REMINDER Varsity Classroom Meetings Varsity Area Meetings Level

REMINDER: Varsity Classroom Meetings Varsity Area Meetings (Level 1, 2 & 5) ØMoon Valley HS Conference Area (Center of Campus) Feb 3, 8, 10, 15, 17 6 PM – 7: 30 PM (Steve Huddleson) ØExtra Innings Recreation Center (Val Vista / Southern) Feb 4, 9, 11, 16, 18 / 6: 30 – 8 PM (Jake Gustafson) Sub Varsity Meetings (Level 3 & 4 MUST ATTEND THESE) ØAIA Conference Room Feb 4, 9, 11, 18, 19/ 6: 00 -8 PM (Rob Mc. Kinley or Mark Warner) This information is posted on AZBOA. org

REMINDER: Classroom Meetings Scrimmage Signups available Next Monday & Wednesday… IF you signed up for a scrimmage at the First Pitch Meeting you will be assigned to that scrimmage.

Clinics New Umpire Clinic (designed for level 3 & 4’s) ØBrophy HS Varsity Baseball Field Feb 13 th 9 – 12 NOON Varsity Umpire Clinic (advanced mechanics) ØBrophy HS Varsity Baseball Field Feb 22 th 6: 30 -8: 15 PM ** Must pre-register via the website (azboa. org)

Move Up Scrimmages MOVE UP SCRIMMAGES. . for all level 2 and level 5 (Transfer) Umpires who wish to become Certified Level 1. Move Up Scrimmages: *Slots are limited to 5 Umpires per scrimmage. Feb 17 Moon Valley HS 3: 30 PM Feb 19 Notre Dame HS 3: 30 PM Feb 20 Marcos De Niza 9: 30 AM Feb 20 Brophy HS FULL Feb 20 Gilbert HS FULL Email rob@azboa. org to sign up

Uniforms New Rules 2013 Be compliant…. . Varsity = Logos required. Sub Varsity = Logos recommended.

Questions about the New Rules for 2016? Questions about any of the information provided at First Pitch Meeting? First Pitch Presentation now available on line via AZBOA (click Area Meetings and scroll to bottom. 6: 35 – 6: 55

Ejection Protocol Follow ejection protocol as listed on AZBOA game card. Cards are available… ALL EJECTION reports are filed via AZBOA 6: 35 – 6: 55

Handling Situations & Ejections Ejection Report Umpire must contact Dennis Meadows or Rob Mc. Kinley immediately after the game. Ejection Report must be filed by 8 AM the next day. EVERY EJECTION = EJ Report Ejection Report can be found at AZBOA. The AIA INFO tab at the top of the AZBOA page will direct you to the Ejection report or click here: http: //azboa. org/Ejection_Report/ The completed report will automatically forward to AIA. 6: 35 – 6: 55

Handling Situations & Ejections Warnings: ØAll verbal warnings shall be written down by Home Plate Umpire. MUST restrict first prior to ejecting for Minor or Misdemeanor offenses per new NFHS rule. 6: 35 – 6: 55

Handling Situations & Ejections Warnings: A warning can be subtle and unnoticeable except to the offender. A warning can be assertive and overt, noticed by all participants. Or they can fall somewhere in between…match the situation to umpire action. 6: 35 – 6: 55

Handling Situations & Ejections Misdemeanor (Minor) examples: ØBench Jockeying- negative comments from the dugout. Comments directed at the umpire or opponent. ALL negative comments from the dugout should be acknowledged by the umpire in some fashion. Turing and looking, Mask Off etc…it can be subtle or distinct & noticeable. Some comments can be FELONIES! 6: 35 – 6: 55

Handling Situations & Ejections Misdemeanor (MINOR) examples: ØArguing … emotion is part of the game. Arguing is part of the game…too a point. Head Coach will receive more latitude than a player or Ass’t Coach. If they (Player or Coach) go on too long, too loudly, to demonstratively then warn them to stop or they will be ejected. 6: 35 – 6: 55

Handling Situations & Ejections Misdemeanor (MINOR) examples: ØDemonstrative Physical Actions Physical actions such as waving the hands emphatically, pointing repeatedly, waving equipment, drawing a line etc. are all types of actions that the umpire should warn the player or coach to stop. 6: 35 – 6: 55

Handling Situations & Ejections Misdemeanor (MINOR) examples: ØFailure to comply with Umpire Directive A player or coach when asked by the umpire to do or not do something as covered by the rules or common sense fails to comply. §Please have your players remain in the dugout during live ball action… §Only one on deck hitter allowed… §If you fake a tag again…. §Coach you need to be in the box at the time of pitch… 6: 35 – 6: 55

Handling Situations & Ejections Misdemeanor (MINOR) examples: ØCumulative or Repetitive Misdemeanors CAN result in ejection. ØThese types actions / situations will result in the warning of the player or coach AND possible ejection. 6: 35 – 6: 55

Handling Situations & Ejections Warnings & Ejections • It is our goal to get in a warning OR warnings prior to ejection. • If a warning is issued the plate umpire will write down the warning. • If an ejection occurs and there warnings prior, include those in the ejection report. • Not everything needs a warning = All warnings are not ejections. However hold them responsible! 6: 35 – 6: 55

Ejections Handling Situations & Ejections What comes with an ejection for a player or coach? ØPlayers are ejected from current game and the next scheduled contest. ØCoaches are ejected from current game and the next scheduled contest. School may impose additional sanctions. Eject when necessary, get warnings in and appreciate the impact our ejection may have. 6: 35 – 6: 55

Handling Situations & Ejections Ejection or Restriction Umpires may choose to restrict a player or coach to the dugout. This is an extra tool we have at our disposal. If Warning is merited then warn. If Restriction is merited then restrict If Ejection is warranted then eject. 6: 35 – 6: 55

Handling Situations & Ejections Watch Video As the Base Umpire…. what would you do to assist your partner in this moment? Watch Video #1 6: 35 – 6: 55

Umpire Pre Game Responsibilities Once I receive the game from AIA: *Contact my Partner *Contact the School When to arrive to the Game Site: *A MINIMUM of 30 minutes prior to start time *Coordinate where to park prior to arriving What to bring: *Game Uniforms *Plate Gear (both Umpires) Where do I dress?

Umpire Pre Game Responsibilities When and What do we pre-game *This form can be emailed to you if you contact AZBOA

Umpire Pre Game Responsibilities When do we walk onto the field-10 Minutes prior to Start Time / Go Together! What happens if my partner does not show or is late*If by 20 minutes prior to game time your partner is not present, YOU will dress for the plate and head to the field w/o them. When does the Plate Meeting Start- 5 Minutes Prior

Rule 1: Players, Field & Equipment. 1. 1. 2 -At the pregame conference, the plate umpire asks both head coaches if they have listed all their substitutes on the lineup card. The visiting's team head coach states he did not have time, but will provide them as the game progresses. The plate umpire will: Answer: C “…. the umpire shall not accept the line-up card until all subs are listed” **This answer is for test purposes only! We do not require the subs to be listed but it is recommended! There is NO penalty for not listing substitutes! 1. 1. 4 - True or False: At the time of the pitch, all fielders shall be on fair ground with both feet touching fair ground except the catcher. Answer: False …”A fielder is considered to be in fair territory when at least ONE foot touching fair ground. ”

Rule 1 continued 1. 1. 1 - True or False: An eligible substitute whose name and number is not included on the lineup card that is submitted to the umpire-inchief is prohibited from playing. Answer: False Casebook 1 -1 -2 Situation A “…later, If a team wishes to substitute a player who was not listed on the line-up card they may do so without penalty. ” Question: Lineups become official: A) When the head coaches present them to the plate umpire. B) When the head coaches exchange cards with each other. C) When the plate umpires announces “Play” to start the game. D) After line-up cards have been exchanged, verified and accepted by the umpire during pregame. Answer: D “…. line-ups become official after they have been exchanged, verified and accepted by the umpire during pregame. ”

Remainder of Rule 1 highlighted: *Any defensive player may wear a glove OR mitt, as long as proper size (1 -3 -6). 1 -3 -6 *Defensive players may use head/face protection, must be nonglare (not shiny) (1 -5 -5). 1 -5 -5 *If a ball is touched with an illegal glove or mitt the Offensive team may take the play or have the proper award 3 base award (8 -3 -3 a, b, c) for illegal glove or mitt. If a foul ball is caught the catch is nullified and it is treated as a foul ball (1 -5 -7). 1 -5 -7 *AZBOA Game Card! *Jewelry shall not be worn EXCEPT for religious medal which may be taped and worn under uniform. Medical alert items must be taped but may be visible. (1 -5 -12) 1 -5 -12 (3 -3 -1 d)

Rule 2: Playing Terms and definitions. 2 -4 -3: (page 15)…an intentional base on balls may be given by calling time and waving the Batter to first base, no pitches need be thrown… 2. 6. 1: (Page 16) …Batted or thrown ball is in flight until it has touched the ground or some object other than a FIELDER… 2 -7 -1 & 3: (page 16) …the batter is … a batter-runner is a player who has…. True or False: A batter-runner is the player of the team at bat who is entitled to occupy either of the two batter’s boxes. Answer: False * the batter becomes the runner (batter-runner) the INSTANT ball four, dropped third strike, or a batted ball occurs. He is no longer the batter entitled to the batters box. 2. 9. 1: A fielder is considered to have caught a ball (page 16)…getting secure possession in hand or glove…and firmly holding it, provided he does not use his cap, protector, mask, pocket or other part of his uniform to trap the ball…. . his action of stopping and removing the ball from his glove or etc… FIRM AND SECURE POSSESION & VOLUNTARY RELEASE!

2 -9 -1: (page 16)…a catch is the act of a fielder in… Question: A fielder will be considered to have caught a ball in flight when: A) He has secured the ball in something other than his hands or glove. B) He has the ball in his glove for 3 steps before dropping the ball. C) He has secured possession in foul ground and then steps with both feet into the dugout. D) The batted ball in flight caromed off a runner and was secured by the fielder before touching the ground. Answer: C Key Points: * Firm and secure possession and voluntary release. *A player must have both feet in dead ball territory to be considered in dead ball territory. (See casebook 2. 9. 1 Comment) 2 -16 -2: (page 18) …a foul tip is a batted ball that…. . Question: A foul tip is a ball that goes directly to the catcher’s hands and: A) Is legally caught by the pitcher. B) Is legally caught by the catcher. C) Is a strike and the ball is in play. D) Both B and C. Answer: D Key Point: * Must directly hit catcher’s hands or glove FIRST and be caught by him. Playing action remains live.

Rest of Rule 2 Definitions: *A batted ball is determined fair or foul by where it lands, crosses , settles or is touched. The touching is relation to the ball and not the player (2 -5 -1). *An attempt or offer to bunt shall be ruled a strike. A bunt attempt foul with 2 strikes results in an out(2 -8). *Pre-game conference shall take place 5 minutes before game time. Both umpires should be present. Both HEAD coaches must be present (if not present then they are restricted to dugout for remainder of game[3 -4 - Penalty]). Lineups are verified and exchanged, as well both Head Coaches will verify that all players are properly equipped and all equipment is legal. Ground rules are agreed upon. (2 -10 -2).

Rest of Rule 2 Definitions: *If a batted ball is an infield fly, both umpires will announce and signal “Infield Fly, Batter is out”. If the batted ball is near a foul line the Plate Umpire will announce and signal “Infield Fly if fair”, the base umpire will signal infield fly. Ordinary effort by an infielder, (an outfielder can make the catch and still be Infield Fly). Ordinary effort is not subject to the sun but the wind can be factored (2 -19). Ordinary effort shall be determined by the infielders positioning at the APEX of the batted ball. If a infielder CANNOT get into position by the time the ball is at its apex then it CANNOT be Infield Fly. Err on the side of protecting runners….

Rest of Rule 2 Definitions: Watch and Discuss Infield Fly Video…. What would you rule? Infield Fly or not? Watch Video #2

Rest of Rule 2 Definitions (con’t): Interference (2 -21 -1 a, b, c) *Always by the offense. *Verbal or Physical *Intentional or Unintentional *An act that hinders, impedes or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play. *Coach physically assisting a runner (3 -2 -2). –Usually a delayed dead ball situation UNLESS a play is being made on that runner. What is a PLAY? Ball & Runner is a play. A fielder who is in the act of receiving a throw or fielding a batted ball which is, directly toward and near enough to, will be considered a play. **Please note a fielder must be in possession of a thrown ball to be exempt from obstruction.

Rest of Rule 2 Definitions (con’t): *Interference can also be Umpire (2 -21 -2) or Spectator (2 -21 -3). Obstruction (2 -22 -1, 2, 3) *Always by the Defense. *Physical or Verbal *Intentional or Unintentional *Hinders or impedes the runner (s) OR changes the pattern of a play. *Hinders or impedes the batter (usually by the catcher hitting the bat)

Rest of Rule 2 Definitions (con’t): *Fake Tags (without the ball) are obstruction and warrant a warning to the offending defensive player (3 -3 -1 b). *Denying access by blocking the base or plate WITHOUT the ball is obstruction unless the throw forces the defensive player to take that position to receive throw. An errant throw, that the defensive player adjusts to take a position, to catch the ball USUALLY protects him from Obstruction. *Obstruction is ALWAYS delayed dead ball and ALWAYS a minimum award of 1 base. *Award one base (minimum) whether advancing or retreating to a base.

Rest of Rule 2 Definitions (con’t): Slides (2 -32 -1, 2) *Can be head first or feet first. *Players are never required to slide. *Slide (feet first) must be with one leg and buttock on the ground. *Head first slide must be with torso on the ground. *A pop up slide is LEGAL unless they popup INTO the fielder (Force Play Slide Rule only) *All legal slides must be on the ground PRIOR to contacting a fielder.

Rest of Rule 2 Definitions (con’t): Slides (2 -32 -1, 2) *All legal slides must be on the ground and not cross body or rolling. *The raised leg of runner may not be higher than the knee of the STANDING fielder. *Sliding past the base is legal unless they make contact or alter the play AFTER sliding by. *Slashing or kicking at the fielder is illegal and can be merit for ejection. *Force play slides must be directly into the base or away from the fielder (2 -36 -22).

Rest of Rule 2 Definitions (con’t): Substitutions (2 -36 -1, 2, 3) also (3 -1 -1) *A substitute is eligible to replace another player in the lineup. *An unreported substitute is considered reported the moment the umpire is alerted to his entry into the game. NO PENALTY for an unreported substitute. *An illegal substitute is someone who enters the game; without eligibility, in the wrong batting order, on defense at the same time the player they replaced is on defense, or who violates the courtesy runner rule.

Questions about material covered tonight? All classroom material is posted on AZBOA for review. Next Class is: ØMoon Valley HS Conference Area (Center of Campus) Feb 3, 8, 10, 15, 17 6 PM – 7: 30 PM (Steve Huddleson) ØExtra Innings Recreation Center (Val Vista / Southern) Feb 4, 9, 11, 16, 18 / 6: 30 – 8 PM (Jake Gustafson) … covers Rule 3, 4, 5 and Strike Zone.