CCSUA Fall Clinic September 11, 2011

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

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

Greg Schmidt CCSUA SUIP National Observation Team Comments on Game observations

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 email 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

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

Joanne Venditto Assigner Expectations/Policies

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

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

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.

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

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 – emails are formal professional communications

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

The college “mechanics manual” And much, much more The CCA Manual The college “mechanics manual” And much, much more Show 2010. May be very different for 2012

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

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

Videos Read the play One element play Secondary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Calling the Illegal Pitch Tough call Must be made if it is Show 2010. May be very different for 2012

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 10.4.2 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

Pitcher’s lane Video

Leap Video Close-up Video

Crow-hop Videos– drag then replant

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

More illegal pitch videos DVD’S

And common sense umpiring Managing Conflict And common sense umpiring Show 2010. May be very different for 2012

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…

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. 

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. 

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

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!

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.

Play 2 Pitcher leaps and BU calls illegal pitch

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

Major differences from other codes NCAA’s Unique Rules Major differences from other codes Show 2010. May be very different for 2012

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

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

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 www.cactusumpires.com for ppt Review, accurate?, record, announce-opposing coach & scorekeeper, official scorekeeper, PA Cactus: Click Downloads, ASA/NFHS Lineup Management System (ppt)

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

Pitching rules Time Allowed Between Pitches 10-10-5 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

Batting Rules Strike Zone Coaches prefer Most commonly called

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” 3. Team warning 5. Dugout belongs to team 6. runner out if < 2outs

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