1. Mechanics Points of Emphasis
2018
MPA Baseball Umpire Clinic
Mechanics Points of Emphasis
Presented to the Midcoast Umpire Association
Sunday, March 11th
Hampton Inn & Suites, Thomaston

2. Communication with your partner
Plate umpire will initiate all signals for number of outs and rotations.
Number of outs does not need to be provided unless runners are on base.
Base umpire will “mirror” the signals of the plate umpire.
Do not hold up the pitcher or game.

3. Let’s talk about several Rotation Situations
Runner on 1st base only
Runner on 2nd base only
Runner on 3rd base only
Runners on 1st and 2nd base
Runners on 1st and 3rd base
Time play situations
Infield fly signaling & situations
Outs (with runner(s) on base only)
Ball/Strike count “Window Frame”

4. Balks
When a balk occurs, first point at the pitcher and state “that’s a balk”.
Next, make the ball dead by putting your hands up.
This mechanic still follows NFHS rules by making the ball dead immediately once a balk occurs.
This will also assist during Babe Ruth season, when only the point will be necessary to assess the balk. Babe Ruth follows pro rules, in that a balk is a delayed dead ball under that rule set.

5. Dropped Third Strike
On a dropped third strike, the plate umpire should point at the batter.
This is done versus signaling an out, which would be signaled on a caught third strike.

6. Check Swing
If you decide to ask your partner for help on a check swing, point at him with your left hand.
Ask for help by using your partner’s name (Ex: Tom, did he go?).
On a dropped third strike, if unsure if the batter swung, come up immediately and ask for help.
Rule reminders:
You are not required to ask for help per NFHS rule.
If you have ruled a strike at the PU, you cannot ask for a reversal.

7. Ball Four and Hit By Pitch
NEVER point to first. The runner knows which way to go.
If it is a routine walk on ball four, call the pitch a ball like you would with any other count.
For a batter hit by the pitch, step out from behind the plate and signal “time”. This will also buy you time to determine that the batter-runner should by rule be awarded first base.
Also simply signal “time” for an intentional base-on-balls.

8. Overthrows At 1st Base
With no runners on, the Plate Umpire has responsibility of the ball on the wild throw.
The Base Umpire has responsibility for the batter-runner.

9. Help Situations – Two Umpire Mechanics

10. Three Foot Running Lane
The Plate Umpire has primary coverage of running lane interference.
Once the ball is put in play, the Plate Umpire should hustle up the first base line, with the goal of getting to the beginning of the running lane (45 foot mark).
The Base Umpire will have coverage of safe/out at 1st base.
The Plate Umpire will determine if the batter-runner is legally within the running lane or is illegally outside of the lane.
The lines are part of the lane.
The batter-runner’s foot needs to be completely out for a violation.
Unlike pro rules, the throw does not have to be catchable, but must be made.
Exceptions allowing the runner to exit the last 45 feet to 1st base:
The batter-runner is taking their last stride for the purpose of touching 1st base.
The batter-runner is vacating the lane to allow a fielder to field the ball.

11. Pulled Foot & Swipe Tags at 1st Base
The Plate Umpire should be available to assist on a pulled foot or swipe tag, when they are in the same situation and scenario as running lane interference.
The initial call of safe or out on the batter-runner is ALWAYS the responsibility of Base Umpire.
If following the play the Base Umpire would like additional information from their partner OR the head coach properly requests that you ask for help (and you choose to seek it), the Plate Umpire can then provide information necessary to get the call right or maintain the original ruling.

12. Rundowns Tips from Referee Magazine (February 2018 Issue)
1. The base umpire can move laterally with the play to maintain an angle to see any potential tag. 
2. The base umpire should avoid overworking the play. The focus should be on maintaining an optimal view versus keeping pace with the runner.
3. Key things to watch for (other than the tag): obstruction by a fielder, interference (such as a runner intentionally knocking the ball out of the fielder’s glove or hand) and the runner leaving the baseline. *Remember, the baseline can shift as the ball is thrown between fielders.
4. In a two-umpire system, if the plate umpire has no other responsibilities, he or she can hustle down the line to assist. Ideally, the plate umpire should move into the mix when the runner is moving toward second, communicating to his or her partner, “I’ve got this end. If possible, work to get to the outfield side (“outside” part of the infield).
5. The plate umpire should only announce that he or she is helping when actually in a position to help, not when first moving from the initial position.
6. When both umpires are in position to take both ends of the rundown, when a tag is applied, the call should be made by the umpire where the runner was headed at the time.
7. Rundowns often result in the ball being thrown around a lot, creating a greater potential for a ball being thrown out of play. Be prepared — especially if there are other runners — to make base awards from time of throw.

13. Double Play – Potential Interference At 2nd Base
With a runner on 1st base on a ball hit to the infield (potential DP situation), the Plate Umpire has primary responsibility of ruling a legal slide at 2nd base.
The Base Umpire should also maintain secondary coverage as long as they can before pivoting to make a ruling at 1st base.
If the Plate Umpire determines that interference occurred at 2nd base, due to an illegal slide or other actions, the ball is dead immediately. The Plate Umpire shall call time, point at 2nd base stating “That’s interference. The runner is out.” Then point to 1st base and declare “The batter-runner is out”.
If as the Plate Umpire you determine all action at 2nd base to be legal, you should work towards the 1st base line to assist with potential help needed for rulings at that base.

14. Rotation – Runner from 1st to 3rd Base
Ball Hit To The Outfield
When the ball is hit to the outfield, the Plate Umpire should go to the “library” in foul territory, read the ball, and determine if help is needed with the lead runner.
If the ball is hit down the RF line, let your partner know “I’m on the line” so that your partner is aware you’re not available to help at 3rd with the lead runner.
If you do cover on routine base hits to the OF, let your partner know “I have 3rd” or “I’m here Tom”.
Ball Hit To The Infield
When the ball is hit to the infield, this becomes more tricky.
The Plate Umpire should move towards the mound to read the play. They still have primary responsibility for running lane interference and help for swipe tag/pulled foot.
The Base Umpire has primary coverage of all three bases, should the R1 attempt to get to 3rd. This is similar to coverage with a runner on 2nd only and a ball hit to the infield.

15. Runners At 1st & 2nd Base – Tag Up Situation
Plate Umpire will take the lead runner at 2nd base. They should position themselves in foul territory with a goal of lining up the runner and the catch.
Base Umpire should line up the catch and the runner and 1st base. They should be prepared for a “back door” throw.
If there is a “no catch” situation, the Base Umpire maintains responsibility of the batter-runner as well.
The Plate Umpire will have primary coverage of overthrows, if the outfield has a wild throw following the catch.
All runners are awarded two bases at the time of the throw if the ball becomes dead due to a wild throw.

16. Foul Tip In The Dirt & Batted Ball Hits Batter In the Box
When the Base Umpire sees that a foul tip goes into the dirt or is not secured by the catcher, the Base Umpire should signal and call “Time”. Do not verbalize foul ball in case your partner has additional information.
The same mechanic should be used when a batted ball hits a batter while in the box.
The reason we should avoid calling “Foul” is because the batter may be out, depending where the batted ball hit him.
For example, the Base Umpire may have the ball making contact with the batter. The Plate Umpire may have the better legally out of the box when the ball made contact. This would result in an out versus a foul ball.
Remember, on a caught foul tip that the Plate Umpire NEVER verbalizes that ruling. As the ball is live on a foul tip, we simply signal the foul tip, so that we don’t verbally “kill” the play.

17. Other Questions & Situations?

18. Have a great season!!