NCAA BASEBALL EVALUATION CRITERIA AND SCALE Umpire Evaluation Standards

Transcription

1 NCAA BASEBALL EVALUATION CRITERIA AND SCALE Umpire Evaluation Standards Grading Scale (5) Outstanding Never deviates from the listed standards. All behavior descriptors are demonstrated consistently. (4) Above Standard Seldom deviates from the listed standards. All behavior descriptors are demonstrated but on an inconsistent basis. (3) Meets Standard Adheres to an acceptable level from the listed standards. Most behavior descriptors are demonstrated. Those behaviors omitted did not affect performance. (2) Below Standard Occasionally deviates from the listed standards. Few behavior descriptors are demonstrated. Inconsistent. Omitted behaviors occasionally affected performance. (1) Unacceptable Consistently deviates from the listed standards. Does not demonstrate described behaviors. Game performance severely affected. Directions to Division II Regional Advisors and Division II Observer/Evaluators: This packet is to be used while evaluating umpires. In bold face are the Evaluation Criteria. Listed below are behavior descriptors to help identify when each element of the Evaluation Criteria is being employed. The notes taken in the course of the evaluation must be transferred to the proper electronic form in Arbiter. The Division II Baseball Umpire Development Program thanks you for your dedication and continued support in this important endeavor. Dan Weikle NCAA Division II National Umpire Coordinator July

2 This is the evaluation report as it will appear on Arbiter. I encourage Regional Advisors and Observer/Evaluators to add notes in each window. Any area evaluated at 2 or below must have an accompanying comment. 2

3 Plate Work 1. Stability of Head and Body Position a. Establishes Locked In position on every pitch. Exhibits three-step set up approach when preparing for pitch. Umpire moves from a standing position (pitcher off rubber), to a ready position (pitcher on rubber), to a set position (pitcher in pitching motion). Consistently is in set position and uses consistent lag time to see ball from pitcher s hand to catcher s glove. Umpire is set before pitch leaves pitcher s hand. Does not flinch or rock indicating indecision. Umpire is seldom late getting into set position causing lag time timing to change. Is not moving to set position as pitch is being delivered. b. Does not drift side to side or up and down with pitch. Head will not move on pitches that are at the extreme locations in the zone. There is no dipping of the head or lateral movement during the fight of the pitch. The umpire does not chase the ball into the glove. c. Does not flinch on swings or foul tips. Timing is slow and deliberate enough to allow umpire to distinguish between foul ball and foul tip. Does not give time out signal indicating foul ball when the action was clearly a foul tip. Umpire may visually check the catcher s glove employing a lean and look technique to insure accurate foul tip call is-particularly on a strike three foul tip. d. Maintains proper spacing from catchers as not to become entangled if catcher moves quickly and unexpectedly. Where appropriate, plate umpire allows for the catcher s final positioning to receive pitch before assuming a fixed slot position. Exhibits three-step set up approach when preparing for pitch. Has resting position, ready position and set position before pitch is thrown. 3

4 e. Eyes remain at horizontal level with ground and does not dip as game goes on. Head at proper height to allow unobstructed view of entire plate. Plate umpire s head height is always at a level above the catcher s head. Head will not move on pitches that are at the extreme locations in the zone. When catcher squeezes the inner-third of the zone plate umpire head height is adjusted upward. f. Works in the slot not over top of catcher or to the outside. Plate umpire anchor foot is located more between the catcher s feet as he sets to receive the pitch. Slot foot is clearly located in the free space between the catcher and the batter. Consistently keeps nose aligned with inside edge of home plate to insure proper slot position and relationship with catcher and strike zone. g. Does not set in an unusually high or deep position that would draw attention or questioning of judgment. NOTES 4

5 2. Timing a. Does not anticipate pitch. Lag time cadence is not changed due to sure cock-shot strikes (too fast) or periphery pitches (too slow). Lag time interval is consistent at all times. Consistent timing encourages believability. Lag time cadence is consistent showing confident identification on periphery pitches as well as sure pitches. Lag time interval is consistent for balls and strikes. Deliberate timing encourages believability and is an indicator the umpire follows pitch to glove-sees last six inches from point-of-plate to glove. Does not call pitches on the periphery of the zone quickly and before the catcher s glove stops moving. Uses eyes properly at times. b. Allows everything that can happen, to happen, before making DECISION, then makes a call. Employs proper use of eyes consistently. Calls pitches on the periphery of the strike zone with consistent lag time. Waits for the catcher s glove to stop moving before reacting. Establishes consistent lag time and is slow and deliberate in calling pitches. Employs proper use of eyes, waiting until the catcher s glove stops moving before reacting to pitch. May not move to signal strike until catcher begins voluntary release of gloved pitch and related movement. c. Does not make a call as the ball is approaching the plate or crossing but after the catcher has caught the ball. Consistently is in set position and uses consistent lag time to see ball from pitcher s hand to catcher s glove. Is set before pitch leaves pitcher s hand. Lag time cadence is consistent showing confident identification on periphery pitches as well as sure pitches. Lag time interval is consistent for balls and strikes. Deliberate timing encourages believability. d. Stays down in position to call balls. Distinctive and noticeable difference in body language between strike call (fully erect) and ball call (crouching). Stays solidly in appropriate stance consistently. Uses a louder voice to sell a ball call which is close. May spot the location of the pitch for added emphasis. With a runner on first, there is extra volume added to ball four to insure that the catcher does not throw to second base to retire runner who is awarded second base 5

6 3. Proper Positioning for Plays a. Attains the appropriate angle and distance for plays. Assumes proper read position for plays at the plate. Is feet directly behind the Point-of the-plate. May move toward backstop to get proper distance from action allowing for unobstructed view entire play (head to toe) including tag. b. Not too close nor too far from the play. When required, umpire will take necessary read steps moving in a consistent arc to the right getting an unobstructed view of the tag insuring that the ball was cleanly caught and not dislodged during continuing action. May extend lag time to obtain superior positioning. c. Works to get angle over distance when appropriate. Correctly reads swipe tag/collision tag play at the plate and will assume proper distance from action allowing for unobstructed view entire play (head to toe) including tag. Will take swipe tag plays from third-base line extended. Will readjust position as needed, continuing to move in a widening arc (more toward first base) to open up a secondary visual angle on catcher s glove and tag. d. Adjusts position for poor throws or unusual play. Will move to third-base line extended position or remain Point-of-the- Plate position as needed for proper angle after judging direction of throw to plate and type of tag play (collision-swipe). Will take swipe tag plays from third-base line extended. Will readjust position as needed, continuing to move in an arc (more toward first base) to open up a secondary visual angle on catcher s glove and tag. Will take collision tag play from Point-of-Plate understanding that short infield throws do not allow for repositioning. Will not sacrifice superior position to see catch/tag/collision for third-base line extended position. NOTES 6

7 4. Style/Mechanics of Call a. Gives clear authoritative signals and uses correct signals. Strike call and signal is combined and performed from an upright stance. Signal is strong and crisp. Strike-three signal is smooth and visually pleasing. Does not draw unnecessary attention to the umpire. Voice level is slightly louder to that of other called strikes. Intensity matches situation. Strike-three mechanic features the Punch-out or Pulling-the-Chain mechanic giving finality to the series of pitches. b. Possesses smooth, relaxed style that projects confidence. Ball calls are made from the crouching position. There is no movement to an upright stance until the call is made. No appearance of second-guessing. c. Coordinate voice and signals to give professional appearance. Voice is loud enough to be heard but does not draw undue attention. When calling a strike, umpire s voice is loud enough to be heard by participants and spectators. Uses a louder voice to sell a ball call which is close. May spot the location of the pitch for added emphasis. Extra volume may be added to ball four to insure that the catcher does not throw to second base to retire a advancing/stealing runner who has been awarded second due to the batter/runner s base on balls. d. Does not showboat or change the mechanics of his call during the course of a game. Establishes consistent lag time and is slow and deliberate in calling pitches throughout game independent of situation. Employs proper use of eyes, waiting until the catcher s glove stops moving before reacting to pitch as a timing mechanic. May not move to signal strike until catcher initiates action preceding voluntary release of gloved pitch. NOTES 7

8 5. Judgment, Interpretation and Consistency of Strike Zone Throughout the Game a. Maintains the same zone throughout the game. Most called strikes feature an ease of reception on the catcher s part. Follows pitch to glove-sees last six inches from point-of-plate to glove. Does not call pitches outside of established lag time suggesting inconsistency due to improper use of eyes or situational anxiety. b. Is the same for both teams. Does not call some pitches outside of established lag time which suggesting inconsistency due to improper use of eyes or situational anxiety. Rarely calls strikes requiring excessive catcher s glove movement is needed to receive a ball out of the strike zone. Glove rarely leaves zone to receive pitch. c. Has a grasp of how zone can be adjusted in lopsided game. May allow for expansion of the zone for width but pitch is still considered hittable and within established guideline for height. May expand zone to get a strike on the batter but never expands zone for strike two or strike three. d. Interprets and calls the zone to its written limits. When there is movement of the catcher s glove, it is a result and reaction to the reception of the pitch. Reception of strike may take glove out of the zone/frame but pitch still correctly called a strike. Poor glove work by catcher is not punished. e. Does not call unhittable pitch a strike or zone is too small. Calls the hollow below the kneecap strike consistently. Adverse reaction from participants lessens as participants make adjustment to this consistent evaluation of the pitch on the periphery of the zone. Pitches rarely called strikes requiring catcher s sweeping/pulling or other ungainly movements to glove pitch. f. Makes concerted effort to call pitches above the belt as strikes. Is consistently positioned with eyes at the top of the strike zone. Understands technique and glove profile receive this pitch. Consistently calls strikes in the upper strike zone in accordance with NCAA Rules Book diagram. Adverse reaction from participants lessens as participants make adjustment to this consistent evaluation of the pitch on the periphery of the zone. 8

9 6. Crew Mechanics and Communications a. Follows NCAA umpire mechanics. Umpire is aware when a crewmate has failed to rotate and assumes responsibility to cover extra bases if needed. Understands that mechanics are a series of compromises and will improvise to overcome obstacles interrupting smooth rotational movement. b. Has good knowledge of proper mechanics and rotations. Umpire assumes responsibility for batter/runner when partner assumes catch with no runner on base. Moves confidently into position almost to first base bag when partner has left infield and there is the possibility of a throw back. Will have vision on B/R s touch of first base and will be in position to rule on any throw-back if B/R has placed himself in jeopardy after turning first base. c. Rotates to first and third as needed. Consistently trails batter/runner up first-base line alert for obstruction/interference, swipe tag, or pulled foot situations. Is stopped and set before thrown ball is gloved by first baseman. Consistently readjusts position on first-base line to assume responsibility when overthrows threaten dead-ball areas. When covering overthrow situations, umpire consistently uses voice to alert crewmate of his position allowing first-base umpire to assume total responsibility for batter/runner. Movement to cover fair-foul/catch-no/catch situations is quick and decisive. Uses voice to communicate position change. Umpire rotates fully to third base when needed and is stopped before critical action allowing the umpire to read the throw and make necessary adjustments. Umpire demonstrates understanding of letting the play come to him and Is set at assigned base before critical action. Umpire uses sterile lag time to read throw and make necessary adjustments to position. When set, rotating umpire has placed base between his position and origin of throw allowing for readjustment or read step depending on angle and quality of throw. PU s strong verbal communication as he is rotating to third keeps base umpire from chasing R1 and encourages his proper lateral drift mechanic toward first base. 9

10 b. Uses proper verbal and non-verbal communications. Consistently employs verbal communication when changing positions. Use of voice enhances and encourages total crew rotation or stops improper movement. Umpire recognizes time-play situations including two-out (R2) and oneout (R1 and R2). Consistently signals crewmates. e. Makes good eye contact with partners between hitters and during developing plays. Plate umpire consistently initiates the signals alerting the crew of required rotational movement before each new batter assumes his position or rotation situation changes due to base runner location. Base umpires employ the pause/read react protocol before moving to the outfield on trouble balls. There is a verbal and/or visual communication between umpires before leaving the infield. COMMENTS EVALUATORS OVERALL RATING- Plate work

11 Base Work 1. Proper Positioning for Plays a. Attains appropriate angle and distance for plays. U1 quickly assumes the proper 90 degree angle when taking throws from infielders. Is set before the fielder gloves the batted ball (critical action). Sterile lag time allows for secondary adjustment if needed before ruling on play. Recognizes pressure throws from second base and takes a position outside the diamond eliminating abrupt head movement. b. Not too close not too far from the play. Assumes proper position (B) requiring little movement to gain an unobstructed angle to rule on steals of second. Displays full engagement by assuming an athletic stance/set before critical action (ball to glove-glove to tag). Has vision on the open side of the fielder receiving the throw. The base umpire will properly position himself at third base to assume responsibility before critical action if needed. Does not hesitate to move to 3b ahead of R1 showing confidence in partner s rotation on potential play on B/R at 2b. Field umpire stationed outside diamond (position A/D ) will employ proper pause-read-react mechanic and not stretch crew needlessly. Makes good reads consistently and rotates to outfield only when situation dictates. Coordinates with partner on coverage either visually or verbally. With runners in scoring position (R1, R2) base umpire will take responsibility for Batter/Runner to second base and will assume engaged/set position before critical action at third base if needed. Base umpire will rotate fully to 3b and may take play from outside the foul line lining placing bag between himself and throw when possible. With runner at first base, base umpire demonstrates lateral drift on potential play at first base on batter-runner during standard rotation. Does not chase R1 into third base. With runner at first, base umpire will employ lateral drift building an angle back to first base, if needed, to assume responsibility on batter/runner. Is set before throwback is gloved and tag applied. 11

12 c. Works to get angle over distance when appropriate. Demonstrates understanding of letting the play come to him and is set at assigned base before critical action. Is stopped and set (engaged) before the throw is gloved and tag is attempted. May sacrifice distance for angle and engagement when building a visual angle to the play. Assumes responsibility for batter/runner when relinquishing catch responsibility to crewmate. Moves confidently into diamond when situation dictates having vision on B/R touch of first base. After assuming B position, uses proper lateral drift technique to be positioned to rule on any throw-back if B/R has placed himself in jeopardy after turning first base. Is positioned properly when working C position. Closer to the mound than second base which allows the umpire to step toward mound building a better visual angle into third base in the event of a steal. d. Adjusts position for poor throws or unusual play. Readjusts position employing a read step or lean and a look technique as needed to rule on situations where throw is off line. Umpire uses secondary signals for believability. 2. Style/Mechanics of Call a. Gives clear authoritative signals. Possesses smooth, relaxed style that projects confidence. On doubles, is completely stopped and set before critical action after moving into diamond on two-base hit attempts. Uses sterile lag time to read direction of throw and assume proper position on tag attempt. Has time to readjust to gain unobstructed vision if needed. Strong signals are performed forcefully when responding to secondary situations or appeals. Believability is heightened by animation of signal. Uses secondary signals to indicate a pulled foot or a juggled catch or other situations not visible to participants and spectators. Uses safe signal to remove questions pertaining to interference and obstruction. Employs two-step approach to making safe-out decisions. Vision moves from foot/base to fielder s glove to insure control /voluntary release. Timing and believability is enhanced. Timing may be slowed further because of hesitation due to repositioning insuring the ball has been securely held in tag/collision situations. A secondary hand signal (point) may be employed indicating a tag has been applied on B/R, runner has touched the plate, or a dropped throw has resulted in a ball being on the ground. 12

13 b. Coordinates voice and signals to give a professional appearance. Professional appearance is achieved by demonstrating engagement with the play at hand. When making the call, the umpire is completely set before the critical action of the play. When engaged during the critical action, rather than standing fully upright or relaxed, the umpire s stance is athletic, slightly flexed in a ready position. c. Does not showboat or change the mechanics of his call during course of game. Routine out calls are consistently performed without animation and after all playing action has ceased. Voluntary and intentional release has been assured by secondary use of eyes. Uses out signal on outfield or infield fly balls only when validity of the catch is in question. On important, close and dramatic plays (ICE), signals are performed forcefully and with animation. d. Uses a voice that is loud enough to be heard but does not draw undue attention. When calling safe or out, umpire s voice is loud enough to be heard by participants. Uses a louder voice to sell call which is close. Voice is loud enough to be heard by participants and spectators. Extra volume may be added to critical calls for emphasis. Signals do not reflect the performance of the play being judged. Routine plays are signaled crisply. Safe/Out signals on important, close and dramatic plays (ICE) are performed forcefully and with animation. Voice is loud and combined with signal. NOTES 13

14 3. Timing/Judgment a. Does not anticipate the play. Understands Rewarding Excellence theory and uses it when making close decisions. Employs two-step approach to making safe-out decisions. Vision moves from foot/base to fielder s glove to see control /voluntary release. Timing and believability is enhanced. Timing may be slowed further due to a repositioning to insure the ball has been securely held in tag/collision situations. A secondary hand signal (point) may be employed indicating a tag has been applied or dropped/juggled ball has occurred and ball is on ground (not readily visible to participants and spectators). b. Allows everything that can happen, to happen, before making DECISION. Employs sterile lag time and proper use of eyes when making calls. Timing on all calls is deliberate and believable as a result. Is properly stopped and set before critical action, giving the appearance of letting the play to come to him. Uses lag time to replay the situation and making any secondary adjustments to gain unobstructed vision. c. Gets the call right. In approved situations, umpire will huddle when necessary to gather consensus on disputed play rulings In situations where a call is disputed, the off umpire will assume the initiative to approach his partner, using a predetermined signal, alerting him that he has information which may lead to a changing of the call. 4. NCAA Mechanics/Crew Communication a. Has a good knowledge of proper mechanics. 1. Rotates in the proper situations. Pre-pitch mechanics always employed. HP umpire initiates rotation with hand signal. Rotation is communicated before every new hitter. Voice communication is used whenever plate umpire move to different positions while rotating. 14

15 2. Is alert enough to adjust if one of his partners misses coverage. a. Reads partners and fly balls well on outfield coverage and goes out as needed. Base umpire employs the pause/read/react protocol before moving to the outfield on trouble balls. Umpire makes consistently good reads rotating to outfield only when situation dictates. When covering fly balls to outfield, umpire employs standing pause before engaging in read/react sequence. Visual connection and verbal communication established before moving. One umpire covering fly ball and one umpire covering runner. b. Uses proper verbal and non-verbal communications. PU s strong verbal communication as he is rotating to third keeps base umpire from chasing R1 to third base. Proper use of voice encourages lateral drift mechanic toward first base by partner. Uses visual coordination with partner before moving from diamond to assume on coverage on fly ball. Seldom do both partners misstep from read position simultaneously moving to outfield. c. Establishes eye contact with partners between hitters and during developing plays. Visual coordination is used insuring that only one umpire covering fly balls or plays on the bases. Visual coordination is used to allow umpires to adapt, adjust, and overcome when rotation movement has been compromised. NOTES 15

16 5. Reactions to Developing Plays a. Exhibits knowledge and perception of how play will develop through correctly anticipating where, how, and the speed at which the play will occur. Moves as needed to rule on unexpected circumstances employing appropriate signals for believability. When needed exhibits proper lateral drift covering R1 back to first base on outfield catch. Demonstrates understanding of letting the play come to him and Is set at assigned base before critical action. Is stopped and set before outfield fly ball is caught. As play develops, builds proper angle for visual Ball-to-Glove. Uses signals only when validity catch is in question. NOTES 16

17 6. Game and Situation Management a. NCAA Policies and Procedures 1. Adheres to all policies and procedures as outlined in the NCAA Game Officials Manual. Does not have tobacco products in locker room. Will not render himself or his crew under suspicion of or subject to sanctioning. No visible jewelry (excluding wedding bands and medical alert bracelets) or watches of any kind other than the pitch clock stopwatch are worn on the field during any NCAA tournament games. Sunglasses are not worn at the pregame conference. Umpire should avoid any conduct (including communication both verbal and non-verbal) that would suggest to coaches, student-athletes, or fans the existence of dissention or friction within the crew. Umpire presents a high level of intensity and concentration throughout every game. Umpire demonstrates an alert, eager, confident, and enthusiastic demeanor on the field. b. NCAA Playing Rules 2. Adheres to and applies rules, accepted practices, and interpretations detailed in NCAA Rule Book. Reads when pitcher noticeably shortens complete and discernable stop. Balk call is immediate and confident; combined with verbal and physical signal. Base umpire will enforce the force-play slide rule consistently. Will enforce interference protocol and freeze runner movement on bases. Will place scoring runner back to third when appropriate. In situations where a call is disputed, the off umpire will assume the initiative to approach his partner, using a predetermined signal, alerting him that he has information which may lead to a changing of the call. PU points the batter back into the box. There is zero tolerance of this out of the box behavior. Instances of this infraction may decrease as the game progresses due to umpire vigilance. Plate umpire positions himself in proper position nearer on-deck circles opposite upcoming batters during half-inning intervals to discourage conversation with participants as they leave or enter the diamond. 17

18 c. Situation Management 1. Adheres to provisions of the NCAA Game Officials Manual. Does not exacerbate situations with overly aggressive or arrogant actions. Does not display impatience or a condescending attitude. Does not ignore occurrences on the field that require attention to maintain order and control. Will become more assertive if the situation calls for it. Listens to coach s reasonable and non-emotional appeals. Avoids profanity in all situations. Does not charge coaches or student-athletes if they are walking away. Does not give the perception of escalating the situation. Does not initiate contact or physical finger pointing. 7. Effort and Professionalism A. Focus and Hustle a. Concentrates consistently on the crucial elements throughout the game. Assumes a locked-in posture either hands-on-knees or standing set. Vision is focused on field during live-ball situations. b. Is prepared for every pitch and play, developing plays and situations. On doubles, is completely stopped and set at second base before catch/tag play on the batter/runner. Is completely stopped and uses sterile lag time to read throw and tag on developing plays on bases. Has time to readjust to off-line throw gaining unobstructed vision of action. On fly balls, does not assume a routine play, but moves purposefully with batter/runner and is set before the critical action should a play develop at second base due to an outfield error. Keeps abreast or ahead of batter/runner as he continues into second base. When moving into diamond, will have vision on B/R touch of first base if play develops into a missed base appeal. From position B, uses proper lateral drift technique to rule on possible throw-back development after reading B/R has placed himself in jeopardy turning wide at first base. 18

19 d. Is aware of all that is going on within a game including dugout situations and inter-team developments. Base umpire takes control or initiate control over dugouts located along appropriate foul line. No loose equipment in live-ball areas. Correct number of batters outside dugout swinging bats at all times. Verbal reprimands and written warnings may be issued by base umpire to achieve compliance. PU will verbally warn/reprimand players who come out of the dugout during live-ball sequences to congratulate scoring runners. Will issue written warning for repeated violations. PU will allow players congregate outside the dirt circle (good) or dugout warning track (best) waiting to congratulate teammate who has hit home run. Verbal reprimand/written warning may be issued for celebrations becoming prolonged and inappropriate. NOTES d. Moves with a purpose during a play to get into proper position to cover plays. Base umpire quickly assumes the proper 90-degree angle when taking throws from infielders. Is set as the fielder gloves the batted ball (critical action). Sterile lag time allows for umpire to read quality and direction of throw and make secondary adjustment if needed before ruling on play. Recognizes pressure throws from second base and takes a position outside the diamond eliminating abrupt head movement. Readjusts position as needed to rule on situations where throw has taken first baseman off bag. Adjusts position as necessary. Employs secondary signals for believability. Assumes proper position (B) requiring little movement to gain an unobstructed angle to rule on steals of second. Can read ball-to-glove by coming set before critical action and has vision on the open side of the fielder receiving the throw. Is positioned properly when working C position. Employs three-step procedure to build a visual angle to second base on steal plays by taking a step toward the mound, turning with the throw, and pulling eyes ahead to the catch/tag action. 19

20 e. Does not over hustle to draw attention to himself. Is properly stopped and set before critical action, allowing for the play to come to him. Uses lag time to replay the situation and making any secondary adjustments to gain unobstructed vision. Does not run through catches or tags. Is completely stopped and engaged before critical action. B. Appearance and Demeanor a. Proper display of uniform and fit or athletic appearance within the uniform. Trousers are of the proper shade of charcoal gray and match crewmates. They are clean, and pressed. They give the appearance of finely tailored dress slacks with proper length. Hat appears new; worn squared to the head with a neatly creased crown giving it a military squared away look. Shirts and jackets have not faded and color is true. Shirt and jacket, when tucked, do not blouse out at waistline. Shoes are cleaned and polished and appear to be new or near-new. NOTES 20

21 b. Displays a conscientious and earnest desire to carry out on-field duties when problems arise. Is aware of confrontational situations which may arise later in the game due to previous incidents. Will take steps to diffuse these situations immediately attempting to eliminate future reprisals. Employs preventative officiating techniques without attracting attention. Acknowledges continued objections/complaints with an extended stop sign immediately. Behavior is stopped early in the game. Warning is issued after calling time and reciting verbiage as recommended. Warning is recorded in writing immediately upon issue. Will handle confrontation calmly and in control without aggressive movement or gesticulation. Responses will lead to an identifiable lessening of situational tension. Will physically remove himself after issuing warnings allowing partner to diffuse situation if needed. Umpire remains calm and in control as he walks away. Does not respond to baiting. Recognizes the volatility of the post-ejection interval and removes himself from the vicinity of the situation allowing for crewmate to diffuse situation. Base umpire moves with assurance during confrontation. Assumes control and redirects post-situation/ejection volatility and compel ejected participant exit the vicinity of the playing field. c. Exhibits posture that reflects interest in the game. Demeanor is athletic and aware. Umpire hustles when participants are hustling either at change of inning intervals covering play action. Body language and communication is appropriate and relative to the intensity of the situation presenting itself. Understands that when players are hustling, umpires should demonstrate hustle as well. Reflects effort displayed by game participants. Will enforce rules consistently without regard to resulting adverse reaction from participants and spectators. Will develop an aggressive, self-assured style when necessary in these tense situations. C. Mobility a. Possesses physical ability to move into proper position on field. Moves purposefully on the field. Demonstrates cruise control - hustling but not hurrying when moving. In most situations, appears to stay ahead of the game and is stopped and set before reacting to situations calling for his decision. 21

22 b. Runs athletically and is able to keep pace. When rotating to cover continuing action, arrives ahead or abreast of target runner and is stopped and set before catch and tag is attempted allowing for lag time and readjustment as needed. When moving into the infield, umpire quickly moves into diamond and is set (position B/C) to assume responsibility before the play on the batter/runner on stretch-double. Is stopped before critical action at all bases for which umpire assumes responsibility. With no runners on, PU has mobility to follow batter/runner up the first base line assuming responsibilities as needed. Will leave initial position to obtain unrestricted vision and rule on overthrows. With runner on first (R1), the plate umpire will rotate completely to third base when assuming responsibility for plays on R1 should he advance. D. Fraternization a. Avoids excessive, casual, and/or unnecessary conversation with uniformed personnel or spectators during the game. Returns respectful greetings. Answers questions posed in a respectful fashion by players and coaches. Realizes when conversation is becoming noticeable due to length and frequency and takes steps to end conversation by using distance as a barrier. Stationed in outfield far enough away from defensive players to discourage idle conversation. Umpire does not initiate conversation. Umpire employs distance as a barrier to end conversation. 22

23 EVALUATORS OVERALL RATING-BASE WORK COMMENTS 23