1. CCSUA Fall Clinic
September 11, 2011

2. Ground Rules Objectives of clinic ** Ground rules ** Cell phones
One discussion
No war stories
Punctuality
Questions on subject matter
Appreciate your time, travel, gas expense
Get you ready for the next level. College coaches are full-time jobs, different environment
Rules: cell phones, one discussion, no war stories, punctuality, questions ok but on subject

3. Agenda Opening remarks Assigner expectations and policies
Professionalism
The CCA manual
Mechanics – college 2-umpire system
Game Management
Rules differences
Closing remarks and Fall ball sign-ups
Opening: intros, ccsua, training program

4. Greg Schmidt CCSUA SUIP National Observation Team
Comments on Game observations

5. CCSUA Training Program
Today’s instructors
Cooper, Lauderback, Long, Bennett
Training program will now include:
Fall clinic
1st/2nd year umpires
Veterans on a rotating cycle every 3 years
Fall Observation games – veterans included
In-season observations
Mentor program
Upbeat and Enthusiastic. Today's clinic: 1st/2nd year and veteran umpires. 3-year training program for veterans: every 3 years certain veteran officials will be attending the Fall clinic and working observation games.  It gives everyone an opportunity to study the game year round and stay current with the NCAA trainings for college. 
We will concentrate on professionalism, athleticism, rules knowledge and 2-ump mechanics per the CCA manual. Games counts are reduced and only the umpires who exhibit the proper college umpire expertise and stay current with the game will be getting college games. For example, professionalism. Joanne's stated the registration form was on Arbiter...who filled it out and sent it in? There are a number of fall ball games, so the Assignors have asked us to do game evaluations on as many umpires as possible and give them feedback on their compliance to the college softball philosophy, athleticism and mechanics. All classroom

6. CCSUA Training Program
Adherence to college mechanics
Know and embrace the CCA manual
Meet expectations of coaches
Compliance with conference mandates
Rules knowledge
Professionalism

7. Joanne Venditto
Assigner Expectations/Policies

8. Professionalism – The College Softball Umpire
CCSUA Fall Clinic
September 11, 2011

9. Being a Professional Umpire
Code of Conduct – page 23
Professionalism
Master rules/mechanics
Prepare physically and mentally
Accept responsibility for all actions taken
Responsibilities and Expectations
Continually seek self-improvement **
Mental preparation for each and every game
Off-season training
Clinics, observation games, watching others
NASO, Referee magazine, books, roundtables,talking with other umpires at tournaments.
Off-season: read rule book, CCA manual, keep in shape

10. Being a Professional Umpire
Relationships **
Partners, coaches, players, fans
Fraternization and Off-field behavior
You represent umpires, conference, NCAA
Appropriate attire and behavior
Avoid casual, unnecessary conversations
Tobacco, Alcohol and Gambling
Uniform and equipment
Partners: crewness!! On and off field.
Coach: business-like and professional; respect, do not initiate conversation but answer politely and briefly.

11. Fitness and Athleticism
Best possible calling position
Call is credible – angle/distance
College coaches notice
Perception of athleticism
Expectations of coaches and players
Expectations of conferences
Healthier and longer life
Why should a college umpire be fit

12. Being a Professional College umpires are expected to:
Know rules, mechanics, game management
Have a perfect uniform and appearance
Must take it to the next level
Communications skills
Be a student of each game; see what is happening
Stay cool in the worst situations
Stay ahead of the game
Fitness, rule and mechanics changes
Comm – s are formal professional communications

13. Umpire expectations First few years – travel, CC games
Set realistic goals
CC post-season after 3 years?
Moving up to NAIA, Div 2 and 3
Leave the baseball mechanics/philosophies on the baseball field
College coaches notice it and dislike it!
Fastest way to go back to baseball full-time

14. The college “mechanics manual” And much, much more
The CCA Manual
The college “mechanics manual”
And much, much more
Show May be very different for 2012

15. CCA Manual Why do I need it if I work only 2-ump games?
Only one section devoted exclusively to 3-ump
348 pages and 12 sections, 3-ump section: 95 pages
Expanding the Manual - only 1 page out of 3
7 sections are a "must-read" for all umpires
Spirit/Philosophy
Definitions
Duties and Procedures
Every Game
Expanding the manual
Read these section titles: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

16. The 2-ump system - Essential Concepts
Core Philosophy
Must know where you would like to be on any given play
Regardless of whether they can actually achieve the position
Determine the most efficient path to getting there
Work ahead of the play
Read the play; move to most likely play
Keep elements in front
One, two, and three element plays
Adjust to the individual play
Primary position, calling position if necessary
To see the elements as they change as the play happens
Elements of play: - ball, base, runner, fielder
1: tag play not involving a base, 2: tag play that involves a base, 3: force play
Adjust: high throw, wide throw, swipe tag, position of players’ bodies – closer, wider, over the top

17. Videos
Read the play
One element play
Secondary

18. Essential Concepts -2 Efficient movement
Start and end all movement in a good base
The umpire ballet
Master the pivot and reverse pivot
Use crossover steps - not side-to-side or back-pedaling
Movement
Choose a position before moving, move directly to it
No looping
Achieve angle first, then adjust distance
Discipline and control your body -
Good base: Feet parallel no more than shoulder width apart, Weight evenly distributed

19. Essential Concepts -3 Pre-pitch preparation
How many outs; is it a full count
Check swing
Pickoff play, steal, wild pitch/passed ball
Do I chase?
Infield hit - bunt, grounder, line drive
Outfield hit - fly, single, gapper, tag-up responsibility

20. Every Game Angle – 90o for tag, throw Distance
Videos
Distance
Primary position - calling depth force play, tag play,
Calling position - adjustment to play, secondary positions
Holding position areas – pg 127
Definitions section

21. Every game - 2 Movement Comportment Starting position, set
Parallel movement, efficient movement
Commitment to the play, rhythm, timing
Comportment
Body language, signals, crewness,
Game management, handling conflict

22. Plate Umpire Responsibilities
Trailing BR
All plays/touch at plate
Multiple runners
All plays/touch on lead runner at 3b
Except - imminent play at plate; catcher/cut-off throws to 3b
Start moving as soon as you determine no play at plate
Watch runner touch plate while moving to 3b
Fair/foul calls; fly ball/line drives catch/no catch
Unless BU chases

23. Base Umpire Responsibilities
All plays/touch at 1b, 2b (angle to throw)
First play from infielder at 1b, 2b, 3b
Plays /touch on BR at 3b
All steals and pickoff plays
Read runner and catcher to anticipate play
Talk to PU for WP or passed balls with R1
Working between pitches
Working between pitches pg 138

24. Starting Positions for Base Umpire
No one on – option of A or B position
A: 18' to 20' down 1st base line, walking the pitch
B: between 1b and 2b, behind F4, set
No closer to 1b than 15'
No farther from 1b than midpoint between 1b and 2b
Runner on 1b only (B position)
Same as B above
All other situations (C position)
Between 2b and 3b, behind F6, set
No closer than 15' to 2b or 3b

25. Comments on starting positions
Always closer to 1b than 2b
Read situation - rabbit and likely steal; big lead and likely pickoff...
Position 3
Most of time between 15' from 2b and midpoint
Read situation , most of which are a possible play at 2b or 1b

26. Chasing and Tag Ups Chasing Tag Up Responsibilities
Chase if it will be a tough call for PU; use common sense with multiple runners
A Position: CF to RF dead-ball line
B and C Positions: the "V"
Tag Up Responsibilities
Plate Ump: 3b
Base Ump: 1b and 2b
Get to 0o for tag

27. Calling the Illegal Pitch
Tough call
Must be made if it is
Show May be very different for 2012

28. The rules Know the rule and the rule-book language! **
Before the pitch – pivot foot, non-pivot foot (125)
Pitcher’s lane (10.4.1)
Leap (10.4.4)
Crow hop (10.4.5)
See it and make sure it is illegal!
Other illegal pitches
Losing contact – pivot and non-pivot
Pivot – portion on the top surface. Non – in contact (rule Note)
Leap – she became airborne on her initial movement from the pitcher’s plate; the pivot foot must slide or drag on the ground
ch – she is replanting and gaining a second push off with her pivot foot
Lane – when she landed she was not on or within the pitching lanes

29. Pitcher’s lane
Video

30. Leap
Video Close-up
Video

31. Crow-hop
Videos– drag then replant

32. More things to watch Losing contact with plate
Pivot foot – getting torque vs clearing the cleat
Pivot foot – stepping forward (video later)
Non-pivot foot – interpretation
Up against the back of plate with heel up
Lowers heel
Foot does not move back
Shoe just barely off plate

33. More illegal pitch videos
DVD’S

34. And common sense umpiring
Managing Conflict
And common sense umpiring
Show May be very different for 2012

35. Responses to coaches Arguing a judgment call
Coach, I understand what you’re saying, however, on that play, I didn’t see it that way.
Coach, I had a good look at that play and here’s what I saw [short explanation].
Coach, I had a great look at that play, (or I had that play all the way) and made the call
“You gotta go for help from your partner”
What part of the play do you think I missed
I got a good angle/distance, saw the play clearly…
He is 60’ from the play at a bad angle…

36. Coach’s anger starts escalating
Coach, if you yell I won’t listen. 
I can hear you/I’m standing right here, you don’t need to raise your voice.
I need you to stop raising your voice and just ask your question calmly
Coach, I’m going to talk with you and answer your questions, but you must put your arms down/stop the gesturing.
Coach, I’ve heard enough (use stop sign). 
Coach, this is your warning for the rest of the game. 

37. The hit-and-run coach
Says something inappropriate as she/he is walking away **
Maybe loud enough for others to hear, maybe not
It really should not be tolerated
Going after them as they walk away -looks like your the aggressor
Do this instead
Turn to partner, hold up a hand, clearly/loudly say "partner we have a warning to coach for unsporting conduct“ **
What might happen next
Coach turns back to make yet another inappropriate remark
Eject them. They are aggressor , held accountable for inappropriate behavior
Nothing
You have sent the message
Coach now knows that he/she does not get a free pass on inappropriate behavior
We have all dealt with the "hit & run" or "sniper" coach at one time or another.
2. This will let everyone including the "sniper" know that what they have said is inappropriate and will not be tolerated. 

38. Potential conflicts Managing” Managers ** No advantage before the game
Do not let them make comments on balls/strikes
Using a conference to argue balls/strikes
No counting of close calls
Their pitcher is illegal; their runners leave too soon. Just a second coach, let’s get the other coach out here to hear your concerns.
Handle immediately or between innings
Those pitches are not strikes; I am not calling them against your batters. Warning?
Trying to incite players/fans. Stern warning or bigger problems

39. Role-play Purpose Rules of engagement
Situation awareness
Rules knowledge - but we will not discuss rules!
Could be correct ruling, maybe not – handle it! (see last point)
We have all made mistake in the heat of the battle
Game management
Rules of engagement
Do your best to visualize the field
Put yourself completely into the role
DO NOT BREAK ROLE
Handle the situation exactly as you would in a game
Next slide – if audience says anything…you will be ejected!

40. Play 1 Speedster R1 at 1b and leaves on the pitch
BR hits a medium-slow roller up the 1b line
F3 fields the ball 20 feet from 1b, waits to tag the BR
BR stops and then steps backward to avoid the tag
No call from either umpire until BR is tagged by F3
BU calls "out"
F3 throws too late to 3b as R1 slides safely into the base.

41. Play 2
Pitcher leaps and BU calls illegal pitch

42. Play 3 R1 on 2b with 1 out B3 hits a clean shot to the fence.
As the F6 turns to see the ball in the outfield she makes contact with R1 and R1 stumbles slightly
F8 makes a strong throw to F2 at the plate
R1 is called out on a bang-bang play at the plate
CCA pg 101

43. Major differences from other codes
NCAA’s Unique Rules
Major differences from other codes
Show May be very different for 2012

44. Game Management Field Equipment Fitness, pitching lane, no double-base
Catcher and coaches’ boxes
Equipment
Bat – bats highlighted on list, inspect bats only
Catcher mask/helmet if on field
Batting helmet face mask not required
Jewelry ok, headbands not mentioned
Do not ask coach to verify
Field: fitness for starting (both coaches and/or host administrative staff) pitching distance 43’, no double-1st base, collapsible fence

45. Game Management - 2 Warm-ups between Innings
Specific rules for offense, defense
No 1-minute time limit
Help on check swing and pick-off
8-run rule (must), tie-breaker rule (may)
Short-handed rule not used
Defensive conference and pitcher

46. Game Management - 3 Handling substitutions - RARA
Inaccurate line-up rule, take your time
Repeat & write it with coach
Suggestion – use a red pen
Lineup card management
Umpire Manual, Appendix A
No re-entry, no crossing out
for ppt
Review, accurate?, record, announce-opposing coach & scorekeeper, official scorekeeper, PA
Cactus: Click Downloads, ASA/NFHS Lineup Management System (ppt)

47. Game Personnel Line-ups Unreported substitute
Head coach’s name required
Fix it if you can
Unreported substitute
Only starters may re-enter
Cannot play with less than 9
No disqualification or “restrict to bench”
Cannot play… if 10 players and use DP…
Coach ejected – must leave, behind home-run fence

48. Pitching rules Time Allowed Between Pitches
Pitcher’s feet before pitch
Pitcher returning in same inning
Call the illegal pitch!
Feet – half pivot foot on or above the top surface; pivot foot in contact, may lose contact slightly
Demonstration

49. Batting Rules
Strike Zone
Coaches prefer
Most commonly
called

50. Batting Rules - 2 Hit by pitch while out of batter box
Bunt attempt if bat held in strike zone
Thrown bat
Batting out of order: outs not kept
Foul ball near dugout
Interference on squeeze play
“No pitch” Team warning
5. Dugout belongs to team runner out if < 2outs

51. Base Running Rules Look-back rule and overrunning 1b Running lane
No courtesy runner
Obstruction
Abandoning a base
2. If foot completely out and hit anywhere
5. Out if obviously heads toward dugout/position or leaves the field of play