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SOFTBALL UMPIRES’ CLINIC
TTU INTRAMURAL SPORTS OFFICE
EMPOLYEE EXPECTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Expectations & Responsibilities› Knowledge of sports rules and mechanics› Represent the Intramural Program positively as an official, player, and
spectator.› Serve as an impartial and fair official.› Be respectful to all players and participants.
– In the face of inappropriate language or comments directed at you, be professional.– Alert professional staff or a graduate assistant. We will back you up.
› Ensure a safe environment for all.– Safety is your number one priority as a sport official.
› Abstain from using tobacco products during Intramural Activities.› Arrive at least fifteen (15) minutes before the start of your shift.› Clothing
– Athletic clothing– Staff shirt– No jewelry, watches, wristbands etc
Even More Expectations & Responsibilities› Inform Leslie if you are playing for a team.› When seeking a trade or drop on W2W, please try to
give at least a one day (24 hours) notice.› Remember that all shifts are subject to approval, and
posting your shift does not guarantee your shift will be reassigned.
› If you attempt to pick up a shift, please remember that numerous factors will be considered, and you may or may not receive that shift.
› If your shift is not traded or assigned to another worker, you are responsible for covering your shift.
› In case of emergencies, contact Leslie or Victor ASAP.
Evaluation & Feedback› Officials will be evaluated regularly
each night.› When receiving feedback, ask plenty
of questions for clarification.› Be receptive to constructive feedback.
– Understand that your actions and decisions as an official are being evaluated, and it is not a personal attack.
› Being able to receive and apply feedback is indispensable.
Nightly Evaluation FormNAME ____________________________ __________________________ __________________________
POSITIVES
OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT
COMMUNICATION
POSITIONING & MECHANICS
APPEARANCE & PRESENTATION
GAME MANAGEMENT
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GENERAL CREW FEEDBACK
SOFTBALL BASICS
Playing Field
INFIELD
OUTFIELD
FOUL LINEFOUL LINE
Player Equipment› Athletic Clothing
– Clothing should allow freedom of movement.– Please remember to wear appropriate clothing.
› Hats– Any headwear with knots as well as hard plastic or
metal hair control devices are prohibited.
› No Jewelry!– Watches, earrings, rings, and necklaces can result in
injuries to players.– Religious and medical items are allowed. It needs to
be taped to the body or placed inside the shirt or jersey.
Player Equipment› Athletic Shoes
– Shoes must be worn at all times!– No vibrams– Molded rubber cleats, screw-in cleats, and molded
rubber cleats with metal tips are allowed.– No spiked cleats or screw-in metal cleats.
LEGAL!
ILLEGAL!
The Game› Players– A maximum of twelve players may be
added to the batting order.– Seven players are required to start the
game.– A maximum of ten players may take the
field.› When there are ten players, four players
must play the outfield.› The pitcher and catcher positions must be
filled at all times.
The Game: Equipment
› The Intramural Sports Office will provide the ball and balls for each contest.
› Personal bats must be presented for inspection.– We reserve the right to declare any bat illegal.– The owner allow the opposing team the
opportunity to use the bat. If the owner refuses, the bat cannot be used.
› Players in the field must wear gloves.› The catcher must wear a helmet and
facemask.
The Game: Team Areas› Team Dugouts & Supporters– Players
› Players that are not fielding, batting, or coaching are asked to remain in or near their teams dugout.
› A maximum of two coaches (1st Base & 3rd Base) are allowed on the field.
– Supporters› Supporters must remain off the playing field
and outside of the backstop.› Supporters should not kick or violently shake
and grab the fence.
The Game: Timing› Fifty Minute (50:00) Time Limit
– Regular season games may end in a tie.– At the expiration of the fifty-minute time limit,
an inning in progress shall be completed if the home team does not have the lead.
› During the postseason, extra innings shall be played until the score is no longer tied at the conclusion of an inning.
The Game: Scoring
› Home Run Rule– Participants in the IFC and
Men’s Divisions will be allowed five (5) home runs per game. Any home runs in excess of five (5) shall result in an automatic OUT.
› Mercy Rule– Please refer to the table for
related point differentials and number of completed innings.
Point Differential Innings Completed
20 Runs 3 Innings
15 Runs 4 Innings
10 Runs 5 Innings
PRE-GAME & POST-GAME RESPONSIBILITES
Pre-Game Responsibilities: Timeline› 15:00 to 10:00 before Game Time:– Ensure all officials are fully equipped
› Clickers› Watch
– Check players’ equipment.› Check for bat legality.› Check cleats.
– Check with the scorekeeper for any issues.– Answer any questions.
› 5:00 before Game Time– Conduct Captains’ Meeting
Pre-Game Responsibilities: Captain’s Meeting› Captain’s Meeting– Set the tone for the entire game (Very important)
› “Umpires officiate, players play, coaches coach, and fans cheer”– Review sportspersonship rules
› Affects postseason eligibility › Affects All-Points competition standings› Two Ejections = Forfeiture
– Review basic softball rules › Explain timing› Substitutions› Fair vs. Foul Balls› Dead Balls› Legal vs. Illegal Pitches
Post-Game Responsibilities› After the conclusion of the final
scheduled game:– Help gather equipment for storage
› Bats (2)› Softballs & Ball Sleeves › Bases
– Gather trash in dugouts and in spectator areas– Ask professional staff or a graduate assistant
if anything else needs to be completed– Clock out via the iPad or Thumbprint scanner– Go to sleep, stay up & watch TV etc
SOFTBALL CREW MECHANICS
Crew Mechanics: General
› Two-person or three person officiating mechanics
› Positions1. Plate Umpire2. Base Umpire(s)
› Coverage and responsibilities will change according to the location and number of baserunners.
Two-Person Crew Responsibilities
HOME PLATE UMPIREBalls & StrikesThe CountPlays at 3rd & Home PlateIllegal PitchesCatches in the OutfieldCalling Infield Fly ruleEnsuring runners touch basesCalling “time” after each play
BASE UMPIREPlays at 1st & 2nd
Plays at 3rd on a tripleOne base runnerLast base runner
Runners on tag up scenariosMaking sure runners touch basesEnforcing pitching regulationsEnsuring runners do not leave the base
early
Home Plate Umpire› Initial Position
– Stand behind/next to the catcher.– Stand on the same side as the batter.– Give yourself the best angle to see the
pitch height & the batter’s box.
› Fly Ball– Step out five to seven feet into the
infield
› Play at the Plate– Stay out of the way.– Obtain the best possible angle to see the
play.
Base Umpire› Initial Position– No runners/Runner on 3rd Base only
› Stand two to three feet outside foul line› Stand eight to ten feet behind 1st Base.
– No Runners; Play at 1st Base› Maintain positon for best angle.
– Runner(s) on 1st Base and/or 2nd Base› Stand midway between 1st Base & 2nd
Base› Stand on the fringe of the infield › Avoid blocking fielders or interfering
with runners.
Two-Person Mechanics: No Runners; Play at 1st Base
U
B
U
Two-Person Mechanics: No Runners; Triple Hit
U
BB
U
Two-Person Mechanics: Runners on 1st and/or 2nd; Base Hit
U
B
U
B
Three-Person Crew Responsibilities
HOME PLATE UMPIREBalls & StrikesThe CountPlays at 3rd & Home PlateIllegal PitchesCatches in the OutfieldCalling Infield Fly ruleEnsuring runners touch basesCalling “time” after each play
BASE UMPIRE(S)Plays at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd BasesRunners on tag up scenariosMaking sure runners touch basesEnforcing pitching regulationsEnsuring runners do not leave the base
early
Three-Person Umpire Mechanics› Plate Umpire & 1st Base Umpire– Identical to Two-Person Mechanics
› 3rd Base Umpire– Initial Positioning
› Stand two to three feet outside foul line› Stand eight to ten feet behind 3rd Base.
– Has all 3rd Base Plays
Three-Person Mechanics: No Runners; Play at 1st Base
U
B
U
B
Two-Person Mechanics: No Runners; Triple Hit
U
B B
U
B
Two-Person Mechanics: Runners on 1st and/or 2nd; Base Hit
U
B
U
BB
SIGNALS
SIGNAL
When Making Calls:
VERBAL CALL
“TIME!”
After Every Play:1. No one is attempting to make a play (run, tag out etc.)
AND2. The pitcher has the ball
LIVE BALL VS. DEAD BALL
Live Ball› The ball is live in the following
situations:– The ball has left the pitcher’s hand– The ball is in playable territory– Ground ball that passes 1st or 3rd Base in
fair territory– Ground ball that hits or bounces over 1st or
3rd Base– Thrown ball hits an offensive player
unintentionally– Thrown ball or fair ball hits an umpire– Thrown ball hits a coach
Infield Fly Rule› An infield fly occurs when all of the following
conditions are satisfied:– A fair fly ball (not including a line drive) which can
be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort. – Less than two OUTs.– Runners on 1st and 2nd base or there are runners on
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Bases (Bases loaded).
› When all three conditions are met, the umpire will declare an infield fly and rule the batter out immediately.
› The successful or unsuccessful catch attempt by an infield does not factor into the umpire’s decision.
› If the fly ball is caught by the infielder, the base runners must tag up.
Dead Ball› The ball is dead in the following situations:
– Foul Ball› Batted ball that passes 1st or 3rd base in foul territory› The ball is touched on or over foul territory between
1st Base & Home Plate or 3rd Base and Home Plate› The ball contacts a person, umpire or object on or
over foul territory.› The ball contacts the batter or bat twice while the
batter is still located in the batter’s box.› A tipped pitch less than six feet from the ground is
caught by the catcher.– Result
› Less than two Strikes: Strike› Two Strikes + two consecutive Foul Balls: The batter
is OUT.
Dead Ball› The ball is dead in the following
situations:– The batter steps outside of the batter’s
box before attempting to hit the ball.› The batter is OUT.
– The batter steps on Home Plate while making contact.› The batter is OUT.
– Runner leads the base before the ball is contacted.› The runner is OUT.
Dead Ball: Out of Play› Defense throws the ball into an Out of
Play area.– The dugouts are considered out of play.– A fielder cannot intentionally throw the ball
into an Out of Play area to stop runners.
› A fielder enters an Out of Play area while attempting to play a batted or retrieve an errant throw.
› A fair ball ricochets off a defender or runner on base into an Out of Play area.
› When the ball legally becomes Out of Play, each runner will be awarded the closest base plus an additional base (1+1).
PITCHING
Pitching› Preliminary
– The pitcher must start with both feet on the ground and one foot or both feet touching the pitching rubber.
– As the pitcher releases the ball in an underhand motion, his or her foot or feet must remain in contact with the pitching rubber.
– Walking pitches are illegal.
› Legal Delivery– After beginning the pitching motion, the pitch
must be delivered immediately and with a continuous motion.
– The pitcher cannot deliver a pitch between the legs or behind the back.
Pitching: Illegal Pitches› Illegal Pitches
– Higher than twelve (12) feet– Lower than six (6) feet– Fake or non-continuous pitch– Walking start– One foot does not remain in contact with the
pitching rubber (Base Umpire)
› When the pitch does not fall within the height range (six to twelve feet), the plate umpire will declare the pitch illegal.– The batter may choose to swing or not swing
› No Swing: Ball› Swing: The batter take the result of the play.
6 FT
12 FT
BATTING
Batting› Balls & Strikes
– The batter will a 1-1 (balls-strikes) count.
› Foul Balls– When the batter has two strikes, the batter
can hit one legal foul ball. – A batter will be declared OUT if he or she
hits a second foul ball.
› Bunting & Chopping– Bunting and Chopping are not allowed.– Batters must a full swing at the ball.– Batters that perform a bunt or chop will be
declared OUT.
Batting Order› The team captain must provide the
batting order to the scorekeeper before the start of the game.
› Players are required to bat in the order listed on the official scoresheet.
› After one full rotation, the batting order is set, and no new players may be added.– The team captain may add up to twelve
players before the order is set.– Exception: A team has less than ten players.
The team may add up to ten players to avoid automatic OUTs.
Batting Order› Substitutions
– Once the batting has been set for a team with at least ten players, additional players may enter the game via the traditional substitution method.
– The team captain needs to notify the scorekeeper regarding any substitutions.
– When a player is replaced, that players may re-enter the game after one full rotation and at the same spot on the batting order.
Traditional Substitution Method› Note that the batting order has been
locked or there are twelve players batting.
› A player may be replaced TWICE during the same game.
› Once a player is replaced twice, that player can no longer participate for the duration of the contest.
› The substitute and re-entering player must always enter at the same spot on the batting order.
Batting Order Example
Player 1 Player 11 Player 1 Player 11 Player 12
Player 2
Player 3
Player 4
Player 5
Player 6
Player 7
Player 8
Player 9
Player 10
BASE RUNNING
Base Running› The runner must advance or return to a base in legal
order.– Advancing: 1st Base 2nd Base 3rd Base Home Plate– The base runner may only return to the last Base
touched.
› A player is entitled to a Base until:– He or she legally touches the next base in the sequence.– A batter becomes a base runner, and the player is forced
to advance.
› The runner must remain within three (3) feet of the base line when advancing or returning to a Base.– EXCEPTION: The runner is avoiding contact with a
fielder without the ball.– EXCEPTION: Runner is rounding 1st Base or 3rd Base.
Base Running› Players may overrun 1st Base without the
chance of begin tagged out.– If the player is attempting to run to 2nd Base, he
or she may be tagged out.– Players may be tagged out
› Stealing is not permitted.– Stealing is attempting to advance before a legal
or illegal pitch has been contacted..– Players that are stealing should declared OUT
immediately.
› When sliding, players may slide head first or feet first. – When sliding feet first, cleats must be kept close
to the ground.
Base Running› Tagging Up
– When a fielder catches a fly ball, the runners may advance at their own risk.› They must be in contact with the Base when the
ball is caught.› The runner may declared OUT in two ways:
– Tag: The runner advances after touching the base.– Force Out: The runner fails to touch the base as the
ball is caught, and the defense may touch the last base the runner occupied.
› Courtesy Runner– An injured player may be replaced by the last
person who recorded an OUT.– The request must be made during a dead and
before the first pitch.
Base Running› Appealing
– The defense may appeal the following:› Missing a Base› Leaving a Base early› Batting Out-of-Order› Attempting to advance to 2nd Base after making
the turn at 1st Base– Live Ball Appeal
› The fielder touches the player or Base with the ball in possession.
› If the runner has left the field, the fielder may identify the person to the umpire.
– Dead Ball Appeal› The team captain or fielder present an appeal to
the Plate Umpire.
Obstruction vs. Interference
DEFENSIVE OBSTRUCTION› A defensive player or team member hinders or
prevents a batter from striking at or hitting a pitched ball.
› Example:– A fielder who is not in possession of the ball impedes
the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running the bases.
› Result: – Delayed Dead Ball – Runner is safe at the next legal Base to which they were
advancing.– Once the runner legally advances to that Base, the
interference protection they may advance at their risk
OFFENSIVE INTERFERENCE› An act by the offensive players or others that interferes
with a fielder’s opportunity to make a play on a batted or thrown ball
› Example:– When not in contact with a base, a runner is hit by a fair batted ball.– A runner (who has already been tagged OUT or forced OUT) fails
to move out of the way of a throw to a base (i.e. 6-4-3 Double Play)
› Result: – Immediate Dead Ball– Runner who committed the interference is OUT.
› If the interference resulted in the batter-runner or another runner becoming Safe or scoring, the batter-runner or runner shall be OUT as well.
– All other runners must return to the last base touched when the interference occurred.
FIELDING
Fielding› When attempting to catch fly balls,
fielders must:– Secure the ball in their glove or hand
before the ball touches the ground or fence
– A trapped ball is not a legal catch of a fly ball.
› When the fielder is transferring the ball from the glove to the hand and drops the ball, the catch shall still be considered good, and the batter/runner shall be declared OUT.
Force Out vs. Tag Out
FORCE OUT› A runner must advance to the next legal
base.
› The fielders may tag the base before the runner touches the base.
› Situations– Fair ball– Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball.
TAG OUT› A runner does not have to advance to the next
legal base.– The defense must tag the runner with the ball in their
hand or glove– The tag must occur before the runner arrives at their
previous base or the next legal base.
› Situations– Fair ball– Rundown
CO-RECREATIONALMODIFICATIONS
Team Composition
Please refer to the following table for legal team ratios.
Number of players Male to Female RatioTwelve Players 6:6Eleven Players 6:5 or 5:6
Ten Players 5:5Nine Players 5:4, 4:5, 6:3, 3:6Eight Players 4:4, 5:3, 3:5Seven Players 4:3, 3:4
**You must have at least three males or three females to field a team.**
Offense: Pitching & Batting› Pitching
– Each Team shall provide a pitcher for their team.› Teams shall self-pitch.› The pitcher may bat as normal. It is not required.› When the pitcher has to bat, he or she may be replaced by a
teammate not on base at that time.– Each batter shall receive a maximum of three pitches.
› Illegal pitches shall count as one of the three pitches.– If the batter fails to hit a fair ball after three pitches, the
batter is OUT.– If a fair-batted ball contacts the offensive pitcher, the
batter is OUT.
› Male Batter Restrictions– Male batters must hit with their non-dominant hand.– Male batters that bat with their dominant hand will be
declared OUT.
Offense: Batting Order› Alternating Lineup– The batting order must alternate
between male and female batters. – If a team is playing with an
uneven number of players, players will need to bat more than once throughout the batting order to be able to alternate male and female.
Male #1Female #1
Male #2
Female #2
Male # 3
Female #3
Male #4
Female #1
Male #5
Female #2
Batting order for a team with five males and three females
Offense: Automatic OUTs› Excessive Home Runs
– When the male batters for a team hit five home runs, each subsequent home run will result in an automatic OUT.
› Batting Order– When the team bats out of order, the batter shall be
declared OUT.
› Ejections– When a player is ejected, he or she may be replaced
by an eligible substitute. If there are no eligible substitutes available, an automatic OUT will occur each time the vacant positon is required to bat.
– The eligible substitute must be the same gender as the ejected individual.
Defense› Fielding Positions
– Each team may field all ten positions by rule.– Each team shall provide a defensive pitcher and a catcher. – The defensive catcher should not obstruct the actions of the offensive
pitcher.– No more than five players of each gender may play in the field at a
time. – The pitcher and catcher combination must include a male and female. – There is no restriction on the number of males or females in the infield
or outfield.
› Restriction Line– Cones will designate the outfielder restriction line, separating the
infield from the outfield.– Outfielders must remain behind the line until the ball has been hit. – If an outfielder illegally enters the infield before the ball is hit, the
batting team has the following two options:› Take the result of the play.› The current batter is awarded First Base, and, if applicable, all base runners
will advance by rule.
Defensive Restriction Line
Scoring Modifications› Runner Restrictions
– Once a runner’s foot touches on or past the Commit line, the runner must continue towards the Scoring Plate.
– The runner must use the Scoring Plate. – If the runner attempts to return to 3rd Base, the runner
is automatically OUT, and the ball remains live.
› Catcher Restrictions– After the runner is “committed,” it is a Force OUT
for the catcher.› The catcher may not attempt a Tag OUT. › If a tag is applied, the runner is Safe.
– The catcher must tag or touch the Defensive Plate. – If the catcher obstructs the runner in his/her path to
the Scoring Plate, the runner shall be declared Safe.
Commit Line
Scoring Plate
Defensive Plate
GAME MANAGEMENT
Managing the Game: Basics› Being aware of player emotions and actions will
allow you to be proactive.– Being proactive will help you stop problems before they
occur.
› Take your time with your decisions.› A properly managed game will have necessary
warnings and ejections.– If possible, try talking to players before issuing ejections.
› Problematic players should be addressed immediately and accordingly.– Addressing these players may involve speaking to the
player, calling warning the player, or ejecting the player from the game.
Managing the Game: Fighting› While a fight can happen without
warning, proper game management typically prevents fights.
› When a fight breaks out:– Step back and observe players and others
involved in the fighting.– Watch if any spectators step on the field.– Do not attempt to physical stop the fighting.
Managing the Game: Managing Yourself› Game management requires that you
manage your emotions.› Try to remain calm and relaxed
through the game.› Be professional at all times.
– When players become uncooperative or disrespectful, deal with them accordingly.
– Address the player’s current actions.– Trust your partners.
› Know your primary responsibilities.› Support and back up your partners at all times.
Issuing Ejections› Players should be ejected for the following
actions:– Contacting an Umpire– (After Warning) Repeatedly Questioning your
Judgement– Throwing a bat or helmet in resentment of a call– Destroying or attempting to destroy equipment or
the softball field– (After warning) Inappropriate gestures or
language.
› Ejections should be issued to maintain your authority and ensure the safety of everyone on the field.
SPORTSPERSONSHIP SYSTEM
Sportspersonship System: Ratings & CriteriaRating Criteria
5 - Excellent Players fully cooperate with Intramural Sports staff and opposing team members. Spectators support their team in a positive manner. Team captain respectively addresses officials. The team is an exemplary model for other teams.
4 - Good Winning Team of a Forfeited Game. Team members verbally complain about some calls or show some dissent. Their actions may warrant a conduct penalty (i.e. yellow card, technical foul, or unsportsmanlike conduct penalty), but they
do not receive a penalty.
3 - Average Both Teams for a Defaulted Game. Team constantly complains to IM staff or the opposing team. The team captain exhibits no control over his/her team,
spectators, and himself/herself. Their actions result in a conduct penalty (i.e. yellow card, technical foul, or unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.) Teams that receive a conduct penalty cannot receive higher than a “3” rating. The team that has one ejection or two conduct penalties will not receive higher than a “3” rating.
2 – Below Average Team constantly complains to IM and the opposing team. The team captain exercises no control over anyone. Teams that receive one ejection and one conduct warning or three conduct warnings shall forfeit the contest and receive a
rating of “2.”
1 - Unacceptable A Team Forfeits a Game. The entire team and spectators are non-cooperative. The team captain is combative and unhelpful. The team that receives two ejections or four conduct warnings during a game shall forfeit the game and may forfeit the entire
season.
Rating Criteria
5 - Excellent
Players fully cooperate with Intramural Sports staff and opposing team members. Spectators support their team in a positive manner. Team captain respectively addresses officials. The team is an exemplary model for other teams.
4 - Good
Winning Team of a Forfeited Game. Winning Team for a Defaulted Game. Team members verbally complain about some calls or show some dissent. Their actions may warrant a conduct penalty (i.e. yellow card, technical foul, or unsportsmanlike conduct penalty), but they
do not receive a penalty.
3 - Average
Defaulting Team for a Defaulted Game. Team constantly complains to IM staff or the opposing team. The team captain exhibits no control over his/her team,
spectators, and himself/herself. Their actions result in a conduct penalty (i.e. yellow card, technical foul, or unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.) Teams that receive a conduct penalty cannot receive higher than a “3” rating. The team that has one ejection or two conduct penalties will not receive higher than a “3” rating.
2 – Below Average
Team constantly complains to IM and the opposing team. The team captain exercises no control over anyone. Teams that receive one ejection and one conduct warning or three conduct warnings shall forfeit the contest and
receive a rating of “2.”
1 - Unacceptable
A Team Forfeits a Game. The entire team and spectators are non-cooperative. The team captain is combative and unhelpful. The team that receives two ejections or four conduct warnings during a game shall forfeit the game and may forfeit the
entire season.
Sportspersonship System: Points of Emphasis› Penalize players and teams when
necessary.– Allows teams to adjust behavior.
› Try to talk to players before issuing ejections.
› If no ejections occurred, a team cannot receive lower than a “4.”
› A player can be ejected, and the team can still receive a “3.”– Problematic players are often the cause of
issues, and their removal improves the game.
Mechanics & Positioning Use signals and your voice to communicate. Understand your current responsibilities.
Hustle Work hard, and you will learn quickly.
Slow Down & Take Your Time As an official, you must take a mental snapshot of the action before making a decision. Your base calls and fielding calls should occur about one to two seconds after the play.
Communication Use verbal and non-verbal communication through the game. Talking to players will help your game run smoothly.
Game Management Manage players and yourself to ensure a fun, fair, and safe environment.
POINTS OF EMPHASIS
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