Welcome to USSSA 2 - umpire Training system

1. Welcome to USSSA 2- umpire Training system

2. 2010 USSSATraining system Will Curtis

3. C- Slot To the Left of the Shortstop No Man Area B – Slot to the left of the Second base D – Slot To the right of Shortstop F8 F7 F9 F6 F4 A – Slot= Starting position is 18-21ft/foul territory F1 F5 F3 The field slots from top view are as such For the field umpire F2 Will Curtis

4. Runner on Second Base Only Also applies to First & Second Base Also applies when bases are loaded. Also applies to First &Third Base. Runner on First Base Only No Runner on Base Runner on Third Base Only Also applies to Second & Third Base. R R C D B R R R R A 20-30 ft from Third Base 20-30ft from First Base line 18-21ft from First Base Foul territory 20-30 ft. from Second Base Will Curtis

5. Runner on First Base only R Plate Umpire Holding Zone R Plate Umpire: Responsibilities 1. On batted balls to the infield leave to the left of the catcher moving up first base line to observe the play, then fade toward third base to cover the advancing runner. 2. On steals where there is a wild throw at second base, pick up the runner advancing to third base, and be prepared to take the runner home. Field Umpire: Responsibilities 1. Take a position about halfway between first and second base and outside the base line. This position will normally place the umpire two or three steps behind and to the left side of the second baseman If the runner attempts to steal second, move toward the base staying behind the fielder. Should the throw be wild, move inside the base paths. On base hits to the outfield, immediately come inside the diamond, buttonhook and take the batter-runner all the way to third base Will Curtis

6. PU - On infield hits, follow the Batter-Runner up the first base line (13 ft) observing the play, and be prepared to help your partner BU -MOVE INTO FAIR TERRITORY 2 to 3 step Routine Hit to an Infielder F6 F1 B Will Curtis

7. Bunt or Soft Hit in Front of Plate “Diamond within the Diamond” It most often occurs on bunts and soft hits. This position is used when the ball is hit in the shaded area (approximately 20 ft. up each baseline and 20 ft. toward the pitcher’s plate. When the ball is fielded in the shaded area, move 15 ft. from first base on a direct line on the first and second base line There are two benefits to using this position when the ball is hit in the shaded area. First, the defender covering first base is more likely to have her foot on the edge of first base closest to home, so the umpire will be able to see a pulled foot. Second, there are more wild throws from this area, so the umpire will be able to quickly move inside the diamond if the runner goes to second base Will Curtis

8. REMEMBER TO ALWAYS STAY WITH THE RUNNER if the runner rounds the bag and returns, STAY WITH THE RUNNER Button-hook into the base making sure the runner touches the base and watching for possible obstruction. Base Umpire: As the runner nears the base, the runner is now your primary concern. Stay with the runner, if they advance. On a play at First Base. The base umpire should move inside the diamond in the direction of the pitcher’s plate about 10-12 ft. from First Base Base Umpire - Assume the proper position in foul territory 18-21 feet beyond first base Inside-outside Button-Hook Theory Base Hit Toward Straightaway Center Field or Right of Center Field - “The Buttonhook” Plate Umpire Holding Zone BR PU - On infield hits, follow the Batter-Runner up the first base line (15 ft) observing the play, and be prepared to help your partner PU – Move to the Holding Zone and be prepared to help your partner Will Curtis

9. This Mechanics also applies to runner on First and Second Base Runner on Second Base only BU should be closer to second base than third base at the time of the pitch. Follow the throw to First Base by moving inside the diamond. Start 20 – 30 ft. from Second Base and no deeper than 3 steps behind Shortstop. R Base Umpire Holding Zone F6 F3 F1 Plate Umpire Holding Zone PU-Move inside the diamond about two-thirds of the way to third base, approximately 10 – 12 feet from the base, obtaining a 90 degree angle. Stop, read the play, then make the call PU- Watch BR hit 1st base., and move directly up the Third Base line in foul ground (Umpire holding Zone) for a possible play at Third base Will Curtis

10. Two-Umpire System Mechanics Plate Coverage The plate umpire always has responsibility for calls at home plate. There is no reference anywhere in the Umpire Manual that mention the base umpire covering home plate in the Two-Umpire System. The reasoning for this mechanic has more to do with the base umpire's added responsibilities when multiple runners are on base. However, in the case of multiple runners where the plate umpire moves toward third base for a possible call, the plate umpire can still return to the plate area for a call by staying inside the diamond, thereby staying ahead of the runner and maintaining a 90 degrees angle to the path of the runner. As always, if there is a mechanical breakdown during a play and we need to deviate from a prescribed mechanic, we must communicate. Will Curtis

11. Ball hits to Third Baseman (F5) Who throw the ball to the First Base (F3) Runner on Second Base only This is one example First baseman throws to third in an attempt to retire R2, but the throw is wide and travels into foul territory Runner on second base advance to third after the throw to first. BU- Will follow the throw to First by moving inside the diamond. R Base Umpire Holding Zone F6 F5 F3 F1 Plate Umpire Holding Zone PU-Move inside the diamond about two-thirds of the way to third base, approximately 10 – 12 feet from the base, obtaining a 90 degree angle. Stop, read the play, then make the call PU- Watch Batter-Runner hit First base., and move directly up the Third Base line in foul ground (Umpire holding Zone) for a possible play at Third base When returning to home plate from a play at third base and the ball is in foul ground, remain inside the diamond and move parallel to the base line, to approximately 10 – 12 feet from home plate, obtaining a 90 degree angle the path of the runner Will Curtis

12. Two-Umpire System Mechanics Plate Coverage As always, if there is a mechanical breakdown during a play and we need to deviate from a prescribed mechanic, we must communicate. But Remember, plays at home plate are the sole responsibility of the Plate Umpire! Will Curtis

13. Runner on First and Second Base. R F4 F6 Base Umpire Holding Zone F5 F3 R F1 Plate Umpire Holding Zone If the first throw is to first or second base, any subsequent throw to third base is covered by the plate umpire. On any ball hit to the infield, take the first throw unless it is to home plate R Will Curtis

14. “D” POSITION Anytime there is a Runner on Third Base If a ball is hit to the infield, wait until the fielder commits herself, then move quickly toward that base. Don't take your eyes off the ball Start 20 – 30 ft. from the Third base and no deeper than 3 steps behind Shortstop. Call all plays made on the first throw of the ball unless it is to home plate Base Umpire should be closer to Third base than Second base at the time of the pitch. F6 BU Holding zone R PU Holding zone Will Curtis

15. Runner on Second and Third Base On any ball hit to the infield, take the first throw unless it is to home plate. If the first throw is to first or second base, any subsequent throw to third base is covered by the plate umpire. Take a position three (3) steps behind and to the right of the shortstop. R F5 Base Umpire Holding Zone R F3 P Plate Umpire Holding Zone Will Curtis

16. CALLING POSITIONS FOR PLAYS AT THE PLATE POSITION “E” • This is for when the plate umpire enters fair ground for a call at 3rd base and then must retreat because the runner attempts to score. • This is the only time this position may be used for a call at the plate. • The position is approximately 8 ft from home plate, in a direct line between home and 2nd base. • This position is the best compromise for the umpire to see a play right at the plate or a swipe tag by the catcher. POSITION “D” •This is for non-force plays when the throw home is up the 3rd base line. • The position is about 8 ft from home plate along the 3rd base line extended. • This position allows the umpire to clearly see the catcher attempt to make a sweep tag, determine if it is made, and determine if it is made before the runner reaches the plate. • This position also allows the umpire to determine if the catcher has the ball in her glove when the tag is applied. POSITION “B” • This is for force plays at the plate. • The position is about 15 ft from home plate, along the 1st base line extended. As a general rule, if the ball is put in play and the plate umpire remains in Position “A,” the umpire is in the wrong position! POSITION “A” • This is the umpire’s original position at the time of the pitch. POSITION “C” • This is for non-force plays when the throw home is on-line. • The position is about 8 ft from home plate, along the 1st base line extended E Plate Umpire Holding Zone C A D This is called the slot B Will Curtis

17. Umpires Tag Up Responsibilities By: USSSA Will Curtis

18. Base Umpire Tag up responsibilities Responsible for single runner on Second base Runner on Third Base Responsible for all trail runners. Runner on second Base Or Runner on first Base and single runner on First base. R R R R R Will Curtis

19. Is Responsible for all Runners On third base Is Responsible for runner on second Base when runners are on first and second base Plate Umpire Tag up responsibilities R R R Will Curtis

20. Plate Umpire Tag up responsibilities Review Base Umpire Tag up responsibilities Review R R R R R Runner on first Base only Is Responsible for runner on second Base when runners are on first and second base Runner on second Base only Is Responsible for all Runners On third base Runners at first base and second base when the bases are loaded. Or for all trail runners. Will Curtis

21. Official Softball Signals By: USSSA By: USSSA Will Curtis

22. Official USSSA Softball Signals Verbally Call: Time Out/Foul Ball/ Dead Ball PLAY BALL Verbally calls “Play ball” DO NOT PITCH Signal toward Pitcher Will Curtis

23. Official USSSA Softball Signals DELAYED DEAD BALL Extend left arm out, fist out STRIKE/OUT Fist to hammer At 90 DEGEES Verbally call safe Will Curtis

24. Official USSSA Softball Signals INFIELD FLY FOUL TIP FAIR BALL Verbally call “Infield fly” Right arm up high Over head Point to fair territory with hand closest to infield. No verbal call. Fingers touch together, chest high, followed by strike call Will Curtis

25. Official USSSA Softball Signals DOUBLE COUNT HOME RUN Left hand indicates balls, followed by strikes on the right hand. Verbally give count First two fingers in the air Right fist in the air, rotate counterclockwise Will Curtis

26. The Strike Zone Bottom of the armpit Official Strike zone Top of the Knees A Ball If below this line

27. DROPPED THIRD STRIKE SIGNAL AND MECHANIC USSSA USSSA • Whenever the batter has two strikes, there are fewer than two outs and first base is not occupied, or when there are two outs AND the batter swings and misses the pitch AND the catcher does • not catch the pitch. If the base umpire judges the Catcher did not catch the ball use this signal: These are not secret signals. They are umpire to umpire signals. They do not need to be seen by anyone other than umpire partners but it does not matter if others do see them - kind of like who cares if they see us give an infield fly signal. Because they only need to be seen by umpires, they are down and in close to the body instead of big, up and away from the body like signals that everyone needs to see. • The reason for using these signals is: • • Often the plate umpire is unsure whether the catcher catch the pitch • Base umpires should give the Dropped Third Strike signal. The base umpire points to the ground with his index finger using his right arm. The base umpire shows a closed fist waist high with his right arm. If a base umpire judges the catcher caught the ball, use this signal Will Curtis

28. Legal and illegal Pitching regulation Will Curtis

29. legal P Pivot is on top of the Pitching Plate NP NP = Non Pivot NP is Behind the Pitching Plate Also with the 24 inch Lane P = Pivot Will Curtis

30. legal P Pivot is on top of the Pitching Plate NP NP = Non Pivot NP contact with the Pitching Plate Also with the 24 inch Lane P = Pivot Will Curtis

31. legal P Pivot is on top of the Pitching Plate NP NP = Non Pivot NP is behind the Pitching Plate Also with the 24 inch Lane P = Pivot Will Curtis

32. illegal P Pivot is on top of the Pitching Plate NP NP = Non Pivot NP is Behind the Pitching Plate Also outside the 24 inch Lane P = Pivot Will Curtis

33. illegal P Pivot is on top of the Pitching Plate NP NP = Non Pivot NP is Behind the Pitching Plate Also outside the 24 inch Lane P = Pivot Will Curtis

34. illegal Pivot not on top of the Pitching Plate P NP NP = Non Pivot NP is Behind the Pitching Plate Also outside the 24 inch Lane P = Pivot Will Curtis

35. illegal P Pivot not on top of the Pitching Plate NP NP = Non Pivot NP is Behind the Pitching Plate Also outside the 24 inch Lane P = Pivot Will Curtis

36. illegal P Pivot is on top of the Pitching Plate NP NP = Non Pivot NP contact with the Pitching Plate Also with the 24 inch Lane Backward step totally outside 24 inch Lane P = Pivot Will Curtis

37. All American Game