1. Umpire Training & Tips

2. Home Plate Umpire As a home plate umpire, you are responsible for “calling the game” which includes the flow of the game. You should also lead a pre-game discussion with the base umpire to assign call responsibilities. Often, the home plate umpire takes responsibility for: Calling “fair” and “foul” Calling fly ball outs Calling a pulled foot at first base Position yourself in the slot position. This is the position just behind the catcher, in the open space between the batter and the inside corner of the plate. Stand in an athletic position so you are able to move or react quickly. See picture to the right.

3. Home Plate Umpire - continued Calling balls and strikes Generally speaking, the strike zone is the area over the plate between the armpits and knees of the batter. Provide a generous strike zone, particularly for our younger, minors league. Position your head at the top of the strike zone and track the ball with your eyes. Maintain consistency in your strike zone throughout a game. Your strike zone should be bigger at the beginning of the season and become somewhat smaller as pitchers improve. Allow yourself time between the time your see the completed pitch and the time you make your call. Make your call loud enough for both benches to hear and display confidence.

4. Base Umpire It’s a good idea for beginner umpires to take base umpire assignments in order to learn from more experienced umpires. Your primary responsibility is to call runners safe or out. Your starting position will depend on which bases are occupied by runners. See the diagram below for reference. No runners – start at slot A Runner at 1 st base – start at slot B Lead runner at 2 nd or 3 rd – start at slot C

5. Base Umpire - continued The base umpire makes calls on all bases (not home plate), unless you make alternate arrangement with the home plate umpire. Sometimes the home plate umpire will make calls at 3 rd base. Make your call with arm signals and loud verbal signals. See video examples in the following website: http://www.littleleagueumpiring101.com/base-umpiring/making-a-call-on-runner/ http://www.littleleagueumpiring101.com/base-umpiring/making-a-call-on-runner/ Other responsibilities Runners leaving early (minors- before the ball crosses home plate) Runner touching bases Runner tagging up on fly ball Fielder standing in base path or “obstructing” runner Base runner “interfering” with fielder (that is making a play on the ball)

6. Other Umpire Tips Favor angle over distance when making your call. To aid in your decision, look for one outcome when making your call. Did you see and out – if not, the runner is safe. Did you see a strike – if not, it must be a ball. Did you see a rule violation – if not, you’ve got no call. Take your time making your call. Make your call with confidence. Before you start, take some time to look over the rules.

7. Rules Differences Between Majors and Minors Minors Dropped 3 rd strike – Not applicable Leading off – No allowed Steals – Runner may steal once ball crosses home plate Passes ball – Runner may NOT advance home Balks – Not applicable Majors Dropped 3 rd strike – With <2 out and 1 st base is unoccupied Leading off – Allowed Steals – Full steals allowed (not home) Passed ball – Runner may advance home Balks – One warning per pitcher. Unsportsmanlike conduct is not acceptable for either league – Usually one warning is given.