Anderson Township Little League (ATLL) 2012 Umpire Coordinator : Lee Peterson (with umpire team...

Anderson Township Little League (ATLL)2012

Umpire Coordinator : Lee Peterson

(with umpire team members : Dave Wingard, Ben Swinerton, Tom Kyllo, Jim Gibbons and Mark Benmayor)

April 14th, 2012

ATLL Umpire Workshop

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ATLL Umpire Workshop

Welcome

Agenda

-The basics

-Umpire mechanics

-Safety update and changes

-Rules review

-Umpire of the Year

-Quiz

2012 Points of Emphasis

- Pre-Game meeting with Coaches- Strike Zone- Being in good position to make a call- Be confident in your call or ask for help if you need it- Explaining your call to the kids

Lasting memories- add positive influence

Making friends is what most kids want

Reducing the Margin of Error

The Plate Meeting

Time / Length of Game, including Mercy Rule

Field BoundariesMisc

JewelryOn Deck CircleHustle On / Hustle Off

Reducing the Margin of Error

Priories: Fair/Foul Catch/No Catch Positioning + Timing = Good Judgment Angle first - Then Distance

If you have to, sacrifice distance for angle Get Set – be stopped for all plays Watch the ball, glance at the runners Timing Hustle

Umpire Hand Calls

Safe / Out Ball / Strike Fair / Foul

Misc: Infield Fly Off the Bag Juggling the Ball Foul Tip Giving the Count

Umpire Hand Calls

Umpire Hand Signals

Infield Fly situation (0 or 1 out) Forgetting the Count or Outs Good Call

Pre-Game Conference to discuss signals and situations Arrive 15 minutes before game

Who’s on First?Who’s Abbott and Who’s Castello?

Don’t want 2 umpires covering the same play

1 Play = 1 UmpirePlate Umpire – HomeBase Umpire – 1B, 2B, and 3B

Getting into the best Position

Asking for Help

Leave your ego at home Umpire out of position can get help if they ask for it Make the call. If other umpire sees something

different, huddle up and talk about it. It’s the original umpire’s call ultimately

Create credibility for yourselfMistakes happen

Example: First Basemen pulls his foot off the bag

Self Evaluation

Did I arrive in time to prepare for the game?Was I in position for every call?Was I properly prepared for each play?Working the plate:

Was my strike zone consistent?How was my timing?Were my signals clear and sharp?

Did I assist and communicate with my partner?Did I keep my cool? Is there any other part of my game that needs work?

In it for the long run

Working the plate

Plate Basics

Positioning behind the catcherBox stance (heel-to-toe)ScissorsKneeling

Plate Basics

Positioning behind the catcherChin no lower than the top of the catcher’s

headGet into “The Slot”Turn head toward the glove slightly

CallingBalls and strikes

“The Thoughtful Pause”

Calling Strikes / Balls

• See It• Say It (to yourself)• Call It

section 2.00Definition of Strike – Part B

A strike is a legal pitch that is not struck at when any part of the ball

passes through any part of the strike zone.

Where’s the Strike Zone?

section 2.00The strike zone is the space over home

plate that is between the batter’s armpits and the top of the knees when the batter assumes a natural stance. The umpire shall determine the strike zone according to the batter’s usual

stance when that batter swings at a pitch.

I’m confused- where’s the strike zone again?

We don’t want them wondering??????

What’s the perfect inning?

This isn’t it!!!

Foul TipSection 2.00

A foul tip is a batted ball thatIs sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher’s hand or mittMust be caught by the catcher

not a catch if it is caught on a rebound unless it first hits the catcher’s hand or mitt

Is a strikeBall remains alive

Catch / no catch

Catch / No CatchField umpire has responsibility for fly balls

Field umpire can drift toward the side of the field the ball is on, but shouldn’t leave the diamond.Plate umpire covers bases temporarily (for tagging-up purposes)Signals: Catch = Out signal and say “catch”

No Catch = Finger pointing on ground. Don’t verbalize.

• Secure possession• Complete control of the ball• Voluntary release of the ball

Definition of Catch

Voluntary release of the ballCATCH – if the ball is dropped in the act of throwingNO CATCH – if the ball is dropped as a result of a collision or fallingNO CATCH – if the ball touches an offensive player, the ground or fence, or an umpire

Definition of Catch

FAIR / FOUL

Definition of Fair Ball

A fair ball is a batted ball that:Settles or is touched on or over fair territory

between home and 1B or home and 3BBounds past 1B or 3B on or over fair territoryWhile on or over fair territory touches the

attached equipment or clothing of a player or umpire

While over fair territory, passes out of the playing field

FAIR / FOUL Quiz 1

A batted ball settles on home plate. What is your call?

FAIR or FOUL

FAIR / FOUL Quiz 1

A batted ball settles on home plate. What is your call?

FAIR

FAIR / FOUL Quiz 2

A batted ball first hits foul ground and without touching any foreign object, rolls into fair territory between 1B and home where it comes to rest. What is your call?

FAIR or FOUL

FAIR / FOUL Quiz 2

A batted ball first hits foul ground and without touching any foreign object, rolls into fair territory between 1B and home where it comes to rest. What is your call?

FAIR

FAIR / FOUL Quiz 3

FAIR or FOUL

FAIR / FOUL Quiz 3

FAIR

Working the bases

Reducing the Margin of Error

Positioning + Timing = Good Judgment Angle First, Then Distance

If you have to, sacrifice distance for angle Get Set – Be stopped for all plays Watch the ball, Glance at the Runners Timing Hustle

Set Position

PositionLower your seat; don’t just bend overPlace hands on knees or thighsKeep your head up; don’t drop your chin

Getting SetSet position assumed BEFORE every pitchSet position assumed BEFORE calling most

playsMay be situations that mandate a

standing “set”

Set Position

Umpire Field Positions

Position A

Position B

Position C

Keep it loose

Everyone plays better when they are having fun!!!!

One step at a time

Be inspirational- you never know what kids take in!!!

What we’re trying to build at ATLL

Be part of the success!!!!

Teamwork – the recipe for success

What always wins- compliment it!!!

Safety Update

Composite BatsPitching Helmets

Number of pitches League age:

7-8 = 50 pitches per day9-10 = 75 pitches per day11-12 = 85 pitches per day13-16 = 95 pitches per day17-18 = 105 pitches per day

A pitcher who delivers 41 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of the game.

Composite Bats

By way of summary, Little League International has placed an immediate moratorium on the use of composite bats.  "Composite" bats are generally defined as those bats that have barrels comprised of a "composite" of materials.  Most composite bats can be identified by the word "composite" which is typically listed on the barrel.  As a rule-of-thumb, a typical aluminum/alloy or wood bat is NOT considered a "composite" bat, and thus not affected by the moratorium. Metal/alloy bats can also be identified by a description on the barrel, and a bat identified as such is not considered a "composite" bat.  The moratorium applies only to bats with composite barrels, with no concern for the make-up of the handles.  A bat with a composite handle, but a non-composite barrel, is NOT subject to the moratorium.  The moratorium applies to all levels of Little League.

According to Little League International, this moratorium is primarily about safety, and less about the effect on competition.  Little League International recently received research showing that, over time, some composite bats will exceed the required bat performance factor ("BPF") of 1.15.  Research has shown that use of bats exceeding the required BPF could invoke some undesirable safety issues, and thus Little League, in its discretion,  imposed this moratorium.Some bats have received a waiver from the moratorium (and thus may be used during Little League-sponsored events)

Pitching Helmets

IMPORTANT

Carry your Rule BookIt is better to consult the Rules and hold up the game

long enough to decide a knotty problem than to have a game protested and possibly replayed.

2011 Official Regulations and Playing Rules p.95

On deck position is NOT permitted plusan adult must be in the dugout at all times

Rule 1.08

Section 2.00

Definitions of Terms

The Batter Is Out

Batter is Out Rule 6.05 / 6.06

6.05b – when 3rd strike is or is not caught by the catcher

6.05e – when the batter attempts to hit a 3rd strike and is touched by the ball

6.05f – when a fair ball touches the batter before touching a fielder*

6.05g – when the bat hits the ball a 2nd time in fair territoryIf the bat does the hitting, ball is deadIf the ball does the hitting, ball is still in play

6.05h – after hitting or bunting a foul ball, the batter intentionally deflects the course of the ball in any manner while running to first base

6.05i – after hitting a fair ball, the batter is tagged before touching first base

6.05j – if the runner runs outside of the three-foot line or inside the foul line interfering with the fielder taking the throw at first baseMust be avoiding a tag to enforce this rule.

Otherwise, player is allowed to run outside the three-foot line.

Batter is Out Rule 6.05 / 6.06

Rule 6.06 – Batter Out for Illegal Action

6.06a – when hitting the ball with one or both feet outside the batter’s box

6.06b – stepping from one batter’s box to the other with the pitcher in position and ready to pitch

6.06c – when the batter interferes with the catcher’s fielding or throwingBall is not automatically deadIf an out results from the catcher’s throw, then the

interference penalty is not enforced and the play stands

Batter is Out Rule 6.05 / 6.06

Batting:

BATTING OUT OF TURN Rule 6.07

Line UpP1P2P3 – last out of previous inningP4P5P6P7P8P9

Expected Line UpP4P5P6

BATTING OUT OF TURN Rule 6.07

BATTING OUT OF TURN Scenario #1

• P6 at the plate2B / 2S

• Appeal is made that P6 is not the proper batter BEFORE he completes his time at bat

- or -

• Offensive manager realizes the mistake

P4 replaces P6 at the plate and assumes the count2B / 2S

BATTING OUT OF TURN Scenario #1

P6 at the plateSingles into RF

Appeal is made that P6 is not the proper batter AFTER he completes his time at bat

BATTING OUT OF TURN Scenario #2

P4 (the proper batter) is called out Remove P6 from the base Base runner’s advances due to the actions of

the improper batter (P6) are nullifiedOther advances are legal (steals)

Next batter is the batter whose name follows that of the proper batter (P5)

BATTING OUT OF TURN Scenario #2

P1 leads offSingles into RF

P5 steps up to the plate2B / 2S

Appeal is made that P1 was not the proper batter AFTER P5 receives at least 1 pitch

BATTING OUT OF TURN Scenario #3

The improper batter (P1) becomes “legalized” by the first pitch to P5

All base runners’ advances are now legal The batting order picks up with the batter

following the legalized improper batter

BATTING OUT OF TURN Scenario #3

The improper batter (P1) becomes “legalized” by the first pitch to P5

All base runners’ advances are now legal The batting order picks up with the batter

following the legalized improper batterP2 would replace P5 and assume the 2B / 2S

countP3 would follow

BATTING OUT OF TURN Scenario #3

Creates a permanent line-up change

BATTING OUT OF TURN Scenario #3

Infield Fly Rule

Inspire Leadership

Infield Fly Rule Rules 2.00, 6.05d, and 7.08f

Rule is to protect the offensive teamBut most often argued by the offensive

manager Must be less than 2 outs Not a line drive or a bunt Can be caught by any fielder “around the

diamond” by ordinary effort Runners on 1B and 2B or bases loaded

Umpire declares batted ball to be an infield fly Batter-runner is called out

Eliminates all force playsBase protects the runner hit by an infield fly

(but not in non-infield-fly situations)

Must be fair If the umpire is unsure, yell “If Fair, Infield Fly, Batter’s

Out”

Infield Fly Rule Rules 2.00, 6.05d, and 7.08f

If caught, play on as a normal situation If dropped, it’s like a “steal” situation.

Runners may advanced, but they’re not forced

The batter is not in the play (he is out)

Infield Fly Rule – 2 scenarios

Important Notes – Rule 7.08(f):

If a runner is touched by an Infield Fly when not touching a base, both runner and batter are out.

If a runner is touching a base when touched by an Infield Fly, that runner is not out, although the batter is out.

However, in a non-infield-fly situation, base does not protect the runner on a fair ball.

Infield Fly Rule

Play the part

Remember- You set the tone!

Realize what the kids see- so communicate well with the coaches

Don’t forget- it’s all about the kids!!!!!!

Interference

Interference Rules 2.00, 4.06, 5.09(b), 6.08(c), 6.08(d)

Offensive interferencebatterrunner

Umpire interferenceCatcher interferenceSpectator interference

Great effort kid!

An act by a member of the team at bat which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders, or confuses any fielder attempting to make a playRunning into a fielder trying to make a

catchYelling at a fielder trying to make a catch

Offensive Interference

Only 2 waysInterference with catcher’s throw

delayed dead ballbenefits the defensive team

Umpire hit by a batted ball before passing a fielder immediately call a dead ball benefits the offensive team

Umpire Interference Rules 5.09(b), 5.09(f), 6.08(d)

The catcher or any fielder interferes with the batter

No interference call when the batter reaches first base AND all other runners advance at least one basedelayed call by umpire

Catcher’s Interference

Obstruction

Obstruction Rule 7.06 (a) and 7.06(b)

Fielder’s Obstruction: When fielder is not making a play on the ball, the

runner has the right to the base-path. Delayed Dead Ball

Runner’s Obstruction: The fielder has the right to the ball, trumping the

runner’s right to the base-path. Dead Ball, Runner is Out, Batter and runners do not

advance

Dead Ball

Dead Ball

Runner’s return 1 base awarded 2 bases awarded

from time of pitch from time of throw

Dead BallRunners Return

Dead Ball Runners Return

Foul ball not caught – Rule 5.09(e) Illegally batted ball – Rule 5.09(d)

foot out of the batter’s box at the point of contact Plate umpire interference unless runner is thrown

out – Rule 5.09(b) Batter interference of the catcher unless runner is

thrown out – Rule 6.06(c) if base runner is safe, return to the previous base

Batter called out for batting out of turn – Rule 6.07(b)

Dead Ball1 Base Awarded

Dead Ball 1 base awarded

Runner attempting to steal when catcher’s interference occurs – Rule 7.04(c) batter also is award 1B

Pitched ball lodges in umpire’s mask or equipment - Rule 5.09(g) and 7.05(h)

Pitched or thrown ball by the pitcher from the rubber goes into dead territory - Rule 7.05(g) pickoff – ball goes into bleachers ball stuck in backstop or fence ball goes into the dugout

Balk

Dead Ball 1 base awarded

After catching a fly ball, the fielder falls into dead territory – Rule 7.04(b) dugout stands over a fence into dead territory

Hit batsman – Rule 5.09(a) Fair batted ball strikes an umpire – Rule

5.09(f)

Dead Ball2 Bases Awarded From Time of Pitch

Dead Ball 2 Bases Awarded from Time of Pitch

Thrown ball into dead territory on first play by an infielder – Rule 7.05(g)

Fielder deflects a wild pitch into dead territory while retrieving it – Rule 7.05(f)

Fair ball bounces over the fence – Rule 7.05(f) Fair ball is deflected into dead territory

Dead Ball2 Base Awarded From Time of Throw

Dead Ball 2 Bases Awarded from Time of Throw Rule 7.05(g)

Thrown ball into dead territory on 2nd play by an infielder attempting a double play

Thrown ball into dead territory by an outfielder Any relay throw into dead territory by any

fielder

3 Bases Awarded

3 Bases Awarded

If a fielder deliberately touches a fair ball with a cap, mask or any part of that fielder’s uniform detached from its proper place on the person of said fielder, three bases are awarded and the ball is in play. – Rule 7.05(b)

Each runner including the batter-runner may advance three bases if a fielder deliberately throws a glove at and touches a fair ball; the ball remains in play. – Rule 7.05(c)

Delayed Dead Ball

Delayed Dead Ball Situations

Catcher’s interference followed by a batted ball – Rule 6.08(c)

Batter’s interference followed by a play or throw – Rule 6.06(c)

Plate umpire interference followed by a play or throw – Rule 5.09(b)

Appeals Rule 9.02b

If there is reasonable doubt that any umpire’s decision may be in conflict with the rules, the manager may appeal the decision and ask that a correct ruling be made.

Such appeal shall be made only to the umpire who made the protested decision.

Appeals Appealed Plays

Must be made before the next pitch, play or attempted play

Must be a live ball for appeals to be made Must be made before the defensive team

leaves the field

Failure to retouch properly – Rule 7.10(a) Missed base – Rule 7.10(b) Batting out of order – Rule 6.07

Appeals Types of Appealed Plays

Umpire Volunteer Program

Completion of Umpire WorkshopUmpire in 80% of games

Options Refund 100% of Spring registration fee

for 1 childApply registration refund to next ATLL

season• Spring / Fall

Donate the money back to ATLL

Umpire TrackingThe manager or representative from the

HOME TEAM should provide the names of the umpires that worked the game.

Date of Game *  

Division *                                                                                                             

 Home Team

 Name of Umpire*  

 Visiting Team

 Name of Umpire*  

 Comments

 Comments 

*Send Confirmation Email to:

Rule Changes

See handout

QUIZ TIME

Question 1

Fielder in making catch has ball richochet off glove and against the body where said fielder traps the ball with arm. Is this a legal catch?

Answer 1

No

Rule 2.00 – A catch

Question 2

Foul rebounds from the catcher’s chest protector into the catchers glove without falling to the ground. Is this a legal catch?

Answer 2

No

Rule 2.00 – A Foul Ball(Similar to a Foul Tip)

Question 3

In a Little League baseball game, a batter squares around to bunt a pitch but does not move the bat towards the ball in flight. Would this be a strike?

Answer 3

No- unless pitch is in the strike zone

Rule 2.0 – A bunt

Question 4

Little League- Runner on third leaves too soon, batter hits fly ball to the outfield. Runner returns and tags up and then starts for home reaching there safely. Would the run score?

Answer 4

No

Rule 7.13 – ….base runners shall not leave their bases until the ball has been delivered and has reached the batter. The violation by one base

runner shall affect all base runners. Rule 7.18- Bases loaded any of the runners leaves a

base early. Batter hits a clean triple, but is thrown out at the plate trying to score after the

overthrow at third. Ruling: “Time” is called, the out stands return all runners to first, second and

third……

Question 5

Batted ball hits third base then goes into foul territory. Should the umpire rule this a foul ball?

Answer 5

No

Rule 2.0 – Fair ball

Question 6

Runner standing on first base. Batter hits a sharp grounder which hits the runner while on the base before that runner could move towards second. Would the runner be called out?

Answer 6

Yes- if batted ball is fair

Rule 5.09(f) –

Question 7

Runner going from 2B to 3B is hit by a fair batted ball before the ball reaches a fielder

The umpire calls the runner out.

Is the ball live or dead?

Answer 7

Dead

Rule 7.08(f) – Runner is Out

Question 8

Runners on 1B and 3B. Batter hits the ball fair and hit the base umpire.

Where should the base runners be placed? Batter 1B Runner 3B Runner

Answer 8

Batter – awarded 1BRunner on 1B – forced to 2BRunner on 3B – no force, remains at 3B

Rule 5.09(f) – Putting the Ball in Play – Dead Ball

Question 9

The CF catches a fly ball. But, while removing it from the glove to throw

it back into the infield he drops it. The umpire rules a legal catch.

Did the umpire make the correct call?

Answer 9

Yes

Section 2.00 – Definition of Catch

To them it’s the world

Remember who it’s all about!!!

Know “Make the Right Call” Casebook

Pick up your free copy and please read it

What ATLL is hoping the kids are saying at the end of the 2011 season:

“We can hardly wait for”

Great reputation- be proud to be a part

Umpire Coordinator Contact Information

• MLeePeterson@gmail.com• 513-515-9030• www.atll.org

Thank you and have a great season