Umpire Manual Fast Pitch - Softball
Umpire ManualFast Pitch
WBSC Softball Fast Pitch Umpire Manual: March 31, 2020INTRODUCTIONRules are written for the players, managers, umpires and fans. There are rules for the offenseand rules for the defense. The rules are not meant to hinder or restrict play but rather to guidethe game so that it is played fairly without one team gaining an unfair advantage over the other.Umpires are there to apply the rules without favour, bias or emotion. Umpires are the judgesof whether the game is played fairly. Umpires take pride in their judgement and mechanics.Included in mechanics are the umpire’s positioning, the umpire’s signals, umpire’s hustle, theumpire’s game management and the umpire’s attitude. Mechanics are all about the umpire.This manual assumes that you have some basic knowledge of the fundamentals of the game,and of umpiring, and is written to provide guidelines to the WBSC preferred method ofumpiring and the expectations of a WBSC umpire.Umpiring has existed for many, many years and it is not the intention of the WBSC to re-inventthe wheel. The standard signals and mechanics used in umpiring are adopted here withvariations offered to some accepted practices to improve an umpire’s view of a play.This manual would not exist without the assistance of many, many people. Many organizationshave contributed to the development of umpiring and we must acknowledge the following fortheir contributions to this manual: Softball USA (the ASA – Craig Cress and Kevin Ryan);Softball Australia (Alan McAuliffe, Kevin Broomhall and Margo Koskelainen); Softball Canada(Randy Souliers, Bob Henning, Brian Van Os); NCAA Softball (Emily Alexander and Jeff Hansen)Special thanks and acknowledgement to Henry Pollard, former Deputy Director of ISFUmpiring, for his many ideas and hard work. The various members of the Regional UmpiresCommittee have contributed greatly to the improvements to the umpire manual. Currentmembers are; Wayne Saunders, Oceania; Haruhi Goto, Asia; Vincent Maoeng, Africa; CarolienStadhouders, Europe; Santos Vasquez Ortiz, Latin America and Christina Drumm, NorthAmerica.This manual would not have been possible without the vision, hard work, dedication and loveof umpiring of one man, Mr. Merle O. Butler. The WBSC dedicates this manual to the memoryof our dear friend Merle.Bob StantonWBSC Director of UmpiresPage 2
WBSC Softball Fast Pitch Umpire Manual: March 31, 2020TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTION 1BEING AN UMPIRE6SECTION 2WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN WBSC UMPIRE11UMPIRE TERMINOLOGY AND CONCEPTS18TermsUniform and AppearanceUmpire ConditioningMental Preparation – Before, during and after the gamePre-Game – Self, Partner and CoachesEquipment CheckForfeits, Protests, and EjectionsRain, Darkness, GroundsLightningPost-Game – Partners and 12.22.32.42.52.6SECTION 33.13.23.33.43.53.63.73.83.93.10SECTION 44.1Why be UmpireThis ManualMission StatementPrerequisites to Good UmpiringHelpful Hints for Umpires – DO’S and DON’TSWBSC Umpire Code of EthicsEthicsResponsibilities and ExpectationsMental Preparation and Game StrategiesInteraction With the World Around ehaviorStandard Umpire SignalsOutOverhand OutPunch OutSafe – No Catch – No Tag – No Infraction – Trapped BallSell SafeDead Ball – Foul Ball – No PitchTimeFair BallFair/Foul IndicatorDelayed Dead BallInfield FlyPointHome RunGround Rule 344444546474849495050Page 3
WBSC Softball Fast Pitch Umpire Manual: March 31, 2020Play BallDo Not PitchStrikeFoul TipCountUmpire-to-Umpire SignalsInfield FlyHow Many Outs?What’s the Count?515252535354545556SECTION 5HANDLING EVERY GAME SITUATION58SECTION 6LINE-UP CARD Appeal PlaysCatchCheck SwingsConferencesDead Ball and Dead Ball Situations at the PlateIllegal PitchInfield FlyIntentional WalkInterference, ObstructionTie-breakerThe Pitching Circle6.16.26.36.4Line-Up ManagementCheck ListExamples of Giving ChangesOff-Field Umpire Protocol7.17.27.37.4CommunicationGame ControlGoing for HelpPreventive UmpiringSECTION 7SECTION 88.18.25960606061626262626363656768BEING IN CONTROL69MECHANICS73General Mechanics8.1.1Choosing a position, angles and distance8.1.2Guidelines for UmpiresPlate Mechanics8.2.1At the Plate8.2.2Being Ready for the First Pitch8.2.3Stepping into the Stance8.2.4Working the Slot Position8.2.5Moving to the Down (Set) Position8.2.6Footwork8.2.7Tracking the Pitch8.2.8Timing and Rhythm8.2.9The Count8.2.10Ball Rotation8.2.11Decision Time8.2.12Check Swings8.2.13‘Not to Pitch’ ge 4
WBSC Softball Fast Pitch Umpire Manual: March 31, 20208.2.14Leaving the Plate Area8.2.15Catch and Call Responsibilities8.2.16Hitting the Ball a Second Time8.2.17Batter Hit by the Pitch8.2.18Strike Zone – Mind Set Theory8.2.19Consistency is the Umpire’s Ultimate Goal8.2.20Third Base Calls8.2.21Run-downs8.2.22Run Count (Time Play)8.2.23Tag Plays at the Plate8.2.24Appeal at the Plate8.2.25To Speed up Play8.2.26Helpful Hints for Plate UmpiresBase Mechanics8.3.1Techniques on the Bases8.3.2Decisions on Bases8.3.3Base Calls8.3.4The Force Play8.3.5Tag Plays8.3.6Pulled Foot8.3.7Swipe Tag8.3.8One Word Descriptions8.3.9Inside-Outside Theory8.3.10Button-Hook8.3.11Three Foot Line8.3.12Running Out of the Base er obstruction8.3.16Collisions8.3.17Illegal Pitches8.3.18Helpful Hints for Base 495959595969697979797PITCHING RULE AND STRIKE ZONE9.1Points of Emphasis99100SECTION 10 20 SECOND CLOCK PROTOCOL10.1Clock10.2Pitcher10.3Batter10.4Calling Time10.5Not Subject to Review, Appeal or Protest1021031031041041058.3SECTION 9APPENDIX 1 ONE UMPIRE SYSTEMAPPENDIX 2 TWO UMPIRE SYSTEMAPPENDIX 3 THREE/FOUR UMPIRE SYSTEMSPage 5
WBSC Softball Fast Pitch Umpire Manual: March 31, 2020SECTION 1BEING AN UMPIREPage 6
WBSC Softball Fast Pitch Umpire Manual: March 31, 20201.1WHY BE AN UMPIREWhat kind of umpire do you want to be?Why do you want to umpire? There are many reasons why people umpire: Financial Give back to the game Exercise authority Earn respect of players, coaches, fans, friend and colleagues Be in a national or international game as an officialOne of the above reasons may be the main motivation or it may be something else. Each umpirehas their own reason for umpiring, however regardless of what that reason may be, all umpirescan work towards being the best umpire they can be. This manual is written to help you bringout the best in yourself and to assist you in attaining your goals.When setting goals, ensure that they are attainable, are realistic and are measurable, i.e., youcan tell when you are getting closer to attaining what you desire. Work on your improvementin small steps, improve one thing and then go on to the next.“Umpiring is the only job where a person must be perfect the first time, and THEN improveover the years!”1.2THIS MANUALThis Manual has been prepared on an assumption that the umpire has a basic knowledge of thegame of softball, including rule knowledge and an understanding of the signals and mechanicsused.This is only one minor part of the whole picture, when we are taking a total approach toofficiating. The goals, the mechanics, the positioning, the rules and, most importantly, theATTITUDE of the umpire, are all part of the total approach. No one part is the answer, just asnot one source has all the answers – nor should we expect it.The Manual is not complete, nor will it ever be, as there is always more to learn and to be added.USE THE MANUAL AS IT WAS MEANT TO BE USED . which is only one (1) part of the totalapproach to becoming the best umpire that you can be.Enjoy reading this Manual and remember, focus on YOUR VISION, and never lose sight of it.THE EMPHASIS is for uniform signals and calls, so thatUmpires will have a common base to work from. Allumpires will then personalize their signals and calls fromthat common base.Page 7
WBSC Softball Fast Pitch Umpire Manual: March 31, 2020SO YOU WANT TO BE AN UMPIREUMPIRE1.3UNIFORMITY – maintain consistencyMOBILE – always HUSTLE and be in positionPRIDE – be professional in attitude and dressINCONSPICUOUS – be confident, but not cockyREVIEW – the rule book and this Manual for mechanicsEXCELLENCE – continually strive to the best you can beMISSION STATEMENTThe mission of the WBSC. Umpire Program is to improve the overall quality of umpiringthroughout the world by: 1.4Identifying, observing, evaluating and training umpires for assignments to National,Regional and World Championships.Providing consistency in the interpretation of WBSC softball rules and umpiringmechanics.Promoting better communication between umpires, coaches and the administrators ofWBSC.Providing the best educational material available to umpires around the world toimprove umpiring and the game itself.PREREQUISITES TO GOOD UMPIRINGEvery umpire is performing a service to their fellow umpires, the leagues that they serve andto the managers, players and spectators of Softball. In performing their duties, a competentumpire will take on a number of roles. Firstly, an umpire is the Brand or Image representing their league, State/Provincialbody, National body, the umpiring fraternity, and the sport of Softball. From themoment umpires enter the ballpark, people will judge them, and all the organizationsthey represent based on their appearance and behavior. First impressions are alwaysvery important.Secondly, an umpire is a Decision Maker. At the very core of umpiring is the ability toobserve the game and make timely decisions based on those observations and the rulesof Softball. Your decisions must be made fairly, impartially, without emotion or biasand within the spirit of the rules.Thirdly, an umpire must be a Communicator. They must be able to talk and listeneffectively to their partner(s), players and coaches. Umpires must also use proper andeasily recognized signals.Finally, umpires are Team Players. They must support their partners by always beingin position to help them and not submit any suggestions or opinions concerning theother umpires’ decisions until requested by those umpires. As with any good teamplayer, try to help your other team members. Lead by example . Do it right!To effectively carry out these roles, a good umpire must have a sound set of skills and attitudesas detailed throughout this manual.Page 8
WBSC Softball Fast Pitch Umpire Manual: March 31, 20201.5HELPFUL HINTS FOR UMPIRES – DO’S AND DON’TSDO: Study rules regularlyTake pride in your workAlways strive to improve yourself and your umpiringStay in shapeHustleBe pleasant and professional at all timesBe approachableBe courteous, but firm (control the game)Be alert in thought and actionBe truthfulBe punctualBe neat and well-groomed at all timesAvoid unnecessary conversation with players and managersKnow the ballpark and ground rulesForget the bad days and the players that gave you problems. Tomorrow is another dayKeep the plate, bases, and the pitching rubber cleanKeep your eyes on the ballBe on top of the playStay focused whenever necessaryBe clear, crisp, and meaningful when making callsWork with and back-up your partner(s)Keep your cap, shoes, ball bag, and uniform items cleanKeep your hands off the players or coaches at all timesUse the energy necessary to make a call believable, but never embarrass a player.DO NOT: Go out on the field with a chip on your shoulderBe overly technical. Use common sense!Call the strike overly out loud when the batter obviously swings at and misses the pitchMake excuses to anyone at any time! It won’t helpLook for trouble. You’ll find plenty of it without lookingGet lazy. No one respects or appreciates an umpire who doesn’t hustle. You’re foolingno one but yourselfSecond guess your partner at any time, on or off the fieldChew tobacco when on the diamond.Try to out-take the players, coaches, or managers. Let them do the talking and whenthey have said enough, make them Play BallMake any of your calls too soon. It is better to be a little late in making the call than tohave to change your decisionHave to hear everything that is said or respond to the spectatorsTell the players what to do, or how to play their position. Your job is to umpire andattend to that only.Pick on any particular player. It leads to umpire/player friction. Avoid those players(and managers) who are looking for an argument.Page 9
WBSC Softball Fast Pitch Umpire Manual: March 31, 2020A FEW WISE WORDS“It’s not the mistakes we make that count, it’s howwe learn from the mistakes we and others make.”“Knowledge is of two kinds we know a subject ourselves,or we know where we can find information on it.”Page 10
WBSC Softball Fast Pitch Umpire Manual: March 31, 2020SECTION 2WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A WBSC UMPIREPage 11
WBSC Softball Fast Pitch Umpire Manual: March 31, 20202.1WBSC UMPIRE CODE OF ETHICSThe Umpire Program of the WBSC places responsibility for ethical conduct in softball on thefollowing: Umpires Team members Administrators Spectators The media Educators Parents SponsorsThe WBSC Umpire is to act as an impartial arbitrator of softball competitions and carry outtheir duties with: Accuracy Consistency Objectivity The highest sense of integrityThe Umpire Program of the WBSC recognizes that to preserve and encourage confidence in theprofessionalism and integrity of umpiring, ethical behavior must be fostered by all umpires.In conjunction with the Umpires “Code of Ethics,” UMPIRES HAVE THE RIGHT TO EXPECTTHAT: Their health and safety are paramount. They are treated with courtesy, respect and openness. They are not appointed or recommended to a level of competition beyond their levelcompetence. They have access to self-improvement opportunities.2.2ETHICSThe following Behavioral Ethics apply to WBSC Umpires:1) Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every human being regardless of age, gender,ethnic origin, religion or ability. Refrain from any discriminatory practices on the basis of age, gender, ethnicorigin, religion, or ability. Cooperate and be professional in your association with your fellow officials onand off the field and do nothing to cause them embarrassment. Refrain from negatively criticizing the on-field performance and conduct of anyumpire.2) Be professional in your appearance and manner and accept responsibility for all actionstaken. Display high standards in language, manner, punctuality, preparation andpresentation. Display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved withsoftball (including athletes, coaches, officials, scorers, administrators, thePage 12
WBSC Softball Fast Pitch Umpire Manual: March 31, 2020 media, parents, and spectators) and encourage other umpires to demonstratethe same qualities.Be courteous, respectful and open to discussion and interaction.Honor all assignments and report to the playing field at least 60 minutes priorto the scheduled game time.Be prepared both physically and mentally.Refrain from making any comments or committing any action that underminesthe WBSC and its officers.Do not smoke or chew tobacco on or in the vicinity of the playing field nor drinkany alcohol beverages on the day of the game.Refrain from the use of banned or illegal substances.3) Refrain from any form of harassment. This includes explicit, implicit, verbal and non-verbal harassment.4) Avoid any situation which may lead to a conflict of interest.5) Operate within the rules and spirit of softball. Abide by and respect the regulations governing softball and sport generally andthe organizations and individuals administering those regulations.6) Refrain from any form of personal abuse towards athletes. This includes verbal, physical and emotional abuse.7) Place the safety and welfare of the participants above all else. Ensure that equipment and facilities meet rule requirements and safetystandards.8) Make a commitment to providing quality service to umpiring and the WBSC, by seekingcontinual improvement of your umpiring knowledge and skill through study,performance, appraisal and regular updating of competencies. Maintain and improve on umpiring skills. Observe the work of other umpires so you may gain knowledge and new skillsor successful mechanics. Study the rules through rule books and case books diligently and ask questionswhen in doubt. Always remember, “no question is a stupid question.”9) Be impartial. Be fair and unbiased in your decisions, rendering them without regard to thescore.10) Show concern and caution towards sick and/or injured athletes. Call the medical staffonto the field immediately.11) Encourage inclusively and access to all areas of umpiring. Remember that while your work as an official is important, you must conductyourself in such a way that spectator attention is directed to those playing thegame and not at yourself.12) Be a positive role model for softball and umpiring, and always be aware that you are arepresentative of your country and the WBSC Umpire Program. Personal conduct on the field, around the ballparks and at softball events andmeetings should be above reproach.Page 13
WBSC Softball Fast Pitch Umpire Manual: March 31, 2020 Keep in mind that the game is more important than the wishes of any individualplayer or coach, or the ambitions of any individual umpire.Dress and maintain your appearance in a manner befitting the dignity andimportance of the game and the WBSC.Be fair, but not overbearing; courteous, but not ingratiating; positive, but neverrude; dignified, but never “cocky”; friendly, but not companionable; and calm,but ever alert.13) World Championships: Attend Opening and Closing Ceremonies when requested. Be a part of the umpire team on and off the field. Follow international protocol where ever a championship may be held. Be courteous to all host committee members, drivers, and sponsors at all times.2.3RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONSWBSC umpires must continuously seek self-improvement by studying the game, the rules, andthe accepted mechanics of umpiring.Umpires have to keep up with the way the game is being played, what new strategies are beingadopted, what new skill sets are being used and the tendencies of the players.Umpires need to know the rules, the intent of the rules, the spirit in which they are to beenforced and the fairness to be adopted in the application of the rules.Using accepted mechanics allow umpires to be in the best position possible and tocommunicate their decisions with clarity.Umpiring is a combination of science and art; angles and distances and set positions are allscience; signals however, while maintaining the basic elements can employ an individualartistic touch that allows an umpire’s personality to be displayed. Umpires are not meant tobe robots.Umpires must always put their best foot forward and present themselves as professional,courteous, approachable while also being a firm decision maker without displaying arrogance.An umpire is part of the umpiring team and part of the game. Umpires must ensure that they: Support their partners Allow the game to be played safely and fairly Not allow any player, coach or administrator to unfairly influence a game or anyof its participants Handle conflicts quickly and with dignity for all involved.Everything an umpire does will reflect on themselves, their partners, the game, and theirFederation or organization. Always be aware that you represent more than yourself.As an umpire you will make errors from time to time. This should not cause you to feel shameor to seek forgiveness. It is a human trait to err in judgment from time to time. We must learnfrom our mistakes and work harder to lessen them.Page 14
WBSC Softball Fast Pitch Umpire M
WBSC Softball Fast Pitch Umpire Manual: March 31, 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1 BEING AN UMPIRE 6 1.1 Why be Umpire 7 1.2 This Manual 7 1.3 Mission Statement 8 1.4 Prerequisites to Good Umpiring 8 1.5 Helpful Hints for Umpires – DO’S and DON’TS 9 SECTION 2 WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN WBSC UMPIRE 11
to improve an umpire’s view of a play. This manual would not exist without the assistance of many, many people. Many organizations have contributed to the development of umpiring and we must acknowledge the following for their contributions to this manual: Softball USA (the ASA – Craig Cress and Kevin Ryan); Softball Australia (Alan McAuliffe,
SAL Level 1 Introductory Participants Manual April 2011FINAL.doc Page 3 Module 3 Softball Australia Limited – Umpire's Code of Ethics To achieve Level 1 National Accreditation, an umpire must read and sign the SAL Umpire's Code of Conduct. There are no rules or guidelines that define the type of person or personality that makes a good umpire.
Umpire Program As part of the Registration Fee, each umpire receives insurance coverage, A Rule Book, an Umpire’s Manual and a subscription to the online Balls and Strikes Softball Magazine. Because an umpire is registered with the ASA, he/she can obtain Rule Interpretations, attend ASA Rule Clinics and the Regular and Advanced National
2016 NFHS Softball Rule Book NFHS Softball Case Book 2016/2017 Umpires Manual 2016 Preseason Guide . 2 TO: Softball Coaches and Officials FROM: Roxanne Price, Assistant Commissioner RE: OHSAA Softball Regulations and Related Materials This softball manual is intended as a guide to assist
SGSL 2016 Umpire Training Rules ASA Official Rules of Softball Participant Manual Umpire Manual Supplement RULE 1 – THE DEFINITIONS Many “rules” are defined in this section Rules are listed by Rule number, then section, then subsections. For example RULE 7 – BATTING, Section 2. BATTING ORDER, D.2.a.EFFECT.a
1 2018 USA Sa Umpire Exam USA Sa 2018 USA Umpire Exam Published and distributed by USA Softball The examination consists of a series of questions covering rules and mechanics of the 2018 USA
more helpful information is included at the end of this Manual. The Umpire-in-Training should not imagine that mastery of the curriculum in this Manual is the end of the process. Every step up the ladder requires a deeper knowledge of the rules and a broader ability to apply those rules. In a sense every Umpire is an Umpire-in-Training. Whether an
STM32 MCUs listed in Table 1. Outsourcing of product manufacturing enables original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to reduce their direct costs and concentrate on high added-value activities such as research and development, sales and marketing. However, contract manufacturing puts the OEM's proprietary assets at risk, and since the contract manufacturer (CM) manipulates the OEM's intellectual .
