every batter. Drop to a level equal to the top of the front shoulder. Be in the set position when the ball crosses the strike zone.
FAST PITCH PLATE MECHANICS
FAST PITCH PLATE MECHANICS 1. Fast pitch and Slow pitch are alike in many ways. This allows umpires an easy transition from one game to the other. Common areas of mechanics are: a) Stance b) Slot c) Tracking d) Timing Difference: a) Set position Fast Pitch Slow Pitch
STANCE
a) Feet: 1. Shoulder width or slightly further apart.
2. Weight distributed on balls of feet 3. Toe to Heel only.
4. Scissors, Peaker's and Hooking stances.
In all cases be COMFORTABLE b) Slot: 1. "Space between the catcher and batter in which your inside ear is on the black portion of the inside part of the plate. This space will never allow the catcher to block you out.
2. NEVER set up in the perimeter of the strike zone. You will only lose the pitch and guess all day. This is referred to as being "blocked" out. 3. You must have a clear, unobstructed view of the plate.
STANCE (Continued)
c) Knees: 1. Bend the knees not at the waist.
2. Drop 3-5 inches into strike zone 3. Try to keep back, head and neck as straight as possible.
d) Shoulders: 1. Keep shoulders as square to the pitcher as possible.
2. NEVER have shoulders square down base paths.
STANCE (Continued)
e) Set Position: 1. Eyes at TOP of strike zone.
2. Keep hands inside legs.
3. Once you get set NEVER move.
4. Go to "set" position when pitch STARTS.
5. Set too early- tired body and movement in late innings.
6. Set too late- never see pitch as pitch will "explode" when you finally get set. Movement causes you to lose perspective of strike zone and of home plate.
7. "Head Height" is very important for consistency. Low head height loses outside and low pitch. High head height loses low pitch on knees.
f) Tracking: 1. Track only with eyes, nose and SLIGHT head movement. 2. Moving body only distorts view of pitch and often moves you over the catcher.
3. See the ball from the time it leaves the pitcher's hand until the ball reaches the catcher's glove.
Difficult Situations
a) Blinking with pitch.
b) High drop c) Catcher taking inside corner.
d) Batter crowding plate.
e) Check swings. If you react to catcher, you will miss swing!
1. Know mechanics of hitting.
a. Did batter break wrist?
b. Did bat come in front of body?
c. Did bat come through plate area?
d. Rolling of wrist - not breaking of wrist.
2. Know batting mechanics.
a. Batter gets ready.
b. Stride - coil - weight on front foot.
c. Hips turn as batter turns.
d. Snap wrist as he rolls wrist.
Difficult Situations (Continued)
3. Very hard to stop bat once you get it out in front. You may be able to slow bat down. Coaches now teaching to turn body into pitch.
4. Umpire needs to concentrate on ball.
a. Was pitch a strike? If yes who cares what batter did.
5. Sell call!
a. Use proper signal.
6. Working slot allows you to see check swings clearly. Tough pitch is the rise ball.
7. If you need help, GET THE CALL CORRECT!
Plate Mechanics
1) Stance a. Feet - Knees - Back - Shoulders 2) Working the Slot a. Toe/heel - Scissors - Hooker 3) Set Position a. Timing - Set outside the perimeter - Head height b. Too close/far - Too wide/deep - Moving on pitch 4) Tracking the Ball a. Moving head/eyes - moving body on pitch 5) Strike Calls a. Vocal - Timing - Mechanics
Plate Mechanics (Continued)
6) Ball Calls a. Call while down - Location 7) Count a. Height - Rotation - How often 8) Passed balls/pop flys 9) Difficult Situations a. Hit batter b. Double hit c. Check swing 10) Ball Rotation
COUNT
a) Height: 1) Eye level or slightly higher.
2) Slow down when giving count.
3) Rotation of hands.
4) How often: a. When requested.
b. After a delay in game.
c. Whenever next pitch creates a change. Recognize the caliber of ball you are umpiring.
STRIKE ZONE a) Definition: 1) Arm pits and top of knees.
2) Discuss corners of plate 3) Dimensions 17 x 8 ½ x 12 = 27" a. Plate 17" b. Ball 4" c. Black 1"
TIMING & RHYTHM
a) Calling pitches: 1) Voice.
a. "Ball" call - On a pitch that is a ball, stay in your stance and verbalize, "Ball". There is no signal for a pitch that is a ball. Verbalize a ball so that your voice can be heard in both dugouts. You can sell a ball call with a slight head movement AFTER you call the pitch.
b. "Strike" call - There are two theories.
1. You can make the call in the down position or 2. Make the call in the upright position. Whichever you use, declare loudly "Strike!" so that your voice can be heard in the outfield.
c. Always call the pitch after the catcher catches the pitch and a "slight" hesitation is used.
d. Difference in voice and timing only creates doubt.
THE STRIKE CALL
Slow pitch (top) and Fast Pitch (bottom) are identical in the mechanics.
SET 2 3 4 5 6 SET 2 3 4 5 6
MOVEMENT FROM THE PLATE
1) Exiting a. Left of catcher 2) Trailing the runner a. Unless the ball takes you elsewhere b. Interference, obstruction, swipe tag, pulled foot, overthrows - blocked ball 3) Fair/Foul/Out a. Priorities 4) Third base calls a. Two umpire system, runner on 1B only.
b. Three umpire system - four umpire system
MOVEMENT FROM THE PLATE (Continued)
5) Third base calls a. Coming from home plate 6) Call at home plate a. Returning from third base b. Ball coming from fair territory c. Passed ball situations 7) "Show me the ball!"
BASE MECHANICS
POSITIONING -Two Umpire System No Runners on Base Runners on Base (Slow/Fast Pitch) SIGNALS Out - Safe - Selling the Call THE FORCE OUT Four Basic Elements Two Theories Double Play TAG PLAYS Pulled Foot Swipe Tag Find Ball - Show Me
BASE MECHANICS (Continued)
ASSIST POSITIONING INSIDE-OUTSIDE THEORY BUTTON HOOK THREE-FOOT LINE INTERFERENCE OBSTRUCTION FAKE TAG COLLISION ILLEGAL PITCHES PARTNER ASSISTANCE TAG COVERAGE POSITIONING - Three-Umpire System TAG COVERAGE
BASIC POSITIONS
NO RUNNERS ON BASE WITH RUNNERS ON BASE
Do not
lock hands on the knees as shown here.
Step with the pitch so you ready to move if the ball is hit!
Drop to SET position when the pitchers brings the hands together.
THE FORCE OUT
FOUR BASIC ELEMENTS:
1) Ball 2) Defensive Players Making Play 3) Batter-runner 4) The Base
PROCEDURE:
1. Stop Approximately 18 Ft From Base-go to Set Position.
2. Let the Throw Turn You Into the Base 3. Things to Think About: A) Did Runner Touch the Base?
B) Did 1st Baseman Have a Foot on When the Ball Was Caught?
C) Was the Ball Juggled?
4. Too Close Restricts the Angle, Close the Range of Vision, and May Cause You to Get Caught in the Action.
5. Slight Hesitation- Let a Clear and Mental Pitcher to Develop.
6. Hesitate Not -a Delay, Means You Are in Control of Yourself- Which Is Convincing.
THE FORCE OUT (Continued)
7) Once Observed A. Make Hesitation B. Know The Outcome C. Render The Out Or Safe Signal
Button Hook Movement
1) Concentrate On Runner (S) 2) You Are Not Interfering With Anyone 3) Checking For Tag Of The Base Or Player 4) Watching For Obstruction/interference 5) Glancing To Pick Up The Ball In The Outfield.
Rule Of Thumb- Watching The Runner- Glancing To Pick Up The Ball
FAIR GROUND THEORY
3 2 1 Move inside the diamond, observing the defensive player fielding the ground ball, to a position which is a few steps,
(approximately six (6) feet)
inside the foul line. Stop as the player fields the ball and let the throw turn you into the play at first base.
FAIR GROUND THEORY - SWIPE TAG
1 2 3 FB If the the throw to first takes the first baseman off the base, move directly toward the foul line, maintaining the 18-21 foot distance from first.
Point to the swipe tag and make a verbal indicating whether the tag was made or missed, hesitate slightly to make sure the ball is not dropped then sell the appropriate call.
FOUL GROUND THEORY
2 FB RF 1 Stay outside the diamond in foul territory and move 'up' the line to make the call to a position which would be a few steps,
(approximately six (6) feet)
outside the foul line.
Outside position should be used only on balls hit to the first baseman, the second baseman's extreme left or to short right field where the throw is coming to the first baseman from near the foul line.
This outside position should be used only when 'absolutely necessary'.
UMPIRING -- INSIDE OUT
U U U U The four basic field positions for base umpires covering both the two and three umpire systems and the six possible “button-hook” movements.
ANGLES & HOLDING ZONES
HOLDING ZONE
You Can't Change the World Overnight
High attrition rate in umpiring each year.
No set way to handle all players/coaches 1) Each handled differently 2) What works for me - may not work for you 3) Learn to respond - not react Do what you're there for!
How is your attitude?
Easy to relate to players . . . But how do you relate as an umpire . . Dedicated umpires learn from mistakes.
UMPIRE TIPS
•Set the tone •Study Ball Players •Develop a Feel for the Game •Preventive Umpiring
WORKING WITH CATCHERS
1) You Are a Team!
2) Understand the Basics of Catching 3) Catchers Need to Know What They Can & Cannot Do - Target of Catcher Will Help in FP 4) Set Position of Umpire 5) Don't Signal Location of Pitch-talk to Catcher 6) Wiping Plate 7) Umpires Can't Redeem Themselves - Catchers Can 8) Strike Zone - Establish Early 9) Plate Umpire Sets Tempo of Game
WORKING WITH CATCHERS (Continued) 10) CATCHER WHO WORKS WITH UMPIRE CREATES RESPECT.
a) Set Positions b) Glove Movement c) Dialogue d) Control of pitchers/teammates/ managers
WORKING WITH PITCHERS
1) TWO THINGS PITCHER WANTS FROM UMPIRE a) Control of game b) Consistency in strike zone. Strike zone is a strike zone is a strike zone.
2) DON'T CHALLENGE OR CONFRONT PITCHER DIRECTLY 3) MAKE IT ENJOYABLE
WORKING WITH COACHES
Coach Argues for Three Reasons:
1) He thinks you might have made a mistake.
2) To keep his players in the game.
3) Because of temporary insanity.
For a coach to request an interpretation of the rules should be expected. THE UMPIRE SHOULD HAVE THE ANSWER.
Remember:
Umpires are tested by coaches.
Particularly the newer officials.
Veterans have either gained respect OR "DUG THEIR OWN GRAVE".
Respect comes from:
1) Sound judgment 2) Common sense 3) Proper attitude 4) Disposition, and 5) Self control
When you take charge - they notice.
EJECTION-THE LAST RESORT
But it is sometimes necessary
A) Some umpires look for ways to eject.
B) Some umpires use ejection as a means of game control.
C) Some umpires never eject- they are afraid to lose a friend.
EJECTION:
1) If handled at the right time - game control and good.
2) If too quick- chip on shoulder.
3) If too late- You are an umpire that can be pushed around.
IF YOU EJECT A COACH OR PLAYER- ASK YOURSELF:
1) Did I do anything to lead to the ejection?
2) Did I challenge the player or coach?
3) Did I lose control of myself?
4) Did I offer opportunity to the player or coach to keep from his losing control?
FANS
Hear Only What Should be Heard
1) Every crowd will include a heckler 2) Many believe it is part of the game
If Umpire Reacts:
1) Crowd will sense evidence of umpire being conscious and will increase jibes and heckling 2) Soon crowds and players lose respect of umpire
Umpire Should Be:
1) DEAF, 2) Ignore any and all spectator comments
Fans Have Three Characteristics:
1) They are ignorant of the rules 2) They are highly emotional - highly partisan 3) They delight in antagonizing officials
Remember:
They are not against you . . . They are against the blue shirt.
CONFRONTATION
Four weapons in the battle to communicate.
MIND - FACE - BODY - VOICE
Your purpose in game situations is to persuade people.
a. Fans, coaches and players don't attack you personally.
b. They are upset with what you represent - the blue.
CONFRONTATION
Eight concepts to use with the four weapons
1. ENLIGHTEN - Don't Debate 2. EXPLAIN - Don't Argue 3. CONVERSE - Don't Make A Speech 4. TALK - Don't React Critically 5. SPEAK CALMLY - Don't Shout Back 6. BE POSITIVE - Don't Be Negative 7. BE FRIENDLY - Don't Be Arrogant 8. BE CONFIDENT - Don't be meek When dealing with people - look them in the eye. Nothing gets across if you're looking at your shoe tips. FROM:
"Winning At Confrontation" by Arch Lustberg
SIX C's 1. Consistency 2. Character 3. Courage 4. Coverage 5. Communication 6. Control
Bear down at all times . . . The only umpire who can take it easy during a game, is one who buys a ticket and sits in the stands.
EVALUATING YOUR GAME
1) Did I arrive in time to prepare for the assignment?
2) Did I hold a pre-game conference with my partner(s)?
3) Was my uniform clean and shoes polished?
4) If the chief umpire, did my pre-game conference with the managers cover all it should?
5) Was I in position to call each play I was responsible for?
6) Was I prepared in advance for each play or situation?
7) If on the plate, was my strike zone consistent?
8) Did I give proper timing to my mechanics? 9) Were my mechanics clear and sharp for the player, spectators and my partner(s)?
10) Did I go out on appropriate fly ball coverage?
EVALUATING YOUR GAME (Continued)
11) Did anything unusual occur and did I recognize the violation, calling at once and correctly?
12) Was there any occasion during the game where I was fortunate in not having to make a call?
13) Did I assist my partner and communicate when they needed it, or when it was required?
14) Did I keep my cool and handle all discussions with coaches and/or players when they arose and in a manner I can be proud of?
15) Did I uphold, defend or rationalize my improper ruling?
16) Was there any particular part of the game I could work on which has not already been mentioned?
An umpire should work under the assumption that he is only as good as his next call, and should attempt to make certain that it is a good one!
BE THE BEST UMPIRE YOU CAN BE!
YOU AS AN UMPIRE
UNPROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Fails to have a pre-game mechanics meeting with partner.
Employees “fire drill” – get the game over umpiring.
Doesn’t worry about new fields or unfamiliar ground rules. Waits until it happens, then makes a decision.
Often wears unshined shoes, unpressed and improper uniform or wrong patches.
Wears an adjustable or mesh hat. Sometimes wears a plate hat on the bases.
Wears sunglasses or tinted glasses on the field.
Works too low behind the plate, calls pitches too quickly, describes pitches and motions locations. Moves head during the pitch. (FP) Waits to see where the ball bounces before determining ball or strike. (SP) Never calls illegal pitches for it’s too difficult to say.
Calls plays too quickly which requires reversing a call at times.
Judgment and decisions are often questioned as he is out of position.
Waits until there’s an argument, then asks for help on a difficult call.
Fails to support fellow officials when a dispute breaks out.
Figures, “He’s in trouble, not me.” Tends to over officiate. Is sometimes too legalistic.
Daydreams a lot. Comes to the play at the last minute.
Hot dogs mechanics to make players and spectators think he looks good.
ASA APPROACH
Fully discusses field coverage with partner. Has a plan for working the game. Knows how to communicate on any situation.
Inspects field with partner and establishes ground rules in manager’s pre-game. Leaves nothing to question during the game.
Always wears polished shoes and belt with proper uniform and patches.
Wears a properly fitted, sized and blocked hat. Never wears a plate hat on the bases.
If needed, wears contact lenses or clear glasses.
Works with head in the slot between the catcher and the batter.
Has proper timing. Calls
all
balls and strikes. Moves eyes, but does not move head.
Judges balls and strikes by where the ball passes through the strike zone.
Controls the game and calls illegal pitches as they occur.
Timing is excellent. Waits until a play is over, then renders a decision.
Thinks ahead and reacts to a play similar to a ball player. Does not have to guess.
If in doubt on a pulled foot or missed tag, requests help, then makes a decision.
Quick to assist in times of need. Keeps players, manager and coaches from “ganging up” on his partner.
Lets the players play the game. Uses a realistic approach to umpiring.
Hustles to every position and for every call.
Has a flare, but is sharp and crisp in mechanics. His game speaks for itself.
UMPIRE CHECK LIST
1. Be competitive 2. Have your head on straight 3. Don't be a tough guy 4. Get into the flow of the game 5. Don't bark 6. Show confidence 7. Forget the fans 8. Answer reasonable questions 9. Choose your words wisely 10. Stay cool 11. Be professional 12. Bear down at all times 13. Be the best you can be