Touching All Bases. NCOA Softball 2018 Newsletter Volume 6, Issue 6 Feb 23, Group Leadership Corner

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1 NCOA Softball 2018 Newsletter Volume 6, Issue 6 Feb 23, 2018 Touching All Bases Group Leadership Corner Hello all We are finishing the hard part of the season getting Certified!! We d like to thank all the training staff members for putting in time at the weekly study sessions and the on-field clinics. I am sorry I wasn t able to visit all the various locations but from what took place at the sessions I was a part of, there were lots of interesting discussions that took place! We got into the book and we all learned things together. I have heard that it was the same at other locations. Don t forget that you can contact us with any questions or concerns at: macsports.14@gmail.com Frank and Carl NCOA Softball Group Co-Leaders Thanks to all that attended the Vanden on-field clinic! We had the most umpires attend this year than in any other year since we have been conducting this event! There was lots of great instruction and conversation on umpiring. I just saw a few minutes at Antelope but from what I did see, it was an awesome event with lots of participation in drills and on the field. Hopefully you are all on your way to being certified! If for some reason you have not completed your Certification Exam, please do so ASAP as games are now being assigned. Please take the time to review all the information from the weekly study groups and view the webinars. There is lots of valuable information available for you to improve your game. Games start soon so be ready to work and have fun!! From Your JSS Assignors: Welcome to 2018 softball! Assignments have been made through 3/10 with all games that have been received to date. We would appreciate your prompt attention in accepting or declining assignments so the game can be re-assigned if necessary rather than trying to fill at the last minute. Much appreciated!

2 Schools add games from time to time in the early part of the season and we will assign as received based on your availability. Check your calendar periodically and keep it updated as best you can; as this helps in the last minute assignments or beg-offs. If you have any issues with your calendar, contact Jim as he is the Arbiter Calendar Expert and will help you out! Until DST kicks in (March 11), most games have a 3:30 start which might result in issues in your availability for game assignments. We appreciate your continued cooperation; if you have any questions concerning assignments; your availability; please feel free to contact one of us at your convenience. Thanks much! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jim or Dave. Have a great season! Dave and Jim JSS Assignors Current Events REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. If you have any questions please contact Frank Moreno at macsports.14@gmail.com or Neil Hillel at ncoaump16@gmail.com. Certification Test - is mandatory and currently available on the NFHS Tier 2 Central Hub (on Arbiter). Click on the TESTING tab, find softball in the Open Tests section and have at it! The official closing date is March 31, 2018; however, you must successfully pass this exam (80%) before you will receive any game assignments (before February 29th)! Sooner is better! Once you score at least 80%, you will no longer be able to re-take the exam. As of February 23rd, 80 officials have successfully passed the NFHS certification exam. Another 9 have started. There are 118 of us. Webinars 6 videos are now available for your viewing on Arbiter. Watch them early and often to get your training credits! If you are having issues viewing these, please let Neil Hillel know at ncoaump16@gmail.com. Arbiter A couple of reminders about your Arbiter account: - Make sure you check Arbiter 2-3 times a weekend that your profile is up to date. - Remember, being prepared for assignments also includes keeping Arbiter up to date. Is your calendar up to date in Arbiter? Have you blocked out the days you are not available? Let s try to minimize the number of turnbacks this year.

3 There is much more to Arbiter than just your schedule. Now is the time to log onto the JSS Baseball/Softball site [110796] (where you get your assignments). Use the Switch Views tab to toggle between these web sites, explore the different tabs, update your personal information, etc. Here are some good places to explore: NFHS Central Hub--Softball:Your rule book and other books are on this site, as well as a list of the new rules for The latest interpretations and corrections to the rule book and case book are a must read. The USA Softball bat list can also be downloaded here. NFHS Tier 2 Hub: The 100-point NFHS Certification test is located here. NCOA Central Hub: This is our NCOA site for all sports. Click the Softball NORTH page. You ll see a calendar of events, important dates and information about NCOA. Important News: treated as any other piece of equipment that s faulty even though the rule book states that the batter and coach are ejected (7-4-2). CIF has been in contact with NFHS and there has been no definitive decision made so we are going to follow the rule as written The batter enters the batter's box with an illegal bat or is discovered having used an illegal bat and the infraction is detected before the next legal or illegal pitch (only the umpire or defense may detect an illegal bat). Penalty: The ball is dead immediately. All runners must return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch. When the illegal bat is an altered or non-approved bat, the batter and head coach are also ejected. Runner would not return if they were put out on the play. Note: It is imperative that we get the word out to the coaches the importance of making sure that the bats on NOT on the nonapproved list and that all their equipment is proper and legal. NFHS has determined that the verification of equipment at the pre-game conference is NOT a warning. Just as the coaches verifying that the player will be legally uniformed is not a warning. The head coach still needs to verify but if later in the game if a player is using a piece of equipment that does not meet the standards set forth in our books, we will issue a warning and the next time the player and head coach will be restricted to the bench for the remainder of the game. Training is necessary to be certified to work CIF High School games. The training program is several activities and events that began in December with one of our Basic Boot Camps (for our new or less experienced umpires).you must complete 18 hours of documented training for us to certify you to the CIF Assignors. The 18 hours are state-wide requirements. Get it together and get your training planned so you don t get left out. I (State Rules Interpreter) need to correct and clarify the protocols for a batter entering the batter s box with a non-approved bat. Originally it was thought that it would be

4 Training Options Adjusted. We have adjusted the training hour credits again this year. Check out the choices you have on the website or see the details below for the 2018 training hour options. It is your responsibility to plan your training and communicate to us if you have issues - IN ADVANCE. * Uniform and Equipment The official uniform for NCOA Softball umpires: The official shirt for NCOA Softball is Powder Blue or Navy (no logos)(short or Long Sleeve) Heather Gray Slacks Plain Navy Jacket (no stripes or piping around shoulders)or NEW navy blue pullover/zip-up jacket with the piping on the shoulders NCOA Navy Blue Hat or NEW style hat Gray or Navy Ball Bag Please note: All official uniform attire must match your partner. We have been in need of an upgrade to this part of our uniform for some time. If you want to be in consideration for post season assignments in 2018, you must have this style jacket. Beginning in 2019, this will be the only jacket allowed throughout the season. Cost of the jackets is approximately $45 for the lightweight version of the jacket, which is probably the one best suited for our climate. Jackets are usually sized to go over your chest protector, but be sure to check the sizing instructions from your vendor. You may want to get a second, smaller size for working the bases, but that is not required. Officials are on their own for ordering the jackets. Consider combining your jacket order with other purchases while updating your uniform, because some vendors provide free shipping for orders above $75-$100. If you are unsure of a vendor, search SmittyComforttech 100 to find one and be sure to order the Navy/Powder Blue version. Felix Barros has a new pair of plate shoes (size 10.5) that he is trying to sell. Contact Felix at f.barros@comcast.net or (916) New This Year: Uniform New Jackets Required: NCOA is making a change in our uniform jacket this year. We are going with the navy blue pullover/zip-up jacket with the piping on the shoulders. The piping is on a stretch panel with two white stripes and one wide powder blue stripe in the middle. (See photo.) These jackets are warm, comfortable and look sharp! The reason for the change is that we have not been "uniform" in our plain navy jackets; officials are wearing various colors, fabrics and styles.

5 Hats: The Leadership Team is introducing a new style hat for us to wear. The web address to order hats is If you go to there, you ll see what is being offered. Cost is $19 per hat is transition year, in that you can wear the new or old style as long as you match your partner. New style hats will be worn for 2018 playoffs. piece of equipment. It also addresses restrictions on color. Rationale: The wristband playbook/playcards are worn on the forearm and considered equipment, not a garment. Therefore, these items are not required to adhere to the color restrictions addressed in 3-2-7c , a: This change removes the responsibility of the umpires to inspect equipment prior to the start of the game. Rule 4-1-2d already requires head coaches to verify that their players are legally and properly equipped. Rationale: The responsibility to verify that players are legally equipped rests with the coach and administration of the school. Rules and l provide the authority to umpires to penalize for equipment violations. If you have not yet received your hats, please contact Matt Nantze at (916) or matthewnantze@gmail.com. Keep trying We realize that this is not a good situation NFHS Softball Rules Changes 2018: , 8-1-1c, 8-4-3a, 9-6-2: The coach, pitcher or catcher of the defensive team may request an intentional walk either before or during the pitch count. Rationale:This change to allow intentional walks was enacted to align fast pitch and slow pitch rules, to keep up with current trends of the sportand also to maximize the flow of the game NOTE, NOTE 2: Added language provides umpires with the authority to allow a reasonable number of warm-up pitches to an incoming pitcher due to circumstances that require a pitcher to be removed by rule. Rationale: Currently there are no guidelines for warming up the incoming pitcher under these circumstances. The default number of pitches used by the umpires is 5 unless there is inclement weather. The note will give guidance to all parties involved b: The pitcher may now step back with the non-pivot foot at any time prior to the start of the pitch. Rationale: This is a change to assist the developing pitcher c: Language was added to address the use and placement of the wristband playbook/play card and defines this item as a

6 Major Editorial Changes , : Language provides clarity and consistency for restriction of alcohol and tobacco use by participants and officials : This change requires the batter to make an attempt to avoid being hit by a pitched ball in the area between the plate and the batter s box. This portion of the rule had been inadvertently omitted. Points of Emphasis 1. Coaches responsibility to verify players are legally equipped 2. When a batter must attempt to avoid being hit by a pitch 3. Courtesy runner for the pitcher and/or catcher Rule Book Corrections to 2018 NFHS Softball Add the details below to the top of the Index page (101) of your 2018 NFHS Softball Rules book to complete the index. This data was left off the current book and should be added. Appeals 2-1; Eff; ; Awards ,2; Pen; 8-1-1d Eff (3); 8-1-1e Pen; 8-1-2; Pen; For Your Toolbox This Movement from the Plate: It s OK to Leave Home There are several times in a ball game when an umpire needs to leave the security of home plate to get to the circle, the holding area, or to one of the other bases. Knowing when to leave home and where to go is something that requires study and preparation, but mostly it is a matter of reading your partner and the play as it develops. When we have runners on base, we move down to third when we have the lead runner responsibility and our partner has the trail runner(s). We go to the holding area in foul territory on the third base side when we are assessing if the play will go to third or home. If the play goes to third base, we step across the line into fair territory and into calling position for a tag play. If there is no play at third or home, we stay in the holding zone until the play is over. But what about when we have runners in scoring position with a base hit to the outfield? Do we stay at the plate to watch all runners score, while letting the base umpire take all three bases? The answer is only when we have an actual play at the plate. If you read that the runner will score easily without a play at the plate and you have multiple runners on, move to the 3b line holding zone. Your first priority is the runner coming to 3b, but when you can, turn your head and watch any action with the runner around home plate. Make sure the coach sees you watching the runner touch the plate, and then move to third base if there is any chance of a play there. Be vocal to let your partner know early; I've got third, so they can concentrate on their duties at first and second base. Example: Runners at first and second, base hit to right-centerfield. You read that the runner on second is going to score without a play at home. The base umpire in C slot slides inside the diamond between first and second base, with his/her back to third. They are pulling you up to third base. Don t leave your partner hanging. Read your partner, read the runners, and move down to the holding zone while turning to fully watch the lead runner touch the plate.

7 If the runner from first goes to third base let your partner know you are covering third. Your goal is to already be stopped at calling distance before the throw arrives. Some plays are a little more complex, with throws being cut off and redirected to another base. But if we think in terms of priorities and communicate with our partners, we ll be in the right place at the right time, ready to make the right call. Players may get picked off base but umpires should not get picked off. So don t be afraid to leave home. WEEKLY QUIZ Each newsletter will include a question true/false quiz for your enjoyment. 1. If space allows, the on-deck circles should be 30 feet from home plate. 2. A coach s box should be 15 feet in length and 8 feet from the foul line. 3. Any fielder, with or without the ball, may make a dead-ball appeal by verbally stating that the runner missed the base or left too soon. 4. The defense may appeal either during a live or dead ball, but it must occur before the next pitch (legal or illegal). 5. An appeal must be made on the last play of the game before all infielders leave the field. 6. A player is designated in the scorebook by name, jersey number and by fielding position. 7. The shortstop is also known as fielding position No. 6 or F6 8. All fielders, except the catcher, must be on fair ground at the time of the pitch. 9. The ball becomes dead immediately when a pitch touches a batter or her clothing. 10. Prior to starting the delivery, the pitcher must take a position with both feet on or partially on the top surface of the pitcher's plate. 11. When an improper batter becomes a runner and the defense correctly appeals, the proper batter is declared out, and all runners not declared out on the play return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch. 12.The batter-runner shall be declared out when she hits an infield fly, when the infield-fly rule is in effect, even if it is not initially called by the umpire. 13. If a pitched ball is entirely within the batter s box, the batter does not have to make an attempt to avoid being hit by the pitch. 14. Score the run if the runner advances to home before the third out is made by the batter-runner being tagged out at second base attempting a double. 15. Umpire jurisdiction begins just prior to the pregame conference with coaches and captains. Answers 15. ANS: F REF: ANS: T REF: 1-1-3d 14. ANS: T REF: 9-1-1; 2-61; ANS: T REF: 1-1-4; Diagram ANS: T REF: 8-1-2b 3. ANS: T REF: 2-1-3b (1) 12. ANS: T REF: penalty 2 4. ANS: T REF: 2-1-4a 11. ANS: T REF: penalty 2 5. ANS: F REF: 2-1-4c 10. ANS: F REF: ANS: T REF: ANS: T REF: 5-1-1a; 8-1-2b 7. ANS: T REF: 3-1-4; Figure ANS: T REF: ANS: T REF: ANS: T REF: 3-1-4; Figure ANS: T REF: 5-1-1a; 8-1-2b 6. ANS: T REF: ANS: F REF: ANS: F REF: 2-1-4c 11. ANS: T REF: penalty 2 4. ANS: T REF: 2-1-4a 12. ANS: T REF: penalty 2 3. ANS: T REF: 2-1-3b (1) 13. ANS: T REF: 8-1-2b 2. ANS: T REF: 1-1-4; Diagram ANS: T REF: 9-1-1; 2-61; ANS: T REF: 1-1-3d 15. ANS: F REF: Answers

8 Softball Sacramento 2018 Training Options Updated 2/22/18 Training Options (18hr. Required by CIF/SJS) # Hrs. Total All Umpires Recommended Credit Req. Hrs. Study Groups 4 of ea 8 Classification Exam (required by CIF) Webinar sessions 4 of ea 4 Recommended for New umps & optional for 2-4 Ratings On-Field Clinic 1 5ea Recommended for New umps & optional for 2 4 Ratings Basic Skills Boot Camp 1 3 ea Optional Training Hours General Meeting 2 Vet. Scrimmages (verified) (2 max.) 2 ea On-Field Clinic (if space available) 5 Boot Camp (if space available) 3 Study Guide (80% +) 2 Extra Study Group 2 GSSA Clinic 2 ASA/USAS National School 4 ASA/USAS National Fast Pitch School 8 NCAA Clinic (verified) (non-paid) 2 NOTE: Required sessions can be made up with approval of the Group Leaders on a case-by-case basis with an agreed upon training plan. It is the responsibility of the umpire to submit an request for an alternate training plan.

9 Updated 2/22/ SCHEDULE Date Day Time Session Location Dec 1 Friday Registration Is Open Dec 27 Wednesday 6pm Boot Camp Session #1 Rusch Park Gym Jan 8 Monday 6pm General Meeting Jesuit HS Jan 11 Thursday 6pm Boot Camp Session #2 Rusch Park Gym Jan 15 Mon-Thurs 6pm Regional Study Groups Various Feb 22 Feb Webinars On-line Feb. 8 Thursday 6pm Boot Camp Session #3 Rusch Park Gym Feb 15 Thursday Registration Closes Feb. 17 Saturday9am On-Field Clinic Session #1 Vanden HS Feb. 19 Monday9am On-Field Clinic Session #2 Antelope HS Feb. 24 Saturday9am On-Field Clinic Session #3 Freedom Park Feb. 28 Wednesday Classification Exam Due Antelope High School 7801 Titan Drive Antelope, CA Freedom Park Freedom Park & Dudley McClellan, CA Jesuit High School 1200 Jacob Lane Carmichael, CA Rusch Park Gym 7801 Auburn Blvd. Citrus Heights, CA Vanden High School 2951 Markley Lane Fairfield, CA 94533