1. Welcome to USSSA
2- umpire Training
system

2. 2010
USSSA Training
system
Will Curtis

3. to the left of the Second base D – Slot To the right of Shortstop
C- Slot
To the Left of the
Shortstop
No Man
Area
B – Slot
to the left of the Second base
D – Slot
To the right of Shortstop F8 F7 F9 F6 F4
A – Slot= Starting position
is 18-21ft/foul territory F1 F5 F3
The field slots from top view are as such
For the field umpire F2
Will Curtis

4. Also applies to First &Third Base. 20-30ft from First Base line
Runner on
Second Base Only
Also applies to
First & Second Base
Also applies when bases are loaded.
Also applies to First &Third Base.
No Runner
on Base
Runner on
Third Base Only
Runner on
First Base Only
Also applies to Second & Third Base. R R C D B R R R R A
20-30ft from First Base line
20-30 ft from Third Base
18-21ft from
First Base
Foul territory
20-30 ft. from
Second Base
Will Curtis

5. Field Umpire: Responsibilities
Runner on First Base only R
Plate Umpire Holding Zone R
Plate Umpire: Responsibilities
1. On batted balls to the infield leave to the left of the catcher moving up first base line to observe the play, then fade toward third base to cover the advancing runner.
2. On steals where there is a wild throw at second base, pick up the runner advancing to third base, and be prepared to take the runner home.
Field Umpire: Responsibilities
1. Take a position about halfway between first and second base and outside the base line. This position will normally place the umpire two or three steps behind and to the left side of the second baseman
If the runner attempts to steal second, move toward the base staying behind the fielder. Should the throw be wild, move inside the base paths.
On base hits to the outfield, immediately come inside the diamond, buttonhook and take the batter-runner all the way to third base
Will Curtis

6. BU -MOVE INTO FAIR TERRITORY
PU - On infield hits, follow the Batter-Runner up the first base line (13 ft) observing the play, and be prepared to help your partner
BU -MOVE INTO FAIR TERRITORY
2 to 3 step
Routine Hit to an Infielder F6 F1 B
Will Curtis

7. Bunt or Soft Hit in Front of Plate “Diamond within the Diamond”
It most often occurs on bunts and soft hits.
This position is used when the ball is hit in the shaded area (approximately 20 ft. up each baseline and 20 ft. toward the pitcher’s plate.
When the ball is fielded in the shaded area, move 15 ft. from first base on a direct line on the first and second base line
There are two benefits to using this position when the ball is hit in the shaded area.
First, the defender covering first base is more likely to have her foot on the edge of first base closest to home, so the umpire will be able to see a pulled foot.
Second, there are more wild throws from this area, so the umpire will be able to quickly move inside the diamond if the runner goes to second base
Will Curtis

8. Inside-outside Button-Hook Theory
REMEMBER TO ALWAYS STAY WITH THE RUNNER if the runner rounds the bag and returns, STAY WITH THE RUNNER
Button-hook into the base making sure the runner touches the base and watching for possible obstruction.
Base Umpire:
As the runner nears the base, the runner is now your primary concern. Stay with the runner, if they advance.
On a play at First Base. The base umpire should move inside the diamond in the direction of the pitcher’s plate about ft. from First Base
Base Umpire - Assume the proper position in foul territory feet beyond first base
Inside-outside Button-Hook Theory
Base Hit Toward Straightaway Center Field or
Right of Center Field - “The Buttonhook”
Plate Umpire Holding Zone BR
PU - On infield hits, follow the Batter-Runner up the first base line (15 ft) observing the play, and be prepared to help your partner
PU – Move to the Holding Zone and be prepared to help your partner
Will Curtis

9. This Mechanics also applies to runner on First and Second Base
Runner on Second Base only
BU should be closer to second base than third base
at the time of the pitch.
Follow the throw to First Base by moving inside the diamond.
Start 20 – 30 ft. from Second Base and no deeper
than 3 steps behind Shortstop. R
Base Umpire Holding Zone F6 F3 F1
Plate Umpire Holding Zone
PU-Move inside the diamond about two-thirds of the way to third base, approximately 10 – 12 feet from the base, obtaining a 90 degree angle. Stop, read the play, then make the call
PU- Watch BR hit 1st base., and move directly up the Third Base line in foul ground (Umpire holding Zone) for a possible play at Third base
Will Curtis

10. Two-Umpire System Mechanics Plate Coverage
The plate umpire always has responsibility for calls at home plate. There is no reference anywhere in the Umpire Manual that mention the base umpire covering home plate in the Two-Umpire System. The reasoning for this mechanic has more to do with the base umpire's added responsibilities when multiple runners are on base. However, in the case of multiple runners where the plate umpire moves toward third base for a possible call, the plate umpire can still return to the plate area for a call by staying inside the diamond, thereby staying ahead of the runner and maintaining a 90 degrees angle to the path of the runner. As always, if there is a mechanical breakdown during a play and we need to deviate from a prescribed mechanic, we must communicate.
Will Curtis

11. Ball hits to Third Baseman (F5) Who throw the ball to the First Base (F3)
Runner on Second Base only
This is one example
First baseman throws to third in an attempt to retire R2, but the throw is wide and travels into foul territory
Runner on second base advance to third after the throw to first.
BU- Will follow the throw to First by moving inside the diamond. R
Base Umpire Holding Zone F6 F5 F3 F1
Plate Umpire Holding Zone
PU-Move inside the diamond about two-thirds of the way to third base, approximately 10 – 12 feet from the base, obtaining a 90 degree angle. Stop, read the play, then make the call
PU- Watch Batter-Runner hit First base., and move directly up the Third Base line in foul ground (Umpire holding Zone) for a possible play at Third base
When returning to home plate from a play at third base and the ball is in foul ground, remain inside the diamond and move parallel to the base line, to approximately 10 – 12 feet from home plate, obtaining a 90 degree angle the path of the runner
Will Curtis

12. Two-Umpire System Mechanics Plate Coverage
But Remember,
plays at home plate are the sole responsibility of the Plate Umpire!
As always, if there is a mechanical breakdown during a play and we need to deviate from a prescribed mechanic, we must communicate.
Will Curtis

13. Runner on First and Second Base.
Base Umpire Holding Zone F5 F3 R F1
Plate Umpire Holding Zone
If the first throw is to first or second base, any subsequent throw to third base is covered by the plate umpire.
On any ball hit to the infield, take the first throw unless it is to home plate R
Will Curtis

14. Anytime there is a Runner on Third Base
“D” POSITION
Anytime there is a Runner on Third Base
If a ball is hit to the infield, wait until the fielder commits herself, then move quickly toward that base. Don't take your eyes off the ball
Start 20 – 30 ft. from the Third base and no deeper than 3 steps behind Shortstop.
Call all plays made on the first throw of the ball unless it is to home plate
Base Umpire should be closer to Third base than Second base at the time of the pitch. F6
BU Holding zone R PU
Holding zone
Will Curtis

15. Runner on Second and Third Base
If the first throw is to first or second base, any subsequent throw to third base is covered by the plate umpire.
On any ball hit to the infield, take the first throw unless it is to home plate.
Take a position three (3) steps behind and to the right of the shortstop. R F5
Base Umpire Holding Zone R F3 P
Plate Umpire Holding Zone
Will Curtis

16. POSITION “D” CALLING POSITIONS FOR PLAYS AT THE PLATE POSITION “E”
• This is for when the plate umpire enters fair ground for a call at 3rd base and
then must retreat because the runner attempts to score.
• This is the only time this position may be used for a call at the plate.
• The position is approximately 8 ft from home plate, in a direct line between
home and 2nd base.
• This position is the best compromise for the umpire to see a play right at the
plate or a swipe tag by the catcher.
POSITION “D”
• This is for non-force plays when the throw home is up the 3rd base line.
• The position is about 8 ft from home plate along the 3rd base line extended.
• This position allows the umpire to clearly see the catcher attempt to make a
sweep tag, determine if it is made, and determine if it is made before the
runner reaches the plate.
• This position also allows the umpire to determine if the catcher has the ball in her glove when the tag is applied.
POSITION “B”
• This is for force plays at the plate.
• The position is about 15 ft from home plate, along the 1st base line extended.
As a general rule, if the ball is put in play and the plate umpire remains in
Position “A,” the umpire is in the wrong position!
POSITION “A”
• This is the umpire’s original position at the time of the pitch.
POSITION “C”
• This is for non-force plays when the throw home is on-line.
• The position is about 8 ft from home plate, along the 1st base line extended E
Plate Umpire Holding Zone C A D
This is called the slot B
Will Curtis

17. Tag Up Responsibilities
Umpires
Tag Up Responsibilities
By: USSSA
Will Curtis

18. Tag up responsibilities
Base Umpire
Tag up responsibilities
Responsible for single runner on Second base
Runner on Third Base
Responsible for all trail runners.
Runner on second Base
Or Runner on first Base
and single runner on First base. R R R R R
Will Curtis

19. Is Responsible for runner on second
Is Responsible for all
Runners On third base
Is Responsible for runner on second
Base when runners are on first and second base
Plate Umpire
Tag up responsibilities R R R
Will Curtis

20. Runners at first base and second base when the bases are loaded.
Plate Umpire
Tag up responsibilities
Review
Base Umpire
Tag up responsibilities
Review R R R R R
Runner on first Base only
Is Responsible for runner on second Base
when runners are on first and second base
Runner on second Base only
Is Responsible for all Runners On third base
Runners at first base and second base when the bases are loaded.
Or for all trail runners.
Will Curtis

21. Official Softball Signals By: USSSA By: USSSA
Will Curtis

22. Official USSSA Softball Signals
Verbally Call:
Time Out/Foul Ball/
Dead Ball
PLAY BALL
Verbally calls
“Play ball”
DO NOT PITCH
Signal toward
Pitcher
Will Curtis

23. Extend left arm out, fist
Official USSSA Softball Signals
DELAYED DEAD BALL
Extend left arm out, fist
out
STRIKE/OUT
Fist to hammer
At 90 DEGEES
Verbally call
safe
Will Curtis

24. Official USSSA Softball Signals INFIELD FLY FOUL TIP
FAIR BALL
Verbally call
“Infield fly”
Right arm up high
Over head
Point to fair territory
with hand closest to
infield. No verbal call.
Fingers touch together,
chest high, followed by
strike call
Will Curtis

25. USSSA Softball Signals
Official
USSSA Softball Signals
DOUBLE
HOME RUN
COUNT
Left hand indicates balls, followed by strikes on the right hand. Verbally give count
First two fingers in
the air
Right fist in the air,
rotate counterclockwise
Will Curtis

26. The Strike Zone Bottom of the armpit Top of the Knees Official Strike
A Ball If below this
line

27. Base umpires should give the Dropped Third Strike signal.
DROPPED THIRD STRIKE SIGNAL AND
MECHANIC
USSSA
USSSA
Whenever the batter has two strikes, there are fewer than two outs and first base is not occupied, or when there are two outs AND the batter swings and misses the pitch AND the catcher does
not catch the pitch.
If the base umpire judges the
Catcher did not catch the ball use this signal:
These are not secret signals. They are umpire to umpire signals. They do not need to be seen by
anyone other than umpire partners but it does not matter if others do see them - kind of like who
cares if they see us give an infield fly signal.
Because they only need to be seen by umpires, they are down and in close to the body instead of
big, up and away from the body like signals that everyone needs to see.
The reason for using these signals is:
• Often the plate umpire is unsure whether the catcher catch the pitch
Base umpires should give the Dropped Third Strike signal.
The base umpire points to the ground with his index finger using his right arm.
The base umpire shows a closed fist waist
high with his right arm.
If a base umpire judges the catcher caught the ball, use this signal
Will Curtis

28. Legal and illegal
Pitching regulation
Will Curtis

29. NP is Behind the Pitching Plate
legal P
Pivot is on top of the
Pitching Plate NP
NP = Non Pivot
NP is Behind the Pitching Plate
Also with the 24 inch Lane
P = Pivot
Will Curtis

30. NP contact with the Pitching Plate
legal P
Pivot is on top of the
Pitching Plate NP
NP = Non Pivot
NP contact with the Pitching Plate
Also with the 24 inch Lane
P = Pivot
Will Curtis

31. NP is behind the Pitching Plate
legal P
Pivot is on top of the
Pitching Plate NP
NP = Non Pivot
NP is behind the Pitching Plate
Also with the 24 inch Lane
P = Pivot
Will Curtis

32. NP is Behind the Pitching Plate Also outside the 24 inch Lane
illegal P
Pivot is on top of the
Pitching Plate NP
NP = Non Pivot
NP is Behind the Pitching Plate
Also outside the 24 inch Lane
P = Pivot
Will Curtis

33. NP is Behind the Pitching Plate Also outside the 24 inch Lane
illegal P
Pivot is on top of the
Pitching Plate NP
NP = Non Pivot
NP is Behind the Pitching Plate
Also outside the 24 inch Lane
P = Pivot
Will Curtis

34. NP is Behind the Pitching Plate Also outside the 24 inch Lane
illegal
Pivot not on top of the
Pitching Plate P NP
NP = Non Pivot
NP is Behind the Pitching Plate
Also outside the 24 inch Lane
P = Pivot
Will Curtis

35. NP is Behind the Pitching Plate Also outside the 24 inch Lane
illegal P
Pivot not on top of the
Pitching Plate NP
NP = Non Pivot
NP is Behind the Pitching Plate
Also outside the 24 inch Lane
P = Pivot
Will Curtis

36. Backward step totally outside NP contact with the Pitching Plate
illegal P
Pivot is on top of the
Pitching Plate NP
NP = Non Pivot
Backward step totally outside
24 inch Lane
NP contact with the Pitching Plate
Also with the 24 inch Lane
P = Pivot
Will Curtis

37. All American
Game