WELCOME TO ASA

GENERAL UMPIRE TRAINING

• Hat

• Shirt

• Belt

• Pants

• Shoes

• Socks

• Jacket

• Ballbag

• Brush

• Indicator

Appearance & Uniform

BLUE!

"Hey Blue! That plate has corners ya' know!"

"She was out BY A MILE!"

"That pitch was a strike for the other team!"

"Want to borrow my glasses?"

"This is the worst

umpiring I've ever seen."

"Hey Blue, You're missing a great game here!"

"Ya' leave your seeing-eye dog at home?"

"She was safe BY A MILE!"

"You're KILLING

US!""Ask

someone for help!"

WHAT’S THE CALL,

The Pre-Game

WITHPARTNERS

BATINSPECTION

FIELDINSPECTION

WITHMANAGERS

1) Initial Meeting2) Crew ChiefHandles3) Entrance/Exit4) Help5) Rules6) Time Check

1) Purpose2) What to check3) Don't nit pick4) Policy forNationals

1) Safety2) Keep ball inplay3) Keep groundrules simple4) If in doubt,check withsupervisor5) Reviewprofessionally

1) First impression2) Positions3) Handshake/introduction4) Friendly

FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE ONLY MADE ONE TIME

POSITIONINGMANAGER’S MEETING

COACHESCOACHES

PLATE UMPIRE

BASE UMPIRES

1B3B

P P

BETWEEN INNINGS

Alternate

UMPIRE SIGNAL CHART (1)

DOUBLERaise right arm showing two fingers.

Verbally call, "Two Bases."

TRAPPED BALLExtend arms straight out with palms

down. Verbally call, "Safe."

DELAYED DEAD BALLExtend left arm straight out with fist

closed.

INFIELD FLYRaise right arm with fist close. Verbally

call, "Infield Fly."

FAIR BALLPoint towards fair ground with hand

closest to infield. No verbal call.

SAFEExtend arms straight out with palms

down. Verbally call, "Safe."

UMPIRE SIGNAL CHART (2)

HOLD UP PLAYWith palm up, raise hand farthest away

from pitcher towards batter.

FOUL TIPFingers from both hands are touched

together chest high in front of body and then a strike signal with no verbal call.

FOUR-BASE AWARD (SP)On any fair touched ball going over the

fence, raise right hand showing four fingers. Verbally call, "Four Bases."

PLAY BALL Motion with either hand to the pitcher.

Verbally call, "Play Ball."

TIME/DEAD BALRaise both hands with open palms away from the body. Verbally call, "Time" or

"Dead Ball."

COUNTRaise both arms up, indicate strikes with fingers on right hand and balls

with fingers on left hand. Verbally give count.

UMPIRE SIGNAL CHART (3)

FOUL BALLGive DEAD BALL signal then verbally

call, "Foul Ball"

HOME RUNRaise right arm. With fist closed move it in a counter-clockwise twirling motion.

Verbally call, "Four Bases."

STRIKEBring left arm with hand closed to midsection as right arm is extended

straight up with hand facing ear. Then pull down at elbow while closing fist.

Verbally call, "Strike."

OUTWith hand closed, bring left arm to midsection as right arm is extended

straight up with hand facing ear. Then pull down at elbow while closing fist. Verbally

call, "Out."

OUT ROUTINE

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SAFE ROUTINE

5

4

3

2

1

OVERHEAD “OUT”

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1

54

3 2

11

SELLING THE “SAFE” CALL

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1

2 2

3

FAST PITCH PLATE

SET POSITION

Do not

set up

within the

perimeter

of the

strike

zone

SET POSTION - SLOW PITCH PLATE

Hold up pitch until all players are ready.

Stay in upright position until height of pitch (6-12 feet) is determined

Do not place hands on knees as this locks you at the same height for every batter. Drop to a level equal to the top of the front shoulder. Be in the set position when the ball crosses the strike zone.

FAST PITCH PLATE MECHANICS

FAST PITCH PLATE MECHANICS

1. Fast pitch and Slow pitch are alike in many ways. This allows umpires an easy transition from one game to the other. Common areas of mechanics are:

a) Stanceb) Slotc) Trackingd) Timing

Difference: a) Set position

Fast Pitch Slow Pitch

STANCEa) Feet:

1. Shoulder width or slightly further apart.2. Weight distributed on balls of feet3. Toe to Heel only.4. Scissors, Peaker's and Hooking stances.

In all cases be COMFORTABLE

b) Slot:1. "Space between the catcher and batter in which your inside ear is on the black portion of the inside part of the plate. This space will never allow the catcher to block you out.2. NEVER set up in the perimeter of the strike zone. You will only lose the pitch and guess all day. This is referred to as being "blocked" out. 3. You must have a clear, unobstructed view of the plate.

STANCE (Continued)c) Knees:

1. Bend the knees not at the waist.2. Drop 3-5 inches into strike zone3. Try to keep back, head and neck as straight as possible.

d) Shoulders:1. Keep shoulders as square to the pitcher as possible.2. NEVER have shoulders square down base paths.

STANCE (Continued)e) Set Position:

1. Eyes at TOP of strike zone.2. Keep hands inside legs.3. Once you get set NEVER move.4. Go to "set" position when pitch STARTS.5. Set too early- tired body and movement in late innings.6. Set too late- never see pitch as pitch will "explode" when you finally get set. Movement causes you to lose perspective of strike zone and of home plate.7. "Head Height" is very important for consistency. Low head height loses outside and low pitch. High head height loses low pitch on knees.

f) Tracking:1. Track only with eyes, nose and SLIGHT head movement. 2. Moving body only distorts view of pitch and often moves you over the catcher.3. See the ball from the time it leaves the pitcher's hand until the ball reaches the catcher's glove.

Difficult Situations

a) Blinking with pitch.b) High dropc) Catcher taking inside corner.d) Batter crowding plate.e) Check swings. If you react to catcher, you will miss swing!

1. Know mechanics of hitting.a. Did batter break wrist?b. Did bat come in front of body?c. Did bat come through plate area?d. Rolling of wrist - not breaking of wrist.

2. Know batting mechanics.a. Batter gets ready.b. Stride - coil - weight on front foot.c. Hips turn as batter turns.d. Snap wrist as he rolls wrist.

Difficult Situations (Continued)

3. Very hard to stop bat once you get it out in front. You may be able to slow bat down. Coaches now teaching to turn body into pitch.4. Umpire needs to concentrate on ball.

a. Was pitch a strike? If yes who cares what batter did.5. Sell call!a. Use proper signal.6. Working slot allows you to see check swings clearly. Tough pitch is the rise ball.7. If you need help, GET THE CALL CORRECT!

Plate Mechanics

1) Stancea. Feet - Knees - Back - Shoulders

2) Working the Slota. Toe/heel - Scissors - Hooker

3) Set Positiona. Timing - Set outside the perimeter - Head heightb. Too close/far - Too wide/deep - Moving on pitch

4) Tracking the Balla. Moving head/eyes - moving body on pitch

5) Strike Callsa. Vocal - Timing - Mechanics

6) Ball Callsa. Call while down - Location

7) Count a. Height - Rotation - How often

8) Passed balls/pop flys

9) Difficult Situationsa. Hit batterb. Double hitc. Check swing

10) Ball Rotation

Plate Mechanics (Continued)

a) Height:1) Eye level or slightly higher.2) Slow down when giving count.3) Rotation of hands.4) How often:

a. When requested.b. After a delay in game.c. Whenever next pitch creates a change. Recognize the caliber of ball you are umpiring.

COUNT

a) Definition:1) Arm pits and top of knees.2) Discuss corners of plate3) Dimensions 17 x 8 ½ x 12 = 27"

a. Plate 17"b. Ball 4"c. Black 1"

STRIKE ZONE

TIMING & RHYTHM

a) Calling pitches:1) Voice.

a. "Ball" call - On a pitch that is a ball, stay in your stance and verbalize, "Ball". There is no signal for a pitch that is a ball. Verbalize a ball so that your voice can be heard in both dugouts. You can sell a ball call with a slight head movement AFTER you call the pitch.b. "Strike" call - There are two theories.

1. You can make the call in the down position or 2. Make the call in the upright position. Whichever you use, declare loudly "Strike!" so that your voice can be heard in the outfield.

c. Always call the pitch after the catcher catches the pitch and a "slight" hesitation is used.d. Difference in voice and timing only creates doubt.

THE STRIKE CALL

5 6432SET

5 6432SET

Slow pitch (top) and Fast Pitch (bottom) are identical in the mechanics.

MOVEMENT FROM THE PLATE

1) Exitinga. Left of catcher

2) Trailing the runnera. Unless the ball takes you elsewhereb. Interference, obstruction, swipe tag, pulled foot, overthrows - blocked ball

3) Fair/Foul/Outa. Priorities

4) Third base callsa. Two umpire system, runner on 1B only.b. Three umpire system - four umpire system

MOVEMENT FROM THE PLATE(Continued)

5) Third base callsa. Coming from home plate

6) Call at home platea. Returning from third baseb. Ball coming from fair territoryc. Passed ball situations

7) "Show me the ball!"

BASE MECHANICSPOSITIONING -Two Umpire SystemNo Runners on BaseRunners on Base (Slow/Fast Pitch)

SIGNALS Out - Safe - Selling the Call

THE FORCE OUTFour Basic ElementsTwo Theories Double Play

TAG PLAYSPulled FootSwipe Tag Find Ball - Show Me

BASE MECHANICS (Continued)

INSIDE-OUTSIDE THEORYBUTTON HOOKTHREE-FOOT LINEINTERFERENCEOBSTRUCTIONFAKE TAGCOLLISION ILLEGAL PITCHESPARTNER ASSISTANCETAG COVERAGE

POSITIONING - Three-Umpire SystemTAG COVERAGE

ASSIST

POSITIONING

BASIC POSITIONS

Step with the pitch so you ready to move if

the ball is hit!

NO RUNNERS ON BASE WITH RUNNERS ON BASE

Drop to SET position when the pitchers brings the hands

together.

Do not lock hands on the

knees as shown here.

THE FORCE OUTFOUR BASIC ELEMENTS: 1) Ball2) Defensive Players Making Play3) Batter-runner4) The BasePROCEDURE: 1. Stop Approximately 18 Ft From Base-go to Set Position.2. Let the Throw Turn You Into the Base3. Things to Think About:

A) Did Runner Touch the Base?B) Did 1st Baseman Have a Foot on When the Ball Was Caught?C) Was the Ball Juggled?

4. Too Close Restricts the Angle, Close the Range of Vision, and May Cause You to Get Caught in the Action.5. Slight Hesitation- Let a Clear and Mental Pitcher to Develop.6. Hesitate Not -a Delay, Means You Are in Control of Yourself- Which Is Convincing.

THE FORCE OUT (Continued)7) Once Observed

A. Make HesitationB. Know The OutcomeC. Render The Out Or Safe Signal

Button Hook Movement1) Concentrate On Runner (S)2) You Are Not Interfering With Anyone3) Checking For Tag Of The Base Or Player4) Watching For Obstruction/interference5) Glancing To Pick Up The Ball In The Outfield.

Rule Of Thumb- Watching The Runner- Glancing To Pick Up The Ball

FAIR GROUND THEORY

Move inside the diamond, observing the defensive player fielding the ground ball, to a position which is a few steps, (approximately six (6) feet) inside the foul line. Stop as the player fields the ball and let the throw turn you into the play at first base.

1

23

FAIR GROUND THEORY - SWIPE TAG

If the the throw to first takes the first baseman off the base, move directly toward the foul line, maintaining the 18-21 foot distance from first.Point to the swipe tag and make a verbal indicating whether the tag was made or missed, hesitate slightly to make sure the ball is not dropped then sell the appropriate call.

1

23

FB

FOUL GROUND THEORY

Stay outside the diamond in foul territory and move 'up' the line to make the call to a position which would be a few steps, (approximately six (6) feet) outside the foul line.Outside position should be used only on balls hit to the first baseman, the second baseman's extreme left or to short right field where the throw is coming to the first baseman from near the foul line.This outside position should be used only when 'absolutely necessary'.

1

2

FB

RF

UMPIRING -- INSIDE OUT

U

UU

U

The four basic field positions for base umpires covering both the two and three umpire systems and the six possible “button-hook” movements.

ANGLES & HOLDING ZONES

HOLDINGZONE

High attrition rate in umpiring each year.

No set way to handle all players/coaches1) Each handled differently2) What works for me - may not work for you3) Learn to respond - not react

Do what you're there for!

How is your attitude?

Easy to relate to players . . . But how do you relate as an umpire . .

Dedicated umpires learn from mistakes.

You Can't Change the World Overnight

•Set the tone•Study Ball Players•Develop a Feel for the Game•Preventive Umpiring

UMPIRE TIPS

1) You Are a Team!2) Understand the Basics of Catching3) Catchers Need to Know What They Can & Cannot Do - Target of Catcher Will Help in FP4) Set Position of Umpire5) Don't Signal Location of Pitch-talk to Catcher 6) Wiping Plate7) Umpires Can't Redeem Themselves - Catchers Can8) Strike Zone - Establish Early9) Plate Umpire Sets Tempo of Game

WORKING WITH CATCHERS

10) CATCHER WHO WORKS WITH UMPIRE CREATES RESPECT.

a) Set Positionsb) Glove Movementc) Dialogued) Control of pitchers/teammates/ managers

WORKING WITH CATCHERS (Continued)

1) TWO THINGS PITCHER WANTS FROM UMPIRE

a) Control of gameb) Consistency in strike zone. Strike zone is a strike zone is a strike zone.

2) DON'T CHALLENGE OR CONFRONT PITCHER DIRECTLY3) MAKE IT ENJOYABLE

WORKING WITH PITCHERS

Coach Argues for Three Reasons:1) He thinks you might have made a mistake.2) To keep his players in the game.3) Because of temporary insanity.

For a coach to request an interpretation of the rules should be expected. THE UMPIRE SHOULD HAVE THE ANSWER.Remember:Umpires are tested by coaches.Particularly the newer officials.

Veterans have either gained respect OR "DUG THEIR OWN GRAVE".Respect comes from:

1) Sound judgment2) Common sense3) Proper attitude4) Disposition, and5) Self control

When you take charge - they notice.

WORKING WITH COACHES

But it is sometimes necessary

A) Some umpires look for ways to eject.B) Some umpires use ejection as a means of game control.C) Some umpires never eject- they are afraid to lose a friend.

EJECTION:1) If handled at the right time - game control and good.2) If too quick- chip on shoulder.3) If too late- You are an umpire that can be pushed around.

IF YOU EJECT A COACH OR PLAYER- ASK YOURSELF:1) Did I do anything to lead to the ejection?2) Did I challenge the player or coach?3) Did I lose control of myself?4) Did I offer opportunity to the player or coach to keep from his losing control?

EJECTION-THE LAST RESORT

Hear Only What Should be Heard1) Every crowd will include a heckler2) Many believe it is part of the game

If Umpire Reacts:1) Crowd will sense evidence of umpire being conscious and will increase jibes and heckling2) Soon crowds and players lose respect of umpire

Umpire Should Be:1) DEAF,2) Ignore any and all spectator comments

Fans Have Three Characteristics:1) They are ignorant of the rules2) They are highly emotional - highly partisan3) They delight in antagonizing officials

Remember:They are not against you . . . They are against the blue shirt.

FANS

Four weapons in the battle to communicate.

MIND - FACE - BODY - VOICE

Your purpose in game situations is to persuade people.

a. Fans, coaches and players don't attack you personally.b. They are upset with what you represent - the blue.

CONFRONTATION

Eight concepts to use with the four weapons

1. ENLIGHTEN - Don't Debate2. EXPLAIN - Don't Argue3. CONVERSE - Don't Make A Speech4. TALK - Don't React Critically5. SPEAK CALMLY - Don't Shout Back6. BE POSITIVE - Don't Be Negative7. BE FRIENDLY - Don't Be Arrogant8. BE CONFIDENT - Don't be meek

When dealing with people - look them in the eye. Nothing gets across if you're looking at your shoe tips. FROM: "Winning At Confrontation" by Arch Lustberg

CONFRONTATION

1. Consistency2. Character3. Courage4. Coverage5. Communication6. Control

Bear down at all times . . . The only umpire who can take it easy

during a game, is one who buys a ticket and sits in the stands.

SIX C's

1) Did I arrive in time to prepare for the assignment?2) Did I hold a pre-game conference with my partner(s)?3) Was my uniform clean and shoes polished?4) If the chief umpire, did my pre-game conference with the managers cover all it should?5) Was I in position to call each play I was responsible for?6) Was I prepared in advance for each play or situation?7) If on the plate, was my strike zone consistent?8) Did I give proper timing to my mechanics? 9) Were my mechanics clear and sharp for the player, spectators and my partner(s)?10) Did I go out on appropriate fly ball coverage?

EVALUATING YOUR GAME

11) Did anything unusual occur and did I recognize the violation, calling at once and correctly?12) Was there any occasion during the game where I was fortunate in not having to make a call?13) Did I assist my partner and communicate when they needed it, or when it was required?14) Did I keep my cool and handle all discussions with coaches and/or players when they arose and in a manner I can be proud of?15) Did I uphold, defend or rationalize my improper ruling?16) Was there any particular part of the game I could work on which has not already been mentioned?

An umpire should work under the assumption that he is only as good as his next call, and should attempt to make certain that it is a good one!

BE THE BEST UMPIRE YOU CAN BE!

EVALUATING YOUR GAME (Continued)

YOU AS AN UMPIREUNPROFESSIONAL APPROACH ASA APPROACH

Fails to have a pre-game mechanics meeting with partner.Employees “fire drill” – get the game over umpiring.

Fully discusses field coverage with partner. Has a plan forworking the game. Knows how to communicate on any situation.

Doesn’t worry about new fields or unfamiliar ground rules. Waitsuntil it happens, then makes a decision.

Inspects field with partner and establishes ground rules inmanager’s pre-game. Leaves nothing to question during thegame.

Often wears unshined shoes, unpressed and improper uniform orwrong patches.

Always wears polished shoes and belt with proper uniform andpatches.

Wears an adjustable or mesh hat. Sometimes wears a plate hat onthe bases.

Wears a properly fitted, sized and blocked hat. Never wears aplate hat on the bases.

Wears sunglasses or tinted glasses on the field. If needed, wears contact lenses or clear glasses.Works too low behind the plate, calls pitches too quickly,describes pitches and motions locations. Moves head during thepitch. (FP)

Works with head in the slot between the catcher and the batter.Has proper timing. Calls all balls and strikes. Moves eyes, butdoes not move head.

Waits to see where the ball bounces before determining ball orstrike. (SP)

Judges balls and strikes by where the ball passes through thestrike zone.

Never calls illegal pitches for it’s too difficult to say. Controls the game and calls illegal pitches as they occur.Calls plays too quickly which requires reversing a call at times. Timing is excellent. Waits until a play is over, then renders a

decision.Judgment and decisions are often questioned as he is out ofposition.

Thinks ahead and reacts to a play similar to a ball player. Doesnot have to guess.

Waits until there’s an argument, then asks for help on a difficultcall.

If in doubt on a pulled foot or missed tag, requests help, thenmakes a decision.

Fails to support fellow officials when a dispute breaks out.Figures, “He’s in trouble, not me.”

Quick to assist in times of need. Keeps players, manager andcoaches from “ganging up” on his partner.

Tends to over officiate. Is sometimes too legalistic. Lets the players play the game. Uses a realistic approach toumpiring.

Daydreams a lot. Comes to the play at the last minute. Hustles to every position and for every call.Hot dogs mechanics to make players and spectators think helooks good.

Has a flare, but is sharp and crisp in mechanics. His game speaksfor itself.

1. Be competitive2. Have your head on straight 3. Don't be a tough guy4. Get into the flow of the game5. Don't bark6. Show confidence7. Forget the fans8. Answer reasonable questions9. Choose your words wisely10. Stay cool11. Be professional12. Bear down at all times13. Be the best you can be

UMPIRE CHECK LIST

The END! ASA

GENERAL UMPIRE TRAINING