Fairfax Adult Softball

2011

Umpire Training

FAS Umpire Training Session 1

ASA Rule 1 – DEFINITIONSASA Rule 2 – THE PLAYING FIELDASA Rule 3 – EQUIPMENTASA Rule 9 – PROTESTSASA Rule 10 – UMPIRES

Rule 1 – Definitions

Altered Bat– When the physical structure of a legal softball bat has been

changed. Basically, if it cannot be purchased that way, then it has been altered.

Appeal Play– A play where the umpire may not make a decision until

requested by manager, coach, or player.Base Line

– Imaginary line directly between the bases.Base Path

– Line directly between a base and the runner’s position at the time a defensive player is attempting to tag a runner.

Batted Ball– A ball that hits the bat or is hit by the bat going either fair or foul.

Definitions

Batter’s Box

– The area to which the batter is restricted when

batting (3’ x 7’).

Batter

– A player who is has not left the batter’s box.

Batter-Runner

– A player who has finished a turn at bat BUT has not yet been put out or reached first base.

Blocked Ball

– A batted, pitched, or thrown ball that is touched, stopped or handled by a person not engaged in the game, OR which touches any object that is not part of the official equipment of official playing area.

DefinitionsBunt

– A ball that is intentional tapped with the bat, slowly, within the infield.

Catch/No Catch– A legally caught ball, which occurs when the fielder catches

a batted, pitched, or thrown ball with the hand(s) or glove/mitt.

• The fielder shall hold the ball long enough to prove control of it and/or that the release of the ball is voluntary.

• If the ball is merely held in the fielder’s arm(s) or prevented from dropping to the ground by some part of the fielder’s body, equipment, or clothing, the catch is not completed until the ball is in the grasp of the fielder’s hand(s) or glove.

• The fielder’s feet must be within the field of play, touching the “out of play” line, or in the air after leaving live ball territory in order to have a valid catch. A player who is “out of play” and returns must have both feet touching live ball territory or one foot touching and the other in the air, before the catch is legal.

It Is Not A Catch:– If a fielder, while gaining control, collides with another player, umpire or

a fence, or falls to the ground and drops the ball as a result of the collision or falling to the ground.

– If a ball strikes anything other than a defensive player while it is in flight, it is ruled the same as if it struck the ground.

– When a fielder catches a batted or thrown ball with anything other than the hand(s) or glove in its proper place.

Catch and Carry– A legal catch that a defensive player carries into dead ball territory.

Catcher’s Box * NOT ENFORCED BY FAS *– The area in which the catcher is restricted while catching where the

catcher must stay in the box until the ball is batted, touches the ground, plate or batter, or reaches the catcher’s box.

Definitions

Championship Play– Tournament play sponsored by ASA where the winner advances to

higher levels of play within ASA.Charged Conference

– When a team representative requests a suspension of play or delays the game for the purpose of delivering a message to another team member, unless the pitcher is removed from the pitching position.

Chopped Ball– When the batter strikes downward with a chopping motion of the bat.

Coach’s Box– The area in which the two base coaches are restricted to prior to the

release of the pitch.Courtesy Runner

– Any player who runs for a runner without a charged substitution.Dead Ball

– A ball that is not in play.

Definitions

Dislodged Base– A base displaced from its proper position.

Disqualified Player– Player removed from the game for a rule violation.

Double Play– A play by the defense in which two offensive players are legally put out

as a result of continuous action.

Dugout or Team Area– An out-of-play area designed for players and team representatives.

Extra Player– An optional additional player(s). In FAS, it is referred to as Extra

Hitters and you may bat up to 14 batters in the lineup.

Ejected Player– A team representative removed from the game by the umpire, usually

for an unsportsmanlike act or conduct.

Definitions

Fair Ball– Settles or is touched on or over fair territory between home and first base or

between home and third base.– Bounds over or past first or third base, which is in fair territory, regardless of

where the ball hits after going over the base.– While on or over fair territory, touches the person, attached equipment, or

clothing of a player or umpire.– While over fair territory, a runner interferes with a defensive player attempting to

field a batted ball.– Touches first, second, or third base.– First falls or is touched on or over fair territory beyond first, second, or third

base.– While over fair territory, passes out of the playing field beyond the outfield fence.– Hits the foul pole.

Fair Territory– The part of the playing field within, and including, the first and third base foul

lines from home plate to the bottom of the playing field fence and perpendicularly upwards.

Definitions

Fake Tag– A form of obstruction by a fielder who attempts to tag a runner without

the ball and thereby impedes a runner advancing or returning to a base.

Fielder– Any player of the team in the field.

Fly Ball– A batted ball, fair or foul, that rises into the air.

Force Out– An out which may be made only when a runner loses the right to the

base that the runner is occupying because the batter becomes a batter-runner, and before the batter-runner or a succeeding runner has been put out. If the forced runner, after touching the next base, retreats for any reason towards the base first occupied, the force play is reinstated and the runner may again be put out if the defense tags the runner or the base to which the runner is forced.

Definitions

Foul Ball– Settles or is touched (not caught) on or over foul territory between home and

first base or between home and third base.– Bounds or rolls past first or third base on or over foul territory.– While over foul territory, touches the person, attached or detached equipment

of clothing of a player or an umpire, or any object foreign to the natural ground.– While over foul territory, a runner interferes with a defensive player attempting

to field a batted ball.– First hits the ground over foul territory beyond first or third base.– Touches the batter or the bat in the batter’s hand(s) a second time while the

batter is within the batter’s box.– Goes directly from the bat to any part of the catcher’s body or equipment and is

caught by another fielder.– Hits the pitching plate and rolls untouched to foul territory before reaching first

or third base.

Foul Tip– A batted ball that goes sharply and directly from the bat to the catcher’s

hand(s) or glove/mitt and is legally caught by the catcher.

Definitions

Home Team– The team batting second;

determined in league play by the FAS scheduled (second team listed).

Illegal Bat– One that does not meet the

requirements of an official bat or warm-up bat.

Illegally Batted BallWhen the batter hits the ball, fair or foul, and

– When, at the time the bat makes contact with the ball, the entire foot is completely outside the lines of the batter’s box and on the ground.

– When, at the time the bat makes contact with the ball, any part of the foot is touching home plate.

– An illegal, altered, or non-approved bat is used.

– When, at the time the bat makes contact with the ball, the batter’s entire foot has contacted the ground out of the batters box and returned to hit the ball while inside the box.

Definitions

Infield Fly– A fair fly ball, not including a line drive or an attempted bunt, which can

be caught by an infielder, pitcher or catcher, with ordinary effort when first and second or first, second, and third bases are occupied with less than two outs.

Inning– That portion of a game within which the teams alternate on offense and

defense and in which there are three outs for each team. ** A NEW INNING BEGINS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FINAL OUT

OF THE PREVIOUS INNING.Interference

– The act of an offensive player or team member, umpire or spectator that impedes, hinders, or confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play (contact is not necessary).

Line Drive– A batted ball that travels parallel or near the ground through most of its

flight.

Definitions

Non-Approved Bat– A bat that does not meet the ASA specifications and is on the current non-

approved bat list.Obstruction

– The act of a defensive team member:• Who hinders or impedes a batter from striking at or hitting a pitched ball.• A fielder who impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally

running the bases unless the fielder is: 1. In possession of the ball, or2. In the act of fielding a batted ball.

• CONTACT IS NOT NECESSARY TO IMPEDE THE PROGRESS OF THE RUNNER.

On-Deck Batter– The offensive player who is scheduled to bat next.

On-Deck Circle– The area nearest their dugout in which the next batter of the offensive team is

restricted to before the release of the pitch.Over Slide

– The act of an offensive player when, as a runner, slides beyond or loses contact with a base the player is attempting to reach.

Definitions

Overthrow– Occurs when a thrown ball from a fielder goes:

• Beyond the boundary lines of the playing field (dead ball territory), or• Becomes a blocked ball.

Play Ball– The term used by the plate umpire to indicated that play shall start.

Protest– A formal request into the decision of an umpire’s rule interpretation.

Quick Pitch– A pitch made by the pitcher with the obvious attempt to catch the batter

off balance.Runner

– An offensive player who has reached first base and has not yet been put out.

Starting Player– A player listed on the initial lineup.

Stealing – NOT USED FOR ANY FAS PLAY.

Definitions

Strike Zone– When a batter assumes a natural batting stance adjacent to home plate,

the strike zone is that space over any part of home plate between the batter’s BACK SHOULDER AND FRONT KNEE.

Substitute– Any member of a team’s roster who is not listed as a starting player, or a

stating player who re-enters the game.Tag

– A legal tag is the act of a defensive player in:• Touching a base with any part of the body while holding the ball securely

and firmly in the hand or glove, or• Touching the runner or batter-runner with the ball while securely held in the

hand or glove.

Time– The term used by the umpire to order the suspension of play.

Turn at Bat– Begins when a player first enters the batter’s box and continues until the

player is substituted for, put out, or becomes a batter-runner while at bat.

Definitions

The playing field is the area within which the ball may be legally played and fielded.– If the base distances or the pitching distance is found to be at the

wrong dimension during the course of the game, correct the error, with no penalty, and continue playing the game. Every effort should be made by the umpires to obtain the correct dimensions.

Ground or special rules establishing the limits of the playing field may apply at certain fields.– The umpire shall be the authority for and shall define additional ground

rules prior to any play. – No protests will be allowed on any such temporary ground rules.

E.G.: At Eakin Field #2: The 1st base bench area ends as the fence defines and encloses it.

RULE 2 – THE PLAYING FIELD

Dotted Line = Ground Ball

Solid Line = Fly Ball

                                                                                             

FAIR OR FOUL?

2?

1?

3?

4?

5?

6?

RULE 3 – EQUIPMENTBAT DEFINITIONS

Safety Knob: shall have a diameter of at lest 1.6 inches with no sharp edges and permanently attached to the bat. NOTE: FAS rules require that the entire knob of a bat NOT contain any tape, and if so, shall be considered altered. Umpires should request the tape be removed so the bat can be inspected and used in game play.

Handle: the region of the bat from the knob, not including the knob, to the start of the taper where the diameter increased and includes a Safety Grip.

Taper: the transition area between the handle and the barrel. It generally has a conical shape. It starts where the barrel decreases in size and ends where the handle diameter becomes constant.

Barrel: the region of the bat from the end of the Taper to the End Cap, not including the End Cap.

End Cap: The cap placed at the barrel end of the bat.

Bats

ALL BATS IN FAS PLAY MUST:• Bear one of these two certification marks• NOT be listed on the ASA banned bat list• Be included on the ASA list of approved bat

models and may include girls fast pitch, or• In the sole opinion and discretion of the umpire, have been manufactured

prior to 2000 and, if tested, would comply with the ASA bat performance standards.

• Must be marked “OFFICIAL SOFTBALL” by the manufacturer.• Shall not be more than 34 inches long, nor exceed 38 ounces in weight.• Shall NOT be more than 2.25 inches in diameter at its largest part.• Shall be smooth and round to 0.05 inches in diameter.• Shall be free of burrs, dents, cracks, sharp edges, audible rattles, and

show no signs of excessive wear.• Shall have a Barrel End Cap permanently affixed to the bat to prevent

alterations to the interior of the bat so that it can not be removed by anyone other than the manufacturer without damaging or destroying the end cap or barrel.

Safety Grip– May be cork, tape, or other synthetic material.– Must be permanently attached and cover the handle.– Minimum 10 inches long and maximum 15 inches long from the knob end

of the bat AND there shall be no exposed metal in the 10-15 inch area.– Any attachment such as a molded finger grip, a flare cone, or choke-up

device must be attached to the grip with safety tape.– Resin, pine tar, and spray substances are allowed on the safety grip

ONLY and not any other part of the bat.– Tape may NOW exceed two layers of tape—it just must be applied in a

continuous spiral.

Bats

ALL THESE ARE NOW LEGAL: They must be securely attached with safety tape. If they cover the knob, the device must be removed so you can inspect the knob-handle connection and they may then put on the device. The knob only devices do NOT need to be secured with safety tape.

Altered Bats• The official bat’s characteristics shall remain

fixed at the time of manufacture.• The distribution of weight and length of the bat

shall remain as at the time of manufacturing.• Altered bats are those rolled, shaved, repainted,

weighted, or modified to change their characteristics from that produced by the manufacturer.

• Identifying the bat by means of laser marking, engraving, or painting a name or number on the bat will NOT make the bat an altered bat.

FAS Bat Rules

• BATS. The safety of the players participating in our program is an extreme priority for the FAS Board of Directors. – ASA mandates a bat barrel shall be free of audible rattles

when shaken and that a bat barrel shall be free of burs, dents, cracks, sharp edges, and not have signs of excessive wear. Bats with these faults shall be deemed illegal and MUST be removed from the game and dugout area.

– The entire knob of a bat may not contain any tape, and if so, shall be considered altered; unless applied after inspection and approval of the bat by the umpire.

– If, at any time, an umpire has reasonable suspicion, based on appearance, physical characteristics, or performance, that a bat may be illegal, the umpire shall immediately remove the bat from play without further penalty.

• Use of altered, doctored, loaded, banned, or non-approved bats is NOT permitted in any FAS play and is subject to penalties deemed by the 2nd Vice President-Rules.

• Any player entering the batter’s box with an illegal bat shall be called out and the bat shall be removed from the game and the dugout area.

• The player using the illegal bat shall be ejected from the game AND can not be substituted for.

• EACH time the vacated spot occurs in the batting order, it shall result in an out.

• If use of the bat is noticed after a fair hit pitch and before the next pitch to the succeeding batter, in addition to above penalties:– The batter is called out,– The bat is removed from the game and the dugout area,– Any runners called out prior to discovering this infraction remain out,

and– Each runner who advanced as a result of the play must return to base

legally held at time of the pitch.

Bat Penalties

Warm-Up Bats• Must be stamped with ¼ inch letters:

WB on either end of the bat or in one-inch letters the words WARM-UP BAT only the barrel end of the bat.

• Must be listed on the list published by the ASA.

Warm-Up Attachments• Warm-up attachments must meet all

of the requirements of Rule 3,Section 2

– Swingsock– Pow’R Wrap

Illegal Warm-Up Equipment• Slip on Donuts• Bat filled with concrete• Sledgehammer

• These 2 Are Illegal →

Warm Up Equipment

For EVERY game, EVERY umpire will properly check ALL bats

for each team before their first at bat, period.

A proper bat check involves the following:• Physically touching all bats• Listening for audible rattles when shaken• Feeling for dents, burrs, cracks, sharp edges

and/or excessive wear• Looking for paint flaking or chips• Ensuring it passes smoothly through bat ring.• Identify any illegal bats

• Refer to ASA bat listing, if needed• Read complete model number

• ** There is no excuse for not checking bats! **

Bat Checks

• Only softballs which bear original manufacturer’s marks signifying ASA certification and compliance with the COR and Compression requirements are allowed.

• Men: MUST use the ASAYellow Dudley Thunder Hycon 12-inch, .52 COR, 300-lb compression softball.

• Women: MUST use yellow or white, 11-inch, .44 max COR, 375-lb compression softball

• Each team shall supply and hit their own legal softballs.• The team at bat shall provide all further balls for use as

necessary for the completion of the game.• Approved softballs for FAS must be stamped ASA

approved.• If an unapproved softball was used and discovered after

the hit and before the next pitch, the defensive team mayaccept the result of play or require the batter to hit againwith same ball-strike count as before hit.

Softballs

Softball Bats and Balls

• Characteristics of approved

equipment cannot be changed.– Examples include icing or cooling of

any equipment– Warming sleeves on bats are allowed.

• A glove or mitt may be worn by any player provided the dimensions do not exceed that specified by ASA.

• The pitcher’s glove may be of one solid color or multicolored as long as the color(s) are not the same color of the ball being used in the game.

• Shoes must be worn by all players.• Shoes with round metal spikes are

illegal.

• No shoes with detachable cleats that screw ON are allowed; however, shows with detachable cleats that screw INTO the shoe are allowed.

• A person found wearing metal cleats will be requested by the umpire to remove the illegal shoes and will be permitted to continue to play once approved footwear is worn. A player refusing or unable to change illegal footwear will be disqualified from the game in progress.

LEGAL ILLEGAL

Gloves and Shoes

Catcher’s Equipment– Masks, guards, and helmets

are permitted, not used much in FAS play.

Casts/Prostheses– All casts and splints MUST be

padded. Braces with exposed metal or hard surfaces must be padded.

– Equipment judged to be potentially dangerous is illegal. (Does it change the nature of the game or pose a safety risk to other players?)

Uniforms– There is no uniform requirement

in any FAS play.Players, however, must wear a shirt (no sports bras for women), and shorts/pants.

– Hats may be worn and can be worn backwards.

Jewelry– Exposed jewelry judged to be

dangerous must be removed. – NO watches, hoop earrings,

necklaces, large rings.– Medical alert bracelets/necklaces

are NOT considered jewelry, but must be taped to the body.

Other Equipment

RULE 9 – PROTESTS

• Protests will be received and considered on the following items: – Failure to comply with rules,– Umpire misinterpretation of a playing rule,– Umpire failure to apply correct rule to a given

situation, or– Umpire failure to impose correct penalty for given

situation.

• Protests may not involve the accuracy of judgment of an umpire.

• e.g.: Fair/Foul; Safe/Out; Ball/Strike; Infield Fly Rule; Interference/Obstruction; Good/Bad Field Condition; Catch/No Catch

Protests• Team manager must make protest to

umpire after play has stopped and before next pitch is delivered.

• Misinterpretation of a playing rule must be made:– Before the next pitch,– Before the next play,– Before all infielders have left fair territory, and– Before the umpire leaves live ball territory

(if the last play of the game).

Protests

• Umpires MUST sign BOTH scorebooks:– Point of play the protest was lodged and – Sign attesting to the protest and time of

protest.

• Protests for field conditions must be made prior to first pitch of game unless conditions change during the game.

Protests

– If a misinterpretation of a rule can be corrected on the field, you must correct your ruling.

– Don’t take a protest personally, just sign the books, and continue play as soon as possible.

– Umpire’s actions and demeanor during a game is not justifiable grounds for a formal protest; however, it is justifiable grounds for a written complaint to FAS.

Roster Challenges

Team managers have the right to challenge a player’s roster spot (limited to 2 challenges per game).

Requests are to be made in form of a protest to the umpire between innings.

When protest is lodged, the player must show a valid Military, DMV, or Passport photo ID, to the opposing manager and umpire.

Roster Challenges

Failure of a questioned player to provide required ID will, at the option of the challenging team manager, result in the questioned player AND the manager or acting manager:

Being immediately ejected from the game being played OR

Continuing to play but the questioned player must show the required ID before the last out of the game or the questioned player’s team will forfeit the game.

Failure of a manager to show proof that a player is on the team roster may result in a protest being filed. Umpires shall sign the scorebooks when intent to protest is made.

RULE 10 – UMPIRES

• You represent FAS and, as such, are required to enforce both the ASA and FAS rules.

• You should ensure players, coaches, and managers carry out the FAS rules, and if not, to impose penalties are prescribed in the ASA or FAS rule books.

Umpire’s Judgment

• There will be no appeal on any decision involving accuracy of judgment.

• Umpires may reverse a decision when convinced it is in violation of a rule.

• Only managers have the right to seek a reversal on a claim that it is in conflict with the rules.

• At NO time will players who are umpires criticize or interfere with the duties of their fellow blue.

Suspension of Play

• When, in your judgment, conditions justify such action (e.g.: a random ball enters the area of play, a pet runs onto the ball field, a severe injury.)

• When a batter or pitcher steps out of position for a legitimate reason (e.g.: when requested and granted by the umpire.)

– Never once a pitcher has started the delivery.

• When, in your judgment, all immediate play is completed and no play is in progress.

• Not at the request of players, coaches or managers until all action in progress is completed.

Available at:http://www.officialgear.com

Hat

Powder Blue Shirt

Navy Shorts With Black Belt

Ball Bag with: Brush Indicator Bat Ring Coin

Black Shoes w/ White Socks (black or navy socks with pants)

Umpire Equipment

Navy or Gray Pants With Black Belt

General Themes

• Be Visible But Not Seen– Players should know you

are in control of the game without having to put on a show.

– The best compliment an umpire can get is “didn’t even notice you were there.”

• Know and Anticipate What Should Happen– Enables you to be in the

right position to make call.– Learn your teams. Helps

you anticipate their plays.

• Know The Rules– There is no excuse for not

knowing the rules.– The quickest way to gain

respect in controversial situations is to cite the rule governing the situation.

– The quickest way to lose respect is to not know the rule or cite the rule incorrectly.

– You will be amazed how confident you are on the field knowing you are prepared.

General Themes

• Be Consistent– Have the same strike

zone every time you are behind the plate.

– Use the same mechanics calling balls, strikes, illegal, pitches, outs, and safes.

• Always Hustle– Move out from behind

home plate on every single call.

– Players complain less when you are on top of a call to make it.

– Gives the perception you are there to EARN your money.

General Themes

• Have Pride In The Profession– No using cell phones during

games.– No smoking or using tobacco

during games. – Never use profanity.– Doing a good job is the most

important item on your list.– Money is a primary benefit, but

keep in mind, the good ones earn their pay.

– Remember, umpires exist because of the players. Games can be played without umpires, but umpires cannot officiate without games.

• Make The Game Fun and Have Fun– Smile and give the

impression you like what you are doing (hopefully you do!).

– Treat players and participants with the same respect and courteousness as you would want to be treated.

– Do not be belligerent or be an umpire that causes the problems; check your attitude before stepping on the field.

General Themes

• Do Not Be Confrontational– Do not have “rabbit ears.”

– Expect that in all close plays there will be some expression of emotion.

– Let players have their say.

– The magic word for any umpire is the word “YOU.”

• Know When Enough is Enough– Determine when a player

has gone overboard and you’ve heard enough.

– Put your hand up (like calling time) and tell the player firmly, “That is Enough”; this serves as the player’s warning.

– If they continue, notify the manager (not the player), that he needs to control his player and anymore will result in the player’s ejection