Jamaica Plain Regan Youth League: Umpires
Please contact Liz O'Connor at 617-733-2286 or by email at liz@strategymatters.org if you have any questions, conflicts, or can't make it to a scheuled game.
A couple of quick reminders to keep it going strong - for all umpires:
- Remember to call all pitches, loud and proud. This is really important to coaches, parents and players alike.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before game time. This will give you time to suit up as well as to troubleshoot any problems (missing equpment in the box, etc) without delaying the start time. If you can't get to the field on time, please let me know so we can get a sub.
- If you are calling balls and stroke, please ask the coaches to observe you calling a few practice pitches before the game. This will help you to identify and manage any problems with the strike zone; if they feel it is too big or too small (or inconsistent), they can let you know that before the game begins.
By now, all softball umps should be in full uniform. Please stand behind the catcher but get out onto the field to call plays when needed. Also, keep in mind that the softball coaches have agreed to the following rule refinements, so please take note:
- No advance to home if the catcher overthrows the pitcher or if there is a passed ball. All other times the ball is in play and a runner can continue home. Be careful to keep your eye on what the catcher is doing -- what may look like a throw back to the pitcher could be a throw to 2nd that fell short.
- The official pitching rubber is 40' from home plate.
- A fair ball is a batted ball that is first touched in fair ground or that lands in the outfield in fair territory. A batted ball that hits home plate and stays on the plate or rolls into fair territory is a fair ball, since home plate is in fair territory.
To learn some of the finer points of umpiring, check out the eTeamz Umpire Helper. You should also brush up on the Regan League rules
Can a coach pitch from his knees in Farm?
Although we can't figure out why a coach would want to do this, there's no rule against it, so it's legal. But please keep in mind that a coach should not be further than 3 feet from the rubber.
Infield Fly Rule
The rules as currently posted on the website indicate that there is no infield fly rule in Softball, Farm, or Junior. Therefore, there is an infield fly rule in Seniors.