Slide 1

Slide 2 September 11, 2011 Slide 3 Ground Rules Objectives of clinic ** Ground rules ** Cell phones One discussion No war stories Punctuality Questions on subject matter Slide 4 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 Slide 5 Greg Schmidt CCSUA SUIP National Observation Team Comments on Game observations Slide 6 CCSUA Training Program Todays instructors Cooper, Lauderback, Long, Bennett Training program will now include: Fall clinic 1 st /2 nd year umpires Veterans on a rotating cycle every 3 years Fall Observation games veterans included In-season observations Mentor program Slide 7 CCSUA Training Program Adherence to college mechanics Know and embrace the CCA manual Meet expectations of coaches Compliance with conference mandates Rules knowledge Professionalism Slide 8 Joanne Venditto Assigner Expectations/Policies Slide 9 CCSUA Fall Clinic September 11, 2011 Slide 10 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 Being a Professional Umpire Slide 11 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 Being a Professional Umpire Slide 12 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 Fitness and Athleticism Slide 13 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 Being a Professional Slide 14 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 Slide 15 The college mechanics manual And much, much more Slide 16 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 Slide 17 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 Slide 18 Videos Read the play One element play Secondary Slide 19 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 - Slide 20 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 Slide 21 Every Game Angle 90 o for tag, throw Videos Distance Primary position - calling depth force play, tag play, Calling position - adjustment to play, secondary positions Holding position areas pg 127 Slide 22 Every game - 2 Movement Starting position, set Parallel movement, efficient movement Commitment to the play, rhythm, timing Comportment Body language, signals, crewness, Game management, handling conflict Slide 23 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 Slide 24 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 Slide 25 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 Slide 26 Comments on starting positions Position 2 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 Slide 27 Chasing and Tag Ups Chasing 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 0 o for tag Slide 28 Tough call Must be made if it is Slide 29 The rules Know the rule and the rule-book language! ** Before the pitch pivot foot, non-pivot foot (125) Pitchers 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 Slide 30 Pitchers lane Video Slide 31 Leap Video Close-up Video Slide 32 Crow-hop Videos drag then replant Slide 33 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 Slide 34 More illegal pitch videos DVDS Slide 35 And common sense umpiring Slide 36 Responses to coaches Arguing a judgment call Coach, I understand what youre saying, however, on that play, I didnt see it that way. Coach, I had a good look at that play and heres 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 Slide 37 Coachs anger starts escalating Coach, if you yell I wont listen. I can hear you/Im standing right here, you dont need to raise your voice. I need you to stop raising your voice and just ask your question calmly Coach, Im going to talk with you and answer your questions, but you must put your arms down/stop the gesturing. Coach, Ive heard enough (use stop sign). Coach, this is your warning for the rest of the game. Slide 38 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 Slide 39 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 Slide 40 Role-play Purpose 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 anythingyou will be ejected! Slide 41 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. Slide 42 Play 2 Pitcher leaps and BU calls illegal pitch Slide 43 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 Slide 44 Major differences from other codes Slide 45 Game Management Field 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 Slide 46 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 Slide 47 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 www.cactusumpires.com Slide 48 Game Personnel Line-ups Head coachs 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 Slide 49 Pitching rules Time Allowed Between Pitches 10-10-5 Pitchers feet before pitch Pitcher returning in same inning Call the illegal pitch! Slide 50 Batting Rules Strike Zone Coaches prefer Most commonly called Slide 51 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 Slide 52 Base Running Rules Look-back rule and overrunning 1b Running lane No courtesy runner Obstruction Abandoning a base