Virginia District 9 Umpires: Articles

I will put helpful information on this page regarding some of those tricky LL rules.  If you have a specific rule you would like more info on let me know, somebody else probably has a similar question. The purpose is to assist in your development, and to encourage consistency throughout District 9.   Hope you find these instructional, and you will use them to keep your league umpires informed!

Definition of an "illegal bat"

If a bat does not meet the definition of an "Illegal Bat" in Rule 2.00, whether or not it previously appeared in that game, and whether or not the umpire previously barred its use, an out (and loss of an adult base coach) cannot be levied in that situation.

If a bat is cracked or damaged, and the umpire bars its use in the game, it does not become an "Illegal Bat" as defined in Rule 2.00 and for the purposes of Rule 6.06d.

However, the umpire has the absolute authority to eject any player, manager, or coach, if he/she believes the person, in disobeying his/her order regarding the use of any piece of equipment, or failure to use a required piece of equipment, was an intentional act.  See Rule 9.01 (b) regarding the umpire's ability to order a participant to do something, or to refrain from doing something, in the interest of administering the rules, and enforcing the PRESCRIBED penalties.

Markings on BBCOR bats (Rule 1.10)

HOW DO YOU HANDLE BASES LOADED, TWO OUTS AND AN UNCAUGHT THIRD STRIKE

The same principle that applies in Rule 7.13 (c) and 7.13 Example No. 15 will apply in this case.

Here is how it is applied:

* Bases loaded. Two outs.

* Any of the three runners on base leaves before the pitched ball reaches the batter.

* The pitch is a third strike, which is not caught by the catcher.

* If the batter-runner or any other runner is put out before reaching the next base, the inning is over. (Since this would be a force-out, no run would score. For instance, the catcher can simply hold the ball and step on the plate before the runner from third can touch the plate, ending the inning.)

* If all runners (including the batter-runner) advance at least one base, the runner who was on third is not permitted to score, and is not called out. That runner simply "goes poof," or is removed from the play entirely. If, on that play, any other runners advance more than one base (because of a misplay, for instance), the batter-runner is placed on first base, and the other two runners are placed on second and third. No run can score on such a play under any circumstance.

Note: If there are less than two outs when the situation occurs, then the batter does not become a runner and the force play does not apply. As such, it’s simply a live ball.

LL HQ has posted changes to the 2012 LL Baseball and Softball Rulebooks.  We will discuss these at 8 Dec meeting.  Click on the title above and see the details.  The significant changes to the playing rules are:

- Changes have been made to the bat rules and the penalty for use of an illegal bat.

- Uncaught 3rd strike in Majors (option to not use for regular season).

- Mandatory use of uncaught 3rd strike in Majors AND 10-11 in Tournament play.

- Clarifications on definitions of "jewelry" and "at-bat"

 There are some other changes that effect league administration and regulations that do not effect umpires on the field.

Below are the dates for the upcoming 2012 clinics/school!

The other option is Southeast Region clinics (Warner-Robins is about 700 miles).  Click on the clinic below for the brochures.

Attendance at any one of the clinics will lead to your certification for the 2012 season! For more information, please email me, Mark_Smith, and I'll be happy to give you all the particulars!