NCOA Softball Sacramento 2018 Study Session #3 Questions

Instructions: There are True/False and Multiple Response questions. You are to mark your answer(s) to the questions on the quiz sheet. There will be more than one correct answer for the multiple-choice questions. The number of correct answers will be in parenthesis after the question. Provide the entire rule reference with your answer. Review the mechanics section and be ready to participate in discussions.

1. The use of electronic devices by team personnel on the playing field to transmit

or record information pertaining to a player or team's performance is legal.

a. True

b. False

2. It is a fair ball when: (2)

a. An untouched batted ground ball rolls into foul territory and settles slightly

over foul territory between home and 3rd, but the ball is not touching the

foul line.

b. An untouched batted ground ball rolls and brushes the foul side of this

single 1st base but no one plays the ball.

c. F5 standing completely in fair territory reaches over the foul line and

touches a descending fly ball over foul ground and the ball drops to the

ground.

d. F2 deflects B1’s foul fly ball to F3 in fair territory where F3 catches the

ball.

e. B1 swings and nicks the ball that goes sharply and directly from her bat off

F2’s helmet. The ball deflects into fair territory where it is caught by F1.

f. B1’s slow rolling untouched batted ball spins back to rest against the 8.5-

inch side of the plate.

3. R2 occupies 2nd base when B3 singles to center. F8 fires to the plate as R2

attempts to score. F2 misses the tag and sliding R2 misses the plate. What are

your calls? (3)

a. The plate umpire will hesitate and then declared R2 out for missing the

plate.

b. The plate umpire will hesitate slightly and call and signal that R2 is safe.

c. The plate umpire will not make a call until the play has concluded.

d. The plate umpire will make a safe signal and call, “No tag.”

e. It is an appeal play if F2 dives and tags R2 before she touches home

plate.

f. It is a legal play and R2 is out if F2 tags R2 before she touches the plate.

g. If no appeal is made and R2 enters the dugout, the plate umpire will

declare R2 out for abandoning her efforts to run the bases.

4. A player who has been rendered apparently unconscious during the game may

resume participation that day when cleared by an appropriate health-care

professional.

a. True

b. False

5. The head coach tenders the lineup card that includes the DP/FLEX to the plate

umpire at the pregame conference. The lineup card is verified by the coach and

is accepted by the plate umpire. Moments later and before the game starts, the

coach wants to start the game with 9 players and not use the DP/FLEX in the first

inning and wishes to retain the right to go back to 10 players later in the game.

What are your calls? (2)

a. That change is illegal at the pregame conference once the coach verifies

the lineups.

b. That change is only legal after the game starts.

c. The change is legal but the DP/FLEX is terminated for the remainder of

the game.

d. The change is legal.

e. The DP/FLEX may be used later in the game.

f. Once a team goes to 9 players it may not return to 10 players.

g. Such a change is legal if both coaches agree.

6. Prior to pitching, the pitcher must take a position with the shoulders in line with

first and third bases with the ball in the glove or pitching hand and with the hands

separated.

a. True

b. False

7. When does F1’s pitch technically begin? (2)

a. With the hands separated, the pitcher moves her hands to bring them

together.

b. The instant the pitcher parts the hands after bringing them together.

c. When the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the

hands have been brought together.

d. When the pitcher steps onto the pitching plate.

8. B1 bats with a 3-2 count. As F1 begins her motion, B1 steps out of the batter’s

box and F1 stops her delivery.

a. What are your calls? (2)

b. That’s an illegal pitch on F1.

c. That’s an automatic strike on B1.

d. The umpire will call “No pitch.”

e. No penalties are invoked and play will begin anew.

9. R2 is on second when B1 hits a fair ball in front of the plate. B1’s bat and the

batted ball touch in fair territory in front of the plate. What are your calls? (5)

a. If B1 is declared out for interference, R2 is awarded home.

b. B1 is not out and the ball is live if the ball rolls against the bat.

c. B1 is out and the ball is dead if b1’s bat strikes the ball.

d. If B1 is declared out for interference, R2 is returned to the base last

touched at the time of the interference.

e. It’s a foul ball if an untouched batted ball rolls against the bat in fair

territory and settles in foul territory.

f. It’s a fair ball if an untouched batted ball rolls against the bat in fair territory

and settles in fair territory.

g. It’s a fair ball if an untouched batted ball rolls against the bat in fair territory

and settles in foul territory.

h. If B1 is declared out for interference, R2 is awarded 3rd base.

10. The correct batting order is Edwards, Frank, George, and Herman. It’s Edwards

turn to bat but Frank erroneously bats and singles to right field. What are your

calls? (2)

a. Upon proper appeal, Frank is declared out.

b. Upon proper appeal, Edwards is declared out.

c. Following the proper appeal, Frank is the next legal batter.

d. Following the proper appeal, Edwards is the next legal batter.

e. Following the proper appeal, George is the next legal batter.

11. With R3 on 3rd, F1’s ball four pitch deflects off F2’s glove and rolls into dead-ball

area. What are your calls?

a. (2)

b. B4 is awarded 2nd base; one base on ball four and one base on the

award.

c. B4 is awarded 1st base.

d. R3 advances only if she is forced to advance.

e. R3 is awarded home.

12. R1 is on 2nd base and R2 is on 1st base with one out. B4 hits a declared infield

fly over the infield. F6 intentionally drops the ball. R1 breaks for 3rd and is easily

thrown out. What are your calls? (2)

a. The ball is dead when F6 drops the ball.

b. The out on R1 is nullified.

c. F6 is ejected from the game.

d. The play stands and the half inning is over.

e. The infield fly rule supersedes the intentionally dropped ball rule.

Mechanics Topics Outline Week 3

Professional Demeanor

Masters the rules and the mechanics required to officiate. Training Points and examples of desired performance:

• Studies the rules and uses book verbiage on the field.

• Studies the mechanics and works with partner to ensure their use on the field.

• Reviews quiz and test materials periodically.

• Becomes a student of the game.

Participates in a positive manner in NCOA meetings, and in pre-game, post-game discussions with partners. Training Points and examples of desired performance:

• Points out the positives, constructive and thoughtful with comments.

• Respects the group’s time.

Is always under control on and off the field, even when other participants are not. Training Points and examples of desired performance:

• Is approachable.

• Stays calm when coaches come out to question a call.

• Uses non-threatening body language, hands to the sides, remove sunglasses.

Employs good communication skills to diffuse bad situations so they do not become worse.

Training Points and examples of desired performance: • Listens for the question, seeks to understand the problem first.

• Shows empathy when needed.

• Uses book verbiage to explain rulings.

• Doesn’t have to have the last word.

• Does not take criticism personally.

Is in service to the game. Training Points and examples of desired performance:

• Has the mindset that they are not bigger than the game.

• Hustles.

• Is respectful.

• Recognizes that without the hard work of a lot of people, we would not have a game to officiate.

Honors commitments to assigners and partners. Training Points and examples of desired performance:

• Accepts assignments when they come out in a prompt fashion.

• Keeps Arbiter calendar up to date.

• Shows up on time.

Dealing with confrontational coaches and parents • Don't have rabbit ears. Be calm when talking to an irate coach

• LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN

• Warnings to coaches and players: They are serious, how to use them

• Role playing exercises? Do some!!

•

Here are a few clips from a New Jersey baseball clinic that deal with difficult coaches coming out onto the field to protest your call. Good habits on the field = good habits in life.

• Step One: Listen (Listen to listen...not to respond) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVV3kb5_dIE

• Step Two: Don't Assume -- https://youtu.be/vESyMsyOt_g

• Step Three & Four: Composure and Respond -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRlgmtJKxrI

Interference and Obstruction [DO YOUR HOMEWORK ON THIS TOPIC AND EXPAND ON THE BULLET POINTS BELOW]

• Definitions

• Differences

• Mechanics related to both

Base Umpire Duties and Mechanics Works to get all four elements of the play in clear view. Ball, runner, fielder’s foot

on the base, or tag.

Calls plays in their area, but has eyes on the other plays too.

Understands the “Inside-Outside” theory Training Points and examples of desired performance:

o Button hooks no more than 10-12 feet inside the baseline on base hits to the outfield.

o Stays outside the baseline on balls hit to the infield, except when moving inside from behind shortstop to make a call at 1st base.

o Pre-reads the situation and positioning of outfielders. o Reads where the play is going and move quickly to the best position possible. o Uses good “angle and distance” mechanics and calling depth. o Is ready to respond to a secondary play. o Watches for interference by the runner and obstruction by the fielder and knows

how to employ the dead ball mechanics. o Give the “safe” signal when a runner passes a fielder and there might be a

question as to why the umpire didn’t call interference or there was a question about whether the runner was tagged on the play. (Note…this will be on the NFHS test!)

o Watches for illegal pitches, call when appropriate. o Watches action around plate on a pitch: check swing, foul ball off foot, or plays at

the plate (when there are no other responsibilities) and is ready to assist partner. Starting On the Line

Start at a depth of 18-21 feet from first base and walk the line. Be stopped and square to the plate before the pitch reaches home plate, to enable quickness into the infield and at the proper angle and calling depth. Training Points and examples of desired performance:

o “No closer than 18 feet” on a force play. o “45-degree angle” through the bag at 1st base. o Has a way to determine what 21 feet from first base is. (I.e. Casual steps that =

21 feet, small markings on field or fences.) o Gets to the fence on foul balls hit near the out-of-play fence, dugout, and

outfield, and makes the call if in his area, or when the fielder is facing away from the plate umpire. Makes eye-contact with the plate umpire.

Starting Off the Line

Has appropriate distance behind the infielders, not too deep. Training Points and examples of desired performance:

o In “normal” defensive sets this means just off the shoulder, and two steps behind where they end up when the pitch is released.

o Is able to quickly pivot out of the fielder’s way and not make them worry about where you are so they have the freedom to make the play. (Same as with the catcher at home plate.)

o Is capable of adjusting when the defensive set is not “normal.”

When behind 2B on double play ball, moves toward second base, makes call there and then pivots to first base for call there.

When behind SS, can get into the infield (when called for) for a play at first base.

Works to get as close to a 90-degree angle on a steal as possible.

Knows when to pass off a lead runner to the plate umpire, and be in position to make calls on subsequent runner(s).

o From “C” slot, does not come straight toward the pitcher’s plate, but moves more behind the circle to watch batter-runner at 1b and any runner coming to 2b. The plate umpire has the first play from the outfield at 3B.

Chasing Fly Balls (going out) NCOA Leadership Team has observed that too many umpires are deciding in their pre-games not to chase fly balls. NFHS and NCOA want umpires to chase “trouble balls” in two-man, if the ball is in their chase area and other circumstances are favorable. Having an umpire out on a trouble ball gives the crew much more credibility on a call that is hard to make from home plate.

Training Points and examples of desired performance: o A “Trouble Ball” is a fly ball or a sinking line drive that ends up being difficult for a

plate umpire, base runners, or base coaches to immediately determine catch/no catch. These may include fly balls near the home run fence (especially if it is a temporary home run fence), shoestring or diving catches, or fly balls where two or more fielders are coming together.

o A “Trouble Ball” is not a pop up or high fly ball that can be easily caught with little movement from the fielder, or a deep fly ball that is obviously well beyond the confines of the playing field.

o Know your chase area and be able to quickly determine if there is a need to chase a fly ball. If not, button hook into the infield. Consider windy conditions which might impact your decision.

o If a ball should be chased, use these general guidelines. The NFHS manual does not have specific chase areas listed for two-man mechanics, yet they want us to chase when necessary. So the following are merely NCOA guidelines which should be considered and modified based on an umpire’s experience level, quickness, and recognition of what is truly a “trouble” ball. These areas and how to communicate when going out on trouble balls should be discussed in pre-game.

o On the Line…the area between the out-of-play-fence to centerfielder coming toward you. If a fly ball is near the right field line, straddle the line and be stopped when the ball touches a player or the ground. Don’t need to go out too far.

o B-Slot…the area between the right fielder and centerfielder. o C-Slot…the area between the left fielder to centerfielder. o Shoestring catches in these areas. o Fly balls near fence in these areas, especially temporary fences. o In all cases, base umpire should turn their back to home plate as much as

possible to signal they are chasing, and that the plate umpire needs to take the infield.

o When chasing, take an angle parallel to the flight of the ball, and try to be

stopped to see the play, and certainly when making the call. o After ruling in the outfield the umpire lets the ball return his vision back to the

infield but stays out until all of the play is complete. o Plate umpire…when the ball goes up, look at your partner to see if they are

chasing. Don’t look at the flight of the ball.

Returning from the outfield. o The NFHS manual clearly states that when a base umpire chases a fly ball, the

plate umpire moves into the infield and reverts to a One-Man system. The base umpire is to “stay in the outfield until all play is ceased.” Because of this, even more judicious about chasing fly balls when you could leave your plate umpire in a difficult position. For example, when the bases are loaded.

o However, the manual also says, when we deviate, we communicate. It would not be improper to deviate from any mechanic if there is a breakdown in coverage which could leave your partner having neither a good angle nor proper distance to make a call. If this situation occurs, and you can help your partner, the base umpire should loudly communicate to his partner which base he is returning to make a call. This procedure for communicating should be pre-gamed.

Scenarios – diagram and explain each umpires movements

• S1 - Runner on 2B only, with one out. Ground ball is hit to F6.

• S2 - Runner on 3B only, with no outs. Ground ball is hit to F5.

• S3 - Runners on 1B and 3B, with one out. Runner on 1B is stealing as batter swings and misses for strike two.

• S4 - Runners on 2B and 3B, with one out. Batter gets a base hit to F7.