2015 CCA Softball Collegiate Umpires Manual - Sample Chapter

2015

COLLEGIATE COMMISSIONERS ASSOCIATION

2015

CCA SOFTBALL UMPIRES MANUAL

SOFTBALL

UMPIRES MANUAL IN FOCUS THIS YEAR • Strike Zone • Chasing Fly Balls • Game Management

COLLEGIATE COMMISSIONERS ASSOCIATION

FOR CREWS OF TWO & THREE UMPIRES

Table of Contents Introduction.................................................................................................................................7 Opening Pitch..............................................................................................................................8 SECTION 1 — In Focus..........................................................................................................10 Strike Zone..........................................................................................................................10 Chasing Fly Balls................................................................................................................11 Game Management............................................................................................................11 SECTION 2 — Character........................................................................................................13 Focus....................................................................................................................................13 Conduct...............................................................................................................................13 Uniform and Equipment...................................................................................................16 SECTION 3 — Game Administration..................................................................................18 Before the Game.................................................................................................................18 Equipment Check...............................................................................................................19 Lineup Card Management................................................................................................19 Game Management............................................................................................................20 Postgame — Partner and Self...........................................................................................20 SECTION 4 — Sportsmanship..............................................................................................22 Preventive Umpiring.........................................................................................................22 Warnings..............................................................................................................................22 Behavioral and Administrative........................................................................................23 Managing Ejections............................................................................................................24 Protests — Regular Season................................................................................................24 Forfeits.................................................................................................................................25 Submitting Report..............................................................................................................26 SECTION 5 — General Mechanics.......................................................................................28 All Umpires........................................................................................................................28 Positioning....................................................................................................................28 Choosing a Position: Angles and Distance..............................................................29 Dropped Third Strike..................................................................................................30 Infield Fly......................................................................................................................30 Look-Back Rule (The Circle)......................................................................................30 Home Run.....................................................................................................................34 Rundowns.....................................................................................................................31 Going for help..............................................................................................................35 The Power of the Point...............................................................................................32 The Value of Verbal.....................................................................................................33 When the Game is Over..............................................................................................33 Plate Umpire.......................................................................................................................33 Plate Stances.................................................................................................................33 Working the Plate........................................................................................................34 Watching Warm-up Pitches........................................................................................35 Pre-pitch Preparation..................................................................................................35 General Plate Duties....................................................................................................36 After the Ball is Hit......................................................................................................36 Movement at the Plate................................................................................................37 Positioning for Plays at the Plate...............................................................................37 Conference Management............................................................................................37

Base Umpires......................................................................................................................38 Starting Position...........................................................................................................38 Pre-pitch Preparation..................................................................................................39 Pre-Pitch Mechanics....................................................................................................39 Fly Ball to the Outfield................................................................................................39 Working Between Pitches...........................................................................................40 Starting Position – On the Line..................................................................................40 Starting Position – Not on the Line...........................................................................40 Leaving Before the Pitch is Released........................................................................41 First-Base Umpire..............................................................................................................41 Third-Base Umpire............................................................................................................42 Teamwork Among Umpires............................................................................................43 SECTION 6 — Signals............................................................................................................44 Standard Umpire Signals..................................................................................................45 Umpire-to-Umpire Signals................................................................................................54 Three-Person Mechanics Key................................................................................................60 SECTION 7 — Three-Umpire System..................................................................................61 No Runners on Base...........................................................................................................62 Runner on First...................................................................................................................88 Runner on Second............................................................................................................120 Runner on Third...............................................................................................................147 Runners on First and Second..........................................................................................176 Runners on First and Third.............................................................................................204 Runners on Second and Third........................................................................................234 Bases Loaded.....................................................................................................................264 Between Inning Positions................................................................................................296 Two-Person Mechanics Key.................................................................................................298 SECTION 8 — Two-Umpire System..................................................................................299 Starting Positions..............................................................................................................299 Between Inning Positions................................................................................................300 Plate Umpire Responsibilities........................................................................................300 Base Umpire Responsibilities.........................................................................................301 Tag-Up Responsibilities...................................................................................................302 Chasing Fly Balls..............................................................................................................302 No Runners on Base.........................................................................................................304 Runner on First.................................................................................................................309 Runner on Second............................................................................................................315 Runner on Third...............................................................................................................320 Runners on First and Second..........................................................................................325 Runners on First and Third.............................................................................................330 Runners on Second and Third........................................................................................335 Bases Loaded.....................................................................................................................340 SECTION 10 — Definitions.................................................................................................345

Section

In Focus

Strike Zone Strike zone accuracy continues to be a focus point of the SUP. Every umpire at every level needs to adhere to the strike zone that is described in the current rule book.

Discussion among coordinators has designated that this is one area that coaches have noted a lack of consistency. Umpires need to develop a method of tracking pitches. Using any one of the approved stances and utilizing preseason scrimmages, we must work to achieve accuracy.

The strike zone by definition is the area above home plate between the bottom of the batter’s sternum and the top of her knees when she assumes her natural batting stance. The top of the ball must be on or within the horizontal plane, and either side of the ball must be on or within the vertical plane of the strike zone to be called a strike unless the ball touches the ground before reaching home plate.

(Rule 11.3.1)

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3.82”

3.82”

2.18”

Batter’s Box

2.18”

Batter’s Box

The diagrams in the 2014 and 2015 Softball Rules and Interpretation book are excellent guides to call an accurate zone. The first diagram (see PlayPic) details the view of the strike zone from above home plate and the second one (see MechaniGram) details the strike zone from behind home plate. Both are designed to aid in the accuracy for calling balls and strikes. Pitches that are clearly out of the strike zone touching the batter’s box need to be called accurately. If the pitch touches any part over the plane of home plate and meets the height criteria, it is a

17” 24.64”

6”

6”

strike. Umpires are encouraged to use these visual aids when working to develop an accurate strike zone.

When working the plate, use a stance that is balanced, one that allows you to drop to a solid set position to see the entire zone. You may use the Box Stance, Gerry Davis, Modified Gerry Davis or Heel/Toe. You need to be in the slot with your eyes positioned at the top of the zone and your head no lower than the catcher’s head. This should be your starting position in order to see the pitch and adjust only when a batter is legally crowding the plate and/or the catcher is legally setting up inside. This is a situational mechanic, not a starting position for every batter. You need to be set when the pitch is released and if you need to, adjust your position for a better view. Track the pitch using only a slight head movement; do not indicate pitch location with your body. Accountability to call an accurate and consistent zone rests with each umpire at every level of softball.

Chasing Fly Balls Chasing fly balls continues to be a concern for the SUP. Too many fly balls or line drives to the outfield that need a base umpire to chase are not being chased, which makes it a difficult call for the plate umpire. Discuss chase responsibilities in your pre-game and always expect to chase. Players are faster, willing to dive at the last moment to attempt a catch. They play an aggressive defense and umpires need to read and react. Remember that it is better to chase than not chase.

Game Management Q: When does game management start?

A: It starts when you walk onto the field. As a crew, you walk the field to check the field and determine ground rules. It then continues with bat check, which is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Bats have to be checked before every game, even if it is a double header.

Q: During the game how do you handle a coach that questions your strike zone?

A: Address the situation. As the plate umpire, you need to decide if the comment from the coach is a one-time situation or is it continuous banter?

If it is a one-time situation you might want to ignore the comment, but be aware that if the comments continue you will address the situation. If the comments are loud and non-stop, take action and address it.

Rule 13.1 Misconduct addresses the issue of a coach questioning a plate umpire’s strike zone. The plate umpire should issue a warning on the first CCA Softball Umpires Manual  11

occurrence of a coach arguing balls and strikes. Continual violations may warrant a behavioral ejection.

Q: When is it appropriate to go for help on a call?

A: By rule checked swing. Umpires must go for help on a checked swing.

It is appropriate to go for help anytime you feel you may have missed a piece of information to make an accurate call.

Q: What are some common sense game management situations?

A: Time between pitches and a batter asking for time. As the plate umpire you need to be aware of the flow of the game. Two rules were put in place to stop the cat and mouse game between the pitcher and batter. If the pitcher or batter asks for time, do not grant time if you decide the request is the result of a cat and mouse game. But, if they ask for time because they did not see or understand the signals, then use common sense and grant time.

Q: What are some of the difficult situations that may arise during a game?

A: Interference, obstruction, illegal pitches and sportsmanship.

All umpires must pre-pitch prepare to be ready for any situation that may arise during the game. Be aware of the position of each fielder and each base runner. Use strong signals. If a coach asks a question listen to what is asked and respond to the question. Be aware of any conflicts that may arise and step in to resolve the issue, if possible, before it escalates. If you warn a coach or player inform your partners of the warning. The plate umpire is responsible for writing the warning on the line-up card.

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Section

Character

Umpires are expected to exhibit and uphold the highest standards of integrity of the umpiring profession. A collegiate umpire has the responsibility to base their judgment on the circumstances and facts presented regardless of an umpire’s history with a team or player.

A collegiate umpire continuously seeks self improvement through the study of the game, rules, the mechanics and game management. Umpires use established signals and mechanics. Collegiate umpires have a complete understanding of the rules; their intent and purpose and the ability to interpret and enforce these rules and principles.

Umpires are expected to: • Enforce the NCAA softball rules as interpreted by the NCAA Softball Rules Committee.

• Possess an overriding sense of reason, justice and integrity.

• Render decisions promptly, confidently and with integrity.

• Conduct all business in a courteous and professional manner.

In addition to administering the game according to the NCAA Softball Rules and rendering decisions based on the actions in accordance with rules, umpires are expected to be a model for fair play.

Umpires must: • Ensure that every student-athlete has a reasonable opportunity to perform to the best of their ability.

• End any situation that threatens the safety of a student-athlete.

• Maintain a healthy environment for competition.

• Never allow intimidation by word or action toward a student-athlete, coach or umpire.

• Resolve conflicts with dignity and respect.

2.1 Focus Sometimes the mental part of umpiring is the most difficult. An umpire can acquire the mechanical skills, perfect the timing and be able to recite the rules verbatim, but the mental aspects can be most elusive.

Focus, attitude and confidence can be under control and then, inexplicably, they may be lost for a time. Lost focus or wandering minds, can result in a

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missed call. Dwelling on an error, reliving it or punishing yourself for losing focus may result in getting behind on the next play.

The most highly trained umpires are able to consistently maintain focus and concentration inning after inning, game after game. They are not distracted by external events or internal thoughts. These umpires work each game pitch-by-pitch. They are able to focus and concentrate at will. Focus, concentration and intensity are closely tied and they take preparation and discipline.

Keys to maintaining focus • Establish a pregame routine that includes both physical and mental items. It helps to bring the game into focus from the beginning and keep it free of mental distractions.

• Establish an in-game routine that includes mental cues to keep alert. An example of this is to get set the same way, at the same time for every pitch. Use triggers to get into a routine and to keep focused. A trigger is a word or action that automatically takes you to your zone of mental focus. For example, as the pitcher first steps on the pitching plate, say, “Focus” or “Be alert” or “Ready, set.” Always use positive self-talk.

• Establish timing, whether on the plate or the bases, work with that same timing every single pitch.

• Establish routines or habits. This leaves mental space, time to focus and concentrate on other aspects of the game. Work the game, whether the bases or the plate, one pitch at a time.

Regaining Focus • Use positive self-talk and visualization to regain focus, concentration and being a solid umpire.

• Before the next pitch, run through all the possible scenarios that could occur on the next pitch.

• Break umpiring mechanics down into the basic steps.

• Use a trigger to get back into the zone.

2.2 Conduct A governing sports committee or games committee shall ensure officials adhere to the NCAA’s policies related to gambling activities, drug and alcohol use. Furthermore, officials must conduct themselves in a manner befitting intercollegiate athletics. Failure to do so may result in termination of the officiating assignment.

Tobacco The use of tobacco products by umpires at the site of competition (e.g., umpires’ locker room, playing field, other areas of the stadium), is prohibited.

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