Welcome 2019 CCSUA/ASSIGNORS MEETING CALIFORNIA COLLEGIATE SOFTBALL UMPIRES ASSOCIATION

Transcription

1 Welcome 2019 CCSUA/ASSIGNORS MEETING CALIFORNIA COLLEGIATE SOFTBALL UMPIRES ASSOCIATION

2 CCSUA California Collegiate Softball Umpires Association Training vehicle for Assignors Community College Umpires NAIS umpires NCAA umpires D1 through D3 Expanding to more States Locker Room website sponsored by NASO

3 CCSUA/Assignors Joanne Venditto (Tony Cooper, Assistant) South Coast, Orange Empire, Western States - Southern California Terry Ching (Martin Vandenburg, Assistant) West Coast (Division 1) Pac-West (Division 2) Coast Community College Conference Northern California Jim Johnson SCIAC (Division 3) Bruce Helsing Pacific Coast CC Conference 3

4 Training staff please stand up Instructors Observers Mentors Test review team Notes from the Training Staff Much more behind the scenes Now sit down Roundtable participants - stand 4

5 Pre-Game Meeting Like your pre-game meeting - ground rules Cell phones No side discussions Raise hand for questions use your umpire voice No shouting out Punctual back from breaks/lunch 5

6 Agenda Welcome and Announcements Rich Kollen Ken Ravizza (recorded) Be In the Moment Rule Updates Lunch Rule Focus Items Mechanics Updates Conference Policies/Rain policies 6

7 Rich Kollen Chairperson, CCSUA 7

8 Accolades Post Season Umpires Please stand briefly Community College NAIA NCAA 8

9 NCAA POST SEASON NAIA POST SEASON CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS COMMUNITY COLLEGE DIVISION 2 SUPER REGIONALS DIVISION 1 SUPER REGIONALS NAIA WORLD SERIES CCAA D2 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP COMMUNITY COLLEGE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Bob Garcia Calvin Walker Herb Huitt David Hardage David Florentino Christina Drumm Eric Hutchinson Jason Robinson Ed Cooper Mark Korras Joe Torres Laura Head Vince Rojas Smokey Edds Mario Romero Hal Van Ryswyk DIVISION 2 DIVISION 2 SCIAC D3 CONFERENCE NAIA REGIONALS REGIONALS REGIONALS CHAMPIONSHIP COMMUNITY COLLEGE PLAYOFFS Bob Garcia Christina Drumm Kent Jacobsen David Hardage Allen, Justin Krause, Gary David Florentino Ed Cooper Vincent Rojas Jim Johnson Bretz, Tony Leak, Sandy David Viratos Jim Sanderson Mario Romero Mindy Villa Davis, Tom Matthews, Scott Erik Geierman Katrina Kershaw Jeffrey Samuels Robert Plancich Deckard, Darren Robinson, Jason Jason Robinson Laura Head Ronnie Strange Dolan, L J Rojas, Vincent Joe Torres Rick Cowan Ralph Vasquez Drvol, Ron Romero, Mario Stacy Stobo Scott Tomlinson Glenn Waggoner Florentino, David Samuels, Jeffery Steve Boudreaux Smokey Edds Geierman, Erik Smith, William Vince Price Germansky, Greg Strange, Ronnie Girouard, Mike Torres, Joe Hallissey, John Van Ryswyk, Hal Hardage, David Vasquez, Ralph Huitt, Herbert Waggoner Jr, Glenn Hutchinson, Eric Wilson, Dan Jacobsen, Kent Wong, Wyatt Kohut, Timothy Wren, Dennis Korras, Mark 9

10 Let s Have a Great Season 10

11 GUEST SPEAKER KEN RAVIZZA Video from 2011 CCSUA meeting

12 NCAA UPDATES 2019 RULE INTERPRETATIONS/CLARIFICATIONS. MECHANICS

13 BATTING RULE 11 Position in batter s box (3/2/18) Rule as written: when any part of her foot is touching the ground Individual player s slapping/hitting techniques Update - any part of her body (i.e. knee) may not be touching the ground outside the lines of the batter s box.

14 EYE SURGERY NOW REQUIRED FOR ALL COLLEGE UMPIRES

15 BASE RUNNING - RULE 12 Leaving a base (11/28/18) F1 may not violate a rule to dupe runner(s) into leaving base early Effect: No Pitch, runner put back on base, behavioral warning to F1 and head coach Note 2 after The phrase with no regard for any action that follows the pitcher s windup does not apply here A.R 12-35, (November 30, 2018 edition of Case Book)

16 BASE RUNNING - RULE 12 (4/2/18) Collision after obstruction collision takes precedence Effect, also rules , Reminder - interference takes precedence ( ) Do not confuse this rule with incidental/unavoidable contact on obstruction

17 PLAYERS AND SUBSTITUTES RULE 8 DP/FLEX (4/2/18) DP/Flex substitution - When not doing what they are designed to do When the DP is out of the batting order When the Flex is not playing defense

18 DEFENSE RULE 9 Obstruction then runner overslides 9.5 (3/2/18) The act of obstruction awards her this base The oversliding is viewed as part of runner s action that was obstructed

19 DEFENSE RULE 9 PUSHING/SHOVING - OBSTRUCTION (4/2/18) Fielder tags runner Tags too hard past what is reasonable What if runner is off-balance Fielder shoves/pushes using another part of body or equipment Obstruction see play in interpretation Rule pushes runner off base but intent of rule

20 PITCHING Wiping substance off ball (4/2/18) Not restricted to using pants; may use any part of uniform or body No effect; explain to questioning coach if necessary Taking the signal 10.2 (9/14/18) Martin Vandenburg

21 RULE 6 THE GAME Positions of Offensive Team Live ball do not allow others on field Media Format conferences (2/8/18) Extra innings no extra conference for each new pitcher Media Format 6.7 substitutions between innings (3/2/18) Not enough time to allow proper recording, charged conference OK Injury to a player allows coach to make a change without penalty

22 EQUIPMENT, PREGAME RULES 3, 5 Bat standards Major Rule Change (12/19/18) or the new fastpitch USA Softball certification mark Inspection of Bats (4/2/18) Bat list should not be laminated. Electronic Equipment Use (1/2/18) Medical monitoring devices permissible on the field

23 MISCONDUCT RULE 13 Ejected coach - out of sight/sound until the umpires leave field Reminder: postgame ejections are permitted Rule

24 FINAL COMMENTS Qualification test Questions??

25 MECHANICS UPDATES JIM SANDERSON

26 See the Zone Clarify Signals & Mechanics JS Timing slow down your calling, not your signaling Distance greater on force plays less on tag plays Angles Best position to see all elements of the play Get the call right The guide for success in play-calling is more focus Difficult game situations Illegally batted ball Can any umpire call it? Pitched ball hits the batter. Batted ball hits the batter.. Timing on making the call Coach/Umpire relationships are about conversations

27 NCAA CLARIFICATIONS Obstruction/Collision Timely substitutions between innings (tempo of the game) Communication/Conversation Use the glass to improve timing when communicating Earn the nickel in the bank Less adversarial - More working together Umpires working to lower the emotion Coach, what did you see? Let s talk Professional yet more hospitable approach

28 DIFFICULT SITUATIONS..WORTH REPEATING CONVERSATIONS THAT COULD LEAD TO EJECTIONS Coach comes out to challenge a call Bring the sound level to conversation level Listen Respond Listen Finish the conversation Bring out the Lineup Sheets Is the coach raising voice to make a derogatory comment? A partner should be coming in at this point to be within earshot or keep another coach away (1 on 1) Verbal warning. I think we finished this conversation Coach may make a parting comment ( Is it at conversation or announcement level?) Back up/turn to end the conversation Coach continues Use Warning Signal (hand) Record on the Lineup Sheet Walk away

29 NCAA CLARIFICATIONS Here is what the spectators see: The umpire engaged the coach & listened The lineup came out, so looks like a substitution Uh,Oh! The hand came out & the coach got a warning The umpire turned & walked away The coach kept talking & they might get thrown out

30 SIGNALS ALL catches hammer signal for catches, safe signal for non-catches Verbal call out or safe may accompany the signal as appropriate If non-catch is apparent, safe signal is not necessary Non-swinging strike calls be expedient in signaling the strike Tone down strike three signal one or two parts

31 MECHANICS CHANGES Dead ball call off batter on a swing no delay by base umpire Call it when you see it All umpires jointly responsible for illegally batted balls. U3 rotated can be on SS side of 2B Must be able to see left handed batter clearly NEW: Four-umpire mechanics for D1 postseason

32 U3 ON 3B SIDE WHEN ROTATED OPTIONAL Not to get a better look at a LH batter for check swing Should be used when probably 1) R1 stealing or 2) bunt to advance the runner. Puts U3 more in the wedge for the tag play on steal. Allows U3 to better cover 3B if PU is busy with ball status on a bunt The optional position also has some minuses Covering both 1B and 2B to push U1 to the plate on a rotation U3 will still need to read, adjust and communicate as the play develops Use of optional position may change depending on R1, the count and number of outs.

33 QUESTIONS?

34 CCSUA TRAINING UPDATE

35 Fall Training Cycle Fall Clinic September 2018 Potential new umpires, 2 nd year umpires, veterans Fall Observations September through November New umpires, 2 nd year, selected veterans. Monthly tests Year-round except August Expires on last day of each month Suggest print completed test, confirmation Roundtables thank you coordinators and attendees

36 Camps Three-umpire Camp August 2018 Bay Area Showcase October 2018 NorCal Training Camp January 5, 2019 Preseason Camp January 25-26, 2019 If you have not yet paid

37 In-season Training Observations Mentor Program Locker Room website more often during season Monthly tests Notes from Training staff Updates and interpretations rules, mechanics Articles based on assignors inputs Thanks to our excellent CCSUA Training Staff

38 Bats Removed Reports Bats removed from Community College and NAIA games ONLY Locker Room, Links button, first link Complete and Submit Do not use report form on NCAA SUP website Incident Reports CC and NAIA Use the form on Arbiter

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41 Comments/Suggestions

42 Focus Items FROM ASSIGNORS

43 Illegally Batted Ball

44 The Rule two additional rules Any part of BODY Touching ground outside the lines of the batter box At the time of bat/pitch contact What is the other illegally batted ball violation? An inappropriate bat is used Legal position in batter s box Batter is out

45 Updated interpretation 3/2/18 Based on individual player s slapping/hitting techniques, any part of her body (i.e. knee)

46 Umpiring the IBB Rule Mechanics, Game Management, and Surgery

47 Guidelines for umpires Mechanics Always be aware/watching the batter set-up Focus on pitch, if possible observe batter s movement Read the play as it develops All umpires jointly responsible for illegally batted balls. Experiment during Fall Ball Now an approved mechanic

48 Game Management So we ruled illegally batted ball Or we did not Yes, we did Cannot be changed, so be certain Use rule book language In my judgment No, we did not Let the play finish All umpires - watch for coach onto field before dead-ball Crew meeting? Rule book language suggestions for good explanations?

49 Use the rule book words Coach, in my judgment your batter had part of her foot touching the ground outside the lines of the batter s box at the time of the bat/pitch contact And I will continue to watch it as best as I can

50 College Obstruction Rules and Mechanics SOME BIG DIFFERENCES

51 The Obstruction Rule The act of a defensive team member that impedes an offensive player physical contact not required Catcher s obstruction not or focus today The progress of a runner who is legally running the bases Unless the fielder Is in possession of the ball Is fielding a batted ball In act of catching? About to receive thrown ball? - NO!! May be intentional or unintentional Applies to live ball action only (foul ball?)

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53 What s Different in College? (Same must have possession of ball) Oversliding base Considered part of runner s action that was obstructed Effect may involve warnings and/or ejections! Some warning MAY be given Some REQUIRE a warning then award for subsequent violation Some REQUIRE warning then ejection, or immediate ejection No warnings or awards or ejections Catcher or fielder obstruction on batter (9.5.2, ) Equipment obstruction (9.5.4)

54 May Warn, then Awards Rules through (same fielder) Not in possession of ball nor in act of fielding a batted ball Intentionally altering the course of a fair ball ** Positioning herself in runner s line of vision to obviously prohibit her from seeing the first touch of a fly ball ** In the act of fielding a batted ball but intentionally alters her motion to obstruct ** Fakes a tag without the ball on a runner advancing or returning to a base, and runner impeded ** Obstructs during a rundown

55 Warn then Award For subsequent same violation, same player Fielder obstructing a runner rounding a base. ( ) Fielder obstructing a runner returning to or leading off a base. ( ) Fielder using force to push a runner off the base she possesses to put her out. ( ) Fielder positioning herself in the base runner s line of vision to obviously distract her or intentionally prohibit her from seeing the release of the pitch. ( ) Reminder same violation by same player

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57 Ejections Warning then ejection Fielder positioning herself in the batter s line of vision or acting in a manner to distract the batter. ( ) Immediate ejection Fielder flagrantly (with excessive force) impeding the batter, batterrunner or base runner. ( ) Fielder attempting to put out a runner occupying a base by using excessive force to push her off the occupied base. ( )

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59 Umpiring the Obstruction Rule MECHANICS AND GAME MANAGEMENT

60 Guidelines for umpires One of the toughest calls ALWAYS be aware/watching for obstruction every play Very alert when base being blocked - strong potential Umpires should focus on their priorities as the runner approaches the base: fielder s position, runner s action and ball location When runner alters path because fielder blocking a base without the ball obstruction should be called immediately. The fielder has impeded the runner and obstruction must be called. Do not wait until the play is imminent; call it as soon as you see it.

61 Read the play as it develops Initial set up of the fielder Blocking the whole base/plate or base path without the ball? If so, stay attuned, but hold the obstruction call If stays there and runner not clearly beaten by the throw, call obstruction Subsequent movement of fielder Initial set up legal but repositions to catch throw and blocks base without ball - obstruction Initial set up not legal but adjusts to a legal position soon enough, not obstruction.

62 Runner s path Has relevance in determining if fielder blocking * Recognize fielder s set up, look at runner s approach Clear path to the base/plate or not At the plate this is probably more obvious from a position somewhere between the point of plate and 3 rd base line extended.

63 Subsequent actions So we ruled obstruction Our job on the play is not over If the runner is apparently put out, the ball is dead Obstructed runner awarded the base Other runners placed? If the runner is safe, the ball remains live Keep umpiring! If runner violates collision rule it take precedence Ball is dead, runner is out, possibly ejected Runners return to base occupied at time of collision.

64 Obstruction then Collision/crash Consider as the play is developing Is the fielder in the way? See the whole play If she blocks, don t let her get clocked If you have doubt bring the crew together Was there a violation of the collision rule? If so, was the act a flagrant infraction?

65 This play not obstruction Consider same play but catcher was obstructing Collision takes precedence

66 Use the rule book words Coach, in my judgment your third baseman impeded the progress of a runner who was legally running the bases

67 Use the rule book words Coach, in my judgment both the fielder and runner were acting appropriately for that play Coach still wants either interference or obstruction called: Coach, simply because there is contact does not mean that obstruction or interference has occurred

68 Checked Swing 11.10

69 Rule has a Note!! Four factors to consider Make an attempt? Barrel of bat? Roll her wrists? Swing through the ball huh? Must the umpire go for help?

70 Umpiring the Check Swing Mechanics, Game Management, and Surgery

71 Guidelines for umpires Plate Umpire Include this topic during pre-game discussion Rule a swing only if you have no doubt whatsoever Once ruled a strike, it is a strike forever If even a slim shadow of doubt exists Rule the pitch a ball unless in strike zone Then go get help. You do not have to be asked. If maybe the batter swung or unable to check her swing Be proactive

72 Base Umpires Pre-pitch preparation must include check swings Watch batter s movement with bat on every pitch Decide on every pitch on which the batter moved her bat is it a swing? Unless another immediately responsibility Stay focused on plate area few seconds after pitch Sometimes request is delayed no surprises!

73 Wrinkle in the Rule If out made on bases in addition and out on a swing Check-swing out assessed before the out on stealing runner Important with two outs and two strikes Rare occurrence - PU declare out on batter Make sure both sides know Eliminates confusion - who is first batter next inning.

74 Video

75 Use the rule book words Coach, in my judgment your batter had part of her foot touching the ground outside the lines of the batter s box at the time of the bat/pitch contact And I will continue to watch it as best as I can

76 Assignors Presentations KOLLEN, VENDITTO, HELSING, JOHNSON

77 Jim Johnson Inclement Weather Procedure Being sent to CC Commisioners Example next slide

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79 Bruce Helsing Game Reports Arbiter Lists/Forms (screen capture next slide) Suggestion Download to computer Rename with date of game, home team Go to your schedule If do it day of game, big red R If not, select Last 7 Days

80 Game and Incident Reports

81 COLLEGE PLATE UMPIRE GAME REPORT USE THE BIG RED R to do your brief report within 24 hours of the scheduled game time. Please use the following five-questions as a guideline to complete your report. Perhaps you save this as a WORD document and use it each time to fill in your response...then place in the "Comment" section of your report Actual time the game started Bat checks: Did the coach have the current bat list? Were the bat lists completed properly by the coaches upon pre-game inspection? Were the bats laid out in front of the dugout in order? Any items coaches were annoyed about? Warnings? Chirping issues? What could the crew have done differently, etc. Any issues with illegal pitches?

82 Incident Report For ejection or huge problem that has to get reported DO NOT use the NCAA REPORT form

83 Joanne Venditto

84 Wrap Up Rich Kollen