Anderson Township Little League ATLL 2012 Umpire Coordinator

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 14 th, 2012

ATLL Umpire Workshop Please Sign In

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 q. Time / Length of Game, including Mercy Rule q. Field Boundaries q. Misc q. Jewelry q. On Deck Circle q. Hustle On / Hustle Off

Reducing the Margin of Error q Priories: Fair/Foul Catch/No Catch q Positioning + Timing = Good Judgment q Angle first - Then Distance If you have to, sacrifice distance for angle q Get Set – be stopped for all plays q Watch the ball, glance at the runners q Timing q Hustle

Umpire Hand Calls q Safe / Out q Ball / Strike q Fair / Foul q Misc: q Infield Fly q Off the Bag q Juggling the Ball q Foul Tip q Giving the Count

Umpire Hand Calls

Umpire Hand Signals q Infield Fly situation (0 or 1 out) q Forgetting the Count or Outs q Good Call q Pre-Game Conference to discuss signals and situations q 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 Umpire Plate Umpire – Home Base Umpire – 1 B, 2 B, and 3 B

Getting into the best Position

Asking for Help q Leave your ego at home q Umpire out of position can get help if they ask for it q Make the call. If other umpire sees something different, huddle up and talk about it. q It’s the original umpire’s call ultimately q. Create credibility for yourself q. Mistakes happen q. Example: First Basemen pulls his foot off the bag

Self Evaluation q Did I arrive in time to prepare for the game? q Was I in position for every call? q Was I properly prepared for each play? q Working the plate: q. Was my strike zone consistent? q. How was my timing? q. Were my signals clear and sharp? q Did I assist and communicate with my partner? q Did I keep my cool? q Is there any other part of my game that needs work?

In it for the long run

Working the plate

Plate Basics q Positioning behind the catcher q. Box stance (heel-to-toe) q. Scissors q. Kneeling

Plate Basics q Positioning behind the catcher q. Chin no lower than the top of the catcher’s head q. Get into “The Slot” q. Turn head toward the glove slightly

Calling Balls and strikes

“The Thoughtful Pause”

Calling Strikes / Balls • See It • Say It (to yourself) • Call It

section 2. 00 Definition 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. 00 The 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 Tip Section 2. 00 A foul tip is a batted ball that Is sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher’s hand or mitt Must 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 strike Ball remains alive

Catch / no catch

Catch / No Catch Field 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.

DEFINITION OF CATCH • Secure possession • Complete control of the ball • Voluntary release of the ball

Definition of Catch Voluntary release of the ball CATCH – if the ball is dropped in the act of throwing NO CATCH – if the ball is dropped as a result of a collision or falling NO CATCH – if the ball touches an offensive player, the ground or fence, or an umpire

FAIR / FOUL

Definition of Fair Ball q A fair ball is a batted ball that: q. Settles or is touched on or over fair territory between home and 1 B or home and 3 B q. Bounds past 1 B or 3 B on or over fair territory q. While on or over fair territory touches the attached equipment or clothing of a player or umpire q. While over fair territory, passes out of the playing field

FAIR / FOUL Quiz 1 q A batted ball settles on home plate. What is your call? FAIR or FOUL

FAIR / FOUL Quiz 1 q A batted ball settles on home plate. What is your call? FAIR

FAIR / FOUL Quiz 2 q A batted ball first hits foul ground and without touching any foreign object, rolls into fair territory between 1 B and home where it comes to rest. What is your call? FAIR or FOUL

FAIR / FOUL Quiz 2 q A batted ball first hits foul ground and without touching any foreign object, rolls into fair territory between 1 B 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 q Positioning + Timing = Good Judgment q Angle First, Then Distance q. If you have to, sacrifice distance for angle q Get Set – Be stopped for all plays q Watch the ball, Glance at the Runners q Timing q Hustle

Set Position q. Lower your seat; don’t just bend over q. Place hands on knees or thighs q. Keep your head up; don’t drop your chin q Getting Set q. Set position assumed BEFORE every pitch q. Set position assumed BEFORE calling most plays q. May 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 Bats Pitching Helmets

Number of pitches League age: 7 -8 9 -10 11 -12 13 -16 17 -18 = = = 50 pitches per day 75 pitches per day 85 pitches per day 95 pitches per day 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 BOOK IT 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

RULE 1. 08 On deck position is NOT permitted plus an adult must be in the dugout at all times

q Definitions of Terms Section 2. 00

THE BATTER IS OUT

Batter is Out Rule 6. 05 / 6. 06 q 6. 05 b – when 3 rd strike is or is not caught by the catcher q 6. 05 e – when the batter attempts to hit a 3 rd strike and is touched by the ball q 6. 05 f – when a fair ball touches the batter before touching a fielder* q 6. 05 g – when the bat hits the ball a 2 nd time in fair territory q. If the bat does the hitting, ball is dead q. If the ball does the hitting, ball is still in play

Batter is Out Rule 6. 05 / 6. 06 q 6. 05 h – after hitting or bunting a foul ball, the batter intentionally deflects the course of the ball in any manner while running to first base q 6. 05 i – after hitting a fair ball, the batter is tagged before touching first base q 6. 05 j – if the runner runs outside of the three-foot line or inside the foul line interfering with the fielder taking the throw at first base q Must be avoiding a tag to enforce this rule. Otherwise, player is allowed to run outside three-foot line.

Batter is Out Rule 6. 05 / 6. 06 Rule 6. 06 – Batter Out for Illegal Action q 6. 06 a – when hitting the ball with one or both feet outside the batter’s box q 6. 06 b – stepping from one batter’s box to the other with the pitcher in position and ready to pitch q 6. 06 c – when the batter interferes with the catcher’s fielding or throwing q. Ball is not automatically dead q. If an out results from the catcher’s throw, then the interference penalty is not enforced and the play stands

BATTING:

BATTING OUT OF TURN q Line Up q. P 1 q. P 2 q. P 3 – last out of previous inning q. P 4 q. P 5 q. P 6 q. P 7 q. P 8 q. P 9 Rule 6. 07

BATTING OUT OF TURN q Expected Line Up q. P 4 q. P 5 q. P 6 Rule 6. 07

BATTING OUT OF TURN Scenario #1 • P 6 at the plate q 2 B / 2 S • Appeal is made that P 6 is not the proper batter BEFORE he completes his time at bat - or • Offensive manager realizes the mistake

BATTING OUT OF TURN Scenario #1 q P 4 replaces P 6 at the plate and assumes the count q 2 B / 2 S

BATTING OUT OF TURN Scenario #2 q P 6 at the plate q. Singles into RF q Appeal is made that P 6 is not the proper batter AFTER he completes his time at bat

BATTING OUT OF TURN Scenario #2 q P 4 (the proper batter) is called out q Remove P 6 from the base q Base runner’s advances due to the actions of the improper batter (P 6) are nullified q. Other advances are legal (steals) q Next batter is the batter whose name follows that of the proper batter (P 5)

BATTING OUT OF TURN Scenario #3 q P 1 leads off q. Singles into RF q P 5 steps up to the plate q 2 B / 2 S q Appeal is made that P 1 was not the proper batter AFTER P 5 receives at least 1 pitch

BATTING OUT OF TURN Scenario #3 q The improper batter (P 1) becomes “legalized” by the first pitch to P 5 q All base runners’ advances are now legal q The batting order picks up with the batter following the legalized improper batter

BATTING OUT OF TURN Scenario #3 q The improper batter (P 1) becomes “legalized” by the first pitch to P 5 q All base runners’ advances are now legal q The batting order picks up with the batter following the legalized improper batter q. P 2 would replace P 5 and assume the 2 B / 2 S count q. P 3 would follow

BATTING OUT OF TURN q Creates a permanent line-up change Scenario #3

INFIELD FLY RULE

Inspire Leadership

Infield Fly Rules 2. 00, 6. 05 d, and 7. 08 f q Rule is to protect the offensive team q. But most often argued by the offensive manager q Must be less than 2 outs q Not a line drive or a bunt q Can be caught by any fielder “around the diamond” by ordinary effort q Runners on 1 B and 2 B or bases loaded

Infield Fly Rules 2. 00, 6. 05 d, and 7. 08 f q Umpire declares batted ball to be an infield fly q Batter-runner is called out q. Eliminates all force plays q. Base protects the runner hit by an infield fly (but not in non-infield-fly situations) q Must be fair q If the umpire is unsure, yell “If Fair, Infield Fly, Batter’s Out”

Infield Fly Rule – 2 scenarios q If caught, play on as a normal situation q If dropped, it’s like a “steal” situation. q. Runners may advanced, but they’re not forced q. The batter is not in the play (he is out)

Infield Fly Rule q Important Notes – Rule 7. 08(f): q. If a runner is touched by an Infield Fly when not touching a base, both runner and batter are out. q. If a runner is touching a base when touched by an Infield Fly, that runner is not out, although the batter is out. q. However, in a non-infield-fly situation, base does not protect the runner on a fair ball.

Play the part

Remember- You set the tone! Realize what the kids seeso 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) q. Offensive interference qbatter qrunner q. Umpire interference q. Catcher interference q. Spectator interference

Great effort kid!

Offensive Interference q An act by a member of the team at bat which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders, or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play q. Running into a fielder trying to make a catch q. Yelling at a fielder trying to make a catch

Umpire Interference Rules 5. 09(b), 5. 09(f), 6. 08(d) q Only 2 ways q. Interference with catcher’s throw qdelayed dead ball qbenefits the defensive team q. Umpire hit by a batted ball before passing a fielder qimmediately call a dead ball qbenefits the offensive team

Catcher’s Interference q The catcher or any fielder interferes with the batter q No interference call when the batter reaches first base AND all other runners advance at least one base qdelayed call by umpire

OBSTRUCTION

Obstruction Rule 7. 06 (a) and 7. 06(b) q Fielder’s Obstruction: q When fielder is not making a play on the ball, the runner has the right to the base-path. q Delayed Dead Ball q Runner’s Obstruction: q The fielder has the right to the ball, trumping the runner’s right to the base-path. q Dead Ball, Runner is Out, Batter and runners do not advance

DEAD BALL

Dead Ball q Runner’s return q 1 base awarded q 2 bases awarded § from time of pitch § from time of throw

DEAD BALL RUNNERS RETURN

Dead Ball Runners Return q Foul ball not caught – Rule 5. 09(e) q Illegally batted ball – Rule 5. 09(d) § foot out of the batter’s box at the point of contact q Plate umpire interference unless runner is thrown out – Rule 5. 09(b) q Batter interference of the catcher unless runner is thrown out – Rule 6. 06(c) § if base runner is safe, return to the previous base q Batter called out for batting out of turn – Rule 6. 07(b)

DEAD BALL 1 BASE AWARDED

Dead Ball 1 base awarded q Runner attempting to steal when catcher’s interference occurs – Rule 7. 04(c) § batter also is award 1 B q Pitched ball lodges in umpire’s mask or equipment - Rule 5. 09(g) and 7. 05(h) q 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 q Balk

Dead Ball 1 base awarded q After catching a fly ball, the fielder falls into dead territory – Rule 7. 04(b) § dugout § stands § over a fence into dead territory q Hit batsman – Rule 5. 09(a) q Fair batted ball strikes an umpire – Rule 5. 09(f)

DEAD BALL 2 BASES AWARDED FROM TIME OF PITCH

Dead Ball 2 Bases Awarded from Time of Pitch q Thrown ball into dead territory on first play by an infielder – Rule 7. 05(g) q Fielder deflects a wild pitch into dead territory while retrieving it – Rule 7. 05(f) q Fair ball bounces over the fence – Rule 7. 05(f) q Fair ball is deflected into dead territory

DEAD BALL 2 BASE AWARDED FROM TIME OF THROW

Dead Ball 2 Bases Awarded from Time of Throw Rule 7. 05(g) q Thrown ball into dead territory on 2 nd play by an infielder § attempting a double play q Thrown ball into dead territory by an outfielder q Any relay throw into dead territory by any fielder

3 BASES AWARDED

3 Bases Awarded q 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) q 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 q Catcher’s interference followed by a batted ball – Rule 6. 08(c) q Batter’s interference followed by a play or throw – Rule 6. 06(c) q Plate umpire interference followed by a play or throw – Rule 5. 09(b)

Appeals Rule 9. 02 b q 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. q Such appeal shall be made only to the umpire who made the protested decision.

Appeals Appealed Plays q Must be made before the next pitch, play or attempted play q Must be a live ball for appeals to be made q Must be made before the defensive team leaves the field

Appeals Types of Appealed Plays q Failure to retouch properly – Rule 7. 10(a) q Missed base – Rule 7. 10(b) q Batting out of order – Rule 6. 07

Umpire Volunteer Program ü Completion of Umpire Workshop q. Umpire in 80% of games q. Options Ø Refund 100% of Spring registration fee for 1 child Ø Apply registration refund to next ATLL season • Spring / Fall Ø Donate the money back to ATLL

Umpire Tracking The 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 *Send Confirmation Email to:

Rule Changes See handout

QUIZ TIME

Question 1 q 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 q 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 q 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 q 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 q 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 q 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 q Runner going from 2 B to 3 B is hit by a fair batted ball before the ball reaches a fielder q The umpire calls the runner out. q Is the ball live or dead?

Answer 7 Dead Rule 7. 08(f) – Runner is Out

Question 8 q Runners on 1 B and 3 B. q Batter hits the ball fair and hit the base umpire. q Where should the base runners be placed? § Batter § 1 B Runner § 3 B Runner

Answer 8 Batter – awarded 1 B Runner on 1 B – forced to 2 B Runner on 3 B – no force, remains at 3 B Rule 5. 09(f) – Putting the Ball in Play – Dead Ball

Question 9 q The CF catches a fly ball. q But, while removing it from the glove to throw it back into the infield he drops it. q The umpire rules a legal catch. q 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 • MLee. Peterson@gmail. com • 513 -515 -9030 • www. atll. org

Thank you and have a great season