Transcript Fairfax Adult SoftballUmpire Training FAS Umpire Training Session 1 ASA Rule 1 – DEFINITIONS ASA Rule 2 – THE PLAYING FIELD ASA Rule 3

Fairfax Adult Softball
2015
Umpire Training
FAS Umpire Training
Session 1
ASA Rule 1 – DEFINITIONS
ASA Rule 2 – THE PLAYING FIELD
ASA Rule 3 – EQUIPMENT
ASA Rule 9 – PROTESTS
ASA Rule 10 – UMPIRES
Rule 1 – Definitions
Altered Bat
– When the physical structure of a legal softball bat has been
changed. Basically, if it cannot be purchased that way, then it
has been altered.
Appeal Play
– A play where the umpire may not make a decision until
requested by manager, coach, or player.
Base Line
– Imaginary line directly between the bases.
Base Path
– Line directly between a base and the runner’s position at the
time a defensive player is attempting to tag a runner.
Batted Ball
– A ball that hits the bat or is hit by the bat going either fair or foul.
Definitions
Batter’s Box
– The area to which the batter is restricted when
batting (3’ x 7’).
Batter
– A player who is has not left the batter’s box.
Batter-Runner
– A player who has finished a turn at bat BUT has not yet been put
out or reached first base.
Blocked Ball
– A batted, pitched, or thrown ball that is touched, stopped or
handled by a person not engaged in the game, OR which
touches any object that is not part of the official equipment of
official playing area.
Definitions
Bunt
– A ball that is intentional tapped with the bat, slowly,
within the infield.
Catch/No Catch
– A legally caught ball, which occurs when the fielder catches
a batted, pitched, or thrown ball with the hand(s) or
glove/mitt.
• The fielder shall hold the ball long enough to prove
control of it and/or that the release of the ball is
voluntary.
• If the ball is merely held in the fielder’s arm(s) or
prevented from dropping to the ground by some part of
the fielder’s body, equipment, or clothing, the catch is not
completed until the ball is in the grasp of the fielder’s
hand(s) or glove.
• The fielder’s feet must be within the field of play,
touching the “out of play” line, or in the air after leaving
live ball territory in order to have a valid catch. A player
who is “out of play” and returns must have both feet
touching live ball territory or one foot touching and the
other in the air, before the catch is legal.
Definitions
It Is Not A Catch:
– If a fielder, while gaining control, collides with another player, umpire or
a fence, or falls to the ground and drops the ball as a result of the
collision or falling to the ground.
– If a ball strikes anything other than a defensive player while it is in
flight, it is ruled the same as if it struck the ground.
– When a fielder catches a batted or thrown ball with anything other than
the hand(s) or glove in its proper place.
Catch and Carry
– A legal catch that a defensive player carries into dead ball territory.
Catcher’s Box * NOT ENFORCED BY FAS *
– The area in which the catcher is restricted while catching where the
catcher must stay in the box until the ball is batted, touches the ground,
plate or batter, or reaches the catcher’s box.
Definitions
Championship Play
– Tournament play sponsored by ASA where the winner advances to
higher levels of play within ASA. (ASA rule book is for Championship
Play; FAS follows the ASA rules except where superseded by the FAS
rule book.)
Charged Conference
– When a team representative requests a suspension of play or delays
the game for the purpose of delivering a message to another team
member, unless the pitcher is removed from the pitching position.
Chopped Ball
– When the batter strikes downward with a chopping motion of the bat.
Coach’s Box
– The area in which the two base coaches are restricted to prior to the
release of the pitch.
Courtesy Runner
– Any player who runs for a runner without a charged substitution.
Dead Ball
– A ball that is not in play.
Definitions
Dislodged Base
– A base displaced from its proper position.
Disqualified Player
– Player removed from the game for a rule violation.
Double First Base
– White portion is located where the first base normally is and the
colored portion in foul territory
Double Play
– A play by the defense in which two offensive players are legally put out
as a result of continuous action.
Dugout or Team Area
– An out-of-play area designed for players and team representatives.
Extra Player
– An optional additional player(s). In FAS, it is referred to as Extra
Hitters and you may bat up to 14 batters in the lineup.
Ejected Player
– A team representative removed from the game by the umpire, usually
for an unsportsmanlike act or conduct.
Definitions
Fair Ball
– Settles or is touched on or over fair territory between home and first base or
between home and third base.
– Bounds over or past first or third base, which is in fair territory, regardless of
where the ball hits after going over the base.
– While on or over fair territory, touches the person, attached equipment, or
clothing of a player or umpire.
– While over fair territory, a runner interferes with a defensive player attempting
to field a batted ball.
– Touches first, second, or third base.
– First falls or is touched on or over fair territory beyond first, second, or third
base.
– While over fair territory, passes out of the playing field beyond the outfield
fence.
– Hits the foul pole.
Fair Territory
– The part of the playing field within, and including, the first and third base foul
lines from home plate to the bottom of the playing field fence and
perpendicularly upwards.
Definitions
Fake Tag
– A form of obstruction by a fielder who attempts to tag a runner without
the ball and thereby impedes a runner advancing or returning to a
base.
Fielder
– Any player of the team in the field.
Fly Ball
– A batted ball, fair or foul, that rises into the air.
Force Out
– An out which may be made only when a runner loses the right to the
base that the runner is occupying because the batter becomes a
batter-runner, and before the batter-runner or a succeeding runner has
been put out. If the forced runner, after touching the next base,
retreats for any reason towards the base first occupied, the force play
is reinstated and the runner may again be put out if the defense tags
the runner or the base to which the runner is forced. (NOTE: a runner
returning to a bag to tag up is NOT a force out.)
Definitions
Foul Ball
– Settles or is touched (not caught) on or over foul territory between home and
first base or between home and third base.
– Bounds or rolls past first or third base on or over foul territory.
– While over foul territory, touches the person, attached or detached equipment
of clothing of a player or an umpire, or any object foreign to the natural ground.
– While over foul territory, a runner interferes with a defensive player attempting
to field a batted ball.
– First hits the ground over foul territory beyond first or third base.
– Touches the batter or the bat in the batter’s hand(s) a second time while the
batter is within the batter’s box.
– Goes directly from the bat to any part of the catcher’s body or equipment and is
caught by another fielder.
– Hits the pitching plate and rolls untouched to foul territory before reaching first
or third base.
Foul Tip
– A batted ball that goes sharply and directly from the bat to the catcher’s
hand(s) or glove/mitt and is legally caught by the catcher.
Definitions
Home Team
– The team batting second;
determined in league play by
FAS and is the second team
listed on the schedule.
Illegal Bat
– One that does not meet the
requirements of an official bat or
warm-up bat.
Illegally Batted Ball
When the batter hits the ball, fair or
foul, and
– When, at the time the bat makes
contact with the ball, the entire
foot is completely outside the
lines of the batter’s box and on
the ground.
– When, at the time the bat makes
contact with the ball, any part of
the foot is touching home plate.
– An illegal, altered, or nonapproved bat is used.
– When, at the time the bat
makes contact with the ball, the
batter’s entire foot has
contacted the ground out of the
batters box and returned to hit
the ball while inside the box.
Definitions
Infield Fly
– A fair fly ball, not including a line drive or an attempted bunt, which can
be caught by an infielder, pitcher or catcher, with ordinary effort when
first and second or first, second, and third bases are occupied with less
than two outs.
Inning
– That portion of a game within which the teams alternate on offense and
defense and in which there are three outs for each team.
** A NEW INNING BEGINS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FINAL OUT
OF THE PREVIOUS INNING.
Interference
– The act of an OFFENSIVE player or team member, umpire or spectator
that impedes, hinders, or confuses a defensive player attempting to
execute a play (contact is not necessary).
Line Drive
– A batted ball that travels parallel or near the ground through most of its
flight.
Definitions
Non-Approved Bat
– A bat that does not meet the ASA specifications OR is on the current ASA nonapproved bat list with 2000, 2004 or 2013 certification mark.
Obstruction
– The act of a DEFENSIVE :
• Team Member who hinders or impedes a batter from striking at or hitting a pitched ball.
• Fielder who impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running the
bases unless the fielder is:
1. In possession of the ball, or
2. In the act of fielding a batted ball.
• CONTACT IS NOT NECESSARY TO IMPEDE THE PROGRESS OF THE RUNNER.
On-Deck Batter
– The offensive player who is scheduled to bat next.
On-Deck Circle
– The area nearest their dugout in which the next batter of the offensive team is
restricted to before the release of the pitch.
Over Slide
– The act of an offensive player when, as a runner, slides beyond or loses contact
with a base the player is attempting to reach.
Definitions
Overthrow
– Occurs when a thrown ball from a fielder goes:
• Beyond the boundary lines of the playing field (dead ball territory), or
• Becomes a blocked ball.
Play Ball
– The term used by the plate umpire to indicated that play shall start.
Protest
– A formal request into the decision of an umpire’s rule interpretation.
Quick Pitch
– A pitch made by the pitcher with the obvious attempt to catch the batter
off balance.
Runner
– An offensive player who has reached first base and has not yet been
put out.
Starting Player
– A player listed on the initial lineup.
Stealing – NOT USED FOR ANY FAS PLAY.
Definitions
Strike Zone
– When a batter assumes a natural batting stance adjacent to home plate,
the strike zone is that space over any part of home plate between the
batter’s BACK SHOULDER AND FRONT KNEE.
Substitute
– Any member of a team’s roster who is not listed as a starting player, or a
stating player who re-enters the game.
Tag
– A legal tag is the act of a defensive player in:
• Touching a base with any part of the body while holding the ball securely
and firmly in the hand or glove, or
• Touching the runner or batter-runner with the ball while securely held in the
hand or glove.
Time
– The term used by the umpire to order the suspension of play.
Turn at Bat
– Begins when a player first enters the batter’s box and continues until the
player is substituted for, put out, or becomes a batter-runner while at bat.
RULE 2 – THE PLAYING FIELD
The playing field is the area within which the ball may be legally played
and fielded.
– If the base distances or the pitching distance is found to be at the
wrong dimension during the course of the game, correct the error, with
no penalty, and continue playing the game. Every effort should be
made by the umpires to obtain the correct dimensions.
Ground or special rules establishing the limits of the playing field may
apply at certain fields.
– The umpire shall be the authority for and shall define additional ground
rules prior to any play.
– No protests will be allowed on any such temporary ground rules.
E.G.: At Bready Park: Any fair batted fly ball which hits the netting
behind the fence will be considered a home run and will count against
the number of over-the-fence home runs allowed per game.
65’ from back point of
home plate to back point
of base. ASA = 70’
FAIR OR FOUL?
4?
5?
1?
2?
3?
6?
YIKES !!!
YOU MADE THE WRONG CALL?
Dotted Line = Ground Ball
Solid Line = Fly Ball
It is not protestable because it is a
judgment call, BUT it is correctable.
Place runners where you believe
they would have gotten had you not
made the foul ball call.
RULE 3 – EQUIPMENT
BAT DEFINITIONS
Safety Knob: shall have a diameter of at least 1.6 inches with no sharp edges
and permanently attached to the bat. NOTE: FAS rules require that the
entire knob of a bat NOT contain any tape, and if so, shall be considered
altered. Umpires should request the tape be removed so the bat can be
inspected and used in game play.
Handle: the region of the bat from the knob, not including the knob, to the start
of the taper where the diameter increases. The handle must include a grip.
Taper: the transition area between the handle and the barrel. It generally has
a conical shape. It starts where the barrel decreases in size and ends
where the handle diameter becomes constant.
Barrel: the region of the bat from the end of the Taper to the End Cap, not
including the End Cap. The barrel region shall be smooth and round with
0.050 inches in diameter.
End Cap: The cap placed at the barrel end of the bat. It shall be permanently
affixed to the bat to prevent alterations to the interior of the bat. It shall be
affixed so that it cannot be removed by any one other than the
manufacturer without damaging or destroying the End Cap or Barrel.
Bats
ALL BATS IN FAS PLAY MUST:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Bear one of these 3
certification marks
NOT be listed on the ASA
banned bat list
Be included on the ASA list of
approved bat models and
may include girls fast pitch, or
In the sole opinion and discretion of the umpire, have been
manufactured prior to 2000 and, if tested, would comply with the
ASA bat performance standards. This includes wooden bats.
Shall be free of burrs, dents, cracks, sharp edges, rattles, and
show no signs of excessive wear.
Must be marked “OFFICIAL SOFTBALL” by the manufacturer.
Shall not be more than 34 inches long, nor exceed 38 ounces in
weight.
Shall NOT be more than 2.25 inches in diameter at its largest part.
Bats
Safety Grip
– May be cork, tape, or other synthetic material.
– Must be permanently attached and cover the handle.
– Minimum 6 inches long and maximum 15 inches long from the knob end
of the bat AND there shall be no exposed metal in the 10-15 inch area.
– Any attachment such as a molded finger grip, a flare cone, or choke-up
device must be attached grip tape.
– Resin, pine tar, and spray substances are allowed on the safety grip
ONLY and not any other part of the bat.
– Tape may NOW exceed two layers of tape—it just must be applied in a
continuous spiral.
ALL THESE ARE NOW LEGAL: They must be securely attached with safety tape. If they
cover the knob, the device must be removed so you can inspect the knob-handle connection
and they may then put on the device. The knob only devices do NOT need to be secured
with safety tape.
Altered Bats
• The official bat’s characteristics shall remain
fixed as at the time of manufacture.
• The distribution of weight and length of the bat
shall remain as at the time of manufacturing.
• Approved bats are considered altered if they are
rolled, shaved, repainted, weighted, or modified
to change their characteristics from that
produced by the manufacturer.
• Identifying the bat by means of laser marking,
engraving, or painting a name or number on the
bat will NOT make the bat an altered bat.
FAS Bat Rules
• BATS. The safety of the players participating in our
program is an extreme priority for the FAS Board of
Directors.
– ASA mandates a bat barrel shall be free of audible rattles
when shaken and that a bat barrel shall be free of burs,
dents, cracks, sharp edges, and not have signs of excessive
wear. Bats with these faults shall be deemed illegal and
MUST be removed from the game and dugout area.
– The entire knob of a bat may not contain any tape, and if so,
shall be considered altered UNLESS applied after inspection
and approval of the bat by the umpire.
– If, at any time, an umpire has reasonable suspicion, based
on appearance, physical characteristics, or performance,
that a bat may be illegal, the umpire shall immediately
remove the bat from play without further penalty.
Bat Penalties
•
•
•
•
•
Use of altered, doctored, loaded, banned, or non-approved bats is NOT
permitted in any FAS play and is subject to penalties deemed by the 2nd
Vice President-Rules.
Any player entering the batter’s box with an illegal bat shall be called out
and the bat shall be removed from the game and the dugout area.
The player using the illegal bat shall be ejected from the game AND can
not be substituted for.
EACH time the vacated spot occurs in the batting order, it shall result in an
out.
If use of the bat is noticed after a fair hit pitch and before the next pitch to
the succeeding batter, in addition to above penalties:
– The batter is called out,
– The bat is removed from the game and the dugout area,
– Any runners called out prior to discovering this infraction remain out,
and
– Each runner who advanced as a result of the play must return to base
legally held at time of the pitch.
Warm Up Equipment
Warm-Up Bats
•
•
Must be stamped with ¼ inch letters:
WB on either end of the bat or in
one-inch letters the words WARMUP BAT only the barrel end of the
bat.
Must be listed on the list published
by the ASA.
Warm-Up Attachments
•
Warm-up attachments must meet all
of the requirements of Rule 3,
Section 2
– Swingsock
– Pow’R Wrap
Illegal Warm-Up Equipment
•
•
•
Slip on Donuts
Bat filled with concrete
Sledgehammer
These 2 Are Illegal →
Bat Checks
For EVERY game, EVERY umpire properly checks ALL bats
for each team before their first at bat, period.
A proper bat check involves the following:
• Physically touching all bats
• Look for one of the 3 certification marks
• Listen for audible rattles when shaken
• Feel for dents, burrs, cracks, sharp edges
and/or excessive wear
• Look for paint flaking or chips
• Ensure it passes smoothly through bat ring.
• Identify any illegal bats
• Refer to ASA bat listing, if needed
• Read complete model number
• There is no excuse for not checking bats!
Softballs
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•
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•
Only softballs which bear original manufacturer’s marks
signifying ASA certification and compliance with the COR
and Compression requirements are allowed.
ONLY OPTIC YELLOW SOFTBALLS ARE PERMITTED.
Men: MUST use the ASA Yellow Dudley Thunder Hycon
12-inch, .52 COR, 300-lb compression softball.
Women: MAY use either: yellow, 11-inch, .44 max COR,
375-lb compression softball; or 52 COR/300-lb softball.
Each team shall supply and hit their own legal softballs.
The team at bat shall provide all further balls for use as
necessary for the completion of the game.
Approved softballs for FAS must be stamped ASA
approved.
If an unapproved softball was used and discovered after
the hit and before the next pitch, the offensive team may
accept the result of play or require the batter to hit again
with same ball-strike count as before hit.
Gloves and Shoes
•
•
•
•
A glove or mitt may be worn by any
player provided the dimensions do
not exceed that specified by ASA.
The pitcher’s glove may be of one
solid color or multicolored as long
as the color(s) are not the same
color of the ball being used in the
game.
Shoes must be worn by all players.
Shoes with round metal spikes are
illegal.
•
•
No shoes with detachable cleats that
screw ON are allowed; however, shows
with detachable cleats that screw INTO
the shoe are allowed.
A person found wearing metal cleats
will be requested by the umpire to
remove the illegal shoes and will be
permitted to continue to play once
approved footwear is worn. A player
refusing or unable to change illegal
footwear will be disqualified from the
game in progress.
LEGAL
ILLEGAL
Softball Bats and Balls
• Characteristics of approved
equipment cannot be changed.
– Examples include icing or cooling of any
equipment
– Warming sleeves on bats are NOT allowed.
Uniform
• Uniforms are NOT
required for any FAS
play.
• Numbers are not
required on any
uniform.
• Shirts must be worn
• Hats and visors may
be worn and are not
required to be worn
properly.
• Shoes must be worn
and shall be
considered official if
made with either
canvas, leather, or
similar materials, and
the soles may be
either smoother or
have cleats.
Other Equipment
Catcher’s Equipment
– Masks, guards, and helmets
are permitted, not used much
in FAS play.
Casts/Prostheses
– All casts and splints MUST be
padded. Braces with exposed
metal or hard surfaces must
be padded.
– Equipment judged to be
potentially dangerous is
illegal. (Does it change the
nature of the game or pose a
safety risk to other players?)
Uniforms
– There is no uniform requirement
in any FAS play.
Players, however, must wear a
shirt (no sports bras for women),
and shorts/pants.
– Hats may be worn and can be
worn backwards.
Jewelry
– Exposed jewelry judged to be
dangerous must be removed.
– NO watches, hoop earrings,
necklaces, large rings.
– Medical alert bracelets/necklaces
are NOT considered jewelry, but
must be taped to the body.
RULE 9 – PROTESTS
• Protests will be received and considered on the
following items:
– Failure to comply with rules,
– Umpire misinterpretation of a playing rule,
– Umpire failure to apply correct rule to a given
situation, or
– Umpire failure to impose correct penalty for given
situation.
• Protests may not involve the accuracy of
judgment of an umpire.
• e.g.: Fair/Foul; Safe/Out; Ball/Strike; Infield Fly Rule;
Interference/Obstruction; Good/Bad Field Condition;
Catch/No Catch
Protests
• Team manager must make protest to
umpire after play has stopped and before
next pitch is delivered.
• Misinterpretation of a playing rule must
be made:
– Before the next pitch,
– Before the next play,
– Before all infielders have left fair territory, and
– Before the umpire leaves live ball territory
(if the last play of the game).
Protests
• Umpires MUST sign BOTH scorebooks:
– Point of play the protest was lodged
– Sign attesting to the protest and time of
protest.
• Protests for field conditions must be
made prior to first pitch of game unless
conditions change during the game.
Protests
– If a misinterpretation of a rule can be
corrected on the field, you must correct your
ruling.
– Don’t take a protest personally, just sign the
books, and continue play as soon as
possible.
– Umpire’s actions and demeanor during a
game is not justifiable grounds for a formal
protest; however, it is justifiable grounds for a
written complaint to FAS.
Roster Challenges
 Team managers have the right to challenge a
player’s roster spot (limited to 2 challenges per
game).
 Requests are to be made in the form of a
protest to the umpire between innings.
 When protest is lodged, the player must show a
valid Military, DMV, or Passport photo ID, to the
opposing manager and umpire.
Roster Challenges
 Failure of a questioned player to provide required ID will,
at the option of the challenged team manager, result in
the questioned player AND the manager or acting
manager:
 Being immediately ejected from the game being
played OR
 Continuing to play but the questioned player must
show the required ID before the last out of the game
or the questioned player’s team will forfeit the game.
 Failure of a manager to show proof that a player is on
the team roster may result in a protest being filed.
Umpires shall sign BOTH scorebooks when intent to
protest is made.
RULE 10 – UMPIRES
• You represent FAS and, as such, are
required to enforce both the ASA and
FAS rules.
• You should ensure players, coaches, and
managers carry out the FAS rules, and if
not, to impose penalties as prescribed in
the ASA or FAS rule books.
Umpire’s Judgment
• There will be no appeal on any decision
involving accuracy of judgment.
• Umpires may reverse a decision when
convinced it is in violation of a rule.
• Only managers have the right to seek a
reversal on a claim that it is in conflict with
the rules.
• At NO time will players who are umpires
criticize or interfere with the duties of their
fellow blue.
Suspension of Play
• When, in your judgment, conditions justify such action
(e.g.: a random ball enters the area of play, a pet runs
onto the ball field, a severe injury.)
• When a batter or pitcher steps out of position for a
legitimate reason (e.g.: when requested and granted by
the umpire.)
– Never once a pitcher has started the delivery.
• When, in your judgment, all immediate play is
completed and no play is in progress.
• Not at the request of players, coaches or managers
until all action in progress is completed.
Umpire Equipment
Hat
Powder
Blue
Shirt
Navy Shorts
With Black
Belt
Navy or Gray
Pants With
Black Belt
Ball Bag with:
 Brush
 Indicator
 Bat Ring
 Coin
Available at:
http://www.officialgear.com
Black Shoes w/ White
Socks (black or navy
socks with pants)
General Themes
• Be Visible But Not Seen
– Players should know you
are in control of the game
without having to put on a
show.
– The best compliment an
umpire can get is “didn’t
even notice you were
there.”
• Know and Anticipate
What Should Happen
– Enables you to be in the
right position to make call.
– Learn your teams. Helps
you anticipate their plays.
• Know The Rules
– There is no excuse for not
knowing the rules.
– The quickest way to gain
respect in controversial
situations is to cite the rule
governing the situation.
– The quickest way to lose
respect is to not know the
rule or cite the rule
incorrectly.
– You will be amazed how
confident you are on the
field knowing you are
prepared.
General Themes
• Be Consistent
– Have the same strike
zone every time you
are behind the plate.
– Use the same
mechanics calling
balls, strikes, illegal,
pitches, outs, and
safes.
• Always Hustle
– Move out from behind
home plate on every
single call.
– Players complain less
when you are on top
of a call to make it.
– Gives the perception
you are there to
EARN your money.
General Themes
• Have Pride In The
Profession
– No using cell phones during
games.
– No smoking or using tobacco
during games.
– Never use profanity.
– Doing a good job is the most
important item on your list.
– Money is a primary benefit,
but keep in mind, the good
ones earn their pay.
– Remember, umpires exist
because of the players.
Games can be played without
umpires, but umpires cannot
officiate without games.
• Make The Game Fun
and Have Fun
– Smile and give the
impression you like what
you are doing (hopefully
you do!).
– Treat players and
participants with the same
respect and courteousness
as you would want to be
treated.
– Do not be belligerent or be
an umpire that causes the
problems; check your
attitude before stepping on
the field.
General Themes
• Do Not Be
Confrontational
– Do not have “rabbit ears.”
– Expect that in all close
plays there will be some
expression of emotion.
– Let players have their say.
– The magic word for any
umpire is the word “YOU.”
• Know When Enough is
Enough
– Determine when a player
has gone overboard and
you’ve heard enough.
– Put your hand up (like
calling time) and tell the
player firmly, “That is
Enough”; this serves as the
player’s warning.
– If they continue, notify the
manager (not the player),
that he needs to control his
player and anymore will
result in the player’s
ejection