The rationale for this position, as explained in the various softball organizations’ umpire manuals, is to enable the plate umpire to see the entire plate and the ball as it moves from the pitcher’s hand to the catcher’s glove and to be able to accurately judge whether the ball passed through or out of the strike zone. As the USA Softball umpire manual notes, “Being in the correct slot and set position on both sides of the plate gives you an unobstructed view of the strike zone on every pitch from the same angle.”

But as any umpire knows from game experience, being able to see the plate and strike zone from the slot can become more complicated by the positioning of the catcher and/ or the batter. Sometimes the physical size of the catcher and batter can make it more difficult to achieve an unobstructed view from the slot position. Or perhaps it is a catcher who throws left-handed and lines up differently than a right-hander. If the catcher has a tendency to raise from her crouch as she receives the pitch, she can interfere with the umpire’s view at the last instant.

When these situations come into play, the umpire often must make adjustments to maintain an unobstructed view of the strike zone. Several longtime umpires have each offered insight about how to ensure ball-strike calls remain consistent regardless of what the batter or catcher does.

“You can’t call what you can’t see,” said Steve DiFuria of Ardmore, Pa., who has works in NCAA Divisions II and III along with high school competition. “If the catcher blocks me from seeing an inside pitch, it’s a ball. If you have to, you explain it (the catcher’s movement) to the coach. ‘If you want that inside pitch (to be called a strike), tell the catcher not to slide over too much.’ “You have to push yourself to see all four corners of the plate. … Working the plate is about being consistent and confident. If you call a pitch one way in the first inning, you’ve got to call it that way the whole game.”

For Mike Girouard of Yorba Linda, Calif., a key aspect of any adjustment an umpire makes in the slot position is being able to keep the strike zone in perspective. He points out the importance of positioning your head at the top of the strike zone in relation to the batter when going to the set position in the slot.

“When everyone (batter and catcher) is squeezing the slot, the only thing you can do is look over the catcher to see the delivery of the pitch,” said Girouard, a 20-year veteran umpire who oversees training for the 130-member Orange County (Calif.) High School Unit umpire organization and also is on the instructional staff for USA Softball of Southern California.

“You must remember you have now raised your view of the strike zone, to keep you from calling one out of the zone. … You can’t let a stance (by the batter or catcher) change what you have to do,” Girouard said. “We need to set up the same way, so it doesn’t change your perspective of the zone now as the batter and catcher move forward or backward. I adjust with them.”

The discipline to maintain focus while making adjustments in the slot position is equally important, as noted by Jim Stewart of Burlington, N.J. One of his techniques is to reinforce in his mind whether a pitch is a strike or ball before making his verbal call. The slight delay helps him with call accuracy.

“You want to call every single pitch the same way, no matter what,” said Stewart, who has 20 some years of experience, including many years in NCAA Division I. “I’m in the same (slot) position each time. I face the plate at a slight angle and am absolutely set before the ball is released and stay set until it hits the (catcher’s) glove.

“I can’t dictate if the batter moves or the catcher flinches. If I have to adjust, I’ll move just above the catcher’s helmet. I move up so I can see the ball drop over the plate. … The only thing I care about is (that) one pitch.”

When in the slot position, the plate umpire also must be aware of the catcher’s positioning and the possibility of a pickoff throw to first base or third base. Girouard said he is careful to avoid interfering with the catcher when he sets up in the slot position. When working behind a left-handed throwing catcher, umpires have to be attuned to the differences from the more typical right-handed catcher.

“The catcher’s throwing hand or motion does sometimes change how close to the catcher you are due to their snap pickoffs throws,” said Girouard, who has worked the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, an ASA National Championship, the California State Junior College Championship and has 20 years of NCAA experience. “We need to observe that and with runners on base adjust our depth with the catcher to not interfere with the throw.”

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If you think about the number of plays at first base in a game, the chances are actually pretty high that a bad throw or poor footwork will lead to potential obstruction in every game. Some fielders are very adept at moving their feet in order to avoid obstructing, but that is not always the case. So how do umpires judge if obstruction has occurred?
First, let’s take a look at the rules regarding obstruction. All four codes define obstruction in relatively the same fashion. Obstruction occurs when a defensive player, neither in possession of the ball nor in the act of fielding a batted ball, impedes the progress of a runner who is legally running the bases on a live ball (NFHS 2-36, 8-4b; NCAA 9.5; USA Softball 8-5b, R/S 36; USSSA 3 – Obstruction, 8-13). NCAA rules go a little further by stating it is obstruction if a defensive player is blocking the whole base or basepath without the ball and/or the runner does not have a path to the base.

While most first basemen take the throw from the side of the bag facing the infield, or at least on one of the corners of that side, sometimes footwork or a poor throw causes the fielder to move. For example, in the photo above, the first baseman has her left foot on the back corner of the bag instead of the front corner. This causes her entire leg to be blocking the front portion of the base. Because of this positioning, she is susceptible to being called for obstruction.

In NFHS, USA Softball and USSSA, just being in that position in and of itself does not constitute obstruction. She still must impede the runner. If the umpire judges the fielder impeded the runner — caused the runner to slow down, change her path or alter her running in any way — obstruction would be ruled. The umpire should give the delayed-dead-ball signal and continue to adjudicate the play. If the runner arrives ahead of the throw, the ball would remain live and play continues. If the runner is put out, the umpire should call time and award the batter-runner first base.

If the fielder catches the ball prior to the runner getting to the base and the umpire rules the fielder did not impede the runner, the batter-runner would be ruled out.
In games using a double first base, umpires must also determine which bag the fielder is blocking and which base the runner is attempting to touch, and if those players have the right to be at those specific bags, which could complicate matters even more. In this particular play, the throw is not offline, so the fielder would not have a right to use the colored portion of the bag and the runner would not have the right to go to the white portion.

In NCAA, if the umpire judges the fielder is blocking the entire base or the entire basepath, obstruction is called, regardless if the runner alters her path. The act of blocking the entire base or basepath in and of itself is obstruction. If the runner is clearly beaten by the throw, the runner would be ruled out. If the runner is not clearly beaten by the throw, such as in the play above, the runner would be awarded first base. The NCAA defines clearly beaten by the throw as “at the time the fielder catches the ball, it could not be reasonably expected for the runner to begin their slide, or the runner is out by such a significant margin that the fielder must wait for the runner to arrive to apply the tag or until they give themself up. It should be a relatively infrequent call. Do not confuse this with a runner being ‘clearly out.’ It’s important to note that ‘clearly beaten by the throw’ ONLY applies to obstruction for blocking the whole base or base path (AR 9-13).”

In situations where the fielder blocks the bag, chances are a collision will occur as the ball and runner arrive at the same time and the fielder is unable to get out of the way (and the runner is unable to avoid contact). In these cases, it is important for umpires to make sure there is nothing malicious in the contact (a raised forearm, a hard shove, etc.). A runner putting her arms up to protect herself is natural and should not be deemed malicious contact.

In these instances, the base umpire has the first responsibility to judge the potential obstruction. However, a plate umpire trailing the runner up the first-base line also can assist with this call as that umpire may have a better look to see if the fielder is blocking the entire base or basepath and also see if the runner deviates. Umpires should work together to get this call right and help clean up plays, and potential collisions, at first base. The game is better, and safer, without them.

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The slot is defined as the area between the catcher’s inside shoulder and the batter when the batter is in a natural stance and the catcher is in the normal crouched position behind the plate. The slot affords the umpire an excellent line of sight for seeing the zone, checked swings, hit batters, illegally batted balls and catch/no-catch by the catcher.
Too often, umpires set up in the center of the plate right over the catcher’s head. While this may give you a centered look at the strike zone, it also puts you in a lot of danger. First, foul balls will have a way of finding your head if you center yourself over the plate. For your health and safety, you should never start in this position. Second, if the catcher rises at the last minute or pops up early, you will have a great look at the back of the catcher’s head, but a terrible look at the strike zone.

Instead, work to get yourself into the slot so you have the best look at every pitch. By being in the slot, you should be able to see the outside corner clearly. If you are unable to see the corner, you either are too far behind the catcher or you aren’t truly in the slot. In order to accurately and consistently call the outside pitch, you need to be able to see it. Otherwise, it just becomes a guessing game, which isn’t good for anyone. Use the warmup pitches prior to the start of each half-inning in the first inning to see where the catcher sets up and work to make sure you can see the zone clearly. Use those pitches wisely so when the first pitch of the inning happens, you aren’t caught off guard. Set the tone early.

Once you are in the slot, you should have an unobstructed view of the pitch from the time it leaves the pitcher’s hand until it arrives in the catcher’s glove. If the catcher slides over or raises a bit, simply raise a little higher so you can see the entire play. While we have all had a catcher jump up on us and had a coach then complain when we called a pitch a ball, you can only use that excuse so often. At the end of the day, it is our job as plate umpires to do everything we can to see each pitch and rule on them. Some catchers will require you to work harder than others.

Remember, calling balls and strikes is only one of your responsibilities as the plate umpire. You also have several other responsibilities that require you to have an unobstructed view in order to get the call right. The first is whether the ball hit the batter on a pitch. Being in the slot allows you to track the ball all the way to the catcher’s glove. If you are not in the slot, chances are you are going to get blocked out by the catcher or her head.

The same goes for balls low in the zone. If a batter swings at a low pitch, you need to be able to see if the catcher is able to catch it (or if you have a dropped third strike), or if the batter nicks the ball, you need to know if it is a foul ball or a foul tip. Being in the slot allows you to see the ball all the way back to the catcher and accurately make these calls.

It also allows you the ability to see when a batter makes contact with the ball when starting to run to first base. The slot allows you to get a much better look at whether batters are still in the box when they contact the ball a second time or if they are outside the box. When directly behind the catcher, you will notice you are often obstructed by the catcher and unable to see what happens in front of the plate. These plays happen very quickly and if you are in the slot, it gives you a much better view of these plays.

The slot also allows for much easier movement once the ball is put in play. It will allow you to nail those calls when the ball goes directly off the batter’s foot after contact as opposed to guessing whether it hit a foot or the dirt. It also allows you to quickly clear a catcher when you are responsible for trailing a runner to first base or when you have to get to third to cover the bag. If you are directly behind the catcher, you will find yourself either being stepped on repeatedly by the catcher or bumping into the catcher when you take your first step. Being in the slot allows you to pivot and create space.

If you are struggling with your strike zone or not feeling comfortable with seeing plays that happen near the plate once the ball is contacted, chances are your initial setup is not correct. Work on getting into the slot and finding an unobstructed view. You may feel a little unprotected at first, but once you get comfortable, you will never go back to your old ways.

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Pitcher’s Pivot Foot (6A-3k)

Pitchers in the women’s and JO programs may either push off and drag the pivot foot in contact with the ground or have both feet in the air. In the past, pitchers in these programs had to drag the pivot foot but were allowed some flexibility if a hole had been created in front of the pitcher’s plate. With the change in rules, umpires are no longer forced to guess if the pivot foot remains at the same height as the pitcher’s plate or if the pitcher’s pivot foot elevates. Pitchers may now be airborne with both feet (leap), provided the pitcher does not replant and restart (crow hop). It is still illegal if a pitcher leaps and lands with the hands together and pushes again.

“I believe the USA Softball Council felt that there are pitching techniques being taught that cause the pivot foot to disengage with the ground which was being called illegal,” Ryan said. “However, they did not feel this gave a pitcher an advantage, but allowed for different pitching techniques to be allowed in women’s and JO games.”

Play 1: On delivery of the pitch, F1’s pivot loses contact with the ground as she drives forward to deliver the pitch. F1 delivers the pitch as her pivot foot returns to the ground in a smooth drag along the ground without replanting. Ruling 1: Legal. The new rule allows the pivot foot to become airborne, as long as the pivot foot does not replant.

Play 2: On delivery of the pitch, F1’s pivot foot becomes airborne on her initial drive to the plate. The pivot foot lands on the ground and bears weight, then F1 drives from the new location while releasing the pitch. Ruling 2: Illegal. This is a crow hop and remains illegal. The pivot foot may not replant and initiate a second drive after losing contact with the ground.

Time Limits (5-10a, b and c)

A major change to the rules has an impact in the time limits in regard to JO fastpitch classifications. In the past, during JO pool play and elimination games, once a game reached the hour and 20 minute mark, the current inning would be completed then another inning (or half inning if the home team was leading) would be played. The new rule puts the time limit at an hour and 40 minutes and finish the inning. The new rule removes the requirement to play an additional inning once the time limit has been reached and adds an additional 20 minutes to the time limit. All other portions of the rule in regard to the use of a tiebreaker and at what stage of play the time limit are waived (elimination games, championship game, etc.) remain.
“The USA Softball Council came to the conclusion, based on feedback from our teams and coaches, that the old time-limit rule of playing one more inning was slowing the overall pace of play,” Ryan said. “In some cases, it was also causing gamesmanship in its own way.”

Play 3: During pool play in a 14-under national championship tournament, in the bottom of the fifth inning, the umpire’s timer expires indicating an hour and 40 minutes have elapsed. The score is tied, 4-4. Ruling: Umpires should finish the fifth inning and if the home team does not score, the tiebreaker will begin in the top of the sixth inning. If the home team scores in the bottom of the fifth, the game is over.

Play 4: During pool play in a 16-under national championship tournament, with the home team leading, 5-4, the bottom of the fifth inning concludes. As the home team starts its warmups in the top of the sixth inning, the umpire’s timer sounds, indicating an hour and 40 minutes has expired. Ruling 4: The umpires should play the sixth inning. If the visiting team does not score, the game will end after the top half of the sixth. If the visiting team ties the game or takes the lead, the home team would get the opportunity to bat in the bottom of the sixth.

Extra Players (4-1c-1)

This adds subsections d and e to the rule. Subsection d allows for one extra player so a team may bat 10. Subsection e allows a team to use the DP/Flex with one extra player and bat 10. In both, any player in the lineup can play defense and any substitutions for the pitcher and catcher must be reported. The new rule is in effect for all JO girls’ classifications. It is important for umpires to note that in e, the DP/Flex is in effect so if the Flex is removed from playing defense, it is considered a substitution.

Play 5: On the initial lineup given to the umpires at the pregame plate meeting, the home coach is using the DP/Flex and using an extra player (hitting 10). In the third inning, the coach decides to put the extra player in to play defense at second base, where the Flex was playing. Ruling 5: In this scenario, the Flex has been removed from the game and it counts as a substitution against the Flex. While any player in the lineup is eligible to play defense, if the Flex is removed from a defensive position, it counts as a substitution.

Play 6: On the initial lineup, the visiting coach is batting 10 players, using an extra player and not utilizing a DP/Flex. In the fourth inning, the coach wants to put the batter listed in the 10th spot (the original extra player) in to pitch. Ruling 6: Legal. The coach must report the change to the plate umpire since the change pertains to the pitching position. All 10 batters in the lineup will still bat as any of the 10 players listed may play defense and there is no change to the batting order.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Rule (4-2l)

This creates an additional section to the ADA Rule which allows a player with a disability, who needs to come out of the game due to the disability, to have a replacement player until the disability subsides. In the event of a diabetic event or any other medical event that requires the player to come off the field until the event is over, it allows another player to go into the game and does not count as a substitution. Some rule codes have recently adopted rules similar to deal with potential concussions. The important thing to remember is to allow treatment of the player and allow another player in to take the place of said player without penalty.

Bat Attachment (3-1d)

This change affects the way in which bat attachments are added to the grip. The rule removes the language that required attachments such as molded finger grips, a flare cone or choke-up device to be attached with grip tape. Using tape to attach these to the bat is no longer required.

Slow-Pitch Count (7-3b)

All JO girls’ classifications of slow-pitch play will utilize a one ball, one strike count to all batters entering the batter’s box. This puts girls’ JO slow pitch in line with other classifications and will help with pace of play.

Slow-Pitch Time Limit (6C-3j)

For slow-pitch games, pitchers have five seconds to release the next pitch after receiving the ball or after the umpire indicates “play ball.” In the past, pitchers had 10 seconds to release the pitch. Failure to release the ball within five seconds results in an illegal pitch infraction.

Ball Specifications (3-3a)

USA Softball is adopting specifications for the 12-inch fastpitch ball that will create common specifications among USA Softball, NFHS and NCAA rule codes. NFHS and NCAA rule codes have already adopted these specifications and it is designed to help manufacturers who create the ball. The new specifications will go into effect in 2024.

Player Designation (4-1c)

This changes the designation of “baseman” to “base player.” The change better represents all who participate in USA Softball and makes the designation gender neutral.

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My softball career was in many ways the same.

My association often asks me to evaluate and umpire with up-and-coming umpires as they work their way through the ranks. It has been a great ride for me, so giving back is something I enjoy.

One week, I was asked to work with a new umpire who was working his first year in a community college conference. That umpire worked hard during the game, asked many questions afterward and was enjoyable to work with. In many ways, he was a lot like me when I started umpiring.

I started umpiring at 45 and started working college ball at 54. It was the lure of working higher level games and the challenges that come with it that made it so attractive. It was then that I decided to start chasing the elephant — the higher reaches of the sport.

The game was so much more competitive than I had experienced in the past and the expectations much higher. Doubt, success, failure, redemption all became a part my softball career. I cannot say my wife shared my enthusiasm, but she gave me my time and I was thankful for her support. There was no offseason. With year-round training, online testing every month, softball camps, roundtables, fall ball, never turning down games and striving to be a better umpire, softball was taking a major part of my life.

I knew that my age was a factor. I looked around at the Division I umpires and understood they all started umpiring at a younger age. If I had any dreams of working Division I games, I was at a disadvantage. I was a fair umpire who hustled and worked very hard. I never worried about keeping up with the successes of others. After every game, I always expected a phone call, but my services were not needed.

Each successful step up the ladder came with the help of others. Observations that were critical gave me a list of mechanics to work on. After one of my games, I asked one of my observers about working at the next level. I appreciated his frankness and unwillingness to tell me the big lie that I could do it. That was reality time, full in your face but with a gracious hand from someone that I looked up to. “You are too old to work at that level,” he said. I knew it and I had no problem with his answer.

Getting back to that umpire with whom I worked that community college game. How could I explain the amount of work and sacrifice ahead of him? I decided to be open with him. He was 62 and just starting to chase his elephant.

I did not envy his situation. We talked more about finding personal satisfaction from the game, no matter what level we worked. I reminisced about my dad and fishing. Dad had said a boy starts out fishing from a pier. As he gets he older buys a bigger and bigger boat. As time passes, the boats get smaller and he eventually is back fishing off the pier. You are still fishing, so find peace with that. To me, the same applies to umpiring.

My partner understood. We discussed how very few umpires have the opportunity to work higher levels. Fate, timing, other commitments and life in general keep many umpires from reaching their full potential. That game was in early spring and we were thankful to be on the field on a sunny, warm day doing what we loved. That was also the day that I decided it would be my last year working college ball.

There are more chapters to our lives and we must not be afraid to turn the page and explore them. Walking away from the field does not mean there will not be new challenges ahead. I will still keep the passion for softball and want to share that experience with our next generation of umpires.

Umpiring created a tight bond with friends that I will cherish. It would be hard to find another set of professionals that have a greater passion for what they do. They do not do it for the money. But if camaraderie was money, those would be the richest people in the world.

P.S. I worked a rec ball game one day. Still had fun even if there were no elephants around.

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Here are two examples. Accept one and refute the other.

By far, the most erroneously used crossover rule is from football. That is when a fielder makes a spectacular effort while attempting to catch a fly ball. It usually happens that the fielder has the ball inside the glove, then rolls on the ground, only to have the ball end up on the ground.

Immediately after we signal no catch, we usually hear, “Hey! I had it when I hit the ground. The ground can’t make you fumble.”

A correct interpretation, but for the wrong sport. When coaches come out to discuss the call, my first reply is to assure the coaches that their understanding of the rule is correct for football. However, in softball, that rationale doesn’t apply.

The rulebook makes the determination of a catch easy with the inclusion of the statement, “The release must be voluntary and intentional.” So after the coach has pleaded his or her case, I pointedly ask him or her, “Coach, did your fielder intentionally let that ball go so it would fall on the ground?” Most of the time I receive an incredulous look from the coach and an adamant, “Of course not.” With that, I tell the coach that part of the definition of a catch is that the release of the ball has to be voluntary and intentional. The coach has already told me that the release was not intentional, ending the argument.

As Plan B, I could also say that in football, the ground can’t cause a fumble, but it can cause an incomplete pass, which is also somewhat analogous.

The other crossover rule example that we can use is from basketball. Many softball fields are not ideal, to say the least. In fact, you’ll find softball fields in many locations that have nothing more than a backstop. Because of that, you have opportunities for balls to go out of play and even players going out of play.

There’s a question about a player being on the playing field when making a catch and subsequently going into the dead-ball area. One example is an outfielder catching a ball at the fence and then falling over the fence. Similarly, when using chalk lines to mark dead-ball areas, you have the possibility of catches being made near the out-of-play area and the fielder continuing into the dead-ball area.

The basketball rule used to explain the proper interpretation of those softball plays concerns where a player establishes her location on the court. Many times, when a ball is going out of bounds, players leave the court by jumping into the air and are actually “out of bounds” in the air before knocking the ball back into the court and landing out of bounds. The important concept here is the player’s location when she becomes airborne. If done properly, the player’s position is inbounds because that is the area she was in before she touched anything out of bounds.

So it is for softball. If the player jumps into the air to make a catch, has control of the ball and then falls over the outfield fence, you have an out. She made the catch. Award bases for unintentionally taking the ball into dead-ball territory.

The same is true for catches that are close to a chalk line. As long as the fielder’s last contact is in the playing field, she can be in the air over dead-ball territory and make the catch. If she comes down in dead-ball territory, award bases accordingly.

Whether making calls or no-calls, we can draw other parallels from other sports. The challenge is to know the parallels and understand which ones we should accept and which ones to refute.

The post Be Careful Using Other Sports to Explain Softball Rules appeared first on Referee.com.

1. Wells correctly has his mask in his left hand while signaling. It’s a basic umpiring mechanic, yet many umpires fail to do it.
2. Too often, umpires incorrectly believe they’ve got to have their noses right on the play to make a good call at the plate. Just as umpires should maintain proper distance on the bases for a force or tag play, the same philosophy holds for plays at the plate. Rarely has a call at the plate been missed because the umpire was too far away. Conversely, too many umpires are so close to the action that plays explode in front of them.
3. Make sure the catcher (or whichever fielder happens to be covering the plate) has held onto the ball before making your ruling. If the ball is hidden from your view, say, “Show me the ball!” Once you’re certain it’s secure, make the out call. But if you ask to see it and it’s shown to you, you can’t call the runner safe.
4. Don’t forget about the retired runner in case there’s a subsequent play at another base. Although unlikely in this situation, interference is a possibility. Additionally, a play of this nature might be a candidate for malicious contact.
5. If the coach wants to dispute the ruling at the plate, she will have to wait until all playing action has ceased and time has been called.

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The most basic form of communication is simply oral communication. That often means communicating your location on the field. “I’ve got third!” or, “You’ve got the runner!” are simple but effective communications. Their simplicity should not diminish their importance.

Have you ever found yourself at third base preparing to make a call and felt the presence of another umpire possibly making a call at the same time? It is vitally important to know where your partner is and what your partner believes his or her primary responsibility is on every play. Though you may have discussed coverage before the game, using verbal communication is critical. In the heat of a developing play, an umpire can lapse and make a call that really isn’t that umpire’s responsibility. If you are talking, you’ll know who is going to call the play.

OK, we’ve covered the basic (and honestly, the most important) communication technique. So let’s move on to the more “touchy” situations that occur during a game that require excellent communication. A crew recently shared a real-life example of the importance of discussing a situation rather than just pointing at each other.

Have you seen those types of umpires? Some umpires simply point in the direction of their partner and expect their partner to miraculously know the meaning of the point. I’ve seen and experienced the “mime” umpires in action and I’m never at ease with them.

The crew said there was a slight bobble on a throw to first base as the first baseman stretched to catch the ball. On the safe call, the defensive team’s reaction was spontaneous and vociferous. Realizing something was likely amiss, the base umpire pointed to the plate umpire and the plate umpire raised his fist and called, “That’s an out!” More grumbling followed along with the comment, “Both of you missed that one!” But the game continued.

After the game the crew members learned of their poor communication. They thought they had done as they had been trained: “When in doubt, get help from your partner and strive to get the call right.” Well, the base umpire said to the plate umpire, “I wasn’t sure if the fielder bobbled the ball so that is why I thought I should come to you to make the call.” To that, the plate umpire replied, “I thought you wanted to know if his foot was on the bag when he stretched out. That’s why I called him out.” Oops!

The first mistake was just pointing instead of also verbalizing. But the biggest mistake was the plate umpire automatically making the out call. If they had agreed that the umpire making the call would be the one to stay with the call or change it based on the information provided by the other official, the plate umpire couldn’t have called the batter-runner out or safe. The officials would have had to talk to know what the base umpire was requesting.

Even though I’ve worked with my regular “partner” for more than 10 years, I’ve learned the importance of asking for clarification, or asking for a specific answer to a specific question. Sometimes, when it is a really difficult situation, like a catch/no-catch, I’ll ask a more open-ended question.

I might inquire, “What did you see on that play?” Had the base umpire vocalized, “Did he have control of the ball?” or, “Did he bobble the ball?” the crew could have made the correct call. You simply can’t depend on one umpire reading another’s mind.

I had a situation where an unfamiliar partner asked, “What have you got?” I responded, “Do you want to know if he had control of the ball?” That way the dialogue could continue with increased probability of getting the call right.

Are you communicating with your partner? If you aren’t talking, you aren’t communicating. After all, I don’t know of any mind readers on the field.

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The base umpire often has to make multiple calls at different bases and it can become difficult to see everything. It is rare in softball to have a double play where at least one of the calls isn’t close. Often both ends of the double play are bang-bang and a lot of moving pieces are happening at once. This is when mechanics play a crucial role in getting the call right and making sure all action is ruled upon.

The most common place where this happens is at second base. Due to the nature of the small size of the softball diamond, everything happens in an instant and it is imperative there is a set of eyes on the action that happens. In a situation where there is a close play at second base — typically when the runner at first is off on the pitch, on a bunt situation where the defense tries to get the lead runner, or a ball hit into the hole at short — the base umpire must close down the distance to second base to about 18-21 feet to make sure to get an angle to see all the elements of the force play. The base umpire is unable to “cheat” toward the secondary call at first because the play at second requires total focus. On a routine out at second on a potential double play, the base umpire can signal and begin moving to the secondary play at first, but those situations are few and far between.

The base umpire needs to see if the baserunner going into second base does anything illegal and interferes with the fielder trying to make the throw to first on the secondary play. Once the throw goes toward first, the base umpire must then turn toward first and make a ruling on the play there. The base umpire rules initially on the slide of the runner into second base, but then must rely on the plate umpire to help clean up the play at second base. This is where crewness, trust and hopefully a solid pregame come into play.

A lot of times on these plays at second base, base umpires have turned their focus toward first base and may not see an infraction by the runner. While staying with the play long enough to see the release of the throw is key, a lot can happen once the ball is on its way to first. It is relatively easy to make the interference call if the runner does a pop-up slide and the ball hits her in the helmet, or she doesn’t slide at all and interferes with the throw. The less obvious calls are the ones where the runner raises her arms or slides wide of the bag or beyond the bag and the throw may sail on the fielder. Sometimes, the base umpire has already begun moving toward first base and misses these subtle, or sometimes not so subtle, actions that caused that throw to sail.

Having a strong partner who has come out from behind the plate and started trailing the batter-runner toward first is key in these situations. The plate umpire can stay with the initial play at second longer as help with a pulled foot at first isn’t imminent. The play at second becomes the priority and a plate umpire can save a crew in this situation if interference happens. Not ruling correctly in these situations can end up causing arguments with coaches or having to separate players who take exception to the contact created by the slide.

There are several things to be aware of on these plays. The first thing to look at is whether or not the runner slid into the base. While runners are never required to slide, if they do, they must do so legally. Examples of an illegal slide include: a rolling or cross-body slide into the fielder; a runner’s raised leg higher than the fielder’s knee when the fielder is in a standing position; a runner going beyond the base and making contact with or altering the play of the fielder; a runner slashing or kicking the fielder with either leg; or a runner trying to injure the fielder. In all of these instances, interference by a retired runner should be called and the runner closest to home should be ruled out. If there are no other runners, the batter-runner would be ruled out.

The second thing to process is, did interference occur? Just because there is contact does not mean that interference occurred. If the fielder gets the throw off cleanly, a minor bump or other incidental contact should not be upgraded to interference. However, if the runner raises her arms or goes beyond the bag, for example, and those actions caused the fielder to alter her throw, interference should be called.

The third thing to consider is if contact is made, is it malicious? A hard slide into a bag doesn’t necessarily mean it is malicious. If the runner stays on her feet and barrels over the fielder or she raises her spikes in an attempt to injure the fielder, then those need to be elevated and the runner should be ejected. In the two-umpire system, those spikes-up calls can be difficult for the base umpire to see if the throw is already on its way to first base. That is why it is crucial for the plate umpire to stay with the play at second.

It is extremely important to know the concepts of the rules regarding interference, illegal slides and malicious contact. All three of them come into play when dealing with double plays and it is important to know the intent behind the rules. But even more important than the rules are the mechanics to handling this situation. Conduct a strong pregame and have trust in partners to help with this situation and it will elevate the crew. Miss these calls and it can be a long day at the ballpark.

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So, let’s start this from the very beginning — the pregame meeting. Think of this in sequence. First, you and your partner(s) arrive at home plate and you greet both coaches. Following protocol, you take the home coach’s lineup first, scanning it quickly for duplicate numbers as well as verifying all players are listed at a different position. Before handing it back, you also check that all starters are listed on the roster. You give it back to the coach and ask, “Do you want to check this one more time before I make it official?” While the home coach is double-checking the lineup card, you follow the same procedure for the visiting team, giving its coach a moment to double-check the lineup, too. When both lineups are returned, you declare, “Lineups are now official.”

Now comes the moment many inexperienced umpires dread. The home coach says, “I want to put my FLEX in for my DP and drop to nine.” Basic rule of thumb, this is a substitution. So how do we do this? On the lineup card, we place an “X” in the substitution zone beside the DP’s position. That’s it! The DP has now been substituted for by the FLEX. No mark is necessary next to the FLEX’s position because the FLEX has not left the game.

Working with a lot of novice umpires, this has traditionally been a point of much confusion. By rule, the FLEX can play defense for any player on the field but may only bat or run for the DP. What confuses most new umpires is simply putting the “X” beside the DP. We’re all used to writing in the player’s number who subs for someone, so in the case of the FLEX for the DP it seems foreign.

So why don’t we place the FLEX’s number instead of the “X?” It’s due to the fact that, even though the DP has been substituted for, the FLEX is not a sub. By placing the “X” instead of the number, it reminds us the FLEX has the ability to move in and out of the DP’s position at any time with only the player in the DP position being in jeopardy of removal from the game.

To be clear, when you start the game with a DP and a FLEX, their spots in the lineup will never be eliminated. It’s up to the coach if he or she wants to finish with the FLEX or DP in the game, which is different than the baseball DH rule, which often confuses umpires who work both sports.

After the home coach has announced the change (and you make sure the visiting coach has received the change), the visiting coach now announces, “My DP is going to pitch for the FLEX.” This also brings the lineup down to nine players. We do the same as we did for the DP, but instead of putting the “X” in the DP’s substitution zone, we now place it in the FLEX’s. By rule, anytime the FLEX is not listed as playing defense, this is a substitution against her.

Both of these scenarios provide most teams a way to open up a spot for better defensive or offensive players later in the game. If you start with nine listed on the official lineup, you must finish with nine. If you start with 10, you’re allowed the option of finishing with nine. If only the rule were this simple.

What can and sometimes does happen later in the game, though, could go something like this. A coach states, “My DP is going to pitch for my FLEX, my FLEX will play second base and the second baseman will be my OP (Offensive Player).” This is not one of those wild “what ifs.” Frequently, when a team has only two pitchers it trusts and both are good hitters and fielders, coaches do whatever it takes to keep them in the game.

The first question you have to ask yourself is, “Do I have a sub?” The answer is no. All the coach announced was three defensive changes. By rule, both the DP and the FLEX can play defense at the same time. The FLEX may play defense for any player.

As mentioned earlier, the FLEX can bat or run for the DP but no one else. You mark on the lineup card the DP is now pitching (where the FLEX was originally listed). The FLEX now changes defensive positions and is now playing second base. The second baseman, while not playing defense, stays in the lineup and becomes the OP. She will remain in the same spot in the batting order. All changes in this case will not be marked in the substitution zone of the lineup card, but in the position column. Make sure you notify the scorekeeper and opposing coach of these changes when you’re done.

Take a moment and consider how you would best answer a coach when asked, “The FLEX and DP are interchangeable, right?” Most of you perhaps said to yourself, “No, they aren’t. Wait, yes they are.” If you’re confused, you’re right on both counts. The best way to answer a coach is to state the positions can sub as much as they want, but the players can only enter or re-enter depending on which rulebook you’re using. For NCAA, starters can re-enter once; subs have no re-entry rights. For USA Softball, NFHS and USSSA, starters and subs can re-enter one time each.

The simplest way to manage the DP/FLEX rule, and keep this straight in your head, is this: If the DP is removed from the batting order, she has been subbed for. If the FLEX is not a fielder when on defense, she’s been subbed for. If there is a straight player-for-player substitution for either the DP or the FLEX, this counts against them as well. As with any sub on the roster, when the DP or the FLEX re-enter the game, make sure you circle her number on the lineup card. This reminds you she’s not allowed to be re-entered again.

Maintaining control of your lineup card is one of those unrecognized duties all umpires must master. When we do it right, no one notices or acknowledges how well we do it. When we make an error, it becomes a nightmare to fix. Straight player-for-player substitutions are easy; keeping constant awareness of the DP/FLEX rule is what separates umpires. Take time to practice these scenarios on a lineup card to get familiar with the proper marks.

And in no time, you will master the rule.

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First is the amount of verbal and non-verbal communication during a game between umpires, whether a two- or three-person crew. Second is the amount of time prior to the games put in by the crews — studying rulebooks, casebooks or the manuals associated with each code. Third is the amount of time spent in pre- and postgame conferencing at higher-level events. All of this hard work, whether in study, communication or actual in-game officiating, really does make a difference, regardless of level of play.

Take bracketing for instance. This frequently unnoticed mechanic is a basic staple of both two- and three-person crews. Whether a pop-up in foul territory on the first- or third-base sides, or on steals or rundowns (often called pickle plays), umpires utilize a great technique to ensure they get all the information they can to get the call correct.

Let’s take a look at the “why” before the “how” on what makes this mechanic work. Bracketing provides a system of coverage that allows at least one umpire the opportunity to get a great look at routine and unusual situations. In cases where foul balls are close to the fence or dugouts, regardless of which way the fielder is facing, either the base or plate umpire will have a view of both the fielder’s glove as well as any fencing or other dead-ball territory. On steals and “pickles,” bracketing enables a sightline to cover both sides of the basepath to watch for any obstruction, swipe tags, dropped balls or whether the runner deviated too far from the basepath to avoid a tag.

While bracketing opportunities in a two-person system are few and far between, they do happen. Most often it’s on rundowns, and that’s where pregame conferencing is critical. Knowing your plate umpire is going to come up on the play and provide coverage, either ahead of or behind you, provides you, as the base umpire, the ability to get to a mostly stationary position and let the play unfold, as opposed to chasing it. The key here, though, is the base umpire needs to continue staying on top of the play until the plate umpire has communicated being part of the action. This should generally occur when the runner is heading back toward the last base touched. This allows the base umpire to now be ahead of the play as the plate umpire becomes the trail and provides a second set of eyes on all action (unless the rundown occurs between second and third; then the plate umpire provides help in front of the base umpire). If the plate umpire is late joining the action as the runner continues toward the next base, the base umpire should take the play all the way to its conclusion. Again, communication is the key. There should always be only one calling umpire.

On a three-person crew, bracketing happens more frequently than people realize. Whether the crew is rotated, counter-rotated or in standard position, bracketing should occur on foul balls in the infield every time there’s an umpire on the line on that side. The mechanic is simple. Whether it’s a diving catch toward the plate or an over-the-shoulder catch toward the outfield, the calling umpire shall be whomever the fielder is facing when the ball is played. In those times when the fielder is up against the fence facing neither umpire, that’s when eye contact between the umpires should occur prior to making the call. The default is the plate umpire will make that call, but always be prepared based on the situation. Again, pregame discussion is critical in making these calls look routine.

Now, let’s get to the mechanics. With no runners on and a foul ball to the first-base side, U1 should bracket the catch. As noted above, as far as catch or no catch, it’s still the call of the umpire facing the play.

With no runners on and a foul ball to the third-base side, U3 has an easy job in this case. Stay on the play until its conclusion while U1 will move into the infield to provide an extra set of eyes.

With a runner on first and U3 rotated and a foul ball to the first-base side, U3 will watch for the tag at first base as well as take any plays at first or second. It’s important for U3 to move to a good position to see both the tag and be able to close down in case of a play at first.

With a runner on third, or multiple runners on base, this is where we earn our money. When bracketing, the umpire facing the play will make the call. So, in the instance where the plate umpire makes the call, U3 will take the tag and any calls at third for runners advancing or returning. In the event U3 makes the call, the plate umpire needs to be prepared to take the tag-up call on the runner at third base or any tag plays on R3 at third base but must hustle back to the point-of-plate holding position after the catch in case R3 advances. U3 is then responsible for all other calls at third base.

It’s also important to realize all umpires have a responsibility on steals and pickoff plays. When a runner on first attempts to steal, U1 should come out of the set position and close down along the first-base line to provide a set of eyes on the back end of the steal. What should happen at the end of the play is U3 will be on the outfield side of second base while U1 will have come to a position on the infield side of first. The reverse should occur in the event of a snap throw for a pickoff. A word of caution: Remember to be hyper-aware of any hit ball before closing down. The same bracket should occur when a single runner on second attempts to steal third. The philosophy will always be to try to establish an inside/outside approach to covering the running lane.

Subtleties like that make our job both easier and more enjoyable. These mechanics are hardly ever noticed by the fans or coaches, but a veteran umpire and those working hard to improve will always notice the unseen movements by a well-prepared crew meant to capture information on any given play. Don’t ever think a good pregame won’t include some time spent on covering plays that need to be bracketed because when the need arises, it’s always good to know what your partner is going to do.

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If you have to work solo, never take your eyes off the ball, except for a time play or a live-ball appeal being made on the bases. In either of those situations, as soon as you make a call, quickly turn to see if the runner crossed the plate and then immediately turn back to the play to ensure the ball was held and not bobbled or dropped.

Here are some more mechanics tips.

No runners on base.

On a ground ball in the infield, hustle out from behind the plate and start up the first-base line inside the diamond about six feet off the line. Be stationary when you make the call and be ready to move toward the center of the diamond if there is an overthrow. If the ball goes through the infield for a base hit, move toward the pitcher’s plate. If the possibility of extra bases exists, move with the runner but keep an eye on the ball.

On fly balls, follow the same procedure except you must get an angle if the possibility of a trap exists. On balls hit down the line, move down the line until you make your ruling and then hustle to be in position for a play on the batter-runner. If the play on the batter-runner is going to be made at the plate, make your call from inside the diamond on the first-base side. If the throw is coming from right field, move about six feet directly in front of the plate and let the throw go by, then move into position to make the ruling.

Runner on first base.

On a ground ball in the infield, hustle out just to the left of the pitcher’s plate, being prepared to move in the direction of the throw and make any ruling necessary. Follow the previously mentioned procedures for base hits, fly balls, balls hit down the line and plays at the plate.

Runners on first and second.

On a fly ball or ground ball in the infield, hustle out to the pitcher’s circle. Naturally, on a ball hit down either line, you will have to make your fair/foul ruling and then move to get the best angle on any play that follows. On a base hit where there is a strong possibility of a play at the plate, move halfway up the third-base line in foul territory. If the throw goes home, hustle back behind the plate and make your ruling from a position behind the plate based on where the throw is coming from. That will normally be one of the baselines extended. If no play is being made at the plate, move into the diamond and hustle into position to get your best angle for any play on the bases.

Bases loaded.

On any hit ball, move up the third-base line in foul territory. Be careful not to slow down or run into the runner advancing home. Follow the above procedures for fly balls, balls hit down the line and whenever there is a strong possibility for a play at the plate. If no play is being made at the plate, move into the diamond and hustle into position to get your best angle for any play on the bases.

The above positions are basic guidelines I recommend. Each code may vary in some cases. Besides calling balls and strikes, outs and safes, fair and foul, you must also closely watch for runners leaving bases too soon, interference and obstruction and manage the game in a professional manner. To successfully work using the one-umpire system, hustle at all times to get good angles.

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fellow brother in blue, who passed away much too soon, had a mantra he used both in life and on the field. That mantra was simple: “Handle business.”

As umpires, when we step on the field, it is a job. Yes, it is an avocation and something we love to do as well, but at the end of the day we are being paid to perform a service. And it is our job to protect the game and treat the game with the respect it deserves. Work each game like you would treat your full-time employment and follow these steps to take your game to the next level.

Prepare, prepare, prepare.

If you had an important meeting at your job, you wouldn’t go into it without some sort of preparation. The same holds true as an umpire. The more information you can find out on teams, the better off you will be. This isn’t a reminder to study the rules and mechanics; that should be a given. This is more in-depth. Have the teams faced each other already this season? Was it a close contest or a blowout? Did anything happen in a previous encounter that could spill over into this one? Don’t be afraid to find out and contact whomever worked a previous matchup and find out anything you can. If you know one team likes to play small ball, you can be alert to bunt situations or delayed steals and not be taken by surprise. As you move up the ranks, you will quickly find out that teams scout the umpires working upcoming games. You should, in turn, scout the teams and get as much information as you can so you don’t walk onto the field blind. Whether that entails watching video, going online and checking out scores from previous matchups or talking to umpires who have worked previous games depends on what level you are working and what all is available. Even a cursory look at the schedule will put you further ahead than if you just showed up and walked on the field.

Be professional.

Treat every game like it is the most important game of the day. Why? Because it is to those athletes and coaches on the field. Act like you want to be there. Take pride in your uniform and appearance and treat the moment you walk onto the field like a job interview. You wouldn’t show up to a job interview with a stained, untucked shirt, wrinkled pants and dirty shoes. Don’t walk onto the ballfield that way either. Your appearance is the first impression a team gets of you and in order to instill confidence, you need to look the part. Take the time to clean and shine your shoes, make sure your uniforms are cleaned and pressed and your hat is the shade of blue it is supposed to be. The old adage, “You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression,” holds true and you will be judged before you ever make your first call on the field.

Be confident, not cocky.

Confidence instills trust, not only in your partners but also the players and the coaches. If you walk on the field with confidence and show you belong, that will go a long way with those who entrust you to work the game. Show good posture, have confidence in your work and trust in your calls. Sharp, crisp signals and positive body language go a long way. If you constantly hang your head, put your hands in your pockets, shrug your shoulders or have a dour look on your face, it will give the impression you don’t want to be there. On the other hand, don’t go to the extreme and walk on the field with a cocky attitude. That attitude will turn off players and coaches and can get you into a lot of trouble. Have an air of confidence, but don’t act like a know-it-all or be unapproachable to coaches. They may have a legitimate question or concern and if you brush them off, it will lead to more issues later in the game.

Be a leader, not a follower.

When something happens on the field, deal with it. Step up and lead your crew. Being shy on the field won’t get you very far. If you are the veteran on the crew, use your experience to lead new umpires and show them the way. Use the wisdom you have gained and impart it to new umpires who are still learning the ropes. They most likely will look to you to see how you do things and try to emulate you. You never know who is watching from the stands or on TV. By the same token, if you are a newer umpire and you know something isn’t right, don’t be afraid to step up and correct something. It is better to speak up on the field than to wait until after the game to say something. Don’t just follow along to get along. Sometimes, veteran umpires may do something the way it has always been done and not realize a rule or mechanic has changed. Newer umpires sometimes are better on the new rules and mechanics because those are the only ones they have been taught. At the end of the day, the important thing is to get the call right.

Handle business.

It is two simple words, but it means so much and perfectly sums up what umpires should do when they step on the field. If you do your job and take care of the things you need to take care of, things will run more smoothly. If you just go through the motions and don’t take care of things early, it will make for a long game and will make you an umpire coaches and players don’t want to see working their games. It isn’t our job to be liked; it is our job to be respected. By handling business and doing our jobs, we earn respect. And I use that term earn for a reason. It isn’t automatically given just because we put on the uniform. We need to earn it by hustling, by knowing the rules and interpretations, by being a good listener and communicator, and by stepping up when necessary. There is no higher compliment to receive than stepping on the field and both coaches say, “I’m glad this umpire is on our game. I know there won’t be issues today.” It takes time to earn that respect and isn’t generated after one game. However, if you handle business from the start, you will get to that level much quicker than if you don’t show the respect to the game that it deserves.

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Those basic umpire responsibilities also include knowing the game situation. Umpires should know the basics, like the number of outs, count and score. But it is also good to know or sniff out strategy by the offense and defense. Is it a sacrifice bunt situation or a hit-and-run situation? What are the batter’s tendencies? How are the fielders positioned for each batter? Umpires should know the game situation as much as the players.

Pre-pitch planning the game situation will help you to react to a play much quicker because you have mentally rehearsed that situation in advance. You will instinctively know your plan of action instead of thinking for a moment and then reacting. That kind of exercise benefits all levels of umpires, but is especially helpful to newer umpires.

Be sure to review the following list of points to be focused, alert and ready for each play before it occurs.

1. Number of outs

There are different situations for the number of outs. Each field doesn’t always have a scoreboard, so it is important that you and your partner(s) stay on the same page. If there are two outs, all play after the third out is dead. If it’s the third out of an inning and it’s a close play, you may want to put more emphasis on the call. With fewer than two outs there could be a tag-up or infield fly situation compared to a timing play with two outs.

2. The count

Depending on the count, baserunners are likely to take certain actions. With a full count and two outs, they will take off upon the release of the pitch. An umpire might add emphasis to a call if asked to rule on a checked swing that is strike three. Players or coaches will often ask a base umpire the count or number of outs. Knowing it improves credibility and creates a positive perception. If you don’t know the count, don’t hesitate to ask your partner.

3. Who’s on first?

Know which baserunners you need to watch and where the next play will likely take place. Will it be a force play or tag play? Tag-up situation or not? If a runner is on third late in a close game, will the defense likely make a play on that runner instead of a force out at first?

4. Batter’s objective

With a runner on first and fewer than two outs, the batter may attempt a sacrifice bunt to advance the runner to second. A speedy slap hitter may try to do the same. There are certain situations where a steal may be more likely, especially with a fast runner on base and a good hitter at the plate. The offense may also try a hit-and-run in that kind of situation. And if you sense that runner will attempt to steal or leave as part of a hit-and-run, it’s possible that the runner may be more likely to leave the base before the pitch is released.

5. The score

Is the score tied, lopsided or are both teams within a run or two of each other? The inning and score may determine if an offense will attempt to squeeze a runner from third across the plate or ask the batter to swing away. Is it 9-0 in a 10-run rule game that is in the fifth inning? The team that is trailing will often do everything possible to score a run to keep the game going.

6. Batter history

Is the batter a power hitter or contact hitter? Tracking batter tendencies will help you know what to expect. Is she a long-ball hitter or will she be lucky to hit it past the infielders?

7. Position of defenders

Take a peek at the infielders and outfielders with each batter. Where are they set up? Is the infield in, anticipating a bunt? Are the outfielders also positioned closer to the infield? Has the defense shifted in a certain direction?

8. How is the defense pitching to the batter?

With two outs, a runner on second and a good hitter at the plate, the defense may try to “pitch around” that batter with pitches out of the strike zone. If they walk that batter, so be it. That sets up a force play situation at first, second and third for the next batter. Perhaps the batter often pulls the ball. If that’s the case, the defense may feed that batter with a steady diet of outside pitches.

If you are on the plate or the bases, take a moment before each pitch to not only pre-pitch plan but also get a handle on the game situation to put yourself in the proper mind-set. You will be a step ahead mentally and likely be in a good position to make a call.

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By the judicious use of the “sell” can we up our game to the next level? We’ve all watched our fellow umpires at various levels, whether it be at the local park or the Women’s College World Series. We all take notice either consciously or unconsciously of the way our colleagues sell their calls. We can’t help but compare what we see to what we do ourselves on the field. Softball is played on a small field and close plays happen all the time. It’s cliché, but to use the analogy of the Boy Who Cried Wolf, nobody is going to believe us if we sell every play.

Being in the right spot at the right time is 95 percent of our job. The other 5 percent though is convincing people of the accuracy of our calls. We accomplish this by being consistent, accurate and keeping a low profile during the game. Coming up big or selling every call is never a good way to keep a low profile. It takes away from our credibility on those calls where everyone else in attendance thinks we got the call wrong, but we know with certainty our call is right on the button.

Umpires have two tools they’re allowed to carry on the field in their toolbox. The most important tool we carry is our consistent use of solid mechanics. But a tool that some of us don’t realize we carry is the use of our voices to support and sell our calls. Some will say the rules are the most important tool we carry, but rules are the foundation we build on when we use our tools. A lot of us overlook the use of our voices in making those close calls. Too often, we loudly verbalize routine calls when everyone on the field already knows the outcome. In some instances, fans ask, “What was that? Does he or she think this is the World Series?” Or worse yet, “It’s not about you, Blue!”

For those calls, and only those calls that require something extra, we should take it to another level. When the time comes for a call where we know that of the people in the stands, half will love it while the other half questions our mental well-being, our use of our voice should help convince everyone of the conviction and accuracy of the call. By displaying an immediate strong mechanic and using a strong verbal safe or out call, we can show we know what we’re seeing and are convinced of it.

Knowing when to sell a call is just as important as how to sell a call. Different clinics I’ve attended over many years provided different metrics of when and when not to sell. The common denominator they all share is, “With experience, you’ll know when it’s right and when it’s not.” Sharing from my own experiences, I think the best template to use is if the runner is at full speed and she’s out or safe by more than a step, we should stick to basic mechanics and make the call at a deliberate pace with no verbal or visual emphasis. When we get to plays that are a little less than “bang-bang” but not quite a simple safe or out, I’m of the opinion more emphasis should be in your mechanic, but not anything extraordinary either. This can be displayed by a quicker, stronger use of the out signal or a more defined step into your safe signal to show conviction in your call. When we get to those calls where we, along with everyone else, will be replaying them in our minds several times, we get to the real art of selling the call.

Being in a proper position to make the sell call could be an entire article itself. This is where our mechanics training should take over. Being in the correct spot, with the eyes where they should be, makes all the difference. We have no internal mechanism in ourselves that can slow down time, but on these super close plays, we need to make sure we have a proper “snapshot” of whether the runner is safe or out. In the split-second we make up our mind, we should already be “coming up big” with our calls. An exaggerated safe or out signal along with a strong verbal call provides all the information necessary to show conviction in our call. A word of warning, though: Always be prepared. The one thing every umpire hates is making the big out or safe call and then seeing the ball on the ground because it was dropped. We should never take our eyes off the ball when we make the call. Taking that split-second to develop the picture in our mind will help prevent that dreaded out then safe call.

In the course of our officiating careers, we’ll make thousands more of the routine calls than the highlight reel calls. Strive to know when we need to convince the coaches, players and fans (and maybe even ourselves) of our call. Be part of the background, called upon when needed and nothing more.

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While Winston Churchill certainly wasn’t describing the actions in a softball game when he made this famous quote, he very well could have been if he was trying to decipher what some batters were doing in the batter’s box. While it can be difficult to determine whether or not a batter checked her swing, softball is unique in that umpires must also determine if the batter is bunting at the ball or slapping at it. The two are distinctly different and have very different outcomes, especially when the batter has two strikes.

Using rulebook language, umpires can help themselves identify what it is a batter is doing in a particular situation. The four codes all agree a bunt is a legally batted ball not swung at but intentionally tapped (NFHS 2-8; NCAA 11.7.2; USA Softball 1 – Bunt; USSSA 3 – Bunt). While that seems simple enough, batters have become very adept at moving their hands at the last minute, not to mention while moving through the batter’s box, which can cause an umpire to pause and think about what just happened.

One of the best ways to decipher what a batter is doing is to watch her hands. If the batter is performing a slap, she will keep her hands together and have an actual swinging motion toward the ball. If she is bunting, usually she will move the top hand down the bat toward the barrel to give herself better bat control, keep the bat still and try to tap the ball. Where this can get tricky is if the batter is trying to perform a drag bunt. A left-handed batter performing a drag bunt will look eerily similar to a batter trying to slap for a hit. The difference, however, is the motion of the hands. The hands will stay together on a slap while the hands, generally, will separate when she is attempting to bunt. The one exception is if the batter simply puts the bat over the plate and runs through the box. The only motion of the bat is in conjunction with the batter’s forward movement and there is no swinging motion.

When you are the plate umpire, this can be a lot of information to try to decipher all at once. First, you must judge whether the pitch is a ball or strike. Then you need to decide if the batter was attempting to bunt the ball or was slapping at it. After that, you have to decide if the batter made contact with the ball. Then, if she did make contact, you must decide if she was legally in the batter’s box upon contact. Finally, you must decide if the catcher caught the ball on a potential foul ball/tip situation or on a potential dropped third strike.

That can all seem overwhelming. And more than likely, a coach is going to ask you to go for help if there is any question whether the batter was attempting to bunt or swing at the pitch. As a base umpire, it is imperative to focus on every pitch and make a determination in your head if the batter was attempting to bunt or hit, even if your plate partner doesn’t come to you for help. By focusing on every pitch and making that determination, you will be ready if your partner does come to you.

As a base umpire, you are not responsible for calling balls and strikes. In a situation where the batter starts moving through the box, focus your eyes on her. Watch the movement of her hands and the motion of the bat. This will help you make a determination on what she was doing on the play. If you try to track the pitch from the pitcher’s hand to the glove you will find yourself having to bring your eyes and head back to the batter and you will miss those key indicators of what she was doing to help you properly rule on the play.

This is especially true with two strikes on the batter as the outcome can be the difference in an out or simply a foul ball. If the batter makes contact with the pitch and the ball is an uncaught foul, the plate umpire needs to determine if it was a bunt or a swing. If the ball goes sharply from the bat to the glove and is caught, whether it was a bunt or swing doesn’t matter. Either way, the result is a foul tip and the batter is out. If the ball is not caught, the crew needs to know if the batter bunted the ball or swung at it. If it is ruled a bunt, the batter is ruled out for bunting a third strike foul. If the batter is ruled to have swung at the pitch, it is simply a foul ball and she remains at bat.

It is also important to know the definition of an attempted bunt in each code as there is a unique situation that could catch an umpire off guard. In NFHS, NCAA, and USSSA, if a batter leaves the bat over the plate on a bunt attempt, even if she doesn’t move it toward the pitched ball, it is considered a bunt attempt and a strike. In USA Softball, leaving the bat over the plate is not considered an automatic strike. If the pitched ball is out of the strike zone and the batter does not move the bat toward the ball, it is not a strike.
At the end of the day, know the definitions and let that verbiage dictate your decision making. If you are new to umpiring softball, watch as many clips as you can and focus on the batter’s hands until you feel comfortable knowing the difference between a bunt or a slap. And in no time, you will be able to nail this call 100 percent of the time with the utmost confidence.

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If the close call is the same, it simply looks like two umpires hustling and without a doubt the runner was safe or out. Fellow umpires know that is not good; it simply means they dodged a bullet because they didn’t communicate with each other.

Now, if one umpire calls, “Safe” and one umpire calls, “Out,” things get heated very quickly. However, as bad as that is, the fact that both umpires hustled into position means the coach is probably going to give them a little bit of a break. As umpires, we know that two calls on one play, especially two different calls on one play, are the types of things that give players, coaches and fans the ammunition to fire at will.

Contrast that scenario of a bang-bang play to one that is less innocuous, and much, much more embarrassing. And that play is the appeal play when one umpire rules “out” and the other umpire rules “safe.” In the appeal scenario, there is no cloud of dust, a runner sliding in, a tag being applied or a tag being missed, or a runner making a great slide to avoid a tag and still reach the base. No, the appeal play is more like bookkeeping. Most of the time it is handled without incident, and many times it is handled by the base umpire without many of the other players, the other umpire or the fans knowing it is happening. And then again, it can be a very deliberate demonstration, at which time all eyes and ears are on the umpire.

Umpires usually have a mental scar or two relating to a call, a rule interpretation, or how we’ve reacted to a player or coach, during an appeal. When that happens in our career, it leaves an indelible mark. And, yes, I was scarred early in my umpire career due to an appeal fiasco.

The angst of that call reverberates in my memory. I vividly remember the situation. I was working the bases and we had runners on base and a routine grounder headed to the outfield. The batter-runner made his way to second base without issue. Or so I thought. In those days, unless it was a live-ball appeal, the ball had to go back to the pitcher, the batter and catcher had to be ready, the umpire had to put the ball in play, and then, the appeal process could be started. I heard the first baseman tell the pitcher that the runner had missed first and to appeal the play. As a new umpire, I knew I had to watch R1 touch second base and look to see the batter-runner touch first base.

If you don’t see an out, you don’t have an out

As I’ve learned over the years in slow-pitch softball, you rarely are able to see both of those touches on a consistent basis. That’s what happened on that day. Since I didn’t see the batter-runner touch first base, I should have done what I had been taught. And that was, if you didn’t see the runner miss the base, then the runner is safe. If you don’t see an out, you don’t have an out.

The umpire put the ball in play, the pitcher voiced his appeal and with great forcefulness, I made a “Safe!” call emphatic and loud. But to my terror, echoing across the diamond, I also heard, “Out!” from my partner.

In a nano-second I knew I (we) had a problem. We discussed the situation and I told my partner that I wasn’t watching at all. He had what he needed to explain to the coaches why there was an “out” call and a “safe” call. Obviously, we stayed with the out call.

That brings me to what I consider the fool-proof method of not having two different calls on the same appeal play. Before each game, we are supposed to discuss with our partner our coverage responsibilities — tag-ups and runners touching bases. And there are mechanics that we agree on that aren’t described in an umpire’s manual. The importance of that should never be diminished.

I recommend the traffic-cop approach. I call it that because I see the traffic cop as directing traffic, letting each driver know when to go, where to go, and mainly, not to go.

If the appeal isn’t ruled on before the ball is dead, then most often the pitcher is facing the plate umpire when he or she initiates the appeal. And if that is the case, it is usually an appeal on the batter-runner missing first base or R1 leaving first too soon during a tag-up play. In slow pitch, the appeal of the player leaving first too soon is the plate umpire’s call. The potential for error comes in the appeal of the batter-runner missing first base. I tell my partner that on a base hit, I’ll be looking down at first to help with the batter-runner touching first base.

When the appeal process begins and is stated, I am directing “traffic” from behind the plate. If I saw the batter-runner clearly miss first base, I would rule “out.” If I clearly saw the batter-runner touch first base, I would rule “safe.” If I did not see the batter-runner touch first, or if the missing or touching was so close that I couldn’t tell from my angle, I’d move into the traffic cop mode by stepping from behind the plate and pointing to my partner, “The pitcher is appealing the batter-runner didn’t touch first base.” That tells my partner that I did not see the play well enough to rule either way. My partner then makes the call based on what he or she saw. No matter what the groans are from the players, there aren’t two opposite calls. When we get together after the game, we can discuss whether or not my partner was able to see the batter-runner touch first or not. In a two-umpire system you are not going to be able to see everything all of the time.

Learn to conduct traffic to avoid that nano-second panic attack.

The post When Two Umpires Converge on the Same Base appeared first on Referee.com.

Regardless of the level you work, giving the count is part of your repertoire. While some levels require giving the count more than others, when and how you give the count can save your bacon on many occasions at all levels. Many believe working higher-level ball is easier in this regard because of the fancy scoreboards on most college campuses. Sometimes that is true. Sometimes, however, the scoreboard operator may be a work-study student and the count on the board is wrong more than it is right. It can also give umpires a false sense of security as they think they always have the scoreboard as a backup and may not need to focus quite as much. Below are some tips and techniques when it comes to counts and how you can incorporate them in your game to help keep the game sailing along.

When you should give the count.

There are many differing opinions on when you should give the count. If you’ve umpired long enough, you’ve probably developed your own habits on when you give the count. The most important thing is to have a rhythm. One of the best pieces of advice I was given when I started was to give the count when it matters. While we may disagree on exactly what “when it matters” means, it ultimately means every time the next pitch is an action pitch, we should give the count. What that means is any time there are three balls or two strikes, we should give the count, as there is the potential for a walk or strikeout on that next pitch. This helps alleviate any confusion as to whether the next pitch is ball four or strike three. Personally, I will give the count after the third pitch of an-bat and any time after that when the next pitch is an action pitch. If I have a competent scoreboard operator or both the pitcher and the batter are in position and ready to go, I may give it less to not disrupt the flow of the game. If coaches or players are constantly asking you for the count, it means you are not giving it enough. If you notice players aren’t asking for it, you most likely have found a good rhythm and don’t need to adjust.

Other times when you should give the count are after any long delays. This includes a foul ball out of play, a change in pitcher during the middle of an at bat, after an offensive or defensive conference, after an injury or any other time there is a significant delay in play.
One specific time it is important to give the count is after a steal. We have all been in the situation as a base umpire when a runner takes off for a base, we move to make the call and after the play is over, we think to ourselves, “What was that last pitch?” If the plate umpire fails to give the count, we may go a pitch or two and not have any idea what the count is. But more important than that, what happens if the batter checks her swing, or fully swings, and it is missed by the plate umpire? If the batter has a full swing and it is missed, which can happen when the batter swings late hoping to disrupt the catcher, the defensive team may assume the plate umpire added a strike to the count. Once the next pitch is thrown, we have no opportunity to go back and change that pitch to a strike if we initially rule it a ball. The window for appealing a checked swing has passed and it remains a ball forever. If the plate umpire gives the count after that play is over, the defensive team has the opportunity to appeal and the base umpire(s) has a chance to save the crew by ruling it a strike. While we have until the end of an at-bat to correct a count (plate umpire as 2-1 and it should be 3-1 or something similar), the time period to change a ball to a strike is until another pitch is thrown. By giving the count after each steal attempt, you can help alleviate missing an obvious strike.

If you are lucky enough to work with a scoreboard, you should always give the count when the scoreboard shows the wrong count. Most times, scoreboard operators will figure out they are off when they see you giving the count. I will rotate my wrist with which number the scoreboard has wrong (left for balls, right for strikes) to hopefully clue them in to fix it on the board. However, remember that you have the official count, not the scoreboard. There is no reason to hold up the game each time the board is wrong. Simply be vocal and show the count to the pitcher to avoid confusion. If the scoreboard operator is good, you may notice you rarely need to give the count, but you should still give it in those situations described above (long delays, steals, checked-swings, etc.) to make sure the whole crew in on the same page.

How to give the count.

When it comes to showing the count, there is one question to answer: To whom are we giving the count? The answer is the pitcher. Umpires should wait until the pitcher is in position before giving the count. If the pitcher is facing the center-field fence, giving the count at that time does no one any good. Wait until the pitcher is ready to pitch and facing you before giving the count. Some umpires like to wait until both the batter and catcher are in position before giving the count. The problem with that is if you are waiting until that moment to give the count, the pitcher may delay starting her pitch because she feels you are holding her up by giving the count. It also doesn’t give your base partner(s) much time to correct the count if there is an issue or allow a coach to ask a question about the count if you happen to have it wrong.

When giving the count, the most important thing is making sure the pitcher can see it. If you are a vertically challenged umpire, standing directly behind a catcher who is standing up is not ideal when giving the count. Either wait until the catcher drops down into position or simply take a step to your right or left and give the count. The count should be given out in front of your body and your hands should be high enough for the pitcher to see them. You don’t need to have them high above your head, especially if you are a taller umpire. You also don’t need to show the count to the third-base coach, then the pitcher, then the first-base coach. I know many umpires who like to rotate their wrists so those on the sides of the field can see their fingers clearly (as dictated by NFHS and USA Softball mechanics), and that is perfectly acceptable. However, you should not rotate your whole body so the entire park can see your count. And most importantly, leave the count up long enough for the pitcher to see what you have. Use the prescribed signals in the manual for giving the count as well. When the count is 3-2, make sure you show three fingers on your left hand and two on your right. Avoid showing the double fists (this actually means a 0-0 count).

Along with showing the count, we should be verbalizing it as well. You don’t need to be overly boisterous when announcing the count. However, you should annunciate clearly. When it comes to what to say, avoid saying, “Three and two.” Instead say, “Three balls, two strikes.” And always avoid saying, “Full count.”

When it comes to verbalizing the count when one of the two components is zero, that is more of a preference to each individual umpire. Personally, I don’t verbalize the component that is zero. For example, if the count is 0-2, I will simply say, “Two strikes.” I still show a fist on my left hand to indicate zero, but I don’t verbalize it. I was taught the less you say, the better and the less of a chance someone misinterprets what you said.

How to ask partners for the count.

We have all forgotten or lost the count in our careers. Anyone who says they haven’t is either lying or in denial. It happens and can be easily fixed. If all partners on the crew are carrying an indicator and staying focused, it should be an easy fix. If the plate umpire forgets the count, you can either put both hands on your chest and wiggle the fingers while facing your partner or you can simply verbalize to your partner, “What do you have for the count?” The most important thing is to get the count correct. Typically, I will pregame with my partner(s) how to handle this situation. I prefer the non-verbal mechanic so as not to bring it to the attention of everyone in the park. However, there is nothing wrong with verbalizing, as long as you aren’t doing it multiple times a game. It just gives coaches another reason to question our focus.

Most umpires don’t think much about the count or giving it, either in the offseason or during the pregame. However, it should be something to which we provide some focus as it is a huge part of what we do during a game. Practice in front of a mirror so you know what you look like and discuss in your pregame what you and your partner(s) will do if you forget the count or what to do in those situations with a steal and a missed swing. Nailing this part of your game management can elevate your crew and garner trust from coaches. If you notice you are struggling in this area, make a conscious effort to improve in your next game and before you know it, it will become second nature.

The post They’re Counting on It appeared first on Referee.com.

In the two-umpire system, the ability to obtain good angles on plays is paramount. Angle beats distance every time when covering a play. You’ll work to get an angle where all the elements of the play will be in front of you. The elements of plays usually include the ball and the fielder, often the runner and the base, and sometimes the location where all the elements come together.

When covering a play, work toward getting your best possible angle first and then continue hustling to reduce your distance to the play. The old adage, “There is a close correlation between closeness to the play and correctness of the call,” is an effective method of covering a play.

Avoid “straight-line” officiating whenever possible. Unfavorable straight-lining occurs when the ball, the runner, the fielder, the base and the umpire are all in a straight line. The umpire must work an angle to avoid straight-lining.

Officiating manuals indicate where umpires should go in basic situations: runners on base, ground ball vs. fly ball, etc. But because not every play is exactly the same, umpires must often adjust coverages and angles in order to see plays properly.

For example, with R1 on first base and a ball batted in the infield, the plate umpire will usually trail the batter to first. He or she will watch for three-foot-lane interference, a pulled foot and a swipe tag, and will be ready to cover third, if necessary.

However, when the plate umpire reads a possible trouble play on the action at second base (e.g. an illegal slide, a dropped throw on the front end of a potential double play, etc.), he or she might consider moving farther into the infield to an angle that improves the look at second. On such a play at second, the plate umpire will be more valuable to the umpiring team concept by changing the usual angle and positioning slightly and observing the activity around second without seriously compromising responsibilities should a subsequent play need to be covered.

With no runners aboard, a wild throw to first will cause a base umpire to change angle quickly. By doing so, the umpire can get a better look at a potential ball trapped on the ground beneath F3’s glove, a pulled foot or a tag if the fielder must come off the bag to field the throw.

For tag plays at second or third, try to obtain an angle approximately 90 degrees from the runner’s path to the base. It’s acceptable to be as close as six feet from the play in a tagging situation. For a force play, set up about 18 feet from the base with an angle so you can best compare the arrival of the ball and the runner. It cannot be overstated: Angle is more important than distance.

When the base umpire must hustle to the outfield to cover a sinking line drive, angle is crucial. Running directly at the fielder will result in straight-lining. Moving at an angle that provides a look at the ground in front of the glove as well as the glove will help the umpire determine if the ball hit leather or earth first.
On double steal attempts with runners on first and second, the base umpire must anticipate the play and hustle into the best possible calling position for calls at third or second.

When R2 from second breaks for third, the base umpire must move directly toward the left-field foul line since, unlike baseball, few softball catchers will play on the trailing runner. If the throw is to third, the umpire must continue toward the foul line, stop, set and make the call.

In most cases, R1 will have taken off at the same time as R2 and will be standing on second. In the event R1 has missed a sign and stayed put, or it was a delayed double steal all along, the base umpire must now hustle to get into position for the call at second. That would entail obtaining a far different angle again.

On a fly ball down the third-base line, the plate umpire tries to line up the play by straddling the foul line between home plate and third base to see the ball in relation to the foul line. What most often occurs is the third baseman will inevitably move to a position on the foul line to see if the ball is fair or foul, blocking the view. That situation can be compounded when the third-base coach steps to the foul line and leans over to see fair or foul.

To prevent your line of sight from being broken, it is important to move to the infield or move quickly to foul territory to obtain an angle that will ensure line of sight is unobstructed. The same is true for situations with a left-handed batter and the first-base line.

A good angle and a proper distance determine your proper calling position. Yet your work is far from over. Once you have arrived at your calling position be sure to focus on the vital elements of the play before announcing your decision. A good calling position from a stopped set position goes for naught if you are not focused on the proper elements of the play. You must see the essentials.

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The stop, set, angle, focus, hold and call method complements the Professional Baseball Umpire Corporation’s (PBUC) pause, read and react to complete the entire nine-step process of making a call. The stop is coming to a complete stop as you would for taking a photograph. The set is dropping to a comfortable calling position stance of personal choice. The angle is obtaining the optimum perspective for the play. The focus is fixating your eyes where all the elements of the play intersect. The hold allows you to wait until the entire play ends before rendering your decision. The call is the telling moment to announce and signal your decision. 

While all steps of the process are important, the focus element may be the most important mode. The best calling position goes for naught if you are not focusing in the right spot.

Key focusing points will improve your judgment. Those focusing points are:

The bang-bang play at first base.

Keep the ball in your peripheral vision and flash your eyes to the home plate side of first where nearly every batter-runner first touches. Then use the snap-thud method. Listen for the snap of the ball in the fielder’s glove before you hear the thud of the runner’s foot on the base. Combine your senses of sight and hearing. If the snap beats the thud, it’s an out.

Catch/no catch.

Flash your eyes from the ball to the fielder’s glove when the ball is about 20 feet from the fielder. You may never miss another catch/no catch.

Tag play.

Flash your eyes from the ball to the fielder’s glove. Then follow the glove to the tag.

Checked swings.

From the bases, flash your eyes from the pitch to the end of the barrel of the batter’s bat. Do that and you’ll get them right.

Here’s a tip on calling fair/foul derived from a technique used by top tennis officials. Keep the batted ball in your tangential vision and focus on the foul line. It is hard to miss a fair/foul call if you perfect that technique.

As the plate umpire on foul fly balls, don’t rip off your mask and try to find the ball. Take a drop step back opposite from the way the catcher turns with your mask on to pivot and clear the catcher. Let the catcher take you toward the ball. Then take your mask off if a catch/no catch develops.

Remember, there is a close correlation between closeness to the play and correctness of the call. Also:

• See in all areas but call only in your own area.
• Watch the ball. Glance at the runners. See your partner(s).
• If in doubt, call ’em out and get most of your calls right.
• Anticipate the play but never anticipate the call.

The post Step-By-Step Focus appeared first on Referee.com.

or umpires, one of the most important skills is game management. And perhaps the most important skill when it comes to being a good game manager is being a good communicator. It is imperative umpires are able to effectively communicate with game administration, players and coaches alike. Umpires need to know how to communicate, both verbally and non-verbally, with coaches in order to keep things moving smoothly. Below are some tips to help communicate with coaches and help keep you out of trouble during your games.

Listen First, Speak Second

In order to be good communicators, umpires must first be good listeners. Too often, umpires want to explain calls and get both the first and last word in edgewise. If you choose to speak first, you may be trying to answer something a coach isn’t even questioning. Coaches come out of the dugout or coach’s box for a variety of reasons. It is important to find out why the coach is there in the first place before speaking. It may just be a coach wants to vent or give the appearance of fighting for the team and protecting players. There may not even be a question. Sometimes, a coach just wants someone to listen. If an umpire starts talking and explaining, that coach may feel like the umpire isn’t approachable or genuinely isn’t interested in that coach’s point of view. Take a second, let the coach speak first and then answer only the questions asked.

Show Empathy

Coaches genuinely want to know umpires care. If an umpire doesn’t care, it will show in both body language and the words an umpire chooses when speaking. At most levels, coaches are fighting for their jobs and their jobs are based on wins and losses. They want to know the person adjudicating their games is willing to give them a fair shake and understand where they are coming from when they come out to ask questions. Use body language to show you understand what the coach is saying.

Silence Can’t Be Misquoted

Umpires tend to get themselves in trouble when they talk too much. Whether it is talking to one coach too much when first entering the field, carrying on an excessively long lineup exchange at the pregame conference at home plate, or excessive communication during the game, nothing good can come from doing any of those. Keep conversations short and sweet and keep them to a minimum. Do not go actively looking for conversations with coaches or players. Anything you say can and will be used against you. The less you say, the better. That doesn’t mean not to answer questions or be polite when players or coaches introduce themselves or try to start a conversation. It means simply respond and then don’t continue carrying on the conversation for long periods of time. Someone is always watching and will want to know why you are being overly communicative with an opposing player or coach.

Stick to Rulebook Language

Using the verbiage in the rulebook is paramount. If you say something that isn’t in the rulebook and stray off script, you potentially open yourself up for an extended conversation, or worse, a protest. Use the time it takes for a coach to get out to you to rehearse what you are going to say. It is natural to get nervous when someone questions a call. If you have a couple moments to take a deep breath, collect your thoughts and rehearse what you are going to say; it makes it much easier. This doesn’t mean a coach is going to agree with your judgment, but if you are able to explain the rules as they are written and explain why you made the call, it can save a lot of headaches. If you stumble over your words or you don’t explain the rule correctly, coaches will not trust you or believe you have confidence in your call.

De-escalate the Situation

Not all situations are created equal and not all coaches work the same way. Some coaches simply want an explanation and move on. Others may be more animated and want to be confrontational. As umpires, our first job is to de-escalate the situation. There are a few ways to help this. One is to make sure you are not face to face with coaches. Try to stay to the side so it doesn’t appear that you are being confrontational. When the coach is speaking, listen. Do not try to talk over the coach, unless of course they are being unsportsmanlike and you need to get them to refrain to avoid being ejected. Otherwise, try to listen to what the coach is saying. By nodding your head or saying, “I understand,” it will show the coach you are listening and trying to see where the coach is coming from. Then once the coach is done asking the questions, in a calm voice, answer why you made the call you made. If you try to talk at the same time, there is no active listening taking place and you will further complicate the issue.

Carefully Word Warnings

When coaches cross the line, we need to use the tools in our belt to deal with them. One of the ways we can do that is through warnings. However, be careful what you say when giving a warning. We can back ourselves into a corner if we say certain phrases. Avoid phrases like, “Don’t say another word.” What happens if the coach says, “Word”? You have now backed yourself into a corner and you either have to eject the coach or worse, if you don’t, the coach knows the warning was an empty threat. Instead, simply say, “Coach, this is your warning for arguing balls and strikes,” or whatever the warning may be for. Then if the coach continues to argue, you eject him or her.

Don’t Take It Personally

After a coach comes out and questions a call, you have to be able to forget it and move on. Remember, coaches are not taking it out on you personally. They are taking it out on the uniform — unless of course they start the sentence with the word “you.” Then it is personal and see the tip above this one about giving a warning. Otherwise, learn to quickly flush it and move on to the next play at hand. Once that conversation is over, coaches and umpires both need to let it go. You can remember it as a postgame conversation with partners, but don’t allow it to become a sticking point for the rest of the game.

Communication with coaches happens multiple times a game and the best umpires are able to manage those interactions calmly and professionally. While it is important to focus on mechanics and rules throughout the season, it is just as important to work on your interpersonal skills. Take time to become an effective communicator and it will dramatically increase your effectiveness on the field and will help elevate your career.

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Many umpires will use two bags — one for gear and the other for clothing — that are made of a durable fabric, have wheels for pulling and zippered compartments. Make sure that each bag has a distinctive marking or a name tag to identify it.

As you prepare for the season, make sure your equipment bag and clothing bag have the following essentials.

• Protective equipment — shin guards, mask in a protective bag, chest protector, crotch guard/cup, sunglasses, neoprene sleeves (knees, elbows, ankles, etc.).
• Shoes — base shoes and plate shoes.
• Accessories — belt, indicator (at least two), pencils/pens, lineup holder, base brush/plate brush, pregame notes, odor eliminator product, shoe polish/cleaner (brush, towel, polishing gloves to keep hands clean).
• Personal items — ibuprofen/other medications, sunscreen, travel-size sewing kit, hem tape, shower items, bandages, ice bag, wrinkle release spray, hygiene items (mouth wash, tooth brush, floss, gum, mints, etc.), deck of cards (for any long rain delay).
• Undergarments — heat gear (white/navy undershirts, socks), cold gear (dark leggings, mock or turtle neck long-sleeve shirts, wind jacket[s]/plastics, warm socks, gloves, hand warmers).
• Uniform — heather gray and/or navy base pants and plate pants (two pair or more as needed for a tournament), plain shirts (short sleeve base and larger-sized plate shirt to fit over chest protector, and long-sleeve base and larger-sized plate shirt), plain navy jacket and/or navy jacket with powder/white shoulder piping, at least two plate and base hats (plain navy).
• Dirty clothes bag — to keep worn items in one place.

With the essential items in place and replaced after your game(s), you will have more time for rules, mechanics and philosophy, rather than wondering if you have left something behind.

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Pregame with your partner(s).

This should go without saying as you should never take the field unprepared. A solid, thorough pregame with your partner(s) can usually keep you out of trouble the majority of the time. However, it is especially important to communicate about the infield fly rule before taking the field. This is your chance to discuss the weather for the day, the level of the participants and how the crew is going to handle this crucial call. We will cover the mechanics of this a little bit later.

Know the rule.

The four codes all agree on the infield fly rule. Any time there are runners on first and second or the bases are loaded, and there are less than two outs, the infield fly rule is in effect. If the batter hits a fair fly ball (not including a line drive or a bunt) that can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, the infield fly rule should be invoked.

The confusion often comes in because of the definition of “ordinary effort.” What may be ordinary for a Division I college athlete may not be so ordinary for the local recreation league. And what may be ordinary on a perfect weather day may not be so ordinary when wind is involved. The purpose of the rule is to protect the offense and the runners on base by preventing an easy double play. Err on the side of calling it rather than not calling it to prevent unnecessary double plays. That doesn’t mean call it every time the ball goes into the air. It does mean to use some common sense and protect the offense.

It doesn’t matter where the ball would land. Too often, umpires think because the ball is beyond the infield cutout, they can’t rule an infield fly. Where the ball is located has no bearing on the rule. It simply states if an infielder could catch the ball with ordinary effort, it is an infield fly. More and more teams play on turf fields and where the “infield” turf becomes “outfield” turf seems to have become some line of demarcation. It should not. If the shortstop or second baseman is playing deep and can get to a ball with ordinary effort in the outfield, it should still be an infield fly, even if the outfielder ends up being the fielder who catches it.

Pre-pitch prepare.

Every umpire in every game at every level should pre-pitch prepare. Part of this is being on the same page with your partner(s). Before every batter, when the infield fly situation is in effect, the umpires should give each other the infield fly signal to gently remind each other the potential is there (as seen in PlayPic A). If the plate umpire fails to give the signal, the base umpire(s) should give it to clue the plate umpire in and clue each other in if there is more than one base umpire. Once this signal is given, pre-pitch your responsibilities if a fly ball occurs and what factors may go in to calling an infield fly.

Read the fielders.

This goes hand in hand with pre-pitch preparation. Know where the fielders are located. Are the infielders playing in or are they deep? Are they shaded one direction or the other? Once the ball goes up, umpires should read the infielders and see their movements. Are they sprinting after a ball or are they camped underneath it? Is the wind making it difficult for a player to make an ordinary effort on the ball? Remember, you don’t make the infield fly declaration until the ball reaches its highest peak, so you don’t need to rush the call. Give yourself some time and make sure you get the call right. On blustery days, nothing may be “ordinary” and you may never invoke the rule. At the end of the day, this is a judgment call and if you judge an infielder cannot make a play with ordinary effort, don’t call it.

Read your partners.

While the codes have different mechanics on how to signal and who calls the infield fly, all umpires should gather as much information as possible to make the call. In NFHS and USA Softball, the plate umpire is responsible for making this call while NCAA and USSSA give concurrent authority to all umpires. Sometimes, the plate umpire may lose the ball as it comes off the bat or may simply not have a good angle to determine if a fielder can make a play on the ball with ordinary effort. The base umpire may have the best look as depth sometimes is tough to judge from behind home plate. In NCAA and USSSA, the base umpire may call it at any time. In doing so, the other umpires on the field should signal and echo the call (as shown in PlayPics C and D). In USA Softball and NFHS, the plate umpire should make the call (as shown in PlayPic B). However, if it is an obvious infield fly situation and the plate umpire forgets to call it, the base umpire should signal and declare it. If all umpires forget to signal or declare the infield fly, you can get together after the play and rule on it if you put a team at jeopardy. By pregaming with your partners on how to handle these situations, it will make you more comfortable to make these calls when they happen during the game.

Verbalize it loudly.

The proper mechanic is to signal, as described in the last paragraph, and to verbalize, “Infield fly, the batter is out.” It is important to verbalize as runners, fielders and coaches most likely aren’t looking at umpires to see if they are signaling an infield fly. They are waiting to hear the declaration. In loud environments, it may be hard to hear so umpires should be loud when vocalizing the situation to leave no doubt. It is also important to add a couple of extra words to the declaration if the ball is near a foul line. In those situations, the umpire should say, “Infield fly. If fair, the batter is out.” If the ball lands foul and stays in foul territory, it is simply a foul ball.

Prepare for chaos.

Depending on the level of play, a lot can happen during infield fly situations, especially if the ball is dropped by a fielder or it simply lands uncaught. Try not to get caught off guard. Even though you may have declared an infield fly, runners tend to think they are forced to run when they see the ball on the ground. Remember, in these situations, the batter-runner is already out. There is no longer a force play at any base. This includes advancing toward a base or retreating to a base. If the ball is not caught, baserunners are not required to return to a base to tag up. If they are off the base and the ball drops, they can advance or retreat, but at either base it is a tag and not a force situation.

Also, if the ball does ultimately land uncaught, the offensive team is going to question why you called the batter out. Be prepared to have to explain to a coach why you ruled the batter out. Use the terms, “In my judgment,” and avoid saying things like “I thought” or “It looked like.” If you explain to a coach that you judged it to be normal effort and you were protecting the runners, they should accept that. Most coaches would rather have one out than potentially two in this situation.

At the end of the day, the rule is there to protect the offense. Use all the tools in your toolbelt (pregame discussion, pre-pitch preparation, read your partners, know the weather, read the fielders) and make your best judgment. No two situations are ever alike and the more you can prepare for each one, the easier the decision will be for you to make.

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The committee made those changes at its June 14-16 meeting held virtually and those changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors. The rule changes are outlined in perceived order of importance.

Special thanks to Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and staff liaison for softball, for reviewing this article.

Hair Control Devices (3-2-5b)

The committee removed language prohibiting hard items to control the hair. This rule change clarifies adornments such as beads can be worn in the hair and aligns with other NFHS rules codes. The committee did not believe the use of hard items, such as beads, presented an injury risk to other players. In contrast, the prohibition of such items has been interpreted as adversely affecting one’s cultural background.

Plastic visors and bandannas are still prohibited with the rule change, but items such as bobby pins, barrettes and hair clips no longer have a size restriction as that language was removed from the rulebook.

Play 1: While walking the field before the game, the umpires notice two team A players wearing (a) beads in their hair, (b) bobby pins in their hair, (c) bandanas, or (d) plastic visors. Ruling 1: Legal in (a) and (b); illegal in (c) and (d) and those items must be removed before the players may participate.

Religious Headwear (3-2-5c)

Players are permitted to wear soft and secure headwear for religious purposes without prior state association approval. In the past, players needed to secure prior approval from their respective state high school association in order to wear religious head coverings. The revised rule states head coverings worn for religious reasons must still be made of non-abrasive, soft materials and must fit securely so they are unlikely to come off during play. Head coverings worn for medical reasons still require state association approval, however.

Play 2: The pitcher for team A is wearing a (a) hijab, (b) yarmulke, or (c) helmet made of polyethylene foam due to a history of concussions. Ruling 2: In (a) and (b), the items are legal provided they fit securely and are made of non-abrasive, soft materials. In (c), the player must have prior state association approval to wear it as it is being worn for medical reasons.

Runner’s Lane Interference (8-2-6)

The committee clarified a runner is considered outside the running lane when either foot last contacting the ground is completely outside the lane. The new language more adequately describes the intent of the rule and will provide more consistent enforcement of the rule. The rule previously stated either foot had to be completely outside the lane and in contact with the ground. This led to inconsistency in calling interference when a runner had a foot in the air, but that foot had contacted the ground completely outside the line prior to being in the air.

Play 3: B1 lays down a bunt in front of home plate. F2 fields the ball and throws it to first base to try to retire B1. The ball hits B1 five feet in front of first base while (a) both feet are in contact with the ground completely outside the running lane, (b) one foot is completely outside the running lane in contact with the ground, (c) both feet are in the air and her left foot is completely outside the lane when it last contacted the ground, (d) her left foot is in contact with the chalk of the running lane and her right foot is completely inside the lane, or (e) both feet are in the air and both feet touched the chalk of the runner’s lane when they last contacted the ground. Ruling 3: In (a), (b) and (c), the runner would be guilty of interference if the umpire judged she interfered with the fielder taking the throw at first base. In (d) and (e), the runner is legally inside the runner’s lane when contacted by the ball and would not be out for interference.

Damaged Bat (3-6-21 & Penalty)

A new article was added to the “bench and field conduct” area of the rulebook regarding damaged bats. While the committee made a significant rule change in 2019 to define a damaged bat, the rule didn’t specify what happens if a player brings back into the game a damaged bat that had been previously removed by an umpire. The new article and penalty addresses this situation with the batter called out and the offender and head coach restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game.

Play 4: In the third inning, the umpire notices a crack in the bat A1 is using and removes it from the game. In the fourth inning, A2 comes to bat and after the first pitch, the umpire notices the bat is the same one that was removed the inning prior. Ruling 4: A2 is declared out and both A2 and team A’s head coach are restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game.

Coach Attire (3-5-3)

This rule change clarifies items which can be worn by a coach in live-ball area. The new language helps clear up for umpires what is appropriate and inappropriate attire. The new rule states a coach shall be attired in a school uniform or jersey/coaching shirt with slacks, shorts, or other leg coverings in school colors or colors of khaki, black, white or grey. The previous wording of the rule stated coaches had to be in slacks, shorts or warmup suits and the new language allows more options for leg coverings.

Play 5: At the pregame meeting at the plate, team A’s coach is wearing (a) black leggings, (b) grey dress slacks, or (c) blue jeans. Ruling 5: Both (a) and (b) are legal attire for the coach. In (c), the coach would not be permitted in the field of play after the pregame conference for the duration of the game or until the coach changed into appropriate attire. Blue jeans are not allowed.

Distracting Items on the Pitcher (6-2-2 and Note)

The rules committee removed language from rule 6-2-2 and placed it into a note under the penalty. The reasoning was to remind players, coaches and umpires about distracting items worn by a pitcher, but that is not part of rule 6-2-2’s penalty, which is an illegal pitch. Instead, the penalty is addressed in 3-2-9 and the distracting item is considered illegal equipment and shall be removed.

Play 6: Team A’s pitcher has an optic-yellow wristband on the wrist of her throwing arm. Ruling 6: The pitcher shall remove the wristband before she is allowed to participate.

Base Anchor Systems (1-2-1)

This rule change clarifies bases may be designed to disengage from their anchor system. The change places rule language with other regulations covering the field and its equipment. The language was added to rule 1 where all field and equipment rules exist. Similar language is already addressed in rule 8-8-14 Eff., which states that a runner reaching a base safely will not be out for being off the base if it becomes dislodged.

Ball Specification (1-3-3)

This rule change states new ball specifications will be required effective Jan. 1, 2025, for high school competition. Balls manufactured with current specifications will be permitted through the 2024 season. The change in 2025 will occur in compression and weight/circumference for balls in fast-pitch competition. The changes in the way the requirements are specified do not represent a difference in ball performance but allow for better control over the manufacturing process. This change aligns ball tolerance specifications with other rule codes.

“High school softball is indeed in a good place relative to rules,” Searcy said. “Most rule modifications can be considered editorial in nature, simply clarifications to current rules. However, it is vital to continue to monitor changing trends in equipment, injuries as they relate to overuse, and how rule changes affect risk. The NFHS Softball Rules Committee continues to be vigilant in this regard.”

Points of Emphasis

Huddles between innings.

Player safety is always a concern. For this reason, huddles between innings by the defensive team coming off the field is a point of emphasis for the 2022 season. If a team chooses to huddle on the field after the third out while the other team is warming up, it should do so in a safe location. In between innings as the defensive team takes the field and begins to throw the ball, the offensive team should only huddle in an area that does not impede the warmup of the defensive team nor places it in an area where overthrows are likely. Huddling should be limited to the amount of time needed for the defensive players to make their warmup throws, during the one minute permitted by rule. Huddling in appropriate areas will assist minimizing risk to participants.

Guidance for pitcher utilization.

The past several seasons have seen an increasing concern regarding overuse injuries of the shoulder and elbow among softball pitchers at the high school level. The NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) and the NFHS Softball Rules Committee continue to monitor injury rates through the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study (RIO), which is an annual collection of injuries experienced while participating in high school sports. At this time, the available injury data do not warrant the implementation of pitch or inning limitations, however the NFHS Softball Rules Committee and the NFHS SMAC will continue to monitor RIO and other available research regarding shoulder and elbow injury risk for high school softball pitchers.

Assisting a runner.

Coaches or any other team personnel are not permitted to assist a runner in any manner during playing action. When a home run occurs, although the ball is out of play, runners have live-ball running responsibilities and are still required to run the bases legally. If someone other than another runner physically assists a runner, the assisted runner is ruled out. Similarly, a runner would be out for passing another runner. If a runner misses a base and it is properly appealed, the runner would also be ruled out.

Pitcher simulating taking a sign.

While the pivot foot is in contact with the pitcher’s plate and prior to bringing the hands together, the pitcher must take or simulate taking a signal from the catcher. A signal may be taken from a coach either by hand signal, verbal call or by looking at a wristband with a playbook/playcard. This signal can be taken while in contact with the pitcher’s plate or while standing behind the pitcher’s plate prior to taking a position in contact with the pitcher’s plate. None of these actions are illegal by rule; the only requirement is that no matter where or from whom the actual signal is obtained, the pitcher must take a position with the pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate with the hands separated and simulate taking a signal from the catcher. Requiring the pitcher to take a position in contact with the pitcher’s plate and simulating taking a signal from the catcher prior to bringing the hands together allows the batter to prepare for the start of the pitch. If the pitcher does not pause after stepping onto the pitcher’s plate, an illegal pitch shall be called.

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