Bainbridge Island Little League 2009 Umpire Clinic 25 March 2009

Introductions Carolyn Ackerley, League President Pat Ryan, WA District 2 Administrator Dawn Janow, Umpire Coordinator, Board Chris Acuna, Umpire in Chief, BILL Peter Lindsey, BILL Umpire, D-2 Umpire Staff BILL Season Umpires

Agenda Rules - 40 min Basic 6 calls - 20 min Dress and field decorum - 20 min Positioning - one man, two man - 20 min Web Scheduling system - 10 min Game management - 10 min General Q&A minutes

First Question: Why are we here? Adam Bender, Lexington Kentucky Little League

Expectations of Umpires Prompt for games Professional in manner and appearance Knowledgeable about the rules Consistent in game administration Flexible relative to player level Courteous and helpful to players, managers Aware of safety issues

Expectations of Managers and Coaches Courteous and respectful of umpires, other coaches, and players Reasonably knowledgeable about the rules Aware there are NO ARGUMENTS on judgment calls Aware that discussions about rules interpretations are OK BE THE EXAMPLE

Expectations of Spectators Courteous and respectful of umpires, coaches, and players Cheering positively for players realizing the weight your words carry as parents Mindful of the Little League Pledge and Mission

Expectations of Players Courteous and respectful of umpires, other players and coaches Doing their best to play fair and try to win Having fun and enjoying themselves learning to play the great game of baseball Mindful of the Little League Pledge and Mission

Dress and Field Decorum Uniform parts Protective Gear Demeanor, Attitude, Efficiency Protect the game, players

Who are you going to trust?

Drills – Plate Stance Slot method – Feet positioning – Head height – Lean angle – Hands – Eyes locked on ball all the way to the mitt – POP – READ IT – CALL IT – Talk to the mitt!! – WATCH THE CATCHER, NOT THE PASSED BALL

The Slot Method

Drills – Basic 6 Calls Ball - plate Strike - plate Safe - base Out - base Time - plate Foul – base On the rubber // SET // Call it!!

Game on!! STRIKES and OUTS Watch the ball, Glance at runners Chest always to the ball. Head swivels!! Base touches – no acknowledgements Interference & obstructions vs. train wrecks

Strike Zone

What’s the call Blue?

Game still on!! Timing plays – 2 outs, R2 to home Keep aware of infield fly situations Anticipate only for positioning, not the call Close base plays: – Watch the throw – Fix on the base – Foot or Leather? – See the ball – PAUSE - MAKE THE CALL

Trust the leather…

High tag = umpire’s decision

Rules Rule changes for 2009 Local Rules Overview of most common rules you will see Q&A with Pat Ryan

Most commonly misunderstood rules The Strike Zone The runner’s baseline Interference and Obstruction Batter’s interference There is no “must slide” rule Base awards on a bad throw Infield fly Leaving early Making an appeal

Positioning – One Man / Two Man One man umpiring = busy – Angle over distance every time – Tough to see all base touches – Must see all outs to call them Two man umpiring = fun – Division of duties – Positioning is key for effectiveness – Requires coordination

Web Scheduling System

Game Management - Starting Get there 20 mins early if possible Dressed and geared up Walk the infield and bases Check bats and catcher’s gear Plate meeting, lineups, eligible pitchers Offensive coaches in position 3 warm up pitches, ump gear check PLAY!

Game Management - During No coaches warming up pitchers USE A BENCH PLAYER!! Get substitutions quickly 8 warm-up pitches or less No plays or rules discussions between innings Settle questions professionally and quickly Keep the game moving – YOU can help here Keep an eye on dugouts, gear on field, bullpen Hot weather – keep an eye on catcher

Game Management – Ending Springtime – call it for darkness if needed Make sure the home book is good Exit the field promptly Remove shirt if you are going to stick around File report online Look up any rules questions for learning Sign up for another game – please!!

Questions

Last Question: Why are you here?