1. 2017 Classroom Agenda Schedule: Meeting 1: Rules 1 & 2
Area Classroom Meetings- Rules Study
Welcome Umpires to the AZBOA 2017 Rules Study Program…designed to make AIA umpires the best in the nation…
2017 Classroom Agenda Schedule:
Meeting 1: Rules 1 & 2
Meeting 2: Rules 3-5 plus Video
Meeting 3: Rule 6 & 7 plus Video
Meeting 4: Rules 8-10 plus Force Play Slide Rule Video
Meeting 5: NFHS Test Review

2. REMINDERS: Varsity Classroom Meetings
Varsity Area Meetings (Level 1, 2 & 5)
Moon Valley HS Conference Area (Center of Campus)
Feb 1, 6, 8, 13, 15 6PM – 7:30PM (Steve Huddleson)
Extra Innings Recreation Center (Val Vista / Southern)
Feb 2, 7, 9, 13, 16 / 6:30 – 8PM (Jake Gustafson)
**Feb 15 (Moon Valley) & Feb 16 (Extra Innings) will be TEST Review!
Sub Varsity Meetings (Level 3 & 4 MUST ATTEND THESE)
AIA Conference Room
Feb 4, 9, 11, 18, 19/ 6:00 -8 PM
(Rob McKinley or Mark Warner)

3. REMINDERS: Scrimmages
Scrimmage Signups now available online via AZBOA.org link “AIA Scrimmage Assignments”
OR this link
IF you signed up for a scrimmage at the First Pitch Meeting you will be assigned to that scrimmage.

4. REMINDERS: Move ups & Clinics
Move Ups Scrimmages (for all level & 5)
Sign via “AIA Scrimmage Assignments” online!
This is the ONLY way to be moved up!
Varsity Umpire Clinic (advanced mechanics)
Brophy HS Varsity Baseball Field
Feb 20th 7:30 -9 PM
** Must pre-register via the website (azboa.org)

5. New Rules 2013 Be compliant….. Varsity = Logos required.
Uniforms- You are being given notice that Uniforms MAY change in 2 years!
New Rules 2013
Be compliant…..
Varsity = Logos required.
Sub Varsity = Logos recommended.

6. Questions about the New Rules for 2017?
Questions about any of the information provided at First Pitch Meeting?
First Pitch Presentation now available on line via AZBOA (click Area Meetings and scroll to bottom.
6:35 – 6:55

7. ALL EJECTION reports are filed via AZBOA
Ejection Protocol
Follow ejection protocol as listed on AZBOA game card. Cards are available…
ALL EJECTION reports are filed via AZBOA
6:35 – 6:55

8. Handling Situations & Ejections
Warnings:
All verbal warnings shall be written down by Home Plate Umpire.
MUST restrict first prior to ejecting for Minor or Misdemeanor offenses per new NFHS rule.
6:35 – 6:55

9. Handling Situations & Ejections
Warnings:
A warning can be subtle and unnoticeable except to the offender.
A warning can be assertive and overt, noticed by all participants.
Or they can fall somewhere in between…match the situation to umpire action.
6:35 – 6:55

10. Misdemeanor (Minor) examples:
Handling Situations & Ejections
Misdemeanor (Minor) examples:
Bench Jockeying- negative comments from the dugout. Comments directed at the umpire or opponent.
ALL negative comments from the dugout should be acknowledged by the umpire in some fashion. Turing and looking, Mask Off etc…it can be subtle or distinct & noticeable.
Some comments can be FELONIES!
6:35 – 6:55

11. Misdemeanor (MINOR) examples:
Handling Situations & Ejections
Misdemeanor (MINOR) examples:
Arguing … emotion is part of the game. Arguing is part of the game…too a point. Head Coach will receive more latitude than a player or Ass’t Coach. If they (Player or Coach) go on too long, too loudly, to demonstratively then warn them to stop or they will be ejected.
6:35 – 6:55

12. Misdemeanor (MINOR) examples:
Handling Situations & Ejections
Misdemeanor (MINOR) examples:
Demonstrative Physical Actions
Physical actions such as waving the hands emphatically, pointing repeatedly, waving equipment, drawing a line etc. are all types of actions that the umpire should warn the player or coach to stop.
6:35 – 6:55

13. Misdemeanor (MINOR) examples:
Handling Situations & Ejections
Misdemeanor (MINOR) examples:
Failure to comply with Umpire Directive
A player or coach when asked by the umpire to do or not do something as covered by the rules or common sense fails to comply.
Please have your players remain in the dugout during live ball action…
Only one on deck hitter allowed…
If you fake a tag again….
Coach you need to be in the box at the time of pitch…
6:35 – 6:55

14. Misdemeanor (MINOR) examples:
Handling Situations & Ejections
Misdemeanor (MINOR) examples:
Cumulative or Repetitive Misdemeanors CAN result in ejection.
These types actions / situations will result in the warning of the player or coach AND possible ejection.
6:35 – 6:55

15. Handling Situations & Ejections
Warnings & Ejections
It is our goal to get in a warning OR warnings prior to ejection.
If a warning is issued the plate umpire will write down the warning.
If an ejection occurs and there were warnings prior, include those in the ejection report.
Not everything needs a warning = All warnings are not ejections. However hold them responsible!
6:35 – 6:55

16. Ejections What comes with an ejection for a player or coach?
Handling Situations & Ejections
Ejections
What comes with an ejection for a player or coach?
Players are ejected from current game and the next scheduled contest.
Coaches are ejected from current game and the next scheduled contest. School may impose additional sanctions.
Eject when necessary, get warnings in and appreciate the impact our ejection may have.
6:35 – 6:55

17. Ejection or Restriction
Handling Situations & Ejections
Ejection or Restriction
Umpires may choose to restrict a player or coach to the dugout. This is an extra tool we have at our disposal.
If Warning is merited then warn.
If Restriction is merited then restrict
If Ejection is warranted then eject.
6:35 – 6:55

18. Umpire Pre Game Responsibilities
Once I receive the game from AIA:
*Contact my Partner *Contact the School
When to arrive to the Game Site:
*A MINIMUM of 30 minutes prior to start time
*Coordinate where to park prior to arriving
What to bring:
*Game Uniforms *Plate Gear (both Umpires)
Where do I dress?

19. Umpire Pre Game Responsibilities
When and What do
we pre-game
*This form can be ed to you if you contact AZBOA

20. Umpire Pre Game Responsibilities
When do we walk onto the field-
-10 Minutes prior to Start Time / Go Together!
What happens if my partner does not show or is late-
*If by 20 minutes prior to game time your partner is not present, YOU will dress for the plate and head to the field w/o them.
When does the Plate Meeting Start-
- 5 Minutes Prior

21. Rule 1: Players, Field & Equipment.
1.1.2 –Team A’s JV team has returned to the join the Varsity team during the 6th inning. A member of the JV team attempts to enter the game as a pinch hitter. He was not listed on the original lineup card. The plate umpire will:
Allow the change but restrict the Head Coach b. deny the substitution
c. Allow the substitution d. consult his partner
Answer: C. allow the substitution.
True or False: Field markings (fair foul lines) can be of the schools team colors if they are permanent?
Answer: TRUE “…all nonpermanent lines should be white….”

22. Rule 1 continued
True or False: An eligible substitute whose name and number is not included on the lineup card that is submitted to the umpire-in-chief is prohibited from playing.
Answer: False Casebook Situation A “…later, If a team wishes to substitute a player who was not listed on the line-up card they may do so without penalty.”
1.3.2 Question: All non woods bats must bear the BBOR.50 logo permanently on the barrel to be legal for NFHS / AIA play?
A) The bat must have the logo silkscreened or other permanently attached certification mark.
B) Only wood bats must have the BBCOR.50 logo
C) If a batter brings a non wood bat to the plate the batter is out and the head coach ejected.
D) All bats EXCEPT the Z Core Lock & Load must bear BBCOR .50 logo.
Answer: D The Easton Z Core Lock & Load bat is BBCOR.50 certified but DOES NOT have the logo on the bat. NFHS has ruled this bat legal for play with an early season rules addendum not mentioned in the rule book

23. Remainder of Rule 1 highlighted:
*Any defensive player may wear a glove OR mitt, as long as proper size (1-3-6).
*Defensive players may use head/face protection, must be non-glare (not shiny) (1-5-5).
*If a ball is touched with an illegal glove or mitt the Offensive team may take the play or have the proper award 3 base award (8-3-3 a, b, c) for illegal glove or mitt. If a foul ball is caught the catch is nullified and it is treated as a foul ball (1-5-7). *AZBOA Game Card!
*Jewelry shall not be worn EXCEPT for religious medal which may be taped and worn under uniform. Medical alert items must be taped but may be visible. (1-5-12) (3-3-1d)
Are we getting rid of the rubber bracelets etc.? They are illegal for play!

24. Rule 2: Playing Terms and definitions.
2-4-3: (page 15)…an intentional base on balls may be given by calling time and waving the Batter to first base, no pitches need be thrown…
2.6.1: (Page 16) …Batted or thrown ball is in flight until it has touched the ground or some object other than a FIELDER…
2-7-1 & 3: (page 16) …the batter is … a batter-runner is a player who has….
True or False: A batter-runner is the player of the team at bat who is entitled to occupy either of the two batter’s boxes.
Answer: False * the batter becomes the runner (batter-runner) the INSTANT ball four, dropped third strike, or a batted ball occurs. He is no longer the batter entitled to the batters box.
2.9.1: A fielder is considered to have caught a ball (page 16)…by getting secure possession in hand or glove…and firmly holding it, provided he does not use his cap, protector, mask, pocket or other part of his uniform to trap the ball. *He must have secure possession and voluntary release during the continuing action of the play (if the release is DURING the continuing action*
Continuing action of a play = FIRM & SECURE POSSESION & VOLUNTARY RELEASE!

25. 2-9-1: (page 16)…a catch is the act of a fielder in…
Question: An outfielder dives for a batted ball and catches it. While lying stationary, on the ground, he shows the ball in his glove by lifting his arm and glove in the air. While getting up from the ground the outfielder drops the ball prior to reaching into his glove:
A) He has made a legal catch and an out is recorded.
B) He must demonstrate both a secure possession AND voluntary (removing from glove) release .
C) The continuing action of the catch has been completed because he has controlled his body and shown the ball legally in his glove.
D) The calling umpire shall consult with his partner.
Answer: A & C Casebook A “…if the ball is clearly in the possession of the fielder and if some other new movement not related to the catch is then made and the ball is fumbled the umpire will declare a catch following the fumble…”
2-16-2: (page 18) …a foul tip is a batted ball that that goes sharply and directly to the catchers hand or hands (including glove) before touching anything else AND is caught by the catcher. Foul tips are live and in play.

26. Rest of Rule 2 Definitions:
*A batted ball is determined fair or foul by where it lands, crosses, settles or is touched. The touching is relation to the ball and not the player (2-5-1).
*An attempt or offer to bunt shall be ruled a strike. A bunt attempt foul with 2 strikes results in an out(2-8).
*DID HE OFFER AT THE PITCH IS YOUR GUIDELINE…
*PULLING THE BAT BACK IS USUALLY NOT OFFERING AT THE PITCH.
*ANY FORWARD ACTION OF THE BAT AS THE PITCH CROSSES IS OFFERING.
*Pre-game conference shall take place 5 minutes before game time. Both umpires should be present. Both HEAD coaches must be present (if not present then they are restricted to dugout for remainder of game[3-4- Penalty]). Lineups are verified and exchanged, as well both Head Coaches will verify that all players are properly equipped and all equipment is legal. Ground rules are agreed upon. (2-10-2).

27. Rest of Rule 2 Definitions:
Infield Fly-*If a batted ball is an infield fly, both umpires will announce and signal “Infield Fly, Batter is out”. Echo your partner!
If the batted ball is near a foul line the Plate Umpire will announce and signal “Infield Fly if fair”, the base umpire will signal infield fly.
Ordinary effort by an infielder, (an outfielder can make the catch and still be Infield Fly). Ordinary effort is not subject to the sun but the wind can be factored (2-19).
Ordinary effort shall be determined by the infielders positioning at the APEX of the batted ball. If a infielder CANNOT get into position by the time the ball is at its apex then it CANNOT be Infield Fly. Err on the side of protecting runners and enforcing infield fly when in doubt….

28. Rest of Rule 2 Definitions (con’t): Interference (2-21-1 a, b, c)
*Always by the offense.
*Verbal or Physical
*Intentional or Unintentional
*An act that hinders, impedes or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play.
*Coach physically assisting a runner (3-2-2). Usually a delayed dead ball situation. We will call the assisted runner out immediately and will allow continuing action. UNLESS a play is being made on the assisted runner then time is called.
PHYSICALLING ASSISTING = Coach initiates contact with Runner NOT a runner who runs into a coach accidently…be aware of the difference.
What is a PLAY? Ball & Runner is a play. A fielder who is in the act of receiving a throw or fielding a batted ball which is, directly toward and near enough to (within his reach), will be considered a play.

29. Rest of Rule 2 Definitions (con’t):
*Interference can also be Umpire (2-21-2) or Spectator (2-21-3).
Obstruction (2-22-1, 2, 3)
*Always by the Defense.
*Physical or Verbal
*Intentional or Unintentional
*Fielders must be in possesion OR in the IMMEDIATE act of fielding (directly towards and near enough to for batted balls and directly towards and with in their reach for thrown balls)
*Hinders or impedes the runner (s) OR changes the pattern of a play.
*Hinders or impedes the batter (usually by the catcher hitting the bat)

30. Rest of Rule 2 Definitions (con’t):
*Fake Tags (without the ball) are obstruction and warrant a warning to the offending defensive player (3-3-1b).
*Denying access by blocking the base or plate WITHOUT the ball is obstruction unless the throw forces the defensive player to take that position to receive the throw.
An errant throw, that the defensive player adjusts to take a position, to catch the ball USUALLY protects him from Obstruction.
*Obstruction is ALWAYS delayed dead ball and ALWAYS a minimum award of 1 base.
*Award one base (minimum) whether advancing or retreating to a base.

31. Rest of Rule 2 Definitions (con’t):
Slides (2-32-1, 2)
*Can be head first or feet first.
*Players are never required to slide.
*Slide (feet first) must be with one leg and buttock on the ground.
*Head first slide must be with torso on the ground.
*A pop up slide is LEGAL unless they popup INTO the fielder AND interfere (Force Play Slide Rule only).
Sliding BEYOND is always legal with NO CONTACT
Sliding BEYOND with contact is ONLY legal at home plate
*All legal slides must be on the ground PRIOR to contacting a fielder.

32. Rest of Rule 2 Definitions (con’t):
Slides (2-32-1, 2)
*All legal slides must be on the ground and not cross body or rolling.
*The raised leg of runner may not be higher than the knee of the STANDING fielder.
*Sliding past the base is legal unless they make contact or alter the play AFTER sliding by.
*Slashing or kicking at the fielder is illegal and can be merit for ejection.
*Force play slides must be directly into the base or away from the fielder ( ).

33. Rest of Rule 2 Definitions (con’t):
Substitutions (2-36-1, 2, 3) also (3-1-1)
*A substitute is eligible to replace another player in the lineup.
*An unreported substitute is considered reported the moment the umpire is alerted to his entry into the game. NO PENALTY for an unreported substitute.
*An illegal substitute is someone who enters the game; without eligibility, in the wrong batting order, on defense at the same time the player they replaced is on defense, or who violates the courtesy runner rule.

34. Questions about material covered tonight?
All classroom material is posted on AZBOA for review.
Next Class is:
Moon Valley HS Conference Area (Center of Campus)
Feb 1, 6, 8, 13, 6PM – 7:30PM (Steve Huddleson)
Extra Innings Recreation Center (Val Vista / Southern)
Feb 2, 7, 9, 13, 16 / 6:30 – 8PM (Jake Gustafson)
Sub Varsity Meetings : Feb 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 22