1. Scorekeeping Clinic Scorekeeper Training & Certification Course Presented by the MSLA Statistics Committee January 20161

2. Welcome For when the one great scorer comes, To write against your name, He’ll write not that you won or lost, But how you played the game. -Grantland Rice, 1908 This document, with the exception of the scorecard, is the exclusive property of the Montrose Softball League Association (MSLA). The possession of the document does not convey any rights to reproduce, produce, use or sell anything it may describe. Reproduction, disclosure, or use without specific written authorization from the MSLA is strictly forbidden. January 2016© DAM 20162

3. Before we get started.... On behalf of the MSLA, “Thank You” for being a part of this. The scorekeeper is an essential part of the league. Whether you have volunteered because you love softball, enjoy statistics, or were asked (or forced) to help… We appreciate your support! January 2016© DAM 20163

4. The Scorekeeper’s Role You have just joined the ranks of some illustrious people! There have been some famous scorekeepers over the years. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, first lady Grace Coolidge, and retailer L.L. Bean all carried scorebooks when they attended games. Many people find that scorekeeping adds to their enjoyment and knowledge of baseball/softball. In addition, as the Official Scorekeeper, you have several important responsibilities: You are responsible for keeping the official score of the game. You record whether or not an error is made. You are responsible for keeping an accurate record of the game. Any Scorekeeper, Manager, or Board Member should be able to review your scorebook and get an accurate, clear picture of everything that happened in the game. January 2016© DAM 20164

5. Steps for Scorekeeping Before the Game Locate your scorekeeper tools. Here’s a list of what you will need: o A black or blue pen o A copy of the Rules of Play abbreviated version. o The Official Scorebook You must always use the Official Scorebook provided by the league and designated for the specific field. January 2016© DAM 20165

6. Filling Out the Scorebook January 20166 Preparing for the Game You will want to sit in the stands behind home plate. This way you can confer with the Plate Umpire and you are accessible to both Managers. If possible, at least 10 minutes before the start of the game, obtain the lineups sheets from both teams. © DAM 2016

7. Filling Out the Scorebook January 2016© DAM 20167 Lineup Sheets o Only accept lineup sheets that are complete with Jersey Numbers, FULL Name, and Starting Positions. HOT TIP o Since lineups will be presented very close to game time, write numbers and starting positions first. Then as time allows, write in the names.

8. Filling Out the Scorebook January 2016© DAM 20168 Before the Game Find the appropriate page in the scorebook. The Date and START TIME of the game should be filled out at the top in. Umpire will inform you when the game clock has started. The scorebook will also indicate the Home team and Visitors - also PRINTED. The Scorekeeper should PRINT their name at the top of the scorebook in. No cursive writing.

9. The Starting Lineup January 2016© DAM 20169 You will transfer the full names, jersey numbers and player positions onto the scorebook. The lineup should be entered in. Include all substitutes at the bottom of the scorebook

10. Ready to Score! January 2016© DAM 201610

11. Scorekeeping Tips January 2016© DAM 201611 Never scratch out mistakes. o Draw a single line through instead Secure your food & drinks o Spills are bummers Concentration and focus are important o Minimize distractions Provide info to the UIC, but do not publicly disagree. o Leave issues and arguments for the UIC (Umpire in Chief) to decide. DO NOT get into arguments with managers/coaches/players! DO NOT provide unsolicited information. If there are two or more players running the bases, fill out the score sheet “backwards” after every play. o Start with the batter-runner and record what happened to that player. Then, go up the lineup to the previous player on the bases, and record what happened to that player. And so on...

12. Keeping Score January 2016© DAM 201612 Player Positions

13. Keeping Score January 2016© DAM 201613 Player Positions Each player on the field is assigned a position number. When you keep score, use the position number or abbreviation rather than the name. HOT TIP A copy of this diagram will be in the scorebook for reference. Positions 1 / P 2 / C 3 / 1B 4 / 2B 5 / 3B 6 / SS 7 / LF 8 / LC 9 / RC 10 / RF EH Pitcher Catcher 1 st Base 2 nd Base 3 rd Base Short Stop Left Fielder Left Center Right Center Right Fielder Extra Hitter

14. Scoring Basics January 2016© DAM 201614 Ways to Get on Base Single Double Triple Walk (Base on Balls) Ground-Rule Double Fielder’s Choice Error Home Run (HR* for Out of the Park HRs)

15. Scoring Basics January 2016© DAM 201615 Just a few ways BATTER-RUNNER Makes an OUT Strikeout Swinging Strikeout Looking Fly-OutForce Out #1 Unassisted Out Force Out #2

16. Scoring Hits January 2016© DAM 201616 A HIT is when a ball is batted into fair territory that allows the batter to reach base safely without the aid of an error. Here are examples of how each type of hit is indicated in the scorebook.

17. Scoring Hits January 2016© DAM 201617 Single (1B) The most basic hit is where the Batter-Runner runs safely to 1 st. There were no errors on the play, and no attempts to get another runner out. 1B

18. Scoring Hits January 2016© DAM 201618 Double (2B) If the Batter-Runner makes it to 2 nd without any errors or attempts to get another Runner out, it’s a Double, and we write “2B”. 2B

19. Scoring Hits January 2016© DAM 201619 Triple (3B) If the Batter-Runner makes it to 3 rd without any errors or attempts to get another Runner out, it’s a Triple, and we write “3B.” A line is drawn from Home to 1 st, then to 2 nd, and finally to 3 rd to show his progress. 3B3B

20. Scoring Hits January 2016© DAM 201620 Home Run (HR) If the Batter-Runner makes it all the way home on his hit, then it’s a Home Run, and we write “HR” on the 3 rd base line. There’s always at least (1) RBI on a HR (batter gets credit). There’s always a run scored. HR

21. Scoring Hits January 2016© DAM 201621 Home Run Rules by Division: “Out of the Park HR” (HR*) o D-Competitive & D-Recreational Divisions: NO Home Runs o Any Home Run is an automatic OUT o C Division: 1 Home Run o Any subsequent Home Run is an automatic OUT o B Division: 2 Home Runs o Any subsequent Home Run is an automatic OUT o A Division: 4 Homes Runs +1 up (Max of 6). o Each A Team initially can have 4 Home Runs. After a team has reached 4 HRs, any subsequent HRs is an automatic out. They must wait until the opposing team has also reached 4 HRs, then they can have an additional HR (+1). They must wait again until the opposing team matches the total number of HRs, so they may have a final (max of 6) HR.

22. Scoring Walks January 2016© DAM 201622 Walk (BB) If the pitcher pitches 4 balls, then the batter gets to go to First Base automatically. This is called a “Walk”, and we record it as a “BB” (Base on Balls). BB

23. Scoring Hits January 2016© DAM 201623 Fielder’s Choice (FC) These can be tricky to score. When a Fielder’s Choice happens, we record it as “FC”, and draw a line from Home to the base reached. A fielder’s choice happens when the fielders choose to attempt to get another runner on base out instead of the batter-runner. FC FC6-4 1

24. Scoring Fielder’s Choice January 2016© DAM 201624 Fielder’s Choice (FC) o These can be judgment calls. If the batter would have beat the throw to 1 st, and so the SS threw to second to make sure he got an out, then it can be scored as a Single (“1B”), since the batter was never in danger of being out. As a scorer, you decide if the batter was ever in danger of being thrown out. If he was, then it is a “FC.” o Also remember, that when throwing to 2 nd, the 2 nd Baseman may drop the throw, allowing the runner to be safe. Even though there were no outs, it is still a fielder’s choice for the batter since the shortstop chose not to throw him out.

25. Scoring Errors January 2016© DAM 201625 Safe on Error (E) If a Fielder commits an error that allows the Batter-Runner to make it safely on base, then you draw the path appropriate where the Batter- Runner ended up, and write “E” along with the position number for who committed the error. E6

26. Scoring Errors January 2016© DAM 201626 Safe on Error (E) Examples of errors.

27. Batted Ball Out of Play January 2016© DAM 201627 Ground Rule Double If a batted ball enters dead ball territory (dugouts, under the fence, etc.) without being touched by a Fielder, the ball becomes “dead”, and the Batter-Runner and all other Baserunners are awarded ONE base from the last base touched at the time the ball went out of bounds. GRD

28. Scoring Outs January 2016© DAM 201628 Strike Out (Swinging or Looking/Called) (K) Write “K” if the batter struck out swinging Write a backwards “K” if the batter struck out “looking” K 1

29. Scoring Outs January 2016© DAM 201629 Ground Out / Put Out Assisted Another way the batter-runner can be out is if the ball is hit on the ground to someone and they throw to someone else to make the out. 5-3 2

30. Scoring Outs January 2016© DAM 201630 Double Play (DP) If two people get out on the same play, it is called a Double Play. If this happens, you write “DP”, along with the position numbers for everyone involved in the play. DP 6-4-3 1 DP 6-4-3 2

31. Scoring Outs January 2016© DAM 201631 Triple Play (TP) Similar to a Double Play (if there are no outs), 3 people can be put out in the same play. If this happens, write “TP” in the box for the Batter, and the position numbers for everyone involved in making the out. TP L4-6-3 3 TP L4-6-3 2 TP L4-6-3 1

32. Scoring Outs January 2016© DAM 201632 Infield Fly Rule A Batter is called out on an easily caught pop fly to any defensive player near or in the infield when there are Runners on 1 st and 2 st base AND there are less than two outs. IFR 2

33. Scoring Outs January 2016© DAM 201633 Fly Out (F) If the ball is caught in the air before it hits the ground, then the Batter is automatically out. To record this play, you write the letter “F” followed by the position number of the player who caught it. Foul Out (FO) If the hit goes into Foul Territory and not caught, and on the third strike, then the Batter has “Fouled Out” F7 1 FO7 2

34. Scoring Outs January 2016 © DAM 2016 34 Sacrifice Fly (SF) After a fly ball is caught, other runners have the option of running to the next base. If a runner scores after the fly ball is caught, then it is called a Sacrifice Fly, and you write down “SF” instead of F, along with the position of the person who caught it. SF9 2

35. Scoring Outs January 2016© DAM 201635 Unassisted Out (U) Sometimes the Batter will hit a ground ball to a Fielder, and they will get the Batter or Base Runner out without throwing the ball to anyone. This called an Unassisted Out, and is recorded as the position number for who made the out followed by the letter “U”. 3U 1

36. Base Running January 2016© DAM 201636 After the batter reaches base, you update his progress around the bases as other batters hit. If a runner gets out running from one base to another, draw a line on the diamond halfway toward the base he was running to, and cap the line to show that he didn’t make it all the way. FC5-4 2

37. Base Running January 2016© DAM 201637 This box shows a batter who made it Home after hitting a Double. E5

38. Scoring Runs & RBIs January 2016© DAM 201638 Scoring Runs Each time a player safely crosses home plate after rounding the bases, you count a run. When a player scores a run, fill in the diamond on the scorecard. This will make it easier to total runs at the end of each inning. Runs Batted In (RBIs) RBIs are earned by the Batter when a Runner scores as a result of their at bat. If they hit a single and someone else scores, the batter gets an RBI. If the bases are loaded and the batter gets walked, it’s an RBI for the batter. There are a few exceptions. It is NOT an RBI if any of the following happens: o A fielder commits an error that allows a runner to score o The batter grounds into a double play

39. Substitutions January 2016© DAM 201639 Offensive (Batting) If there is a substitution in the middle of the game, where one Batter takes the place of another, write the new Batter’s name in the row underneath the replaced Batter’s name. You will also want to draw a vertical line on the scoresheet to indicate where the change occurred. This will make sure you enter the correct stats for the correct Batter after the game. Additionally note next to the entering players name whether it is the top or bottom of the inning (“T4”, “B5”). Defensive (Fielding) Same process as Offensive Substitutions, except note any Defensive Position changes as well (if there aren’t too many). Additionally note next to the entering players name whether it is the top or bottom of the inning (“T4”, “B5”).

40. Ending the Game January 2016© DAM 201640 The game is over when the umpire declares it over: o Time has expired. o Run Rule is in effect where a team is ahead 20 runs after 3 innings, 15 runs after 4 innings, or 10 runs after 5 innings. o After a tie breaking inning. Games can end in a tie. Halted Games A game is considered “started” when one complete inning has been played. If the game is halted before regulation, simply make a note in the Offensive or Defensive notes indicating why the game was stopped (“Rain Delay” or “Rained Out”).

41. Closing out the Game January 2016© DAM 201641 Inning Totals At the end of each half inning, total the number of Runs: the total number of times a runner safely crossed Home Plate during the inning. Count up the number of shaded diamonds for each player in the inning. Enter this number at the top of the inning. Game Totals Other totals for the games (if time allows) include: Hits: The total number of hits in the inning where a batter reached base safely, regardless if they scored or not.

42. Closing out the Game January 2016© DAM 201642 Signatures Towards the bottom of the scorebook write the final score and the name of the winning team. Both team’s Coach/Manager will sign confirming the final score. Hand-Off DO NOT take the scorebook with you. If there is a game scheduled after, you will hand-off the book to the next Scorekeeper. If yours is the last game scheduled for that field, after signatures, it remains in the Field Bag assigned to each field.

43. Do’s and Don’ts January 2016© DAM 201643 o Show up early to the game. o Let your Manager or Coach know you need a replacement to cover scoring your game if you are unable to make it. o Always mark where the ball was hit. o Never identify “Batting Out of Order” to the Umpires or anyone. This is the responsibility of the Manager/Coach. o If you need clarification, ask the umpire between innings, or if necessary, ask the umpire between batters. Never interrupt live play. o DO NOT show or express favoritism. o NEVER publicly disagree with the umpires or offer your own opinion.

44. Let’s Practice! January 2016© DAM 201644 Next you’re going to see a Scorebook already completed. Based on what you see, write the “story” of how the game was played. We will check as a group.

45. PRACTICE SHEET #1 January 2016© DAM 201645 Practice scorekeeping on your practice paper. We will check your work together. 1.The first batter hit a Single (1B) over 2 nd base to make it on base safely. 2.The next batter hit the ball to 3 rd base, but the 3 rd Baseman (5) committed an Error, allowing the batter to safely reach 1 st base. 3.The next batter hits a Single (1B) between 1st and 2nd base. All runners advance. 4.The next batters strikes out. 5.The next batters strikes out also. 6.The last batter hits a fly ball to Right Center (9), where it is caught.

46. PRACTICE #2 January 2016© DAM 201646 LIVE GAME – SCORE FOR BOTTOM of 1 ST INNING ADVANCE to 1:30; STOP: After Inning Ends.

47. PRACTICE #2 January 2016© DAM 201647 #PlayerScoringShorthand 4 Bryson Baker Ball 2, Foul Ball (Strike 2) HIT: Fly Out to LC, caught by LF; 1 Out 12 Scott Wegman HIT: Fly Out to LF; 2 Outs 30 Kevin Filby HIT: Fly Ball to RF, Single on Error (Did not catch) 10 Scott Kirby Strike 2 HIT: Fly Ball to LF, Double Filby (30) advances to 3 rd F7 1 2 E10

48. PRACTICE #2 January 2016© DAM 201648 #PlayerScoringShorthand 44 Brett Helmer HIT: Line Drive to RF; Single Filby (30) and Kirby (10) advance to Home. RBIs: 2 1 Steven Lloyd Strike 2, Ball 2 HIT: Single to LC. Helmer (44) advances to 2 nd 13 Damon Stevenson HIT: Error by Rover/RC; Single Helmer (44) advances to 3 rd, Lloyd (1) advances to 2 nd 22 Mike Umscheid HIT: Line Drive to LF; Single; RBI: 2 Helmer and Lloyd advance to Home; Stevenson (13) to 2 nd E9

49. PRACTICE #2 January 2016© DAM 201649 #PlayerScoringShorthand 3 Brandon Dillon HIT: Fly Out to LC; 3 Outs END THE INNING F8 3

50. CLOSING January 2016© DAM 201650