Umpires Level 1 Course Prepared by Ray Brown Development Officer - Baseball Confederation of Oceania

Level 1 Umpires

Accreditation Course

This is an eight hour course that covers the fundamentals of umpiring.There will be a exam at the conclusion of the course. You must pass the exam with a 70% to receive your level 1 accreditation.

Course Outline 1. Rules

Know the rules and know how to interpret what the rule means. Most rules have a common sense answer and if you let your common sense be your guide you will probably make the right interpretation. Always carry your rule book, it is better to delay the game than have a protest and have to replay the game.

continued on page 2

2 Most common rules

3 Working with your partner

4 Conditioning

6 Game Report

9 Signals

15 Ejection/Protest Report

1 Level 1 Umpires Accreditation Course continued from page 1

Most common rules A. strike zone guidelines Bottom of breast to bottom of knees - 17” wide - rule 2.00 B. fair or foul guidelines Wait for ball to stop - rule 2.00 - Infield Fly Rule C. 45 foot lane When does it come into play - incidental contact - rule 6.05 k - 7.08 a D. Safe or - Don't anticipate, be sure fielder has control of ball - rule 2.00 E. Interference What is it - rule 2.00 Defensive- 6.08 c - 7.04 d - 7.07 Offensive - 5.09 f, g - 6.05 h, I, m, n, 6.06 c - 6.08 d - 7.08 b, f, g - 7.09 - 7.11 Batters 1. runners on 1st-2nd-3rd – back swing - batter with two strikes Who is out- what do you do - batters and catchers - spectators Multiple runners - rule-7.03 2. Passing Runners- rule - 7.08 h 3. Umpires - ball lodged in gear - hit by batted ball - rule 2.00 - 5.09 b, f - 6.08 d F. Appeals What are they ? how many are there ? missed base, out of turn, leaving base too soon on tag up, check swing. Are there any others ? - rule 2.00 G. Obstruction What is it and who commits it ? - rule 2.00 - 7.06 H. Awarding of bases - rule-7.05 Thrown object at ball - rule7.04,05,06 I. Balk What is a balk? An illegal move by a pitcher, with at least one runner on base guidelines for a balk - rule2.00 -5.09 -8.05 c -7.04- 7.07- 8.05

1. While in contact with the rubber, makes a motion to throw home but does not complete the throw. 2. While in contact with the rubber, makes a move to throw to first base but fails to complete the throw. 3. While in contact with the rubber, fails to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base. 4. While in contact with the rubber, throws or pretends to throw to an unoccupied base, except for the purpose of making a play. 5. While in contact with the rubber, accidentally or intentionally drops the ball. 6. While giving an intentional base on balls, pitches when the catcher is not in the catcher’s box. 7. Without having the ball, stands on or astride the pitcher’s plate, or while off the plate feints a pitch [ usually while an infielder is trying to entrap a runner with the hidden ball trick]. 8. Pitches while out of contact with the pitching rubber. 9. Works from the stretch position without coming to a full stop in the set position. 10. Delivers the ball to the batter when not facing him. 11. Makes an illegal pitch. 12. Delays the game unnecessarily. 13. After coming to a legal pitching position, removes one hand from the ball other than in an actual pitch or in throwing to a base. 14. While a runner is on base, from the wind up position, steps of the rubber with his non pivot foot first. J. Using your rule book A. Rule enforcement - protests – ejections Home plate meeting - line up changes go through you - notifying score keeper

2 Level 1 Umpires Accreditation Course 1. Working with your partner 3. Positioning a) communication both verbally and with signs i) Behind Plate - right handed batter - left b) take responsibility for your calls - getting your handed batter own calls. ii) Rules for maintaining a consistent strike c) check swings, what are they - do you have to ask zone for help ? iii) Be in comfortable position iv) Don’t be afraid of the ball 2. Appearance v) Keep still {locked in} a) how you look says a lot about you vi) See all of home plate b) being on time – professionalism vii) Do not assume position before pitcher is c) conditioning and flexibility ready to pitch 3. and Coach Relations viii) Keep chin even with the top of catchers a) Dedication - take pride in what you do, respect head, this puts your head at top of strike the game. zone b) abusive behavior ix) Develop good timing c) attitude towards coaches and players x) Have a strong and firm voice d) first aid xi) Follow the pitch with your eyes, don’t have e) liability - who is responsible tunnel vision. f) main failings - emotions - prejudices - settling xii) Calls of accounts Strikes and Balls Count 2. Positioning with the two man system Fair or Foul one follows the ball; the other the runner Check swing a) plate umpire - no one on - runners on base, 1st - Balk 2nd - 3rd b) combination of runners - fly b balls tag ups - 4. Responsibilities where to position yourself (1) ground balls - no one on - runner on c) base umpire - no one on - runners on base, 1st - (2) fly balls - no one on, down the line - in 2nd - 3rd the gap - runners on, down the line - in d) combination of runners - fly balls - tag ups - the the gap - pause - read - react two stances

Base Umpire Umpires On Field Mechanics Check List 1. Pre game meeting at home plate

Plate Umpire i) Responsibilities are to assist plate umpire 1. Pre game meeting at home plate a. who meets at home plate? 2. Positioning b. how long before game starts? c. how to exchange line ups i) no one on base - runner on 1 st - 2nd - 3rd - d. cleaning home plate multiple runners ii) calls - safe - out - check swing - fair - foul 2. Putting ball in play iii) delayed calls - balk - interference - a. start of game obstruction - appeals b. during game c. dead ball 3. Responsibilities d. time out a. ground balls - runners on base e. appeals b. fly balls - no one on, down the line - in the f. delayed calls gap - runners on, down the line - in the gap - Balk pause read - react Obstruction Interference Player changes

3 Level 1 Umpires Accreditation Course Surgical Tubing Stretches

1. Shoulder Adduction arm at your side, body facing sideways, hold tubing behind your back and extend it to full range of motion 2. Shoulder Flexion arm at your side, body facing straight ahead, hold tubing at your side and extend it forward using full range of motion 3. Shoulder Horizontal arm across your chest with elbow bent, extend tubing full range of motion Extension 4. Shoulder External elbow at your side with bent arm, pull tubing through full range of motion Rotation 5. Shoulder Extension arm at your side, body facing tubing, hold tubing at your side and extend it backwards using the full range of motion 6. Shoulder Internal and use throwing motion making sure you complete full range of motion External Rotation 7. Tricep Extension hold tubing with one hand behind your back, hold other end of tubing and extend it upwards using full range of motion 8. Chest Expanders hold tubing in front of your chest with both hands and extend it sideways using full range of motion

Conditioning

The conditioning of players is usually an area that some coaches tend to neglect. These coaches don't consider the positive aspects of conditioning, so very little time, if any is spent.

If we make the player the focal point of our decisions than we realize that conditioning is important to not only his playing ability but also his health. A player that is not in good playing condition is more likely to sustain injury, than a player that has been implementing a daily conditioning program in his practice schedule.

As coaches we must remember that a well conditioned athlete is going to be stronger, more flexible, in better athletic condition and able to perform the skills that are required during practice and games.

Most professional baseball clubs, have a professional trainer work with their players on a daily conditioning program. That program helps keep the player in the line up on a daily basis.

A good conditioning program should include - stretching - aerobic and anaerobic training. Stretching should be involved so we can reduce the chances of pulling muscles and improving flexibility. Aerobic training should be used so that we can improve our endurance level and anaerobic training should be used so that the recovery time from the short sprints that are used in baseball can be improved upon.

Aerobic Training - Any exercise that goes for at least a 15 minute period. Give examples

Anaerobic Training - Any exercise that makes the player get to a point of exhaustion in a short time. Give examples.

How To Stretch Stretching is easy to learn. But there is a right way and a wrong way to stretch. The right way is a relaxed, sustained stretch with our attention focused on the muscles being stretched. The wrong way is to bounce up and down, or to stretch to the point of pain. These methods can actually do more harm than good.

The Easy Stretch When you begin a stretch, spend 10 to 30 seconds in the easy stretch. No bouncing ! Go to the point where you feel a mild tension, and relax as you hold the stretch. The feeling of tension should subside as you hold the position. If it does not, ease off slightly and find a degree of tension that is comfortable. The easy stretch reduces muscular tightness and readies the tissues for the developmental stretch.

4 Level 1 Umpires Accreditation Course The Developmental Stretch may bring him harm. The younger the participant the After the easy stretch, move slowly into the developmental greater the responsibility for safety is placed on the stretch. Again, no bouncing. Move a fraction of an inch umpire. further until you again feel a mild tension and hold for 10 to Some situations where an umpire 30 seconds. Be in control. Again, the tension should may incur legal liability. diminish; if not, ease off slightly. The developmental stretch fine tunes the muscles and increases flexibility. 1. Failure to remove a participant who persistently breaches the rules or uses excessive violence Breathing 2. Failure to strictly enforce the safety rules designed Your breathing should be slow, rhythmical and under to prevent injuries control. If you are bending forward to do a stretch, exhale as 3. Failure to stop the event in adverse and life you bend forward and then breathe slowly as you hold the threatening weather conditions stretch. Do not hold your breath while stretching. If a stretch 4. Failure to stop the event when the safety of position inhibits your natural breathing pattern, then you are participants is threatened by spectator violence obviously not relaxed. Just ease up on the stretch so you can 5. Failure to ensure that only the authorized breathe naturally. equipment is used 6. Failure to enforce safety guidelines including Counting blood and infectious diseases policies At first, silently count the seconds for each stretch; this will insure that you are stretching in a relaxed position, breathing It is your duty to enforce the rules, warn the properly and getting the proper amount of time required for participants, anticipate reasonably foreseeable dangers, each stretch. As you improve in your flexibility you will control and properly supervise the game. develop a feeling for how long you should stretch and the counting may become non existent. First Aid And Common Baseball Injuries Why We Stretch Stretching relaxes your mind, tunes up your body and What to do in an emergency situation is important to should be part of your daily life. You will find that regular all coaches. We must remember parent's consider any stretching will do the following things. injury to their athlete an emergency. When we decide to become a coach we take on the 1. Reduce muscle tension and make the body feel more responsibility of making sure that we do everything relaxed. possible to deal with an injury. Part of that 2. Help coordination by allowing for freer and easier responsibility is to make sure that we have a basic movement. understanding of first aid, have a well stocked first aid 3. Increase range of motion. kit, making sure our players are wearing protective 4. Prevent injuries such as muscle strains. ( A strong pre equipment and they are practicing or playing as safe as stretched muscle resists stress better than a strong un- possible. stretched muscle.) Common Baseball Injuries 5. Make strenuous activities easier, stretching is a way of abrasions ankle sprains knee injuries strains - signaling the muscles that they are going to be used. arm, shoulder, elbow and fingers head 6. Develop body awareness. As you stretch various parts of the body, you focus on them and get in touch with Usual treatment for most common injuries them. You get to know yourself. R rest 7. Help loosen the minds control of the body so that the I ice body moves for its own sake rather than for competition C compression or ego. E elevation 8. Promotes circulation. Treatment for more serious injuries T talk to victim, ask questions, if unconscious It feels good. make sure victim is breathing - NEVER MOVE AN UNCONSCIOUS PERSON Risk Assessment - Who is liable ? UNLESS HE IS IN DANGER. As the official representative of baseball you are responsible O observe, what do you see for everything that takes place during a game. It is your duty T touch, if injury is not obvious to enforce all rules and safety guidelines and make sure that A actively have person move injured part, don't everything to prevent injury has occurred. If you allow help him unsafe acts to occur you could be held liable and action by P passive movement, should only be carried out the injured party could be taken against you. by qualified person S stand, walk or run, if movement is normal The umpire has a duty to the player and must protect him play can resume from negligence, recklessness or any intentional acts that

5 Level 1 Umpires Accreditation Course PHILOSOPHY OF BASEBALLUMPIRING

We as umpires must strive to be perfect. We must continue to improve each and every time we go onto the field. We will try to convey to each of you some of the things that we feel will help each of you to become a better umpire.

The first thing we as umpires must do is to cooperate with our partners. We must help others. Don't be hesitant to ask for assistance if you are blocked out on a play. The main objective we have as umpires is to have all of our decisions ultimately correct. Remember you represent the League and all of baseball.

Keep personalities out of your work. We may not get along with all the players all the time but you must not go onto the field with a chip on your shoulder. You will get it knocked off. We must be able to forgive and forget and leave the things that happen on the field, on the field. Every game is a new game.

Next, do not make sarcastic remarks about a ball player and in no way make any remarks about your partner in the vicinity of players. If you are involved in an argument with a player of the game or coach do not insist on having the last word - let them go- DO NOT FOLLOW THEM.

Never, ever charge a player or follow him if he is moving away from you. Another thing you do not want to do is point your finger or use gestures during an argument.

Always remember to keep your temper. We are the only people on the field many times that have a cool head. Remember a decision you make in anger is not always a sound one.

Don't ever use language toward a player or coach that you would not let them direct at you. Not only are players and coaches disciplined but umpires are also open for discipline - so WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE.

We, as umpires, are representative of the League, and are duty bound to hear out the if there is a question of the rules of the game. Remember there is a difference in rules and in judgement; never let anyone prolong an argument on a play involving your judgement. You as umpires can do this with dignity and by doing so can gain respect of all involved. We must be the impartial judges we are and maintain a calm attitude becoming the authority we have.

When you go into a game do so looking your best. Go out there with a clean uniform with your shoes clean and shined. Keep your equipment in top condition and keep yourself in good physical condition, keep active and alert on the field at all times.

Keep the game moving along - do this by not allowing the pitcher to throw too many pitches while warming up and get fielders to get the ball off the infield.

Be courteous, impartial and firm. By doing these things you will gain respect for your ability to keep the game moving quickly and smoothly. When going to and from the baseball field always try to dress appropriately. Even when off the field always remember you are the representative of baseball and your league. Never do anything or put yourself in a position that would bring disgrace to the league, baseball and most of all you.

The last thing we must do is to have fun working each game and to go onto the field with the attitude that I am the best umpire there is and I am going to be a true representative of the greatest game played.

Always act, dress and work in a way befitting your profession.

6 Level 1 Umpires Accreditation Course PLATE UMPIRE POSITIONING Techniques / Mechanics CALLING BALLS AND STRIKES Definitions Slot: The area between the catcher’s head and the batter’s body when the batter is in his natural stance and the catcher is in his normal crouched position.

Tracking: Observing the entire flight of a pitch with eye movement rather than head movement. Seeing the ball the entire distance from the moment it leaves the pitcher’s hand till it hits the catcher’s mitt without any body movement necessary.

Timing: Suppressing the natural tendency to react immediately. Insuring that a play or pitch is completely over before calling. Slow timing is always better than fast timing though extremely slow timing can produce negative results also. Plate Umpire Positioning

The PU shall assume a position partially behind the catcher in which he is able to see the entire strike zone. He shall position his head in some portion of the SLOT at all times and ensure that the top of his head height stays above the catchers. Ideally, the PU’s chin should be even with the top of the catcher’s head and positioned in the slot and his eyes should be focused on top of the batter’s strike zone.

In order to get his head in the proper position, The PU must position his feet properly. He should establish a solid foundation by spreading his legs slightly wider than his shoulder width. When assuming his set position, he shall establish the position of his front foot first in the slot and then position his free foot behind the catcher. The slot foot will point directly toward the mound and the free foot may angle up to 45 degrees.

The PU’s front foot will be in line with or slightly in front of an imaginary line extended from the catcher’s heels. Each individual umpire must determine how far right or left in the slot that foot should be. Remember that feet position determines head position laterally. Vertical head position is determined by the width the feet are apart and the amount of squat the umpire introduces into his stance.

The PU should position his head and shoulders relatively square to the plate. Angling the body and cocking the head to see the strike zone will present a distorted view.

As the catcher adjusts to different batters, so must the PU adjust to different catcher positions. If the catcher virtually eliminates the slot by working so far inside, the PU can work a little higher over the catcher’s head. It may also prove beneficial to back up a little. Plate Umpire Techniques Establish a rhythm with the pitcher and catcher. Do not assume your set position behind the catcher until he has set for the final time. Catchers generally set twice - once to give a signal and again to set the target.

When the pitcher is off the rubber, assume a relaxed position while keeping your eye on the ball. As he steps onto the rubber, you move into your ready position - your feet are not in their set position tracks but can instantly be established there. As he gets his sign and the catcher makes his final adjustments, you transition your feet into the exact location for your set position. As he starts the wind-up or his stretch, you instantly squat into your plate set position.

You remain set during the flight of the pitch tracking the ball with your eyes only as your body remains still. Plate Umpire Mechanics After tracking the pitch with your eyes into the mitt, it is time to make a decision. You must call either a ball or strike. If your timing is good, you are much more likely to call more pitches consistently correct.

Balls are to be called while still down in your set position. At this stage you will always call all balls by the number e.g. “Ball 1, Ball 2, Ball 3, Ball 4.” A strong voice that can be heard at both dugouts should be used. No visual signal is given. (See “Signals” Section.) Strikes are to be called while coming up from the set position and also called by the number e.g. “Strike 1, Strike 2, Strike 3.” The right are is used to visually indicate strike. The “strike” call and the “out” call are identical. A strong voice that can be heard in the nearby stands should be used. (See “Signals” Section.)

Step back and relax until the pitcher assumes his position back on the rubber. You then repeat your plate procedures.

7 Level 1 Umpires Accreditation Course PLATE UMPIRE: PROFESSIONAL TECHNIQUES

CLEARING THE CATCHER

On passed balls, wild pitches, and pop-ups it will be necessary to “clear” the catcher so that you do not inhibit his ability to field the ball. The basic step involves pivoting away from the direction of the catcher’s pursuit of the ball. Keep the ball of one foot on the ground as you pivot on it by swinging the other foot back. You, in effect, are opening the gate of the catcher’s box and letting the catcher exit uninhibited. If the catcher’s pursuit will be to the right, you pivot on your left foot by swinging your right foot back and vice versa.

Take your mask off, id practical, and locate the ball. Advance parallel to the catcher if possible and be alert for a thrown mask, fan interference, and catch/no catch.

After successfully clearing the catcher, you will keep an eye on the ball on the ground and advance into position to make any call necessary. Do not look up in the air for the ball in the air. You should react to the catcher’s actions.

GETTING HELP ON HALF-SWINGS

The PU shall call all half-swings on the batter that he possibly can. Do not get into a lazy habit of asking at every hint of a half- swing. If you need help, ask as soon as possible. Asking before the defensive team appeals to you can often defuse a potential problem. Ask especially quickly on strike threes that get away from the catcher.

Make sure that your mechanics is clear, distinct, and not mistaken by your partner. Some real problems have occurred because the BU mistook a strike call as an appeal for help and signalled, “No, he didn’t!”(See check swing procedure in “Additional Procedures” Section.)

Players, managers, and coaches are not allowed to come out and argue half-swings since these are all/strike decisions. If a player, manager or coach does, warn him first and then eject if he persists.

DECLARING THE INFIELD FLY

The PU should initiate the “Infield Fly” call. He is usually farther from the ball and has a true perspective of the whole infield. His guiding philosophy shall be whether or not an infielder could handle the ball with “ordinary effort.”

You shall never call an infield fly until the ball has reached its apex and started down. (See “Signals Section” for correct terminology for calling.) Be especially careful on windy days. As a guideline, anytime a fielder is going to make a catch away with his back to the infield, you probably have more than “reasonable effort.” The PU comes out to his left in case the ball goes into the outfield. If it does not, he will bounce into the diamond and call the infield fly.

CLEARING THE BAT

With any runners in scoring position, it may be advisable for you to remove a bat, which may inhibit the runner’s slide or deflect a thrown ball to the plate.

This is strictly a professional courtesy and not required mechanics. Your primary concern is to get position for a play at the plate. If time permits, you may pick up the bat and remove it from the field of play. Simply bend over, grab one end of the bat, and slide it forcefully from the field of play. Do not pick it up and toss it. On deck hitters and proceeding runners have been injured this way.

Do not kick the bat because you cannot control precisely where it goes. You may re-position it in a worse spot than it was originally.

8 Level 1 Umpires Accreditation Course Umpires Game Report Form Please Print A game report must be completed by the crew chief and submitted to the league commissioner within 48hours after game. Date Time - start Finish

Crew Chief

Home Plate

Bases

Teams:

Home: Score: Visitor Score

Innings

Field Conditions *Good *Fair :*Poor If in poor condition give details

Was home team manager notified yes no

Game Particulars completed forfeited

suspended postponed Give details if game not completed, if suspended give particulars and when it was rescheduled.

Signature of Crew Chief

Home Team Manager

Visiting Team Manager

9 Level 1 Umpires Accreditation Course UMPIRE CALLS AND SIGNALS

1. GAME CALLS AND SIGNALS

SITUATION SIGNAL VERBAL CALL

1.2 PLAY BALL From position behind the catcher PLAY a forward thrust of either arm.

1.2 TIME Raise both arms vertically above TIME the head, palms forward and hold.

1.3 BALL CALL No arm or body movement BALL ONE. Stay down in umpire's set BALL TWO. position to call. BALL THREE. BALL FOUR.

1.4 STRIKE CALL From the umpire's set position STRIKE ONE. raise the right arm, with fist STRIKE TWO. clenched. Upper arm parallel to STRIKE THREE. the ground and level with the shoulder. Snap the fist as in a banging action on a door. No movement of the feet.

1.5 THE COUNT With fingers indicating the number Examples: left hand for balls then right hand ONE BALL for strikes out in front of the body TWO STRIKES, above the head. TWO BALLS TWO STRIKES, FULL COUNT

1.6 OUT CALLS From a stationary position, feet HE'S OUT. apart to shoulder width and with hands holding above the knees, stand up straight to full height. Signal as above for STRIKE CALL. No movement of the feet.

10 Level 1 Umpires Accreditation Course SITUATION SIGNAL VERBAL CALL

1.7 SAFE CALLS From a stationary position, feet SAFE apart to shoulder width and with hands holding above knees, stand up straight to full height. Raise both arms directly in front of the body parallel to the ground. Spread the arms to each side of the body, palms down. Return the arms to the front of the body, then back to the knees. Never cross the arms or hands. No movement of the feet.

1.8 FOUL CALLS Position stationary, feet apart, "FOUL" straddling the foul line with both arms raised vertically above the head. Same as the TIME signal. For a foul ball down into the batter/ catcher's area react with a wide upward sweep of both arms to form TIME signal.

1.9 FOUL TIP Signal the STRIKE CALL NIL. INDICATION

1.10 FAIR BALL While moving along the foul line, NO verbal call. INDICATION extend the appropriate arm (not across the body) from the shoulder inwards to fair territory and not to the ground. Hold the signal.

1.11 INFIELD FLY After the ball has reached the top "INFIELD FLY" of its arc, point high to the ball "BATTER OUT" with the right hand. If near the foul line add, “IF FAIR" and delay calling the batter out.

1.12 BALK Point at the pitcher. "THAT'S A BALK"

If the ball is to become dead, signalTIME. Point at the runner and move "TIME the pointed hand to the base awarded Example: Repeat for each runner - closest "Runner-home" runner to home plate first. "Runner-2nd base

11 Level 1 Umpires Accreditation Course SITUATION SIGNAL VERBAL CALL

1.13 OVERTHROWN TIME signal as above. “TIME” AND/OR BALL Point at the runner and move the Example OUT OF PLAY pointed hand to the base awarded. "Runner-home" Repeat for each runner - closest "Runner-2nd runner to home plate first. base" etc.

1.14 INTERFERENCE Raise both arms vertically above "TIME" the head and hold. Then point at the interference. "THAT'S INTERFERENCE plus subsequent, HE’S OUT" or placing runners using verbal directions.

If the ball is to initially remain in play, call "THAT’S INTERFERENCE” first and only call "TIME" if necessary. Example: Catcher's interference on a batter's fair hit ball or batter interferes with catcher's throw, etc.

1.15 OBSTRUCTION Point at the Obstruction. "THAT'S OBSTRUCTION “TIME" if and when appropriate, plus subsequent placing of runners verbal directions.

1.16 HALF SWING Plate Umpire to point at the batter "YES HE DID" IS A STRIKE with the nearest hand. Then use the STRIKE CALL and "STRIKE ONE" signal. This call cannot be etc. questioned.

1.17 HALF SWING Plate Umpire: " DID HE SWING" CHECK per Point directly to the base umpire, Rule 9.02(c) with your left hand. For a left-handed batter use the 3rd base umpire if you have one. Base Umpire's Response: "YES HE DID" With a STRIKE CALL signal "STRIKE ONE" STRIKE TWO" STRIKE THREE or with a SAFE CALL signal "NO"

12 Level 1 Umpires Accreditation Course 2. SIGNALS BETWEEN UMPIRES

2.1 CHECK THE Left hand for balls, right hand for Nil BALL/STRIKE strikes. Fingers extended on each COUNT side of the chest so it is clear for the receiver.

2.2 NUMBER OF For ONE OUT: OUTS One arm extended out from the Nil side of the body. For TWO OUT: Both arms extended together out Nil from the sides of the body.

Used by all umpires so it is clear for the receiver.

2.3 BATTER HIT BY Any umpire must call but only if "FOUL" BATTED BALL seen clearly and certain. Use TIME signal and indicate by touching the leg.

2.4 POSSIBLE One arm across the chest . Nil INFIELD FLY If one out, extend the index finger. SITUATION

2.5 PITCHER ON Base Umpire in the infield can Nil THE RUBBER point or nod towards the pitcher and place both hands on the knees in umpire set position.

2.6 I'VE GOT As the Base Umpire turns to take “I'M GOING THE BALL the fly ball to the outfield, point OUT” one arm high. or similar.

The signals, when given, are with a snappy action and always with correct timing after the action indicated. Adopt the verbal calls as listed.

13 Level 1 Umpires Accreditation Course DO'S AND DON'TS DO: DON’T 1. Hustle. 1. Kid the ball players at any time. 2. Study rules daily. 2. Drag out the calling of balls and strikes. 3. Be neat at all times. 3. Call the hitter out on a fly ball when it is obvious. 4. Communicate. 4. Call the strike out loud when the batter swings at and misses 5. Be courteous but firm. a pitch. 5. Second guess your partner at any time, on or off the field. 6. Be punctual. 6. Make a decision on the run, stop first. 7. Forget the bad days. 7. Make a decision too soon. Take a good look first to be sure 8. Be truthful. the play is completed, then give it to him with plenty on it. 9. Call your own plays. 8. Tell the players what to do or how to play their position. 10. Keep your cap and uniform clean. 9. Call the runner out with your mask in your right hand. 11. Keep the plate clean. 10. Let the players run over you, but take as much as you can. 11. Be doubtful. Know what is going on. 12. Make decisions at a dead stop. 12. Stand in a player's way, then they can't use you as an alibi. 13. Be on top of your plays. 13. Be rabbit ears. What do you care what they say or do in the 14. Back up your partner. stands. 15. Keep your eye on the ball. 14. Look for trouble. You will find plenty of it without looking. 16. Be a gentleman. 15. Get set too soon when working behind the plate. 17. Bear down when ever necessary. 16. Be over technical. 17. Talk about anyone unless you have something good to say 18. Be alert in thinking and action. about them. 19. Improve yourself and your umpiring. 18. Go out onto the field with a chip on your shoulder. 20. Stay in shape. 19. Try to out-talk the players. Let them do the talking and when 21. Be pleasant and smile. they have said enough, make them play ball. 22. Take pride in your work. 20. Talk back to the stands, for they can think faster than you 23. Avoid unnecessary conversation with can. the players. 21. Worry about the game or what happened on the diamond; it is all over as far as you are concerned when the last out is 24. Think ahead while on the field. made. 22. Smoke during a game. 23. Call tag plays too soon. It is better to be a little late in making the call rather than to make the call, then have to change your decision. 24. Locate the ball for the players or let them know where the ball is. If it is in the field the team is trying to pull the hidden ball trick. 25. Alibi to anyone at any time. It won't help. 26. Put anyone on the spot. You would resent being put on the spot, so why do it to anyone else. 27. Carry messages to your partner from a player. Tell them to deliver there own messages and never tell your partner anything you might hear the players say about him. 28. Allow the players to keep their gloves in their pockets when at bat. 29. Get the big head, try to put on an act or to be a "King Fish" when you are on or off the field. You are no better than the man you are working with is. 30. Lower yourself by lying. 31. Tell the players what to do or a manager how to manage a ball team. 32. Loaf. Hustle all the time, it pays in the long run.

14 Level 1 Umpires Accreditation Course B.C.0. Umpires Report on Ejections and Protests

Name of Player or Coach ejected Team:

Uniform Number:

Position Played:

DATE HOME TEAM VISITORS INNINGS OUTS SCORE Home

RUNNERS ON 1ST BASE 2ND BASE 3RD BASE Visitors

REASONS FOR EJECTION RULE

Action Yes No

Recommended

Protested Game Yes No

Protests -have you checked with your partner or rule book to make sure interpretation was correct

Why is coach protesting ?

State your position on protest, rule and section of rule book that interprets your decision

Signed:

15 Level 1 Umpires Accreditation Course Umpires Evaluation Form

In order to maintain a high standard in delivering umpires courses, your evaluation of the course and course conductor are important. Please take the time to fill out the questionnaire.

1. Did the course meet your requirements and expectations ?

2. Was the material presented in a manner that was easy to understand ?

3. Was course conductor knowledge of material ?

4. Was there enough participation by umpires ?

5. Was course too long or too short ?

6. Would you recommend this course to other umpires ?

7. Would you take a level 2 umpires course ?

8. What areas require more time or less time ?

9. Any other comments you would like to make.

Name: (Optional) Country Date of Course:

16 Level 1 Umpires Accreditation Course