NCAA Umpiring Guidelines: Emphasizing Mechanics and Philosophy in the Three-Umpire System

1. 2009 NCAA Mechanics

2. Preface • Remember that the main focus of the SUIP is the 3 umpire system. • All umpires should become familiar with the NCAA’s three umpire system. • Techniques, angles and distances are all the same regardless of which system is being used.

3. Preface • The philosophy of umpiring at the NCAA level is paramount, regardless of division • The manual is your lifeline, many techniques are spelled out on how to handle situations, control play, etc. Their game, not yours • Training has become an issue with the SUIP. They feel as if the background and experience is lacking.

4. Reminders • Work ahead of the play • Keep the elements of the play in front of you • Adjust to an individual play • Efficient movement • Pre-pitch preparation • Wait-interpret-choose

5. New Mechanics • The biggest change in the 2-umpire system is the base umpire can be off the line with no runners on base (the “A” position). • Between 15’ and 30’ from first base, behind F4 and set. • This is optional positioning, may switch during the game.

6. New Mechanics • Benefits: • Movement is now toward the base on a force play at first. • “Step saver” when working outside of the diamond. • Better look at the pitcher’s feet (24” violation) • However, only chase in the “V”

7. Points of Emphasis • Signals – the use of proper signals for the college game. • Signals – the “tone” and “emphasis” in the use of signals – foul balls, time, etc. • Signals – third strike (BU) • Signals – two optional signals at first • Signals – “no infraction”

8. Points of Emphasis • Starting positions • No runners on – 18’-20’ on the line or “A” position • Runner on first – same as optional position • Leading runner on Second/Third – between 2B and 3B, behind the shortstop, no closer than 15’ to either base.

9. Points of Emphasis • Calling positions • Force Plays – 900 to the throw • Three elements: Ball, Foot, Runner • Prioritize the ball, compromise on the “bad” angles • Tag Plays – 900 to the runner, there are two positions for every play. • You cannot be too close on a tag play!

10. Points of Emphasis • Illegal Pitches • SUIP still considers this a problem • Know the “pre-pitch” feet • Base umpires, watch all elements, step back, leaping and replanting • Plate Umpire has primary call of a 24” violation. Base umpires can ASSIST (only when inside, not on the line)

11. Points of Emphasis • Obstruction • Not called appropriately • 1.80 Obstruction • The act of a defensive team member that hinders or impedes a batter’s attempt to make contact with a pitched ball or that impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running bases, unless the fielder is in possession of the ball, is fielding a batted ball or is about to receive a thrown ball. The act may be intentional or unintentional. • Prioritize: Position, Obstruction, then Tag

12. Points of Emphasis • Plate mechanics • Tag plays – best angle • Strike zone – defined by rule, not “your zone.” Consistency is not enough, accuracy is the key. • Calling time – if the pitcher is within her 10 seconds, time should only be granted for extreme circumstances. • Use “we are playing” or “ball is still live”; avoid “No”

13. Points of Emphasis • Substitutions – slow down and get it right • Have the coach point and confirm • Line up card management system as outlined in the manual is highly useful.

14. Points of Emphasis • Working between pitches • Single runner - step-to-commit (use the fielders as a guide) • Multiple runners – reading and reacting

15. Points of Emphasis • Sportsmanship • Remember that NCAA is to communicate through coaches, not players • Coaches must abide by sportsmanship behavior as well. • Brawls – what your contact with players • Observe, confer and report