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Monday, September 1
Some FUN for our Volunteer Umpires ...
DID YOU KNOW:
In 1952, Mitch Miller recorded a song for/about UMPIRES on the flip side of a 45RPM Record - the "lead side" had "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" ... click here: "The Umpire" ... to read the words, and
Click the Radio to Hear "The Umpire" by Mitch Miller
The players heard on the record Phil Rizzuto, Tommy Henrich, Ralph Branca, and Roy Campanella. (Click on the players' names to read about them!)
Did you know that there was once a ballpark sign in Kansas City circa 1886 which read: "Please do not shoot the umpire. He's doing the best he can."?
Little League Baseball Umpire Clinic Manual
The following attached guide is not an official rule book but can be used as an instructional tool for Little League Umpires. At no time should this manual be used as a reference for rules in place of the Official Regulations and Playing Rules of either Oregon District 9 Little League or Little League Baseball. The official rule books will be made available at clinics offered by the Local Leagues and District 9. Questions specific to training within Oregon District 9 should be directed to the District UIC (Chief Umpire).
Little League Baseball Umpire Clinic Manual
Monday, April 21
Umpiring: Seeing the Game from the "Best Seat in the House!" Click Here for a Great Article ...
Click on the "Umpire Registry" picture to check out the site ... Register on-line to get updated information and learn more about important helpful information for this primary focus on volunteerism!
Little League has a great site chock full of ideas to help your League or District recruit, maintain, and GROW the ever-important Volunteer Umpire Pool.
Click here to check it out!
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WELCOME FELLOW UMPIRES AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED VISITORS!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW AN ARTICLE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DANGLING THROAT PROTECTOR ... including a photo, and how it must be attached. The article is by Little League's Chief Umpire in Williamsport - Andy Konyar.
Each Spring, District 9 has hosted annual training events for local umpires - with an emphasis on including all managers and coaches. With experienced Umpires on District Staff -
* Ongoing consultations are available on request!
DISTRICT 9 UMPIRE STAFF:
UIC - GARY TAYLOR
UMPIRE CONSULTANT: JIM WILKINSON
JUNIOR UMPIRE CONSULTANT: TOM JUZELER
Our program would not be as successful as it is if it wasn't for the dedication of our volunteer umpires. While other leagues succumb to hiring "associations" to work some of their games, the Leagues and District staff of District 9 are working on meeting the Goal of Little League - 100% Volunteer - and being blessed with moms, dads, and kids, police officers, firefighters, teachers, and others from the community who willingly give up a little more of their free time to provide quality umpires for all our games. For this, we thank you. This website is dedicated to you.
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To all Volunteer Managers, Coaches, Umpires, League and District Staff:
Click on the 'header line' above and learn about this very important clinic 'close to home.' This clinic is open to what is commonly referred too as "Junior Umpires" (teens as well as "less-experienced" adult umpires) as well as multi-year umpires. This is the SEVENTH year it has been presented in Corvallis and has sold out fairly early in the past. With that in mind, they established a "promotion" for registration that provides a discount for early registration. To meet the requirements for the discount, the registration form must be completed filled out, payment included, and it must be post-marked by the deadline date.
Instructors not only include Little League Umpire Instructors from Western Regional and Little League Headquarters (including several who have umpired at World Series in different divisions), but also "Professional Umpires." Representation of attendance includes folks from Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, California ... This is the same type clinic that is presented at Western Regional Headquarters in San Bernardino, California - but is packed into a weekend instead of a full week! It is an "accredited Little League Umpire Clinic."
Little League's Western Regional Headquarters also provides several workshops and clinics. The link provides the clinic schedule and the registration form should there be an interest. There are some multiple Umpire Training events available:
TRAINING WITH CAPITOL CITY UMPIRES ASSOCIATION in Salem
Capitol City Umpires Association out of Salem also hosts an 9-week clinic that generally begins in early February - 7 or 8 Monday evenings and generally one Saturday with extensive training. The majority of folks associated with this program are individuals who work school games, but volunteer their time for Little League. Instructors include some Little League Umpires who have been appointed to World Series games.
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If you have any questions regarding rules, positioning and mechanics, or any other issue on umpiring, feel free to contact 4.the.kids@earthlink.net - who will forward on your request to the appropriate "responder!"
Depending on the local league, some "non-Little League volunteer" umpires may be umpiring your child's games. These are "association" umpires being paid out of the registration and fundraising monies you provided the league - and part of the reason some leagues' fees may be higher than others. Your local Little League is "paying the association" for their umpires' time - generally because they are having challenges getting VOLUNTEER umpires to step up. Little League is not providing workers comp insurance or any other benefits to these individuals. Little League is a federally chartered non-profit and volunteer program, and the goal of every League is to have volunteer umpires working your child's games. The "home league" providing these umpires is required to provide Little-League Specific rules (both the Rule Book and the Interleaguing Rules) to the association so there is consistency throughout the regular season and toward the tournament play of these teams.
Click here to view what COULD be a possibility in the future for Lane County -- a Little League Focused VOLUNTEER Umpires Association: It will only happen if folks like YOU - VOLUNTEER! This association charges leagues for their administration fees, but additional monies go to cover the cost of training and obtaining equipment for their members. http://blue17.net/NWRU/
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The front page of the main website has links to weather information for the communities in our District -- and we plan to add them here shortly. In the meantime, feel free to flip back to www.eteamz.com/ordistrict9 - and check out the CHILD SAFETY LINK!
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Oh, oh... yep, it's OREGON's Liquid Sunshine!
If we don't play in it, we may not get a game in this season! |
CHECK THE SCHEDULE!
Please check each league's site separately and see if they have posted game schedules. Look for where your time may be available to volunteer behind the plate, at a base, or in the field!
Interleaguing Rules for District-wide use, and the Interleaguing and Ejection Policy are posted at this site for reference!.
Please check the local leagues' schedules frequently and advise where you find game you will be available to work!
ANYONE VOLUNTEERING TO UMPIRE ON A REGULAR BASIS (HAVING 'REGULAR CONTACT WITH THE PLAYERS') IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND SUBMIT A VOLUNTEER FORM TOWARD A BACKGROUND CHECK. CLICK ON THE MENU LINE FOR 'VOLUNTEER FORM' TO OBTAIN A FORM - AND GET IT SUBMITTED TO YOUR LOCAL LEAGUE PRESIDENT FOR APPROVAL.
Chief Umpire Observations Section -- See below ...
"Under Construction!" Plans are to update this site with things we see or hear about as the seasons progress that we want to pass on to you. It's purely for information and education purposes, so if it happens to you, don't take it personally! We can learn a little something from our mistakes, and we ALL make mistakes. If you have a strange play or situation and want to share, you can post it on the message board or email us and we'll add it to the next update of this feature.
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"They'll pass over the money without even thinking about it: for it's money they have and peace they lack. And they'll walk out to the bleachers; sit in shirtsleeves on a perfect afternoon. They'll find they have reserved seats somewhere along one of the baselines, where they sat when they were children and cheered their heroes. And they'll watch the game, and it'll be as if they dipped themselves in magic waters. And the memories will be so thick they'll have to brush them away from their faces. People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again. Oh,.. people will come Ray. People will most definitely come."
From "Field of Dreams" ... A Fact! http://www.leftandcenterfod.com/html/index_return.html
*Thank you to Central Springfield Little League (Virginia) for having some great information available for reference.
Macarena
Umpiring Tips
CLICK ON THE LEADER LINE to view LL's "Volunteer Umpire Tips of the Month" web page!
Some additional definitions that will help you with your mechanics on the field.
First-base line extended: This is an imaginary line that extends the first-base fair/foul line into foul territory behind home plate an unlimited distance. The umpire-in-chief (UIC, or plate umpire) will assume a position on the first-base line extended in several instances including: to render fair/foul decisions on batted balls to the right of home plate; to observe action at first base as another runner scores; on selected tag plays at home plate; and during a rundown on a base runner while the UIC is responsible for a potential play on a different runner attempting to score.
Open the gate: A basic movement that allows continued observation of a batted or thrown ball as the ball passes the umpire. To open the gate, begin in an upright stance with your feet comfortably apart. Then, keeping your chest to the ball, take an initial step backward while pointing your foot toward the balls destination. As the ball passes you, or just before it, turn by stepping with your opposite foot and focus on the developing play.
Release runner to third: When the umpire-in-chief (UIC) verbally informs a base umpire, Ive got third if he comes or Ive got third if he tags, the base umpire will observe the touch or tag-up at second base, then release responsibility for that runner to UIC and assume responsibility for plays made on any trailing runners.
Square to the bag: When set for a play at any base, your head, shoulders and feet should be in line and perpendicular to a line from your location to the base. By taking a position square to the bag, you will avoid a tendency to turn away from the play before it is complete.
Starting position: This is the on-field location occupied by an umpire as a play begins, determined for the base umpire by the runner configuration.
Without doubt, verbal communications with your partner is the area most in need of improvement among amateur-baseball/softball umpires. Partner communications begin no later than the pre-game conference and should continue on every play. Pre-game meetings set the tone for the game at hand. A good pre-game helps each member of the crew mentally focus on his/her responsibilities and ensures that each crew member understands exactly what he/she is expected to do during the game. In fact, every duty or responsibility of every umpire could be discussed in every pre-game of course, that is not realistic. If crew members cooperate during the pre-game, they are more likely to work well during the game.
Clear, clean, concise communication during each play is the only reliable method that will eliminate coverage errors and ensure that at least one umpire is watching everything that happens on a baseball/softball field. Communication is a key to success in all we do. Effective communication is essential in business, in a social setting and in personal relationships. Communication also is the key to successful umpiring. Proper communication and crisp signals sell a call. If you look lazy you will be perceived as a lazy umpire, and very few will accept your decisions, regardless of how right they may be. Thats the nature of this game. Proper communication during game action and on your calls, combined with good crisp signals, lends a credibility that says, This guy knows what hes doing. That is the image you strive to present and maintain during each game.
Volunteer Umpire Tip of the Month
November 2004
The interference rule came into play recently in the Major League Baseball playoffs. So now is a good time to talk about a type of interference you dont see very often. Its when a base coach reaches out to physically assist the runner.
December 2004
Batting out of turn can be a little tricky, particularly when more than one batter bats out of turn.
January 2005
Check out the key definitions that will be a big help for any umpire.
February 2005
In this months tip for umpires, youll find information on scholarships for Little League Urban Initiative umpires, as well as more helpful tips.
March 2005
Umpiring has a language all its own. Check out the definitions.
April 2005
Communication is a key to success in all we do, and umpiring is no different.
May 2005
Clear communication between umpires during the pre-game can be as important as communicating on the field.
June 2005
Whats the definition of a play or attempted play?
July 2005
Infield Fly hits a runner. Whats the call?
October 2005
It seems like a simple thing, but many umpires can lose credibility just in the way they signal the ball/strike count, or signal out before finding the ball.
November 2005
There are certain habitual things the most experienced umpires do. But they are easy to follow, even for the novice official.
December 2005
A thrown ball goes into a dead ball area. How many bases are awarded?
January 2006
How many bases do you award on an obstruction? Check here for the right answer!
February 2006
Obstruction is always a little tricky. Click herefor great tips on this call.
March 2006
The runner crosses, but does not actually touch, home plate. What happens next? Click herefor the answer.
Remember, umpires can get rule updates, interpretations, useful tips like these and much more, by signing up for the Little League Umpire Registry. Click here for more details.
Resources
For more information contact Little League International
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Tuesday, March 15
Chief Umpire Observations #1
Friday, April 15
Chief Umpire Observations #2
1. Injured player. If a player is injured he may ...
District-wide "Zero Tolerance Policy"
At the February 2004 meeting of District 9 Presidents and Staff, the District Administrator presented a proposed "District-wide Zero Tolerance Policy" for review and vote. The policy was unanimously approved - and all leagues determined they would use a similar or "league-specific" form which would be at least as thorough as the District-wide form.
The document is attached.
We will take every opportunity to remind all our parents, players, volunteers, and spectators that the focus of our program should be on "Fun, Instruction, and Positive Challenge!" - all with the intent of making this a program children will be excited to participate in and have a desire to return to ... and adults will be eager to volunteer to assist ...
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| "Making it FUN 'n Working the Crowd !!" |
Handout: District 9 Zero Tolerance Policy
How Managers and Coaches Can Help The Umpires
BEFORE THE GAME
- Show up early and have the field prepared on time. If you are the home team, you are responsible for lining the fields. Too often managers and coaches get hung up on pre-game batting practice and warm-ups and forget to do the field until the last minute. And then it turns out sloppy.
- Do your pre-game warm-ups. Each team is allotted ten minutes to do infield/outfield warm ups before the game. And then we still need ten minutes to conduct the Little League Pledge and the plate conference. Please abide by these requirements! Everyone would like The Game to start on time.
- Fill out the Line-Up card properly. A lot of time is wasted as managers make last-second corrections to their Line-Up cards during the plate conference. Please make sure you have them filled out with all the pertinent information, especially pitcher eligibility. And make sure you provide a copy to the official scorekeeper early enough so that the book is ready.
- If you're the home team, provide an official scorekeeper early. Speaking of official scorekeepers, avoid the problem that arises where the home team does not have an official scorekeeper identified and ready come game time. This causes a delay as a scorekeeper is recruited, preps the book, and gets ready to score. This always causes us problems, especially for time-limited games.
- Make sure your players are properly equipped and ready to play. Ensure your male catcher has his protective cup. Check your players' shoes so that they are properly tied. Check the serviceability of the protective gear (no broken straps, all helmets have chin straps, etc.) And don't forget that if you're the home team, you're also responsible to provide the game balls to the umpires; two baseballs is the minimum, but have a couple of extra just in case, especially during wet field conditions.
DURING THE GAME
- Help the umpires keep the game moving. Don't take too much time getting your players on and off the field. If your catcher is having trouble gearing up, have someone help him/her, and send someone else out to warm up the pitcher. If you have nobody available in the dugout, have your third baseman put on the mask and get behind the plate. Get your base coaches out as soon as the catcher throws down to second base. Have your next batter ready to come up to bat (helmet on, catcher's gear off, etc.) Hustle your bullpen players into position and back to the dugout.
- Inform the umpire-in-chief AND the opposing manager of substitutions. Informing the official scorekeeper is not enough. We all need to know of the changes to keep everyone on the same sheet of music. It is very frustrating to stop play because the opposing manager is unaware of your changes. Even if you prearrange your substitutions, you still need to announce them every inning!
- Be a positive role model. Show good sportsmanship. Don't yell out questionable instructions, such as "Run over the catcher the next time he gets in the way!" Control your players, coaches and parents.
- Understand that umpires make mistakes. Remember that we are all volunteers, just like you. Umpires don't criticize your strategy blunders, so don't criticize their miscues. And don't forget, you can only discuss rule interpretations, not judgment calls (safe/out, strike/ball, fair/foul, catch/no catch, etc.)
- Think SAFETY! Look for possible safety violations during the game. There's nothing worse than having to tend to a hurt player because of something that was preventable. Don't let players carry bats into the dugout. Don't allow more than your leadoff batter stand outside the dugout in between innings, and make sure he/she stands in the proper place on the field (between home plate and the end of the dugout next to the backstop).
AFTER THE GAME
- Win or lose, participate in the handshake. Again, another example of showing good sportsmanship. Shake hands with the opposition even if something didn't go your way. If you cop an attitude, your players will, too. Make sure your players don't rub it in when they win.
- Get your team and equipment out of the dugouts quickly. This is especially critical if another game follows yours. The longer you take, the later the next game gets started.
Thank EVERY Umpire, especially the Junior umpires. Remember how good it feels when someone comes up to you and tells you "Great game!" Express your gratitude to these youngsters; it builds up their confidence and their desire to return to do it again!
Rules & Myths
Hey, Managers: Did you know ALL of these are FALSE?
Please read your local rules, LL Rule Book AND The Right Call!
- The hands are considered part of the bat.
- The batter-runner must turn to his right after over-running first base.
- If the batter breaks his wrists when swinging, it's a strike.
- If a batted ball hits the plate first it's a foul ball.
- The batter cannot be called out for interference if he is in the batter's box.
- On a foul tip, the umpire must announce "Foul", and the ball is dead.
- The batter may not switch batter's boxes after two strikes.
- The batter who batted out of order is the person declared out.
- The batter may not overrun first base when he gets a base-on-balls.
- A runner is always out if a batted ball hits him.
- If the batter keeps his bat in the strike zone while in the bunting position, it's an automatic strike.
- The batter is out if a bunted ball hits the ground, bounces back up and hits the bat again.
- The batter is out if his foot touches the plate when he hits the ball.
- The batter-runner is always out if he runs outside the running lane after a bunted ball.
- A runner is out if he high-fives a coach or other players after he hits a homerun over the fence.
- Tie goes to the runner.
- The runner gets the base he's going to, plus one base on a ball thrown out-of-play.
- In an Infield Fly situation, the umpire must call it anytime the ball is popped up in the infield.
- Runners may never run the bases in reverse order.
- The runner must always slide when the play is close.
- The runner is always safe when hit by a batted ball while touching a base.
- A runner must physically make contact with a fielder making a play to be called out for interference.
- It is a force out and no runs can score when a runner is called out for not tagging up on a fly ball.
- An appeal on a runner who missed a base cannot be a force out.
- A runner is out if he runs out of the baseline to avoid a fielder who is fielding a batted ball.
- Runners may not advance when an infield fly is called.
- An umpire is guilty of interference if he gets in the catcher's way when the catcher is going after a wild pitch or passed ball.
- A pitch that bounces to the plate cannot be hit.
- The batter does not get first base if hit by a pitch after it bounces.
- If a fielder holds a fly ball for 2 seconds, it's a catch.
- You must tag the base with your foot on a force out or appeal.
- The ball is always immediately dead on an illegal pitch.
- If a player's feet are in fair territory when the ball is touched, it is always a fair ball.
- The ball must always be returned to the pitcher before an appeal can be made.
- A batter is automatically out if he throws the bat.
- A fielder must make physical contact with a base runner for obstruction to occur.
- The pitcher cannot take signs from his manager or coach.
- If a fielder catches a fly ball and then falls over the fence, it is a homerun.
- The ball is dead anytime an umpire is hit by the ball.
- The manager must appeal a bad call to the plate umpire.
- The manager can visit his pitcher once every inning.
- The pitcher cannot wear a white T-shirt under his uniform.
- A fielder cannot fake a catch to decoy a runner into slowing down.
- A runner is out if he collides with the fielder who is attempting to catch a throw from the outfield.
- If a runner leaves a base early, he cannot score.
- If a runner misses home plate, he can always go back and touch it for the run to count.
- A starter must play six consecutive defensive outs and bat once before a sub can replace him.
- Players on the bench may yell to distract a fielder from catching a pop fly.
- A fielder cannot trick a runner into returning to a previous base by telling him a pitch was fouled off.
- The official scorekeeper must inform the umpire when a team is batting out of order.
Please read your local rules, LL Rule Book AND The Right Call!
Friday, April 15
"Amateur Umpire" Website - Click here to check out an interesting website ...
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