Thursday, January 14, 2010
• Non-permanent lines on the playing field shall be white in color. If lines are permanent, such as one artificial turf, non-white lines are legal. Non-permanent lines must be white so that there is a clear contrast between the lines and the color of the field. Umpires must be able to see the lines in order to make a proper ruling. The on-deck circle should be to the side and away from home plate, 37 feet if space allows. Neither team’s players shall warm up in the other team’s on-deck circle. With the recreational league you will notice that the other team shall send an on-deck batter to the other warm up circle when the batter bats opposite for their safety they will warm up on in the circle behind the batter at that time. The on-deck circle does not have to be occupied, but if a player wishes to warm up, he shall do so only in the on-deck circle, provided the on-deck circle is located safely away from home plate.
• Teams are allowed to temporarily extend the dugout area by declaring and marking off an additional area of dead-ball territory. If dugouts are extended, it is required that such extension be in a direction opposite home plate. The distance from the rear tip of home plate to the middle of second base is 127 feet 3 3/8 inches.
• Please note Game management is not required to mark off a designated media area, but must do so before the game starts if it wants to permit photographers on the field during the game. If an area is not designated and marked, media are prohibited from being on the field throughout the game. By state adoption a double first base is permitted. The double first base shall be a white base and a colored base. The colored base shall be located entirely in foul territory. The ball shall be a sphere formed by yarn wound around a small core of cork, rubber or similar material and covered with two strips of white horsehide or two strips of white cowhide tightly stitched together. Teams must furnish a minimum of three umpire approved baseballs at the start of the game. Unless otherwise mutually agreed upon, the home team has this responsibility. The NFHS Authenticating Mark is required on all balls that will be used in high school competition. A current list of NFHS authenticated products can be found on the web site: www.nfhs.org.
• All non-wood bats shall meet the Ball Exit Speed Ratio (BESR) performance standard, and such bats shall be labeled with a silk screen or other permanent certification mark. There shall be no devices, attachments or wrappings that cause the handle to become flush with the knob. Molded grips are illegal. No BESR label, sticker or decal will be permitted on any non-wood bat.
• Only bats and devices designed to remain part of the bat, such as weighted bats, batting donuts, and wind-resistant devices, may be use for loosening up in the on-deck warn-up circle only. The use of a sledgehammer is not permitted with the rules.
• If a bat is broken, cracked or dented, it shall be removed without penalty. A bat that continually discolors the ball may be removed from the game with no penalty at the discretion of the umpire.
• In high school baseball, a glove and mitt is the same thing. The glove/mitt worn by all fielders other than the catcher shall conform to the following spec’s:
a. Height (measured from the bottom edge or heel straight up across the center of the palm to a line even with the highest point of the glove/mitt): 14 inches.
b. Width of palm (measured from the bottom edge of the webbing farthest from the thumb in a horizontal line to the outside of the little finger edge of the glove/mitt): 8 inches.
c. Webbing (measured across the top end or along any line parallel to the top): 5 ¾ inches.
d. A catcher’s glove/mitt may be any size.
e. A glove may not use an adhesive, sticky, and/or tacky surface, but a glove/mitt may be softened with conditioner, provided it does not create a sticky or tacky adhesive surface.
f. A pitcher may not wear a glove that contains white or gray in color. If the glove is discolored while he’s pitching the penalty is that he must replace the illegal glove with a legal one.
If a throw hits loose equipment, such as gloves, bats, helmets or catcher’s gear, the umpire may call an out(s), award bases or return runners based on his judgment and the circumstances concerning the play.
All members of the same team should wear uniforms of the same color and style. Caps and shoes are required equipment, when a player is required to wear head protector; it replaces the cap as mandatory equipment.
When a team wears a vest style jersey, pitchers are allowed to wear white or gray under sleeves as long as the team is wearing all white /gray. However, a pitcher’s with/gray sleeves may NOT extend below the elbow. Pitcher are allowed to wear medical sleeves that extend below the elbow. However, they may not be white/gray in color.
While individual players may have different sleeve lengths, sleeves of each individual player shall be approximately the same length and shall not be ragged, frayed of slit. The pitcher may not wear white or gray under sleeves if they are exposed. A pitcher also shall not wear any item on his hands, wrists or arms which maybe distracting to the batter. The pitcher may not ware white wristbands.
The uniform (including pants, jersey, visible undergarments, socks, stocking, caps and headwear) may bear a visible single manufacture’s logo. Each item of the uniform may have a single American Flag (n larger than 2 inches x 3 inches). By state association adoption, to allow for special occasions, commemorative or memorial patches that are uniformly placed, not to exceed 4 square inches, may be worn on jersey in an appropriate and dignified manner without compromising the integrity of the uniform. Coaches may, but are not required to wear helmets while coaching, but all non- adult personnel must wear a double ear flap helmet that meets NOCSAE standards when coaching the bases.
All batting helmets must meet the NOCSAE standard, must have extended ear flap that cover both ear and temples and also display the NOCSAE stamp and the exterior warning statement.
The warning statement may be affixed to the helmet in sticker form, or it may be embossed at the time of manufacture.
The catcher shall wear a head protector, a mask with a throat protector, body protector and baseball protective shin guards. Male catchers shall also wear a protective cup. To be legal, a catcher’s helmet and mask combination shall meet the NOCSAE standard, have full ear protection and have a throat protector that adequately covers the throat. The commercially manufactured catcher’s head, face and throat protection may be a one-piece or multi-piece design.
Defensive players are permitted to wear face/head protection in the field, as long if has a non-glare surface.
All casts, splints and braces must be padded with at least one-half inch of closed-cell, slow recovery rubber or other material of the same minimum thickness and having similar physical properties. No protective equipment shall have exposed metal or any other material.
DEFINITIONS:
The basis for understanding any material is knowing and understanding the terms that are used. It is imperative that instead of overlooking or browsing through the rule book all of these terms. It should be completely and comprehended by all umpires and coaches. Example:
• A batted or thrown ball is in flight until it has touched the ground or some other object other than a fielder.
• A batter-runner is a player who has finished a time at bat until he is put out or until playing action ends.
• A catch is the act of a fielder in getting secure possession in his hand or glove of a live ball in flight and firmly holding it, provided he does not use his cap, protector, mask, pocket or other part of his uniform to trap the ball.
• Obstruction is an act (international or unintentional, as well as physical or verbal) by a fielder, any member of the defensive team or its team personnel that hinders a runner or changes the pattern of play.
• A run is the score made by a runner who legally advances to and touches home plate.
• The sticks zone is that space over home plate, the top of which is halfway between the batter’s shoulders and the waistline, and the bottom being the knees, when he assumes his natural batting stance.
Runners must touch all bases when advancing, whether during a live or dead ball. When bases are awarded, it is the right to advance without a play being made that is awarded.
A balk is an illegal act committed by the pitcher with a runner or runners on base which entitles each runner to advance one base. It is not necessary to throw four intentional balls for an intentional walk. The defensive coach or catcher may request the umpire award the batter first base-before pitching to the batter or on any ball-and strike count. The ball shall be declared dead before making the award.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
• A rule that should supersede any and all rules, that should always be kept in mind, sell your call(s). Be loud and sure of your call, don’t rush your call but make it loud.
• Always by far keep your eye on the ball, where ever it goes, always, always keep your eye on the ball, weather working the plate or the field in a one, two, three or more man system
• Teams may not temporarily extend the dugout any closer toward home plate. Teams may only extend the dugout in a direction away from home plate and in line with the current dugout.
• Assistant coaches are not permitted to leave the dugout or the coaching box for the purposes of arguing with an umpire. The assistant coach is restricted to the dugout or ejected and the head coach is restricted to the dugout. If an assistant coach has left the box for another purpose (for example, returning to the dugout in between innings), he may still be ejected for arguing with an umpire, but the head coach is not affected.
• A pitcher is in the set position may have his arm hanging at his side or slightly in front of him. This stance, commonly called the “gorilla stance” is legal as long as the arm is not moving. If the arm is moving, the pitcher is committed to pitch. If he fails to do so with a runner on base, the pitcher has balked.
POINTS OF EMPHASIS:
• For the head coach, the duties of controlling the dugout and team behavior includes being both accountable and responsible for the actions of assistant coaches and all other team personnel. The head coach is the only coach responsible for communicating with umpires, and it is not the role of the assistant coach to dispute or appeal play situations and rulings.
• Umpires and coaches need to work together. Each contest is another opportunity for coaches and umpires to teach not only baseball, but also a model good sporting behavior as well. The positive values that are learned will serve the players long after their baseball experience has concluded.
• Altering bats by such methods as rolling, shaving the bat wall, flattening or otherwise manipulating the bat from its original manufactured condition is not legal and can result in the bat being declared illegal by the umpires. Coaches must insist that the players use only legal equipment not only because it is a rule, but it is in the best interest of the principals of fair play and sportsmanship.
• Rule 10-2-3a requires that umpires inspect all bats (and helmets) prior to the start of a contest. That is a rule to ensure that only legal equipment is used and helps protect the health and safety of the players, coaches and umpires. That important duty cannot be ignored by umpires and must result in cooperation from team members and coaches.
• The sports Medicine Advisory Committee has set forth guidelines on concussions. The Committee is concerned that players are being allowed to competitive activity sooner then the guidelines recommend. Coaches and athletic trainers are encouraged review the guidelines and to strictly adhere to them.
• No weather condition poses a greater danger for baseball participants than lightning. NFHS has developed guidelines to assist schools, coaches and umpires in handling instances where lightning poses a threat. From the time thunder or lightning is observed, play should be suspended for a minimum of 30 minutes from the last sound of thunder or observed lightning flash.
• The baseball rules committee is concerned that the application of the “Three-Foot Running Lane Violation”, this rule is not being enforced consistently or properly. The batter-runner is required by rule (8-4-1g) to be in the running lane when the ball is beings fielded or thrown to first base. The runner is allowed to run outside the running lane to avoid contact with the fielder who is in the act of fielding or throwing a ball. The batter-runner must be entirely inside of the running lane. If either foot is outside the running lane, the batter-runner is considered to be outside the running lane.
• At this level the most basic rule of baseball is the first in the book: ”Each team is permitted seven turns at bat during which it attempts to score runs by having its batters become base runners who advance…to home plate. The team in the field attempts to end each turn at bat of the opponent by causing three… to be out.”
The first section of the rules deals with the field on which the game is played and the equipment that is used by all players.
Unlike other sports, where the court or field size and the equipment are standard throughout, baseball a 90-foot square. The equipment that the players use also vary widely, as different participants prefer various size gloves and bats.
With all of the possible difference, the Baseball Rules Committee has instituted limits as to size of equipment to ensure an equal balance between offense and defense.
• Each team’s head coach and captains (if available) shall attend the pregame plate meeting with the umpires. The name and shirt number of each eligible substitute should be listed on the lineup card. There is no penalty if substitutes are not listed.
• The first baseman with a runner on base, is considered to be in fair ground, since he has at least one foot in fair ground, even on first base and the other is in foul territory. He would have to have both feet in foul territory at the time of the pitch to be violation of the rule.
• A diamond (or infield) shall be a 90 foot square. When measuring the distance to first base and third, measuring from the apex of home plate to the back edge of the plate. The outfield is the area between two foul lines formed by extending two sides of the diamond.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Although the umpire must know all the rules, in reality, only a few come into play in most games. This document will focus on rules that need to be applied to situations that occur in almost every game. An umpire can refer to the rule book when an unusual play occurs, but he should know exactly what to do when the common plays occur.
In my opinion, an umpire should thoroughly understand INTERFERENCE, COLLISIONS, OBSTRUCTION, AWARD OF BASES, APPEALS and BALKS. If you work Little League Baseball, you should understand rule 7.13, the rule that applies to a runner leaving his base before the pitch reaches the batter. These subjects and the rules that apply to them are the focus of this document.
Awards of Bases Reference
Much confusion exists regarding the proper award of bases after a ball enters dead ball territory.
The most common myth is the statement "he gets 1 plus 1." This is not correct. Rule 7.05 covers award of bases and an umpire must know all the details of this rule. Rule 7.05(g) is the focus of this document.
The basic thing to remember is:
When the pitcher throws the ball into dead ball territory while he is in contact with the rubber, the runners are awarded one base. If he is not in contact with the rubber he is a fielder. When any fielder throws the ball into dead ball territory, the runners are awarded two bases.
The complicated part of this rule is deciding from what position the two bases are awarded. There are several exceptions that can affect the award. I will try to simplify making the decision.
If the throw was the first play by an infielder, the award is two bases from where the runners were at the time the pitch was thrown in 99% of the plays. There is an exception that will be described later. Time of pitch is when the pitcher began his motion to the plate. "Where the runners were" means from the last legally held base. The direction they were running or how far between bases they were has nothing to do with the award. They get 2 bases closer to home plate from wherever they were positioned.
If the throw was the second play by an infielder, or any play by an outfielder, the award is two bases from the time the throw left the fielder's hand. The moment when the ball enters dead ball territory has no effect on the determination of the placement of the runners. The placement is from where the runners were at the time of the pitch or the time the throw left the thrower's hand depending on whether the play was the first play by an infielder or some other play.
A key thought to remember is:
"first play by an infielder = time of pitch. Second play or outfielder = time of release." The award is always two bases. The only decision is; from where?
EXCEPTIONS:
If ALL runners including the batter runner have advanced one base before the first play by an infielder, the award is from time of release. The key word is ALL. Example: Runner on second. A high pop-up is hit to the shortstop. The runner holds. The shortstop drops the ball, then throws to first attempting to get the batter who has already rounded the base before the release of the throw, and the ball enters dead ball territory. This was the first play by an infielder which means the award is from time of pitch. The exception states that ALL runners must advance a base before the time of release award is used. Because the runner at second held his base, the award is from time of pitch.
A play for purposes of this rule is a legitimate attempt to retire a runner. A throw to a base, an attempted tag or attempting to touch a base for a force out are plays. A fake throw or fielding a batted ball are not.
PLAY:
Runner on first. Ground ball to SS. The throw to second is too late and R1 is safe. The second baseman throws to first and the ball goes into dead ball area. R1 is awarded home and the batter is awarded second. This was the second play so time of release applies. R1 was at second when the throw was made. The batter was not at first at the time of the release.
An infielder is always an infielder for purposes of this rule even if he has gone into the outfield. Anytime the infielder's throw is the second throw after the batted ball has been fielded, the time of throw will apply in determining the award.
The catcher is an infielder for purposes of this rule. If he throws a batted ball out of play as the first play, the award is from time of pitch. If he throws away a ball on a second play or one in which the batter has not become a runner, the award is from time of throw.
THE APPEAL REFERENCE
APPEAL is an act of a fielder in claiming violation of the rules by the offensive team.
Appeals must be made while the ball is in play. (Alive). When the ball is dead, it becomes in play when the pitcher has the ball and is on the rubber and the umpire says "play."
When the ball is alive an appeal may be made by the defense in any of the following ways;
1. by touching the runner whom they believe committed a base running infraction;
2. or by touching the base they believe was missed while the runner was advancing;
3. or by touching the original base that a runner left before a fly ball was caught.
In all cases, the defense must make a verbal appeal to the umpire or complete an act that is unmistakably an appeal. Accidentally touching a base that was missed is not an appeal. A throw to a base to catch a runner who had not retouched is unmistakably an appeal.
Appeals must be made before the next pitch or play. If the defense makes an appeal after "time" has been called, the umpire should say "put the ball in play and appeal again." Since no runner may advance or be put out while the ball is dead, this is not a play and the defense has not lost their right to appeal after the ball is put in play.
The appeal itself is not a play. A fake throw to hold a runner is not a play. It is a play when a balk is committed during an appeal. Plays that occur during "continuous action" after an infraction do not cancel the defense's right to appeal.
The defense loses their right to appeal when any of the following actions occur:
1. When the throw made in an appeal attempt goes into dead ball territory. When this occurs no more appeals may be made at any base. This is an "err" on an appeal and is interpreted to be the same as a play.
2. A balk is committed before or as part of an appeal attempt.
3. A pitch is made to the batter.
4. A play is made that is not part of continuous action.
Continuous action example:
Runner on first misses second as he advances to third on a hit. The defense makes a play on him at third and he is safe. The play was part of continuous action after the hit, therefore, the defense may appeal the infraction at second.
An appeal should be clearly intended as an appeal, either by a verbal request by the player or an act that unmistakably indicates to the umpire that it is an appeal.
Rule 7.10 covers appeals.
THE BALK REFERENCE
This document will not attempt to cover everything regarding balks. It will cover the most frequently asked questions.
First, a bit about the basics of the balk rule. The purpose of the rule is to limit what the pitcher is allowed to do in an attempt to pick off a runner. Basically, it is pretty simple:
He cannot fake one thing and then do another. He cannot fake a pitch and then throw to a base, or fake a throw to a base and then pitch. If he starts either action, he must finish that action without hesitation or alteration. The rule specifies many specific actions, but it is a judgment of the umpire as to whether one action was started and not completed or not.
A. The pitcher does not have to step off the rubber to throw to a base. (You don't want to throw to a base after stepping off. If the throw goes out of play it is a 2 base award. If the throw goes out of play when throw is from the rubber it is a 1 base award.)
B. The pitcher may throw from the rubber to a base from the windup position. (It must be done before any movement that is part of the normal motion that is part of his windup.)
C. The pitcher may fake a throw to second or third base from the rubber, but not to first base. This may be done from the windup or the set position. (You do not have to step off the rubber to fake to 2nd or 3rd. Only if you fake to 1st.)
D. A jump turn is legal and considered being in contact with the rubber.
E. The pitcher may place his hands in a different set location before each pitch. He must come to a set before pitching to the batter, but not before throwing to a base. He may not set twice before the pitch.
F. A stretch move prior to the set is optional.
G. He must disengage the rubber with his pivot foot first.
H. He must step in the direction of the throw and prior to the release of the throw.
Once he is on the rubber he may do one of three things:
1. Throw to a base
2. Deliver a pitch
3. Disengage the rubber (pivot foot first)
In (1) and (2) above, the move must be completed without interruption or alteration, except for a fake to 2nd or 3rd.
The ball is not immediately dead if a pitch or throw is completed after the umpire yells "That's a balk."
Example play:
A runner is on second, 2-2 count. The pitcher stretches, but doesn't come to a set before delivering the pitch. The umpire yells "Balk!", but the pitch is thrown and the batter hits a grounder to shortstop. F5 looks the runner back and throws to first too late to get BR. What's the call?Where do you place the runners?
Answer: R2 is awarded third and the batter returns to the plate with the count 2-2.
In Pro rules, and Little League®, the ball is not immediately dead when a balk is called. If the pitch is thrown or a pick-off attempt is made the ball is still live. (Sometimes called delayed dead ball.) The ball becomes dead when all play has ended after the balk call or when the pitch or pick-off throw is caught.
Rule 8.05 - PENALTY: The ball is dead, and each runner shall advance one base without liability to be put out, unless the batter reaches first on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter, or otherwise, and all other runners advance at least one base, in which case the play proceeds without reference to the balk.
APPROVED RULING: In cases where a pitcher balks and throws wild, either to a base or to home plate, a runner or runners may advance beyond the base to which he is entitled at his own risk.
It took me a long time to understand the wording in this rule. What it means in simpler terms is: When the play ends, the ball is dead. When a balk is committed and a pitch is thrown, if all offensive players advance at least one base on the play; ignore the balk. If ANY runner is put out BEFORE he advances one base or does not advance during the play; put everyone back where they were before the play began and then award all runners one base. If a runner is put out after all runners have advanced one base, the out stands and the balk is ignored.
The ball becomes dead when the catcher catches the pitch. If it is a passed ball or wild pitch, the ball remains alive until all play ends. When the balk is made in a pick-off attempt, the ball is dead when the fielder catches the throw. If the throw is wild, play continues.
Example: Runner on first. The pitcher balks during his throw to first and the ball gets away from the first baseman. The runner attempts to get to third and is thrown out. The out stands. He made the one base he would have been awarded and went beyond it at his own risk. If he had been thrown out at second the out would not count and he would be awarded second because of the balk
Rule 8.05 covers balks.
See also: Balk details
INTERFERENCE CALLS
I believe interference is the toughest call an umpire has to make. It is a call based solely on the umpire's judgment. To make a good judgment as to whether or not interference occurred, the umpire must understand the definition as stated in the rules so it can be recognized when it occurs. After interference is called, the proper rule must be applied.
The definition as stated in Rule 2.00 is:
"(a) Offensive interference is an act by the team at bat which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play. If the umpire declares the batter, batter-runner, or a runner out for interference, all other runners shall return to the last base that was in the judgment of the umpire, legally touched at the time of the interference, unless otherwise provided by these rules.
In the event the batter-runner has not reached first base, all runners shall return to the base last occupied at the time of the pitch.
(b) Defensive interference is an act by a fielder which hinders or prevents a batter from hitting a pitch."
It should be noted that (b) above is the only defensive interference. Hindering the runner by the defense is OBSTRUCTION.
How do we interpret this rule? The key, is to focus on the phrase "interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses." Those words cover a lot of actions. The umpire, after witnessing an act by the offense must ask himself the following question; "Did the offense interfere with, obstruct, impede, hinder or confuse the fielder attempting to make the play?" If the answer is yes, interference should be called. The call must be made as soon as possible. When interference is called the ball is immediately dead and no runners may advance beyond the base they held at the time of the interference. The umpire must be aware of where all runners are at the time of the call. When the interference occurs the umpire immediately calls it. You do not wait to see the outcome of the play.
Some interference calls are easy.
Example: If a runner is hit by a batted ball he is out and no judgment of intent is required unless he is hit by a deflected ball, or the ball has passed on infielder, in which case the umpire must decide if he intended to be hit to interfere, obstruct, impede, hinder or confuse the defense or if another fielder had a play on the ball. Rule 5.09(f) and 7.08(f).
Example: A runner must avoid a fielder attempting to field a BATTED BALL. If he does not he is guilty. This is a fairly easy call. Rule 7.09(L) and 7.08(b).
The fielder's protection begins the moment the ball is hit. That protection continues as he completes his initial play. His protection ends if he misplays the batted ball and has to move to recover it. Contact with the fielder is not necessary for interference to be called.
When a ball is hit, you have to judge which fielder has the best chance to field the ball. That fielder is then "protected" meaning; must not be interfered with, from the time the ball leaves the bat, up through the gloving of the ball and the act of throwing. The fielder is protected even if he started to field the ball from outside the basepath and then moved into it to field the ball. The runner must avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball. Rule 7.09(L). He must avoid the fielder and not interfere with him during the entire time that the fielder is in protected status and in all areas including the basepath.
Interference is the act of hindering or obstructing a fielder attempting to make a play. A "Play" is the act of throwing, or attempting a tag of a runner or a base, or an attempt to catch a throw.
Difficult calls are the ones involving thrown balls. Interference with a thrown ball must be judged as an intentional act. Rule 7.08(b), 7.09(L). If a runner is hit by a thrown ball while running the bases, he is not out unless the umpire judges that the runner intentionally interfered, obstructed, hindered or confused the defense attempting to make a play.
Some examples of interference are:
A.Yelling at a fielder as he attempts a catch or play (Note that the rule states "the team at bat.." This includes coaches and players on the bench.
B. Waving his arms to distract the fielder
C.Making contact with the fielder as he attempts a throw
D.Making contact or otherwise interfering with the fielder as he attempts to catch a batted ball
E. Making INTENTIONAL contact with a fielder as he attempts to catch a thrown ball. The runner has a right to the base path except when a fielder is attempting to field a BATTED ball
F. Making INTENTIONAL contact with a thrown ball
G. Stopping directly in front of a fielder attempting to field a ground ball
COLLISIONS v INTERFERENCE REFERENCE
The runner has a right to an unobstructed path while running the bases. The fielder has a right to make a play without interference. The runner has the right to the base path except when a fielder is attempting to field a BATTED BALL or has possession of the ball.
Sometimes when the runner and fielder collide, no penalty should be applied. The umpire must judge whether someone's rights were violated.
This applies mainly to plays where the throw and the runner are arriving at the same time. There is no such thing as a must slide rule. When a runner collides with a fielder attempting to field a batted ball, he should be called out in almost all cases. If the runner collides with a fielder attempting to catch a throw, the umpire must first decide if the collision was intentional, then decide if the act interfered with, impeded, hindered or confused the fielder. If the runner is legally in the base path and simply running the bases when a collision occurs, he is not out. If he deviates from his path and/or intentionally interferes, or makes malicious contact, he is out. In sliding to a base he must be able to reach out and touch the base with his hand. If he slides into a fielder while more than an arms length from the base it is interference if the fielder is attempting a play. If a runner goes into a base standing up AND this act hindered the fielder in an attempt to make a play, it is interference. This hinderance would have to be by contacting the fielder while in the act of throwing or attempting to throw. If the fielder makes no attempt to throw simply because the runner is in the base line standing up; this is NOT interference. If he does not slide, he must not touch the fielder while he is attempting a play. If the runner has already been put out before he interferes, then the ball is dead and the runner being played upon is also out.
The "must slide" rule is a myth. Only when the fielder has possession of the ball, is the runner required to make a choice of actions. The runner has two choices, slide OR attempt to get around the fielder. He is not required to slide only.
If the throw is almost to the fielder and a collision occurs; it is not interference or obstruction. It is a collision and neither player is penalized. However, intentional, malicious contact is never allowed. If the runner does it, call him out and eject him. If the fielder does it, award the base to the runner and eject the fielder.
Rule 7.09 is the main rule that covers interference. Rule 2.00 Interference and 2.00 Obstruction. Rule 7.08(b).
BATTER INTERFERENCE REFERENCE
Many people believe the batter's box is a safety zone for the batter. It is not. The batter MAY be called out for interference although he is within the box. The key words, impede, hinder, confuse or obstruct apply to this situation.
An umpire must use good judgment. The batter cannot be expected to immediately disappear. If he has a chance to avoid interference after he has had time to react to the situation and does not, he is guilty. If he just swung at a pitch, or had to duck a pitch and is off-balance, he can't reasonably be expected to then avoid a play at the plate. The batter should always be called out when he makes contact and is outside the box
OBSTRUCTION REFERENCE
Obstruction is called when the defense hinders the runners ability to run the bases. There are two different applications of the rule. One causes an immediate dead ball and the other is delayed dead. If a play is being made on a runner who is obstructed, the ball is immediately dead. If no play is being made the ball is delayed dead. A play for purposes of this rule is when the ball is in-flight heading toward the base the runner is heading, an attempted tag, or when the runner is caught in a run-down.The rule book definition is:
"OBSTRUCTION is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner.
If a fielder is about to receive a thrown ball and if the ball is in flight directly toward and near enough to the fielder so he must occupy his position to receive the ball he may be considered "in the act of fielding a ball." It is entirely up to the judgment of the umpire as to whether a fielder is in the act of fielding a ball. After a fielder has made an attempt to field a ball and missed, he can no longer be in the "act of fielding" the ball. For example: an infielder dives at a ground ball and the ball passes him and he continues to lie on the ground and delays the progress of the runner, he very likely has obstructed the runner."
A fake tag is considered obstruction.
The fielder may stand in the base path without the ball, IF, the throw is almost to him and he needs to be there to catch the ball. "Almost to him" is a judgment by the umpire. Some say that when a throw is over the infield grass and heading toward the fielder; the fielder is "in the act of fielding" and may stand where he needs to, to catch the ball. However, he may not actually block the base until he has possession of the ball. Until he has possession of the ball he must give the runner some way to get to the base. Obstruction can NEVER be called on a fielder for blocking a base; when he has possession of the ball.
As with interference, obstruction is also a tough judgment call. Contact between the runner and fielder is not necessary to meet the definition. If a runner must slow down or alter his path to avoid a fielder who is not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding, he has been obstructed.
If no play is being made on the runner at the time he is obstructed, the play continues. The tough part comes when the play stops. The umpire will award the runner the base to which the umpire believes he would have reached had he not been obstructed. For example: the batter hits a ball in the gap for what looks like an easy double. No play is being made on him. As he rounds first the fielder is in his path and they collide. The batter stops at first. The umpire will award the runner second base if he believes the runner would have made it there had he not been obstructed.
It does not matter where the obstruction occurs. If a runner is obstructed at first base and the umpire believes he could have made it to third base, he will be awarded third. The umpire must be the judge. If, in the umpire's judgment, a runner is slowed down by one step at first and then is thrown out by five steps at third, the out should stand.
An immediate dead ball obstruction is called when obstruction occurs while a play is being made on the runner. For example: a runner on first is attempting to reach third on a hit. He is obstructed by a fielder between second and third as the throw from the outfield is heading toward third. This is a play on the runner. The umpire should call "time" when the obstruction occurs and award the runner third base. Another example is a run-down play. It does not matter which way the runner is heading. If he is obstructed while being played upon in a run-down, he is awarded at least one base beyond the last base he held.
If a runner is obstructed attempting to get back to first on a pick-off play, the ball is dead and he is awarded second. If a runner is awarded bases due to obstruction; runners ahead of him are forced to the next base. However, trailing runners are not always given another base when obstruction awards a lead runner another base.
Rule 7.06 covers obstruction. 7.06(a) is when a play is being made and 7.06(b) is when there is no play being made.
Professionalism
"What do you mean professionalism, I'm only a high school umpire?"
Attend any collegiate or national umpiring conference, and one of the first words you hear out the keynote speakers mouth is professionalism. One and all think to them selves, "I've got that covered, where is the SEC assignor?" You generally here this "conference professionalism" described as, look the part of an umpire, be groomed neatly, have a tailored uniform, always polish your shoes, etc., etc. We have all heard it, and everybody is going to hear it again. Don't get me wrong, these are important keys to becoming the best umpire you can, but if all it took was polished shoes, and shaving every morning to become an NL umpire, we'd have 1000 times as many umpires as players.
When I'm talking about professionalism, I'm talking about an attitude or better described as a confidence and knowledge that should be carried by all umpires. From the 14 year old umpires working their first year of little league, to 30 year veterans working the NCAA Div. 1, College World Series. This confidence ISN'T arrogance, it is a confidence in knowing that when you walk onto that field, you are there to do a job as defined by your rule book and to enforce your rules as defined by common sense, the spirit of those rules, and interpretation of those rules by your case book. As a umpire you have one of the least forgiving, least understood, and most under-appreciated jobs in the world. You must be prepared, before you walk onto that field, for anything to happen, and expect that anything to happen on every pitch. Being a true professional prepares you for that.
The two items that compose this professionalism are knowledge and confidence. A basic knowledge is required to umpire baseball period, but a true knowledge of umpiring lies a complete understanding of the rules, correct positioning, and proper mechanics.
1. An understanding of the rules, is probably the easiest cornerstone of umpiring to grasp. Begin with a basic knowledge and expand it. Read 10 pages of your rule book a day during baseball season. It takes ten minutes, and will expand your comprehension of the rules enormously.
2. Correct positioning is in the simplest terms, angle and distance. Understand that having a proper angle is more important that being five feet from the play. Most umpires use two-man mechanics and it isn't possible to be standing directly behind the bag to make each call. Know where you need to be, get a good angle, see the play, and make the call.
3. Proper mechanics allow you as an umpire to correctly communicate with your partner, and to allow your self as an umpire to be in the best possible position to see the play. Proper two-man mechanics get you in correct position, and lets the rest fall into place.
The confidence portion of professionalism, is really the part of umpiring that you won't find in the rule book. This confidence allows you to deal with situations that don't normally occur, and to best handle outlying factors during a game. Utilizing these six keys will make the greatest difference in your ability to umpire effectively.
1. Get the call right!
If you have to sell the call, then you probably didn't get the call right. I don't like hearing from association presidents "if all else fails, sell the call." It is better to stop and discuss the situation with your partner, and even get the rule book out if necessary, and ultimately get the call right, then to decide something on the fly and have it come back to bite you in the end. Our job as umpires is to be the final authority during a baseball game, and that requires for you to get the call correct at all costs. Use your keys of understanding the rules, correct positioning and proper mechanics to put you in the best frame of mind and best position to make the call and to get it right.
2. Competitiveness
Accept the fact the every player is giving their maximum effort, you should too. Being lazy will let the game slip away from you. As an umpire you have to be willing to call the first pitch of the game the same way you call the last pitch of the game. If you don't your going to be in trouble. Realize that every pitch means something to someone on that field, and it should be important to you also. That 0-2 pitch, in the bottom of the fifth inning, that is low and outside may mean you get to go home if you call it a strike, but it may be the only at bat this player gets all month long. If you call a strike because you want to go home, you have done yourself and those players a disservice, you should have found somebody else to do the game for you. That pitch is important to that player, and it should be important to you.
3. Every blue shirt doesn't come with a license for respect
Just because you wear an umpire uniform doesn't mean you deserve respect. You don't deserve anything until you earn it. If you walk onto the field with the attitude that no matter what you call you are always right, then you do deserve something. You deserve to have that manager stapled to back riding you the entire game. Earn your respect with confidence, your knowledge of the rule, correct positioning, and proper mechanics.
4. Don't be afraid to answer questions
Answer all reasonable questions with reasonable answers. If a manager has a reasonable question, then tell him why you made the call the way you did. Don't allow a manager to use this chew on you, but use it as a tool to diffuse a situation and regain the confidence of players and managers. Remember, if you don't give a reasonable answer your not going to get a reasonable response.
5. Don't be the judge, jury and executioner
Your job is to umpire the game, not to pass judgment on individuals. Some players may not be the most outstanding of individuals, but don't let that distract you from what your job is. Accept the players for what they are, baseball players, and do your job, umpire the game. Control the game as necessary, and never pass judgment on players.
6. Most importantly, leave the game on the field!
Once the last strike is called, leave the baseball game on the field. Use the situations that happened during the game to make you a better umpire by going back and reading your rule book or asking another umpire, but that is as far as it goes. Managers that ate you up during that game are just regular people outside the diamond, as are you. Don't let a situation that occurred during the game relive itself somewhere else. Decide how the situation could have been handled better, learn from it, and let it go.
If you as an umpire can combine all these elements into your job, that is when you are a professional. We all have fell short at one time or another during a baseball game, but use those situations and these keys to continually improve as an umpire, and each time you walk onto the field think of yourself as a professional and your job as an umpire will become one that continually is filled with satisfaction.
The players arrive in uniform for the game; why shouldn't you? Wear nice pants, a solid, dark-colored shirt and a dark-colored cap to the game. Do your best to avoid wearing clothes or caps that sport logos or advertisements, as you don't want the players, coaches or parents distracted from the game.
To go hand-in-hand with this, arrive on time and prepared for the game. If you need to meet with the other umpires to coordinate signs or to discuss the game, do so before the game is set to start. Do not delay the game because you were unprepared.
Always watch the field
Baseball is a game that is constantly in motion. Whether you are behind the plate or umpiring from the field, be sure that you know where the ball, the runners and the batter are at all times. Action can happen after a call is made, so pay attention!
Similarly, you must watch each and every base runner to be sure that he touches the base while he is running, and that he does not leave his base too early on a hit or a pop-up. Coaches will call for appeals and it will be your responsibility to make sure that runners are not taking short cuts.
When you are behind the plate, it is your job to keep the game moving and to keep the players safe. You will be the one responsible for calling time outs, and consequently calling for play to resume. Signal the pitcher to play on only when all players are in their proper positions and ready to start again. Negligence on the field can result in missed calls or injured players.
Be mindful of the players
The most important thing you can do during a game is to be sure the players know what's going on. Call balls and strikes loudly to be sure that everyone can hear. Verbalize the count after each pitch so the batter, pitcher and catcher all know where they stand; this becomes especially important when there are two balls or three strikes.
You must also respect the players and their responsibilities. For instance, on ball four, do not tell the batter to take his base. It is the batter's responsibility to follow the count. Do not point to the base either, as this can be confused as the signal for a strike. Finally, do not attempt to coach a player by yelling "slide" or "hold up" to the runner. This is the coach's job, and if the player is listening to you he may be missing his coach's instructions.
Similarly, do not tell a batter that he is out after strike three. For youngsters and adolescents, striking out is humiliating enough without you yelling at them that they are out.
