Wisconsin District 4 Little League: Umpires

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Ruhle of the Week
The "Ruhle of the Week" is a new feature written by District 4 Umpire Coordinator, Rob Ruhle.  It is designed to increase overall knowledge of players, coaches, and parents alike.  You may review a new rule interpretation each week (or as often as Rob makes a contribution).  If you have questions, please contact him.

Week 1:
Handout: Ruhle of the Week: May 3

Week 2:
Handout: Ruhle of the Week: May 10

Week 3:
Handout: Ruhle of the Week: May 17

Note:  There will be no ROW posted on Memorial Day weekend.  Thanks for continuing to check back to learn more about the game!


Week 4:
Handout: Ruhle of the Week: May 31



2009 Umpire Contact Info
Handout: 2009 Umpire Contact Info



WI District 4 Umpires Highly Accomplished
Wisconsin District 4 LL Umpires continue to have great success in landing post-season assignments.  Here is a look at their accomplishments.

Year      Umpire  Assignment 
2001 Dave Thom  LL (Majors) Regional 
2002  Jeremy Kautza  Junior Regional 
2002  Dave Thom  Senior Regional 
2003  Rob Ruhle  LL (Majors) Regional 
2005  Chris Kelley  Junior Regional 
2005  Jeremy Kautza  LL (Majors) Regional 
2006  Jeremy Kautza  Junior League World Series      
2007  Jason Kelley  Junior Regional (EMEA) 
2007  Rich Fronheieser       Senior Regional 
2007  Dave Thom  LL (Majors) World Series 
2008 Jason Kelley Junior Regional 
2009  Marianne Kelley  LL (Majors) Regional 
2009  Tim Shaw  Junior Regional 



Baseball Rules Quiz
How well would you do on this quiz?  Answer each by deciding whether each statement is true or false.
  1. The hands are part of the bat.
  2. The batter-runner must turn to the right after overrunning first base.
  3. If the batter breaks his wrists when swinging, it's considered a strike.
  4. If a batted ball hits the plate first, it is a foul ball.
  5. The batter cannot be called out for interference if he's in the batter's box.
  6. The ball is dead on a foul-tip.
  7. The batter may not switch batter's boxes after 2 strikes.
  8. The batter who batted out of order is called out.
  9. The batter may not overrun first base when he gets a base-on-balls.
  10. The batter is out if he starts for his dugout before going to first on a dropped third strike.
  11. If the batter does not pull the bat out of the strike zone while attempting to bunt, it is automatic strike.
  12. The batter is out if a bunted ball hits the ground and bounces back up and hits his bat while the batter is holding the bat.
  13. The batter is out if his foot touches the plate.
  14. The batter-runner is always out if he runs outside the running lane after a bunted ball.
  15. A runner is out if he slaps or "high-fives" other players after a home-run is hit over the fence.
  16. Tie goes to the runner.
  17. The runner gets the base he is going to, plus one on a ball thrown out of play.
  18. Anytime a coach touces a runner, the runner is out.
  19. Runners may never run the bases in reverse order.
  20. The runner must always slide on a close play.
  21. The runner is always safe when hit by a batted ball while touching a base.
  22. A runner may not steal on a foul-tip.
  23. It is a force out when a runner is called out for not tagging up after a caught fly ball.
  24. An appeal on a runner for missing a base cannot be a force out.
  25. A runner is out for running out of the baseline to avoid a fielder who is fielding a batted ball.
  26. Runners may not advance when an infield fly is called.
  27. No run can score when a runner is called out for the third out for not tagging up.
  28. A pitch that bounces cannot be hit.
  29. The batter does not get first base if he his hit by a pitch that bounces.
  30. If a fielder holds a fly ball for 2 seconds, it is a catch.
  31. You must tag the base with your foot on a force out or an appeal.
  32. The ball is always immediately dead on a balk.
  33. If a player's feet are in fair territory when a ball is touched, it is a fair ball.
  34. The ball must always be returned to the pitcher before an appeal can be made.
  35. With no runners on base, it is a ball if the pitcher starts his windup and then stops.
  36. The pitcher must come to a set position before a pick-off throw.
  37. The pitcher must step off the rubber before a pick-off throw.
  38. If a fielder catches a fly ball and then falls over a fence, it is a home-run.
  39. The ball is dead anytime an umpire is hit by the ball.
  40. The home plate umpire can overrule the other umpires at anytime.
  41. You can't slide head-first on the small diamond.
  42. You can't square around to bunt and then pull back and swing.
  43. You can't get in a run-down between first and home.
  44. A batter is out on strike three whether the catcher catches the ball or not.
  45. On the small diamond, if a runner leaves early, any runner(s) behind him are not penalized.

Did you answer FALSE for all 45 statements?  If so, you got them all correct!  These are some common (and not so common) myths in LL baseball.



Amatuer Umpire Tips From Little League Baseball
Umpires: 2003 Central Region Rob PU
By Jeremy Kautza--01/21/2006

The amatuer umpire is one of the most important aspects of Little League Baseball and Softball.  There are many ways you can improve your game.  Having a thorough knowledge of the rules is one of them. 

Click on the link above for a list of useful tips for the volunteer umpire from Little League Baseball.  A new tip (often on a specific aspect of the rule book) is posted each month, so check back often!