2008 COLLEGIATE CLINIC February 23, 2007

 BAT INSPECTION PERMIT CORRECTIVE ACTION  HELMET INSPECTION WE NO LONGER DO THIS  CONFISCATED EQUIPMENT GIVE TO OFFICIAL SCORER OR GAME MANAGER

FIRST IMPRESSIONS  FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE MADE ONE TIME ONLY MAKE IT A GOOD ONE TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR APPEARANCE PEOPLE SKILLS – BE CORDIAL CONFIDENCE NOT ARROGANCE

LINE-UPS CHECK THEM CAREFULLY DOUBLE CHECK BE AWARE OF WHAT IS GOING ON ALL SUBSTITUTIONS /RE-ENTRY ANNOUNCE THEM PREVENTIVE UMPIRING

Game Management You are now at the next level – It’s a job, not just a hobby! Conversations with coaches Mental preparation: start to finish focus Observe flow of game and anticipate problems

Protests Coach must cite rule being protested Attempt to resolve on field If played under protest: Document circumstances (inning, score, situation, runner position, count, outs, teams, coaches, etc)

Two Really Cool Techniques  Parallel Path Movement  ‘ Rimming’ the Outside

Key Concept: Parallel Path to the Runner a.k.a. ‘Railroad Tracking’ The path of the runner represents one train track The umpire is the other track The train moves forward when both “wheels” are moving When runner retreats, umpire retreats in same parallel direction When she advances, the umpire parallels her

Parallel Path - Case Play R2 at 2B. Long base hit scores R2 but BR may stay at 1B or run to 2B on the throw to cut-off –PU - holding zone, adjust position for possible tag play at 3B or plate –BU - watch BR touch first, stay out of throwing lane, then move parallel with BR back into 1st base or into 2nd base Steal Plays. Parallel runner, adjust angle to tag

‘Rimming’ Technique Rimming is a technique that follows the ‘Parallel Path’ to the runner concept Example: R1 at 1B. Passed ball, R1 steals second and rounds the base. Umpire ‘rims’ the outside, parallel to the runner keeping all 4 elements in front

Plate Umpire positioning Trailing the batter-runner Help-Ahead: at 2B when U1 is trapped at first at 3B when U1 makes call at 2B Hold position until ball in circle, all runners have stopped on base, and partners arrive at next pos Tag plays at 3rd and the plate

Be a student of the game Know the game situation and tendencies Have an awareness of the ball, the runners and your partner(s) Be prepared: know the mechanics, the techniques and the philosophies in the Umpire Manual Know where you need to go before the pitch and then get there Adjust as plays happen to preferred angle and distance

Key Mechanics Concepts Primary position Secondary position Starting position & calling depths Angle vs. Distance Holding Position Help-Ahead Hold position until ball in circle, runners stop 90-degree angle to the throw 90-degree to the tag Railroad track in a parallel path Rimming outside Beware the throwing lane Start strong, Finish Strong

Master the Concepts. Embrace the Philosophy.  Mechanics are not black and white, they are a gray fog that umpires need to navigate through.  Know why one position is preferred over a different one.  Know where you are going to go in all situations  Adjust as plays happen; adjust to the right place and be confident because you know where that is.

INTERFERENCE THE ACT OF AN OFFENSIVE PLAYER OR TEAM MEMBER, UMPIRE OR SPECTATOR THAT IMPEDES, HINDERS OR CONFUSES A DEFENSIVE PLAYER ATTEMPTING TO EXECUTE A PLAY. CONTACT IS NOT NECESSARY! BALL IS DEAD – SOMEONE IS OUT, CAN BE TWO OUTS

OBSTRUCTION THE ACT OF A DEFENSIVE TEAM MEMBER o WHO HINDERS OR IMPEDES THE BATTER FROM STRIKING AT OR HITTING A PITCHED BALL o A FIELDER THAT IMPEDES THE PROGRESS OF A RUNNER Delayed Dead Ball Ball is Live Runner Advancement Beyond the Protected Base Other Runners Awards

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