2010 Points of Emphasis: Pace of PlayWhile there have been strides ofimprovement in the pace of play overthe past several seasons, the 2010season is not the time to step backfrom the initiatives.

In fact, this year more than ever,pace of play must remain at theforefront for umpires, coaches, playersand all people involved with NCAAbaseball. With no rules changes takingeffect for the 2010 season,administrators and the members ofthe rules committee will be focused onpreviously approved initiatives.

However, as you review this,remember that the time of the gamedoes not equal pace of play. There aredays when teams use a lot of pitchersor the wind is blowing out and thegame time is inherently longer thanwhen both starters throw complete-game one-hitters.

The rules as currently writtenprovide a number of means forimproving the pace of play.Enforcement of and adherence tothose rules is key in order to improvethe game. Here are some of the rulesthat can affect the pace of play andsome shortcuts that must be avoided:

Batter’s box ruleThe very beginning of the rule

states its purpose: “This rule isdesigned to speed up play bycontrolling the actions of the batterbetween pitches.”

The rule is not absolute that a strikemust be called if the batter leaves thebox. His actions must delay the game.The plate umpire can use preventativeofficiating techniques to prevent apenalty strike from being called.Examples would be encouragingbatters to stay in the box or askingthem to return quickly in a low-key butfirm manner.

However, umpires should notspend the entire game cajoling battersto stay put. If a particular batter orteam is consistently pushing the limit,one penalty strike will almost assuredlyput an end to that. The plate umpirecan expect an argument when that firststrike is called, but the remainder of thegame will progress at a better pace. Thecommittee understands that a penaltystrike will bring an argument and

(see POEs, p. 15)

Starting with the current 2009-10NCAA Baseball Rulebook, the rulesare up for change on a two-yearcycle. Therefore, there are no rulechanges for the 2010 season.

The rules committee still held itsannual meeting in July and discussedthe 2009 changes, the 2009 season andpotential rules changes for 2011-12.

The final decision on any rulechanges for 2011-12 will be made thisJuly by the rules committee and thePlaying Rules Oversight Panel.

Umpires and coaches arereminded to check ArbiterSports.com(see page 13) for rule interpretationsand any issues that arise during theseason. nn

A supplement to the NCAA Baseball Rules • Prepared by the editors of Referee magazine

RBASEBALL 2010BASEBALL 2010

PUBLISHED BY REFEREE ENTERPRISES, INC.

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Umpire Mike Duffy signals to a pitcherthat he has three warmup pitchesremaining. That is just one techniqueumpires can use to aid the pace of play.

No New Rules for 2010

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Letter from Umpiring CoordinatorGene McArtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Update and Changes to the NCAABackground Check Program . . . . . . . . .

Test Your Rules Knowledge . . . . . . . . . .

New NCAA Baseball Website:ArbiterSports.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contents

2 2010 NCAA Baseball Guide

Dear NCAA Umpires:Welcome to the 2010 season ofNCAA baseball. For many ofyou this is not the beginningas much study, practice andpreparation has alreadyoccurred. This newsletter andour umpire clinics areadditional methods ofcommunication to umpires,coaches, administrators andbaseball fans across thecountry about rules andmechanics related topics

going into the season. I thankMatt Moore and the staff atReferee magazine for theirassistance on this publicationand its distribution to NCAAcoaches and umpireseverywhere.

The 2009 NCAA baseballseason and championshipswere among the best ever.Likewise, umpiring in thechampionship season wasoutstanding. This yearpromises more of thatexcitement, competition andhigh level officiating to matchor exceed the caliber of playon the field. As we continueto raise the bar for ourumpires, the demonstratedpassion and desire to improvemust continue to elevate.

The NCAA UmpireImprovement Program staffof national coordinators forall divisions, director ofumpires, secretary ruleseditor and regional advisorsforms an outstanding groupwith a singular desire to assistin umpire training, education,selection, and performance.

Our qualificationstandards for championshipselection and assignment willcontinue this year. The fightfor selection continues to bemore competitive as the

number of outstandingumpires continues to increase.In addition to therequirements of regularseason umpiring andconference recommendations,the online testing programwill continue to insurebaseball rules knowledge. TheNCAA background check andsports wagering questionnairewill be expanded in scopeand will continue in 2010 forDivision I. Attendance at anNCAA umpire clinic willcontinue to be a requirement.The deadline for completionof all preseason requirementsis Feb. 14, 2010. In seasonevaluation and training willcontinue with on line ruleinterpretations, rule quizzes,in season video and othermethods to keep umpires upto date throughout the year.Order forms can be used forpurchase of NCAA rule booksand CCA manuals, bothessential for knowledge andconsistency.

I want to personally thankall those who participate inNCAA baseball umpiring. Ihave the greatest respect forall that goes into being a highquality umpire. Working fullschedules at a conference andchampionship level requires a

lot of preparation andsignificant time and travel,both of which impact jobs,family, and personal time. Thededication and commitmentis greatly appreciated bymyself, the baseballcommittee and by the coachesand student-athletes youserve in our sport. Have agreat season in 2010.

Finally, I would like toencourage all of our coachesand umpires to develop amore professionalrelationship with each other.The sport of baseball deservesthis from both groups.Coaches and umpires mustunderstand the pride,training, preparation, andperformance required in theircounterpart's job. I want toencourage professionalismand trust as both sides workto foster a better professionalrelationship.

Suggestions or questionsthroughout the year may bedirected to Gene McArtor,national coordinator,mcartorE@missouri.edu; TomHiler, director of umpires,tomashiler@yahoo.com; orJim Paronto, secretary ruleseditor, paronto25@aol.com.See you at a game this season.nn

Gene McArtorNCAA NationalCoordinator ofBaseball Umpires

2009 NCAA Championship Umpires

Joe BurlesonLas Vegas

Mark ChapmanLaPlace, La.

Perry CostelloDewitt, Mich.

Jeff HenrichsSacramento, Calif.

Chuck LyonCastaic, Calif.

Steve MandersMcDonough, Ga.

Tony ManersDanville, Ind.

Darrin SealeyLittlestown, Pa.

Sal GiacomantonioMacomb, Mich.

Mik HendricksonLongview, Wash.

Larry HowardRaleigh, N.C.

Olindo MattiaPort St. Lucie, Fla.

Mark MayleGrafton, Va.

Eric OlsenBinghamton, N.Y.

Jeff BurtBedford Hills, N.Y.

Buddy CornstubbleMesquite, Texas

Chad EischensYoung America, Minn.

Carlos GuzmanClifton, N.J.

Jim MuhleckWest Bloomfield, Mich.

Dan SalceBristol, Conn.

Mike WebsterWilson, N.C.

Kevin WirthLisle, Ill.

Major portions of this newsletter are protected by copyrights of Referee Enterprises, Inc., and are used by permission. Copying in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written consent fromReferee Enterprises, Inc., and the NCAA. PLAYPIC® and MECHANIGRAM® are a registered trademarks of

Referee Enterprises, Inc.Graphics and layout by Matt Bowen, Referee graphic designer.

Division I Division II Division III

AcknowledgmentsAuthors contributing to the 2010 NCAA Baseball Preseason Guide: Matt Moore, Referee associate editor;Gene McArtor, Columbia, Mo.; and Mike Droll, Tipton, Iowa.

2010 NCAA Baseball Guide 3

Once again, in order to beconsidered for the NCAADivision I postseason,umpires must fill out abackground check formonline prior to the deadlinedate of Feb. 14, 2010.

Baseball is just one ofseveral sports where DivisionI postseason officials aresubject to NCAA backgroundchecks. The others arefootball (bowl games), men’sbasketball, women’sbasketball and men’s icehockey. Those sports areconsidered the association’shighest profile sports, so thecharacter of the officials isimportant. The NCAA takesvery seriously its obligationto do everything necessary toprevent gambling scandalsfrom occurring.

HistoryThe Division I men’s andwomen’s basketball officialshave undergone backgroundchecks since 1999. As part ofthe recommendations fromthe NCAA Sports WageringTask Force, beginning withthe 2005-06 season, baseballand men’s ice hockey officialswere required to undergobackground checks. TheNCAA Division I FootballIssues Committeerecommended thatbackground checks berequired for officials workingpostseason football bowlgames beginning in 2006.

What’s IncludedThe background checkconsists of a review ofcriminal history, civillitigation, driving recordsand credit history. Beginningwith the 2008-09 basketballseason, men’s and women’sbasketball also includes a

review of the national sexoffenders list or equivalentstate lists.

Permanent DisqualificationThe following convictionswill deem an officialpermanently ineligible toofficiate in any future NCAAchampionship regardless ofwhen the convictionoccurred: • Any felony conviction; • Any sports wageringoffense (felony ormisdemeanor): and/or • Placement on the NationalSex Offenders List or anystate sex offenders list (forsexual assault or violations ofchild predator laws). Thatcriterion is new for baseballumpires in 2010.

Single-Year DisqualificationThe following items willdeem an official ineligible toofficiate in that year’s NCAAchampionship: • Not completing the onlinebackground check process bythe required deadline; • Not attending a clinic; • Not taking and passing theonline rules test by therequired deadline; • Failure to submit therequested U.S. citizenshipdocuments before thedeadline; and/or • Failure to return the finalauthorization formconfirming consent for theNCAA to perform abackground check.

New Checks for 2010Several new items have beenadded to the items that willtrigger further investigationfor baseball umpires. Thesecriteria were used inbasketball during the year2009. Based on the totality ofcircumstances, any of theseitems may also render anofficial ineligible to officiatein that year’s NCAAchampionship. These itemsare not an automaticdisqualification. The resultsof the investigation will bepresented to an NCAAinternal committee that willmake the determination ofeligibility. This committeewill be presented only withthe data — they will notknow the name of the official.Decisions by this committeeare final — there is no appealprocess. • Casino employment (anycapacity) or employment byan entity engaged ingambling activity; • Bankruptcy (currently inbankruptcy or any within thepast five years); • Collections (a pattern offinancial delinquencieswithin the past five years); • Tax liens (any currentfederal or state lien or lienhistory within the past fiveyears);• Unusual transactions (as

may be disclosed by theapplicant or otherwiselearned through thebackground check process).

FAQs1. Will my background checkinformation be accepted ifcompleted online after thedeadline date?

No. The online system will beactive only during the datesnoted on the log-in page foreach sport. No informationcan be submittedelectronically after thedeadline date of Feb. 14,2010.

2. Can I still submit mybackground check forms inpaper format?

No. No paper forms will beaccepted. All informationmust be submitted using theonline background checksystem.

3. Will umpires who areselected for a full backgroundcheck be notified?

Yes. Umpires will be notifiedin advance of the fullbackground check procedure.You will be required to signan additional release toreconfirm your consent forthe background check toproceed. Officials will beprovided the informationgenerated by the backgroundcheck.

4. If I sign the release form,will my employer, neighborsor friends be contactedautomatically?

No. Interviews will beconducted only if there isinformation indicatingpossible involvement insports wagering issues or afelony. nn

Background Check Program UpdateDeadline to Submit Background Check:

February 14, 2010

The safety of base coaches,protection of umpires and paceof play were foremost amongthe changes made for the 2009-10 NCAA baseball rulebook.

Starting with the 2009-10edition, the rulebook went tobeing published on an every-other-year cycle, as opposed toannually. As a result, there areno new rules or rule changesfor the 2010 season. Thefollowing is what rule changeswere passed for the 2009 and2010 seasons.

Helmets for base coaches(1-14g). The safety of basecoaches was the biggestchange for the 2009-10 NCAAbaseball rulebook as therequirement for helmets wasadded along with arequirement that coachesremain in the coaching boxduring specified times.

Following the rule changefor 2008 in professionalbaseball, the committee passedthe rule that requires all basecoaches to wear helmets whilecoaching the bases (1-14g).

“Since Major LeagueBaseball set the precedent, itwas almost like we had tofollow,” said Bob Brontsema,the baseball coach at UC SantaBarbara and the chair of theNCAA Baseball RulesCommittee this past summer.“Certainly we want to doeverything we can to protectour coaches and athletes whoare in the boxes.”

When the rule wasoriginally passed, it requiredthat the helmet be NOCSAEapproved, but NOCSAE doesnot approve helmets that donot have the double ear flaps.Helmets without double earflaps are legal for those whoare coaching bases, but are notlegal for the batter, on-deckbatter or any runners.

“I think it’s comfort level,”Brontsema said when it comes

to adjusting to the change.“You just go out and wear it.The day somebody gets hit isthe day they’ll appreciate it.”

Play 1: With his team onoffense, the head coach wantsto coach third base without theproper helmet. Ruling 1: Thereis no penalty; however, playcannot continue untilcompliance with the rule ismet.

Play 2: Because he does notwant to wear a helmet, thethird-base coach for team Adeclares that he will notoccupy the coaching box, butgive signals and direct runners

from his dugout. Ruling 2:Illegal. NCAA rules state thatthe coaching boxes shall beoccupied (5-2b). The third-basecoach must occupy the boxwhile wearing the properhelmet.

Coaching box restrictions(1-3-c AR). At the time of thepitch, a coach must positionhimself no closer to homeplate than the front edge of thecoach’s box and no closer tofair territory than the edge ofthe coach’s box nearest thefield. For the first violation, acoach is warned. A furtherviolation results in the coachbeing ejected.

That restriction was passedto eliminate the possibility of acoach being outside the boxand interfering with play. Both1-3c and the approved rulingwere passed with the idea ofenhancing the safety of basecoaches, who are oftenassisting runners and may notbe directing their attention tothe batter at the time of thepitch.

Unlike in the past, coachescannot request or require thatthe opposition’s base coachesremain entirely within in theconfines of the box.

Checked swings (3-6f AR2). Coaches are no longerallowed to leave the dugout ortheir position in order to arguea checked swing. Previously,they were not allowed to leavetheir position to argue ball-and-strike calls. However, thenew rule includes checkedswings.

Play 3: With a 1-1 count, B4takes a half-swing at a pitch,which the umpire rules a ball.Upon appeal, the base umpirecalls a strike on the swing.Without leaving his position,the coach for the offensiveteam begins to yell, objectingto the call. Ruling 3: The coachcannot be immediately ejected

since he did not leave hisposition. However, he can bewarned (by either umpire, butmore likely by the baseumpire) for arguing balls andstrikes and ejected if hecontinues to argue followingthe warning.

Team warnings (3-6a AR1). A warning may now applyto just an individual or to anentire team. A person who hasbeen warned previously issubject to ejection for violatingthe warning.

Play 4: With a runner onsecond base, an unknownmember of the home teambench jockeys the visiting teampitcher. The plate umpireissues a warning for the entireteam that bench jockeying isnot going to be tolerated. Twoinnings later, the player thatwas on second base at the timeof the original team warningbench jockeys the visiting teamagain. Ruling 4: The entireteam was properly warned.The player is ejected.

Sight and sound (3-6d AR1). A clarification has beenmade to further explain therestrictions that are placedupon a person who has beenejected from a contest. Sightand sound means that aperson cannot view thecontest, communicate with histeam or be where the umpiresmay hear him. It is notpractical to enforce that anejected person not be able tohear what is going on during agame.

Return of ejectedpersonnel (3-6d AR 2). A ruleconcerning when an ejectedperson may return to the fieldhas been added since therewas a problem with ejectedpersonnel returning as soon asthe game ended and resumingan argument with the umpires.Now, an ejected person is not

4 2010 NCAA Baseball Guide

2009 Flashback: Base Coaches Must Wear Helmets

(see Flashback p. 5)

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A 2009 rule change requiredthat all personnel (coaches andplayers) in NCAA play must wearhelmets while coaching thebases. Be mindful thatsometimes a coach will forget tograb his helmet and he cannotcoach the base until he hasgone back and gotten it.

One of the things that makescollege baseball differentthan the game at other levelsis the enthusiasm and teamspirit that is often on display.

However, in recent years,there have been issues withbench jockeying and otherunsportsmanlike conduct.Rule 5-17 has been adoptedand prohibits gamepersonnel from usinglanguage that will, in anymanner, refer to or reflectnegatively upon opposingplayers, coaches, umpires orspectators.

For the most part, benchjockeying has been reducedto isolated incidents andumpires are doing a goodjob at handling thosesituations.

However, a new type ofbehavior has been seen

recently and must beaddressed. Teams areorchestrating movements orvoices that may seem to

encourage their own team, butin fact, are prohibited becausethey also are timed to distractor intimidate the opposing

pitcher or team. That type ofbehavior crosses the line ofgood sportsmanship.

Activities such as abusiveverbal comments, towelwaving (see PlayPic),banging of noise makers orother orchestrated teammovements, especially thosewhich coincide with anopposing pitcher’s delivery,can only be interpreted byumpires as poorsportsmanship, notenthusiasm.

Coaches and players areasked to conduct themselvesin the spirit of the rule andumpires are asked not toallow any tolerance foractivities which cross theline. Warnings and otherpenalties are in place in therules if necessary. nn

2010 NCAA Baseball Guide 5

allowed to return to thedugout, field or grandstandsuntil the umpiring crew hasbeen escorted to the dressingarea. Violators will serve anadditional one-gamesuspension on top of whateverelse may apply. Thesuspension can be issued byany member of the umpiringcrew. The crew should followup with game managementwith an additional notificationprior to leaving the site.

Conference limits (6-5f, 9-4a). Each team is now limitedto a total of three offensive andthree defensive conferencesper game. If the game goesinto extra innings, a team willreceive one additionalconference to use.

Play 5: Team A has usedtwo offensive conferences. The

game is tied after nine innings.Ruling 5: Team A has twooffensive conferences to use inextra innings — one that wasremaining and one that wasgranted because the gamewent extra innings.

Jurisdiction ending (3-6k).Umpires are now protectedfrom confrontations or otherimproper conduct until afterleaving the parking lot. Whilelimits remain on protests andother game-related activities,coaches or other personnel arenot permitted to get a free shotat umpires at any point whilethe umpires are still present atthe facility. Game personnelcan be issued a post-participation ejection at anypoint while the umpires are onthe premises.

Foul ball (7-7e). A battedball that hits the bat while stillbeing held by the batter in thebatter’s box shall be declaredfoul.

Defensive conferences (9-4b AR 1, 9-4d). A clarificationwas made to state that a trip tothe mound begins when acoach crosses the foul line.Also, if a coach goes to theplate umpire to announce apitching change after alreadymaking one trip in that inning,a second trip is charged whenthe change is recorded on thelineup card. Although thatsecond trip does not count asone of the three free trips thata team gets during a game, itdoes prohibit a pitcher who ismoved to a defensive positionfrom returning to pitch in thatgame.

Crew conferences (3-6e).Coaches are not entitled to asecond opinion on a call justbecause they want it orbecause the disagree with acall. However, once a requestfor a crew conference has beengranted, a coach is not allowedto continue to argue that call

once a final decision has beenmade. If the call was reversed,the opposing coach is entitledto an explanation of whathappened. Coaches thatcontinue to argue are subject toejection.

Reversing calls (AppendixE). In the appendix to therulebook, there has been asection and a mandate to “Getthe Call Right.” However,some calls cannot be reversedwithout creating largerproblems. One new exampleof that type of call is a ball thathas been ruled foul. A ball thatdoes not leave the field thathas been ruled foul cannot bechanged.

Definitions (Rule 2). Allsections of rule 2 are going tobe numbered for ease inreferencing the definitionsthroughout the rulebook. The80 definitions will benumbered 2-1 through 2-80. nn

Curb That Illegal EnthusiasmPlayPic®

Flashbackcontinued from p. 4

6 2010 NCAA Baseball Guide

Consider the followingscenarios all set up fromthe same play. Rule 7-11f (2)governs in all cases.

Play: With R1 on first,R2 on second and no outs,the offense attempts adouble steal while batter B3is at the plate. B3 interfereswith the catcher’s throw.

Scenario 1: F2successfully throws to thirdbase to retire R2. Ruling 1:The interference is ignored,R2 is out, R1 is allowed toremain at second base andB3 remains at bat.

Scenario 2: Because R2got a huge jump, F2 doesn’tmake an attempt to throwto third. Instead, his initialattempted throw is tosecond base where R1 issuccessfully thrown out.Ruling 2: The interferenceis ignored, R1 is out, R2 isallowed to remain at thirdbase and B3 remains at bat.

Scenario 3: F2 throws tothird base, but is unable toretire R2. Ruling 3: Theinterference penalty isenforced. B3 is out, R2returns to second and R1returns to first.

Scenario 4: F2 throws to

second base, but is unableto retire R1. Ruling 4: Theinterference penalty isenforced. B3 is out, R2returns to second and R1returns to first.

Scenario 5: Due to theinterference, F2 is unable tocomplete an initial throw tothird base. However, F2successfully throws tosecond base and retires R1.Ruling 5: At the point thatF2 is unable to complete aninitial throw, the playshould be ruled dead andthe interference penalty isenforced. B3 is out, R2returns to second and R1returns to first.

Scenario 6: F2’s initialthrow is to second base inan attempt to retire R1. R1

retreats and tries to getcaught in a rundown in thehopes that R2 can roundthird and score. Ruling 6:At the point that F2’s initialthrow did not retire R1, theplay should be ruled deadand the interference penaltyis enforced. B3 is out, R2returns to second and R1returns to first.

In all cases wherebatter’s interference isenforced, all runners returnto the last base legallytouched before theinterference. In all of thescenarios above, it is logicalto conclude that none of therunners would havereached the next base priorto B3’s interference. nn

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Caseplay: Double Steal, Batter InterferesMechaniGram® PlayPic®

Division IGene McArtor3708 Joan Ct.

Columbia, Mo. 65201

mcartore@missouri.edu(573) 443-5516 (H)(573) 999-9162 (C)

Division IIAsa Howard

P.O. Box 588Amarillo, Texas 79105

xss@arn.net(806) 681-5077

(806) 463-5773 (F)

Director of UmpiringTom Hiler

PO Box 777Mountain Home, Idaho 83647

TomasHiler@Yahoo.com208-598-5558 (C)208-587-5416 (F)

Division IIIGeorge DrouchesP.O. Box 27641

Golden Valley, Minn. 55427

george@autoporter.com(952) 541-1400

(612) 432-5351 (C)(952) 593-8369 (F)

NCAA Umpiring Coordinators

2010 NCAA Baseball Guide 7

An interpretation that goesalong with Rule 9-4 dealswith the end of a pitchingconference when a coach isejected while on themound. A coach’s ejectionends the conference. Thedefensive team is notpermitted to send areplacement coach to the

mound to finish theconference. Any additionalrequests for a conferenceshall begin a newconference and the pitchingrules in Rule 9-4 shallapply. Remember that twoconferences to the samepitcher with the same batterat bat are not permitted. nn

The rule on where a coachmust stand has beentweaked through the years.Rule 1-3c currently requiresthat: “At the time of thepitch, the base coach shallremain within the confinesof the coaches’ box withboth feet.”

However, the rulecontinues that it is legal forthe base coach to bepositioned further awayfrom home plate than theboundaries of the coaches’box.

A legally drawncoaches’ box is 20 feet long,five feet deep and 15 feetfrom the foul line. As longas the coach is no closerthan 15 feet from the foulline and not closer than 70feet to home plate, he is in alegal position.

Unlike in the past,coaches cannot request orrequire that the opposition’sbase coaches remain entirelywithin in the confines of thebox. nn

Live Ball? Team Personnel in the DugoutIt’s definitely acceptable forteam members to celebratewhen one of theirteammates does somethingwell.

However, there are rulesthat must be adhered towhen it comes to thosecelebrations, especiallythose that tend to occurwhen the ball is still live.

When the ball is dead,either following an out-of-the-park home run, aspectacular third out or a

game-ending hit, it ispermissible for teammatesto leave the dugout tocelebrate or congratulateteam members.

When it comes to homerun celebrations, coaches arealso asked to instruct andumpires are to enforce Rule5-2d. No offensive teammembers other than basecoaches should touch thebatter-runner before homeplate has been touched andno team personnel other

than preceding base runnersshould enter the dirt area.Umpires should aidenforcement by theircommunication, positioning,and warnings or ejections asnecessary.

However, recently therehave been more and moresituations where teammembers leave the dugoutto celebrate or congratulateteam members while theball is still live. That is inviolation of Rule 5-2c

(offensive team) and 5-4d(defensive team).

Since there is always arisk of interference with afielder or interference with alive ball, team personnelshould be instructed to stayin the dugout during theselive ball situations andumpires should enforcewith a warning for the firstoffense followed by ejectionof one of the offendingplayers for subsequentoffenses. nn

Coaches’ Box Clarification Ejection During MoundConference

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Don’t tell anyone thatrunners must slide. Somewell-meaning umpires believethat runners must slide whengoing into a base. That statementhas potential legal ramifications should sucha sliding runner sustain an injury. Rule 8-4 (TheForce-Play-Slide Rule) was developed to ensurethe safety of all players. A runner must eitherslide directly into a base orslide or run in a directionaway from the fielder. Theslide shown here is not legalbecause he did not slidedirectly into the base.

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There are some pitchers,especially at theprofessional levels, whoraise their arms abovetheir heads, stop, take adeep breath, lower theirhands and arms, come toa stop, and then restarttheir delivery to the plate.

According to NCAArules, pitchers are notallowed to stop or pausetheir motion during thewindup and, by rule,their delivery should be

one uninterruptedcontinuous motionwithout interruption oralteration.

Otherwise this wouldbe an illegal pitch. Withno runners on base thepenalty is a warning onthe first offense and anillegal pitch shall becalled on subsequentoffenses. With runners onbase a balk shall becalled. nn

Windup: One Continuous Motion

PlayPic®

8 2010 NCAA Baseball Guide

Often times, schools thathave the same primaryschool colors will square offin a contest. That can lead toconfusion if both teams arewearing red (or any othersimilar color) uniforms.

By rule, it is theresponsibility of the visitingteam to wear a contrastinguniform color to the jerseyworn by the home team.

However, from a practicalstandpoint, it is not alwayspossible for the visiting teamto change to a contrastingcolor while on the road.

It is highly recommendedthat home gamemanagement notify visitinginstitutions well in advance

of the contest what jerseycolor they will be wearingand the visiting team has theresponsibility to wear acontrasting color.

If this notification is notprovided or teams cannotadjust to wear contrastingcolors, the contest will beplayed as scheduled even ifjerseys do not contrast. Thatis not a situation for protestor forfeit, but a gamemanagement issue for theparticipating institutions.

Umpires should file agame report with theirsupervisor following gameswhere uniform colorsbecome an issue. nn

Uniform Clarifications

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Most umpires appreciate a catcher who works hard for them byblocking or at least attempting to block every pitch. You can returnthe favor by not asking him to chase down foul balls or passedballs with no runners on base. Make the on-deck hitter or ball kidsdo that work and help your pace of game and improve yourrelationship with your catcher.

Teams should decide before a game which uniform colors they aregoing to wear so there are contrasting colors. Umpires, such as GregStreet, should file a report following games where uniform colorsbecome an issue. The game shall not be forfeited or canceled.

Provisions of the Halted Game RuleMost conferences havepolicies in place fordetermining the outcome ofa regulation game (rule 5-8)or using the halted gameprovisions of rule 5-9.

In conference play,umpires and coaches shouldbe aware of thoseprocedures. However, onoccasion in non-conferenceplay there is a lack ofpregame agreement as towhether the halted gameprocedures will apply.

To use the halted gameprocedures, agreementshould be understood andmutually agreed upon byboth institutions before thestart of the contest. Umpiresshould confirm thisinformation with bothcoaches at the pregameconference.

If no agreement isreached prior to the contestto use the halted gameprocedures, then theregulation game procedureswill apply. Coaches cannotagree to accept or waive thehalted game rule once thegame has started.

Even in cases whereweather is not expected tobe a problem, it is advisablefor umpires to confirmwhether a game or series isbeing played using thehalted-game rule. Thatavoids confusion andcomplaints if a situationdoes arise.

Play 1: In the first gameof a three-game non-conference series betweenState University and TechCollege, State leads 4-2 aftersix innings. At that point thegame is suspended for rainand the field becomesunplayable. There was no

discussion prior to the gameof how rainouts would behandled. Ruling 1: Becausethe halted game rule wasnot adopted prior to thestart of the game and sincethe game has gone at leastfive innings, the game isdeclared over and State isthe winner by the score of 4-2. The teams cannot agree toresume the game the nextday.

Play 2: The setting is thesame as in Play 1, however,both coaches have agreed touse the halted game rule forthe first two games of theseries. Ruling 2: The gameis suspended with Stateleading, 4-2. The game willbe resumed at the point ofinterruption and must becompleted before the second

game of the series is played.Play 3: Gold College and

Silver State are about to starta non-conference game. Theweather forecast is clear andno issues are expectedduring the game, so theumpires and coaches do notaddress the halted gamerule at the pregameconference. An unexpectedstorm comes up in the sixthinning with Silver trailing,5-4. The head coach forSilver approaches theumpire and asks if the gameis stopped for rain or will itbe a complete game. Ruling3: Unless both institutionsagreed in advance to use thehalted game rule, it is not ineffect. Therefore, the gamewould be a counted as aregulation game if it weresuspended for rain and playwas unable to continue. nn

2010 NCAA Baseball Guide 9

There has been someconfusion in recent yearsrelated to the use of radarguns during contests, bothduring the regular seasonand during the postseasontournaments.

In some cases,conferences address theissue and those rules shallgovern games played inthat league.

However, rule 5-2f doesnot specifically mentionnor prohibit the use ofradar guns and therefore,absent any conference rule,their use is permitted inregular season andpostseason play.

However, similar topitch charting orvideotaping, any use ofradar guns should be bynon-uniformed personnel,should occur only fromthe area behind homeplate, and anyinformation should not betransmitted to the playingfield, dugouts, or teampersonnel.

In addition, for regularseason play, the rules donot prohibit use of pitchspeed displays instadiums as long asconsistent for bothinstitutions. nn

Radar Guns Are Permissible

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Without a halted game rule, this game would revert back to the endof the fifth inning since the home team did not bat in the sixth. Thehome team would win, 4-3.

If the halted game rule is not in effect. this game would becompleted if it were suspeded for rain and play could not resume.

If the halted game rule is in effect, a game is stopped at the point ofinterruption and continued from that point.

QuizTest Your Rules Knowledge

In each of the following, youare given a question or playsituation and several possibleanswers. You are to decidewhich answer is correct using2009-10 NCAA rules.

1. Which of the following typeof plays, situations and/orcalls may not be changed inan NCAA game?

a. A foul tip is dropped ortrapped by the catcher.

b. Cases in which anumpire clearly errs injudgment because he did notsee a ball dropped or juggledafter making a tag of force.

c. A pitch that has beenruled a swing.

d. Deciding if a home runis fair or foul.

2. What should you do whenyou see a pitcher begin hiswindup with his non-pivot footentirely in front of the pivotfoot and his shoulders squareto the third-base line insteadof to the batter?

a. Nothing, wait for theopposing team to complain.

b. Nothing, but let hiscoach know at the end of theinning that he cannot do it.

c. Call time and warn thepitcher that he needs to havehis shoulders square to thebatter and his non pivot footeven with or behind his pivotfoot.

d. No warning, call timeand call it an illegal pitch.

3. The following type of playis not an immediate dead ball:

a. The batter’s bat hits theball twice.

b. Batter is hit by a pitch.c. Batter interference

followed by a play.d. Batter’s follow through

interferes with catcher.e. Runner interferes with a

fielder.

4. The batter swings at apitch on the inside corner, theball hits his hands while theyare holding the bat and theball rolls toward the pitcherand the third baseman. Thepitcher throws the batter-runner out at first base.

a. That play is ruled a fairball and the results stand.

b. That is considered afoul ball and the batter wouldcontinue to bat.

c. That is considered amissed strike three and thebatter is out because thepitcher was able to throw himout at first before the battercould reach first base.

d. That is a strike and theball is dead but any runnercould advance if they werestealing on the pitch.

e. That is a strike and theball is dead and any runnersmust return to their time ofpitch base.

5. The batter is leaning overthe plate. The pitch comes inhigh and near the corner ofthe plate. The batter holds hisground and allows the pitch tohit him in the shoulder above

the plate. What is your ruling?a. Send the batter to first

base.b. Judge it based on your

experience as a player.c. The ball is dead and it

is a ball. Keep the batter atthe plate and a ball to thecount.

d. Call it a ball. Keep thebatter at bat but warn him ifhe does it again, you will ejecthim for making a travesty ofthe game.

6. With the bases loaded andone out, the batter hits a linedrive past the third baseman.The fair ball hits the third-baseumpire in the leg and bouncestoward the shortstop. Therunner from third scores but thebatter-runner is thrown out atfirst base. What is your ruling?

10 2010 NCAA Baseball Guide

Once a batter is ruled to haveoffered at a pitch, that is notreversible and not covered bythe “Getting the Call Right”philosophy that is in Appendix Eof the 2009-10 NCAA BaseballRules Book.

a. That is umpireinterference, clear and simple.Return the runner to thirdbase and advance the batterto first base.

b. Let the play standbecause that is notinterference. Score the runand allow the out at first base.

c. Call time and return therunner to third base and thebatter to bat again. Inessence, a do-over.

d. Return the runner tothird base and call the batterout.

7. With R2 on second, thebatter squares around tosacrifice bunt. The catcherreaches out for the ball andcontacts the bat, preventingthe bunt. What’s the ruling?

a. That is not catcherinterference, the catcher hasa right to catch the pitchwherever he can.

b. The ball is immediatelydead and you should warn thecatcher and penalize the nexttime he does it.

c. That is a doublepenalty: Call a balk on thepitcher and advance R2 tothird base and award thebatter first base.

d. That is simply catcher’sinterference. Once the ball iscaught by the catcher, calltime, award the batter firstbase and keep R2 at secondbase.

8. A checked swing shall becalled a strike if:

a. The umpire judges thebatter offered at the pitch.

b. The umpire judges thebarrel head of the bat crossedthe front edge of home plate.

c. The umpire judges thebarrel head of the bat crossedthe batter’s front hip.

d. Both B and C

9. Which of the following isnot a legal game?

a. A game scheduled forseven innings that is part of adoubleheader that is played tocompletion.

b. A game scheduled for

seven innings that is not partof a doubleheader.

c. A game scheduled forseven innings that is part of adoubleheader that issuspended after the firstgame is completed.

d. A game scheduled fornine innings that is called afterseven innings due to rain.

10. A game that is stopped atany time after its start and isto be completed at a laterdate is:

a. A called game.b. A halted game.c. A normal game.d. A suspended game.

11. Unless otherwiseprovided by the rules, whereshall all other runners beplaced when the batter,batter-runner or a runner aredeclared out for interference?

a. Last base legallytouched at the time ofinterference.

b. Last base legallytouched at the time of thepitch.

c. Umpire’s discretion.

12. In order to be safe frombeing called out upon properappeal, a runner must touchthe base:

a. On his first time by.b. Anytime during the

course of a play.c. On his last time by.d. Anytime, as long as it is

a forward advance.

13. In a 10-player lineup, thepitcher may pinch-hit for:

a. Any of the nine playersalready in the lineup.

b. Only the designatedhitter.

c. No one.

14. With a runner on first, thebatter grounds to theshortstop, who flips to second

for the force out. R1 slidesdirectly at the base with oneleg in contact with the ground.The top leg is waist-high tothe pivot man and contactsthe pivot man’s glove, but notmaliciously. The relay throw,slowed by the contact, is toolate to retire BR.

a. Legal play.b. Interference, BR is also

out.c. Interference, but BR is

not out because a double playwasn’t possible.

15. With one out in the top ofthe sixth inning, F8 injures hisleg and must leave the game.

a. F8’s replacement is notallowed warm-up throws.

b. F8’s replacement isallowed five warm-up throws.

c. F8’s replacement isallowed 10 warm-up throws.

d. F8’s replacement isallowed as many warm-upthrows as he cares to throw.nn

1. c (Appendix E)

2. c (9-1a Penalty)

3. c (6-2, 6-3, 6-4, 6-5)

4. e (7-4e)

5. c (8-2d-2)

6. b (6-1i; 6-2f AR; 8-2f, g)

7. d (8-2e)

8. d (2-18)

9. b (2-25, 5-7)

10. b (2-39)

11. a (2-50 AR1)

12. c (2-51).

13. b (2-59 AR)

14. b (8-4-c-3)

15. b (5-5-h)

Answers

2010 NCAA Baseball Guide 11RE

FE

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E

Pitchers are covered byseveral unique rulingswhen it comes to theiruniforms and gloves.Things that are legal forany other player are notnecessarily legal for apitcher.

However, there isnothing in the NCAAbaseball rules that prohibitthe wearing of a neopreneor similar type sleeve by apitcher, as long as the rulesthat do apply (1-14d and 9-2h) are adhered to.

Therefore, similar to anundershirt, a neoprenesleeve may not be white,may not be torn or ragged,must be a solid color andmust match the color ofteammates’ undershirts.

Since undershirts must

have sleeves the samelength, a pitcher wouldneed to wear a similar typeand color of sleeve on theglove arm or wear anundershirt meeting allcriteria over the top of theexposed neoprene sleeve.

Also, as a reminder, perRule 9-2h, pitchers may notwear a garment withragged or frayed sleeves,may not attach tape orother metal of a colordifferent from the uniformor glove to the glove, armsor clothing and may notwear a batting or otherglove under his glove. Hemay not wear jewelry orother items considereddistracting such as chains,white logos, wrist bands, orloose lacing on his glove. nn

Umpires want to get everycall right, but that is just notpossible. No one involvedwith a game is free ofmistakes — coaches don’tcoach perfectly and playersdon’t play perfectly.

In appendix E of therulebook, the NCAA hasprovided the guidelines forumpires as to what calls canbe changed and when andhow that can beaccomplished. While thegoal should be to get everycall correct, some calls arejust not reversible and someerrors just can’t be avoidedor fixed.

In general, the umpiremaking the call must be theone to seek assistance and isthe ultimate decision maker

on changing a call. Umpiresare not to seek help on playson which they are 100percent confident in theirjudgment and view. Onlythose calls in which theirview may be blocked or ifthey have doubt or if theymay not have seen a crucialelement of the play can bereviewed.

In addition, some callsare not reviewable andcannot be changed. TheNCAA rules currentlyprovide no opportunity forthe use of replay or video toassist in the decision tochange or not change a call.

There are seven specificsituations or plays whichcan lead to an umpireconference:

• Home run is fair orfoul (or any ball leaving liveball territory)

• Batted ball left field forhome run or ground ruledouble

• Foul tip dropped ortrapped by catcher

• Foul fly ball caught ornot caught

• Ball dropped or juggledafter tag or force play

• Spectator interferenceplays

• Balk calls withpitcher’s foot off the rubber

The umpire conference, ifcalled, should include theentire crew, but could belimited to those umpireswho likely would have thebest position and knowledgeof the play.

The discussion shouldtake place well away fromplayers or coaches. A coachwho has come on to the fieldto discuss a call must returnto his position before a crewconference can begin.

Any umpire conference todiscuss the change of a callmust occur prior to the nextpitch or play in the game.After that point in time, NOchanges in a prior call areallowed.

If after a conference, thecall is not changed, the coachwho discussed the call is notpermitted to return for morediscussion. Conversely, whena call is changed, the newlyaggrieved coach should beinformed of the change andthe reasoning behind it nn

12 2010 NCAA Baseball Guide

Guidelines for Getting the Call Right

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Pitchers are allowed to wear medical sleeves that extend belowthe elbow. However, they may not be white and/or gray unlessthey are covered by a legal undershirt.

Legal Illegal

Pitchers and Neoprene Sleeves: What’s the Ruling?

2010 NCAA Baseball Guide 13

This year will mark thebeginning of a new officialwebsite for NCAAofficiating, includingbaseball(www.arbitersports.com).Baseball has beenidentified by the NCAA asone of the priorityofficiating programs toreceive attention in thisfirst year of operation andmore than 12 months ofplanning and preparationhave already occurred.

This new website willrequire a registration feefor access and will berequired at the Division Ilevel for a Division INCAA Baseballchampionship assignment.

However, registrationshould be of interest andbeneficial for any officialwanting to umpire at theNCAA level, progress intheir umpire abilities, andassist in their professionaldevelopment as anumpire. Over time, thiswebsite will serve as thesingle point of contact foranything related to NCAAbaseball at all levels.

Enhancedcommunication, ability tosatisfy requirements forpostseason assignmenteligibility from a single

site, information onpostseason assignments,rule tests and quizzes,mechanics quizzes andvideo, increasededucational videoopportunities and trainingmaterials will all belocated at this site.

This site should be ofmajor interest to all NCAAumpires looking toimprove their knowledge,performance andconsistency. Many umpiresare already familiar withthe assigning functions ofArbiterSports; therefore,this site will be even moreconvenient for them.

With the commitmentof the NCAA and the sportofficiating programs,including baseball, this sitewill provide theinformation, technologyand data bases to allow theprofession of baseballumpiring to progress. It isrecommended that allNCAA baseball umpirestake advantage of thisopportunity forprofessional development.It is anticipated that thissite(www.arbitersports.com)will launch the NCAAbaseball portion of thewebsite in early January. nn

New NCAA Baseball UmpireWebsite: ArbiterSports.com

When young umpires getstarted in the game, thefocus of most in trying toimprove their craft is tomaster the mechanics ofgood umpiring. The self-talk that goes on insidethe umpire’s head goeslike this: “A good umpireis always in position,anticipating the properrotation and finding thebest angles to seeapproaching plays. I’ll bejudged on whether I havea consistent strike zone.Keep my head height thesame, track the ball withmy eyes to the mitt andremember to have goodtiming. Let the playhappen, see the play.What is it? Now call it.”

That kind of self-talk isessential to thedevelopment of anumpire. However, withexperience, those conceptsbecome ingrained. That’swhen the focus needs toshift. There are a lot ofgood umpires who can getthe calls right and followall the prescribedmechanics of goodumpiring. An umpire whowants to advance hiscareer needs to realizewhat characteristicsseparate the best umpiresfrom the rest.

With that in mind, let’stake a look at some of thetraits that a great umpirepossesses.

PresenceOne of the most importantcharacteristics is presence.

Like a lot of theintangibles of goodumpiring, it is a qualitythat is hard to define. Itstarts with looking thepart. Appearance, as itrelates to good physicalform and a sharp uniformis a part of that. However,it goes further. How anumpire stands on the fieldprior to the start of thegame and betweeninnings, shoulders uprightwith head held high,never folding the arms infront of the body, gives anair of confidence andapproachability that isnoticed by players andcoaches.

Grace under fireWe all want to work withthe kind of partner who iseasy to find whenproblems arise on thediamond. Most of us havebeen in situations wherewe need to get help fromour partners on a rulessituation, or to get moreinformation on a call wehad to make that mightneed to be overturned.Great umpires step up inthose situations and showthe courage that is neededto provide the requiredhelp. They also don’tthrow their partnersunder the bus during theensuing argument.

Discernment The type of discernmentbeing referred to does notinvolve judging plays. It

The Characteristics of a Great Umpire

(see Characteristics p.14)

14 2010 NCAA Baseball Guide

There was some dispute atseveral different levels ofbaseball concerning whatconstitutes a complete tag inlight of a controversial MLBplay in the 2008 playoffs.

In the NCAA, a tag isdefined in Rule 2-74 to be:“The action of a fielder intouching a base with any partof the body while holding theball securely and firmly inthe hand or glove or touchinga runner with the ball or withthe glove while holding theball securely and firmly inthat hand or glove.”

As an interpretation, thefielder shall maintain orregain control of his bodyand if he drops the ball dueto his lack of body control or

lack of control of the ball, it isnot a tag. A voluntary releaseis substantive proof ofcomplete control.

Play: R2 is caught in a

rundown between secondand third base. F6 gets closeto R2, lunges and tags R2 inthe back. As F6 makes thetag, he loses his balance and

falls to the ground. The glovehits the dirt and the ballcomes out. Ruling: F6 has notmade a legal tag and R2should be ruled safe at thatmoment, assuming he canlegally acquire a base. F6must demonstrate or regaincontrol of his body withoutlosing the ball. nn

Completion of Tag Definition Clarified

involves things like knowingwhen to let a complaint goand when to address it.Umpires need to know wherethat line is drawn. Thesituation in the game, who ismaking the complaint, howthe complaint is lodged, toneof voice, etc., are all factorsthat go into making thatjudgment. Another degree ofdiscernment involves howand when selling a call is inorder. Not every close callneeds to be sold with thesame degree of intensity.Umpires don’t like to beshown up by players, andplayers feel the same wayregarding umpires. Forexample, a hard sell on astrike three call when thebatter is obviously fooled bya pitch down the middlewon’t win you many friendsfor the remainder of thegame.

AwarenessThere are a lot of things thatcan go on during a baseballgame that aren’t necessarilya part of the game ofbaseball. Nonetheless, theyfall under the jurisdiction ofumpires. Usually, thoseissues involvesportsmanship, and umpireawareness of what is goingon is necessary for keepingorder on the diamond.

Keeping a close eye onthe behavior of playersmight mean taking your eyesmomentarily off the ball. Aplayer who just hit a homerun might decide to makesome gesture directedtoward the opposing team’sdugout while rounding thebases. Or he may decide tostand and admire the flightof the ball for a while beforerunning the bases. Anumpire who has greatawareness will recognize thatand address it with thatplayer. A base umpire whosees something similar will

let the plate umpire knowabout it between innings.

Consequently, the nexttime that hitter is up, if apitch hits the batter, theumpire will be prepared todeal with it properly. Orsimilarly, after anunnecessarily hard slide onthe bases, or a hard tag thatwas uncalled for, awarenessof who the perpetrator waswill allow the plate umpire toattempt some preventiveofficiating. Those situationscan be dealt with much moreeffectively when the plateumpire is prepared for them.

Style With all of those positivetraits, an umpire may still notrise above the rest if hedoesn’t have a sense of hisown style in making calls.Style doesn’t mean putting ona show. However, how youlook when making callssometimes has as much to dowith how you are judged thanwhether you got the call rightor not.

Umpires can bemechanically sound, getmost of their calls right, butstill not look very gooddoing any of it.

Those guys tend not toget the best assignments.That is true of casualobvious calls, as well asthose you have to sell withenthusiasm. Umpires wholook like a robot ormechanical doll whenmaking calls are usuallysubject to harsher judgmentfrom players, coaches andfans. Many umpiringclinicians suggest makingcalls in front of the mirror tosee how you look in anattempt to find your ownpersonal style.

Presence, grace underfire, discernment, awarenessand style are qualities thatcan make you a real umpire.Watch great umpires andyou will notice that theydemonstrate all those traits.Oh, and they’ll probably getthe calls right, too. nn

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Characteristicscontinued from p. 13

2010 NCAA Baseball Guide 15

temporarily delay the gamefurther. But if umpires areconsistent in enforcing therule as intended, a penaltystrike will be a measure thatis effective in improving thegame’s pace and rarelyneeded.

Time between innings (9-2i)The rule specifies that a

pitcher gets one minutebetween innings to completehis warmup throws — five fora returning pitcher, eight for anew pitcher. Using astopwatch is not necessary toenforce that rule. When thethird out is made, if thedefensive team promptlytakes the field and the pitcherstarts his throws immediately,he will easily complete thetask inside of one minute.However, if the teamlollygags — the catcher walksto the plate and the pitchertakes forever to get out of thedugout — you can reasonablyassume that more than oneminute has passed.

The limit of five pitchesfor a returning pitcher isabsolute. If the startingcatcher is not ready becausehe made the third out, do notlet the pitcher make extrathrows to the backup catcher.

ConferencesUmpires should have a

standard procedure forhandling both offensive anddefensive conferences. Bymaintaining those procedures,games will not tend to bogdown in meetings.

Teams are limited to threefree defensive conferences ina regulation game (9-4a). Nodefensive conference shouldbe allowed to go on forever.When time is requested andgranted, the plate umpireshould mark his lineup cardwith the conference and wait

a brief time before walkingout to the mound.

Once at the mound, if thecoach is finishing his point, letthat happen. He will see youhave arrived and know thathis time is limited. If hecontinues or is sayingnothing, ask him if he ismaking a change or is readyto go. Once the coach leavesthe mound, the plate umpireshould jog briskly back to thehome plate area and be readyby the time the coach is in thedugout and all players are inplace. The game should not bewaiting on the umpire.

Offensive conferences (6-5f) are also limited to three ina regulation-length game.Those conferences must becharged and noted anytime acoach meets with anyonefrom his team and delays thegame. There is no limit onusing all three offensiveconferences in the sameinning. The same procedure ofrecording a conference andthen waiting a brief timebefore breaking it up shouldbe followed. By rule, anumpire must notify a coachwhen an offensive conferenceis charged.

Mid-inning pitching changesThe defensive team may

use only one of its defensiveconferences in an inning totalk with the same pitcher (9-4b). All umpires must beaware when the second visitis about to take place.

A second trip to the samepitcher is not a charged

defensive conference,therefore, there is no reason toallow the coach any extra timeat the mound. The process ofmaking the change shouldbegin immediately.

As soon as a coach headstoward the mound, theappropriate base umpireshould be making eye contactwith the coach to determinewhere the reliever is comingfrom. If there are two relieverswarming up in the bullpen,make certain you are callingfor the correct pitcher.

If the new reliever isalready making his way intothe game, then the umpiredoes not have to do anything.However, a reliever should notbe permitted to makeadditional pitches in thebullpen once it is obvious he isthe one coming into the game.

A 2008 rule change statedthat “a trip to the mound,which may include aconference with the infielders,is concluded when a coachleaves the dirt circle or thepitcher begins his eightwarmup pitches” (9-4d). Thecoach is not allowed to meetfurther with the pitcher oncethe warmup throws havebegun. Once the eighth pitchis taken, the game should beready to resume.

Non-rule based pace issuesThere are several things

that an umpire can do thataren’t based in the rules toimprove pace.

The first is to get the ballback into play as quickly as

possible. As soon as a ball isobviously foul, have a newball ready — either hand it tothe catcher or throw it to thepitcher yourself. The gameshould be able to resume as ifthat were a normal strike.

It is also imperative thatboth teams work together toensure that foul balls arereturned to the umpire in anexpedient fashion. The plateumpire should not havebaseballs returned to himduring the middle of a player’sat-bat unless he has run outbecause of multiple foul balls.

Pace no-nosCall more strikes. Steal an

out. 17 for 21 in the five hole.All three of those are not theintention of the committeewhen it comes to pace of play.

The strike zone is definedand must be called correctly.A 3-0 pitch is not an automaticstrike any more than an 0-2pitch is an automatic ball.Regardless of the score,umpires should not attempt tohasten the pace of a game bypurposely calling pitchesincorrectly.

Although not as common,base umpires should notintentionally miss a play onthe bases to penalize anoffensive team that is routinganother. It is the defensiveteam’s job to earn three outs.It is not the umpire’s job toassist in that mission. Scoresdo sometimes get out of hand,but that is not something anumpire can or should try tocontrol.

Finally, umpires have aduty to record all warnings,substitutions and conferences.Games could be halted, orsuspended or somethingdramatic (a long rally or anejection) could happen andmake it unlikely that you willremember multiplesubstitutions. Do your job, butdo it with a purpose and thepace of the game will not behampered. nn

POEscontinued from p. 1

With weather being such a huge factor, baseball games get cancelledor moved more often than in other sports. Umpires should use allavailable technology, such as cell phones and the Internet, inorder to stay on top of the weather situations. Being in contactwith the game administration and your partner is important, so makesure you have their cell numbers and they have yours. Office numbersaren’t effective since the umpires are driving to the field and coachesare already outside.

When the game is on the line, will you be ready?

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