1. AZBOA SVO Baseball Officials Meeting Welcome AIA Level 3 & 4 Umpires Classroom Training 6-7:30 PM AZBOA SVO Baseball Officials Meeting

2. Help us have a great meeting…. Restroom- outside and to the left (you need the key) Restroom- outside and to the left (you need the key) Cell Phones- OFF or on Vibrate Cell Phones- OFF or on Vibrate Our Room- keep it clean and please help reset the chairs when the meeting is finished Our Room- keep it clean and please help reset the chairs when the meeting is finished When asking questions- stay on point. When asking questions- stay on point.

3. AZBOA SVO Baseball Officials Meeting Questions from last meeting? Remember: Sub Varsity Scrimmages w/Mini Clinics = sign up thru Rob Highland Feb 18 FULL Bourgade Catholic HS / 3PM / Feb 19 Scottsdale Christian HS / 11AM / Feb 20 American Leadership Academy / 3PM / Feb 24 On Field Clinic Brophy HS / Feb 13 / 9 AM *sign up via AZBOA.org

4. 2015 AZBOA Baseball Rules Meetings Rule Six Pitching 45 Minutes to Complete

5. 6-1-1: The pitcher must pitch from a “Windup” or “Set” position. Windup is usually with no runners & Set is with runners on base. * Their feet will determine which position they are in (His non-pivot foot is key) *Must take Signs from catcher while engaged with (touching) the pitcher’s plate. *Must take Signs from catcher while engaged with (touching) the pitcher’s plate. *The pitcher must adhere to pitching regulations once he INTENTIONALLY contacts the pitcher’s plate. *The pitcher must adhere to pitching regulations once he INTENTIONALLY contacts the pitcher’s plate. Rule 6: Pitching

6. New Rules 2013 WindupThe Windup is one of two legal pitching positions. For the windup, the pitcher’s non-pivot foot shall be in any position on or behind a line extending through the front edge of the pitcher’s plate. Both feet can be touching OR Pivot touching and Non Pivot touching line extending…

7. Rule 6: Pitching 6-1-2: The Windup Position…Hands can be together in front, at his sides or one in front and one at his side. His non-pivot foot shall be in any position on or behind a line extending through the front edge of the pitcher’s plate. *Once he starts to pitch, he must continue without interruption. Otherwise a balk with runners on OR “Time” and reset with no runners on. He CANNOT pause (stop) anywhere in the delivery! *Windup only allows for a pitch to be delivered OR stepping off backward with pivot foot first. (Cannot pick to a base without stepping of first). He may turn his head to check runners but not his shoulders.

8. Windup Position: Questions: Can a pitcher, while engaged w/ rubber and in the windup, turn his shoulders to check a runner? Answer: No from Windup position. He may turn his head to look but not his shoulders. Can the pitcher, from the Windup Position step off legally and throw to a base in an attempt to retire an runner? Answer: Yes, if he legally steps off prior to turning or stepping towards base or throwing. He may NOT simulate a pitching motion as he steps off the pitching plate. Rule 6: Pitching

9. New Rules 2013 Legal Pitching Positions The Set is the other legal pitching position. For the set position, a pitcher’s entire non- pivot foot must be in front of a line extending through the front edge of the pitcher’s plate and the entire pivot foot must be Parallel, and in contact (all or partial) with the rubber. Legal as long as part of the pivot foot is touching part of the rubber

10. New Rules 2013 PRELIMINARYPITCHPRELIMINARYPITCH The pitcher may take signs with the ball in the glove or hand. The pitcher may have his pitching are at his back, side OR hanging down in front. Any movement NATURALLY associated with him starting to come set must be done so in ONE CONTINOUS MOTION.

11. New Rules 2013 COMINGTOASET COMINGTOASET The pitcher, using a continuous motion, shall come SET with both hands in front of his body….AND after a discernible STOP may pitch the ball to the batter. The pitcher may at any time (with or without stopping) step off legally or pick to a base. Once coming set, any movement home, commits the pitcher to pitch the ball.

12. *Prior to coming set, the pitcher can have the ball in either his glove or hand. *His pitching hand shall be at his side or behind his back. *Non pivot foot entirely in front of the line extending through the front edge of the pitching plate. *His entire Pivot foot in contact or directly in front of pitching plate. Set Position Rule 6: Pitching; Set Position

13. *Once he starts to come set, this movement must be continuous, until he is set. *Unless legally disengaging the rubber. *Coming set, is stopping all movement of his hands / body completely. Discernible stop (Noticeable or Distinguishable) *Setting of hands (hand & ball in glove) in front of body & at or below chin. *Use Common Sense with at or below.. Set Position Rule 6: Pitching;-1-3 Set Position

14. SET position, prior to starting any movement to come set: 1)Shall not bring hands together, remove ball from glove, move ball in glove to free pitching hand. (He is in the act of coming set by bringing hands together ) 2)Shall not feint a throw to a base, unless he has stepped off backward prior to motion. 3) He may turn at shoulders, or head, but not at waist, to check runners. Rule 6: Pitching

15. SET position, prior to starting any movement to come set: SET position, prior to starting any movement to come set: 4) He may step toward and throw to first base (step only required for 2 nd and 3 rd base). 5) He may step off backward, with his pivot foot, changing from a pitcher to a fielder at this moment. This is the only way to change from Set to Windup position. 6) He may adjust his feet by moving them closer or further apart. Rule 6: Pitching

16. SET position, prior to starting any movement to come set: SET position, prior to starting any movement to come set: 7) He may shake his glove or pitching hand in an effort to gain a sign from catcher. AS LONG AS NOT SIMULATING A START OF MOTION 8) Swing his pitching hand / arm (Gorilla Stance). Hanging the arm (not swinging) is LEGAL! Gorilla Stance = WARN first then balk. The swinging motion has to be judged as a start of the pitching motion and / or deceiving to the runner. Rule 6: Pitching

17. Rule 6-1-3: Set Position (con’t) Once he has started movement to come set: 1)Shall bring his hands (ball, glove & hands) together. 2) He may turn at shoulders (prior to hands touching), or head to check runners. Once SET he may NOT turn at shoulders. 3)He may step toward and throw to first base (step only required for 2 nd and 3 rd base).

18. Rule 6-1-3: Set Position (con’t) Once he has started movement to come set: 4) He may step off backward, with his pivot foot, changing from a pitcher to a fielder at this moment. This is the only way to change from Set to Windup position. 5) his feet by moving them closer or further apart.

19. Rule 6-1-3: Set Position (con’t) Once he has started movement to come set: 6) He may not start movement and then stop, prior to hands being completely together; UNLESS stepping off backwards off pitching plate. 7) Shall not feint any throw to any base. 8) He must come to a discernable stop after bringing hands together.

20. Rule 6-1-3: Set Position (con’t) Once he has come set: 1)He may not make any movement other than stepping off backwards, picking to a base, or delivering a pitch to the batter. (Exception: Head movement) 2)He may not break his hands unless pitching or picking off. If he steps off backwards he must break his hands AFTER stepping off

21. Rule 6-1-3: Set Position (con’t) Once he has come set: 3) He may turn at the head to check runners. 4) He may not flinch, stagger, start and stop or break his knee prior to pitching. (He can BREATHE) 5) He may step toward and throw to first base (step only required for 2 nd & 3 rd base).

22. 6-1-4: If while in the Windup or Set positions, if the pitcher drops the ball DURING delivery and if the ball-  Crosses a foul line or reaches plate = BALL in all situations.  Does not cross a foul line or reach the plate = NO PITCH w/ no runners & BALK w/ runners on base. *Umpire MECHANIC = when ball is dropped and stops rolling or is picked up = “That’s Nothing” OR Time & “That’s a balk” Rule 6: Pitching

23. 6-1-5: A Player is the pitcher when intentionally engaging the pitching plate. They cease to be the pitcher when he legally steps off the plate (now a fielder) for the purposes of fielding OR throwing. Pitcher = throws ball out of play = 1 base award Fielder = throws ball out of play = 2 base award Pitcher = feints throw to base = BALK Fielder = feints throw to base = NOTHING Rule 6: Pitching

24. 6-2-1: Infractions by the Pitcher and Illegal acts include:  Spitting on ball or glove = Dead ball immediately, Umpire may eject. (Warn first!) Nothing if NO pitch delivered! Ball if pitched.  Discoloring the ball w/dirt = Dead ball immediately, Umpire may eject. (Warn first!) Nothing if NO pitch delivered! Ball if pitched.  Bringing pitching hand in contact with MOUTH & not wiping = BALL if he is not engaged with plate. BALK if engaged with plate! Rule 6: Pitching

25. 6-2-1: Infractions by the Pitcher and Illegal acts include: Wearing any items that are distracting to the batter = Umpire has jurisdiction to decide what is distracting…  Wearing tape (or other material) on palm or fingers of pitching hand = Must fix before next pitch.  Wearing a glove with white or gray coloring = Must fix before next pitch.  Wearing exposed (below the elbow) under sleeves that are white/gray = Must fix before next pitch. Rule 6: Pitching

26. Rule 6: Pitching (con’t) 6-2 -2 Exception: Umpire may allow for more warm- up throws during inclement weather. SEE NEXT SLIDE 6-2-3: Pitcher may not intentionally pitch close to batter. Eject if you are positive this has happened. IF not 100% positive, then warnings are issued to BOTH teams. Game awareness…  Previous hit batters  Homeruns  Excessive celebrations  Previous issues or taunting *Umpires must be ready if these happen and what MAY happen next!

27. New Rules 2013 Illegal Set & Illegal Windup This hybrid position does NOT qualify, by rule for either the Windup or Set pitching positions. Umpires should be proactive in warning pitchers prior to allowing this positionThis hybrid position does NOT qualify, by rule for either the Windup or Set pitching positions. Umpires should be proactive in warning pitchers prior to allowing this position Windup Position requires NON PIVOT foot to on or behind a line extending through the front edge of plateWindup Position requires NON PIVOT foot to on or behind a line extending through the front edge of plate The Set position requires the Pivot Foot to be parallel to the plate and the Non Pivot foot to in front of a line extending (as it is in this picture)The Set position requires the Pivot Foot to be parallel to the plate and the Non Pivot foot to in front of a line extending (as it is in this picture)

28. New Rules 2013 RULE CHANGE Extra Warm-up Throws Rule 6-2-2c Exception When replacing a pitcher who was ejected, the substitute pitcher should be afforded the same warm-up criteria as he would if replacing an injured pitcher. Extra throws may be authorized by the umpire-in-chief.

29. Rule 6: Pitching (con’t) 6-2-4: Pitcher has BALKED if with runners on base: While in contact with pitching plate:  feinting toward batter or first base.  dropping of the ball (provided it does not cross foul line).  failing to step with non-pivot directly toward a base prior to throwing or feinting.

30. Rule 6: Pitching (con’t) 6-2-4: Pitcher has BALKED if with runners on base:  delivers an illegal pitch (quick pitch, no stop)  after committing to pitch, he does not do so in a continuous motion (stops)* *Exception: Unless the batter’s actions cause the stop (hand up for time, stepping out etc) then we call time (essentially awarding batter time) and protecting pitcher from balking.  Taking either hand off the ball (set position) unless pitching to batter or picking to base. From the windup he may “momentarily adjust the ball”

31. 6-2-4: Pitcher has balked if with runners on base:  failing to pitch to batter when entire non- pivot foot passes behind the perpendicular plane of the back edge of pitching plate (except to step to 2 nd base for a potential play / pick off.)  Question: Is it a balk for a Right Handed Pitcher, from the Set position, to bring his entire non- pivot foot behind rubber and pick to 3 rd base? Answer: Yes it is a balk. Same requirements for a LHP to first base AND a RHP to 3 rd base. Rule 6: Pitching

32. 6-2-5: Pitcher has balked if with runners on base: While NOT in contact with rubber when he: (near enough vicinity to rubber to deceive runner)  with or without the ball, makes any motion naturally associated with his motion.  without the ball, places his feet on or astride the pitching plate (simulating a pitcher)  places himself within 5 feet of rubber w/out baseball during hidden ball trick; >5 feet of distance = one foot on dirt circle >5 feet of distance = one foot on dirt circle <5 feet of distance = two feet on dirt circle Rule 6: Pitching

33. Question: When is the pitcher considered to be infielder and NOT the pitcher? Answer: He is the pitcher when intentionally engaged with the rubber. He is an infielder either after LEGALLY disengaging the pitching rubber. Rule 6: Pitching

34. Question: What is the difference in requirements, for the Pitcher, when picking to 1 st base compared to picking to 2 nd or 3 rd base? Answer: When picking to 1 st base the pitcher must STEP and THROW to 1 st base versus only required to STEP to 2 nd or 3 rd base. The pitcher does not have to throw. How many bases does runners advance when the Pitcher throws the ball out of play? Answer: 1 base from TOP. Rule 6: Pitching

35. AZBOA Strike Zone AZBOA AZBOA Strike Zone Presentation *We also have a Strike Zone Video on the AZBOA Video Page. Videos can be found on the Training Page or via the Quick Link “Videos” Here by 6:45

36. AZBOA Strike Zone Umpire Mechanics ON YOUR FEET! Hands on Knees set, Call it, Hands on Knees set: Out – “He’s Out” (Knock on the Door) Routine vs. Whacker Safe – “Safe” (Arms straight out, shoulder high) *Off the bag / Bobble the Ball / No Tag / Balls on the ground

37. Batter’s Strike Zone Rule 2.35 AZBOA Strike Zone Watch AZBOA Strike Zone Video

38. Strike Zone defined…. ..as the space over home plate, the top of which is halfway between the batter’s shoulders and the waistline, and the bottom being the knees when he assumes his natural batting stance……  ….if he crouches or leans over to make the shoulder line lower, the umpire determines height by what would be the batter’s normal stance. AZBOA Strike Zone

39. Strike Zone by Rule Halfway between the shoulders and waistline or about 2 1/2 baseballs above the belt…. the hollow of the knee….. AZBOA Strike Zone

40. However this is what most umpires call the top of the zone the belt……… AZBOA Strike Zone

41. We must get at least…. One ball above the belt AZBOA Strike Zone

42. Work to call the “high” strike Two Balls above the belt (midway point) the hollow of the knee….. AZBOA Strike Zone

43. Belt One Ball above Two Balls above The bottom or hollow of the knee ALWAYS! AZBOA Strike Zone

44. Power Zone They can hit “two balls above belt” AZBOA Strike Zone

45. Hitters Strike Zone Doesn’t change during swing. AZBOA Strike Zone

46. By Book Rule- a strike is the area over home plate (inside black to black) AZBOA Strike Zone

47. We are going to call a strike *Please understand this is a GUIDE…not an end all be all concept. AZBOA Strike Zone Two balls off each side of the plate, provided the catcher receives the pitch properly. If he is reaching out or down to get a “borderline” strike then we should ball the pitch. A catcher will “earn” borderline strikes or “lose” border line strikes

48. Examples of receiving the pitch well: Above: Catching attempting to receive a pitch at the batter’s knees. He is catching the ball out in front and with the glove up not down. (Thumb under ball) Above: Catching is sitting outside (1 -2 balls off plate) but does not reach to receive ball. AZBOA Strike Zone Right: Catching receiving the ball with glove up, in the middle of his body and above his knee (and more than likely above batter’s knee ).

49. Examples of NOT receiving the pitch well: Above: Catching attempting to receive a pitch but is reaching down and dropping to knee. Catcher’s actions tell everyone this pitch is low. Above: Catching is sitting outside and still has to reach to receive pitch. This is a ball. A catcher who receives the pitch and then proceeds to “drag” the glove down, up or back towards the plate is NOT receiving the pitch well. He is “framing” the plate (bringing the ball back to the strike zone of the plate). A catcher who simply turns his glove down or to the side is “framing” the pitch. This movement is subtle and small versus the “dragging” of the glove. You can reward a catcher with border line strikes when he frames the pitch and conversely you can penalize the catcher on borderline strikes when he frames the plate. AZBOA Strike Zone

50. Strike Zone….  establish your zone early in the ga  establish your zone early in the game  maintain the same zone late in the game  work with catcher to “earn” borderline strikes  keep the game moving (call strikes)  be consistent AZBOA Strike Zone

51. Strike Zone review…. AZBOA Strike Zone Next slides…..

52. AZBOA Strike Zone Umpire Landmarks: Top of Catchers helmet USUALLY lines up with Top (midpoint of torso) of hitters strike zone.

53. AZBOA Strike Zone Umpire Landmarks: Bottom of Batters knees USUALLY line up with the Catchers knee. Accept this and if catcher receives pitch at or above his knee should be a strike.

54. AZBOA Strike Zone Compare where the catcher is sitting, to location of his glove. Compare both of these to the plate. The further away from the plate the catcher gets, the more we will scrutinize the pitch.

55. AZBOA Strike Zone Glove up versus Glove down. Catchers earn or take away borderline strikes and balls. We have to “survive” the game with our integrity…. THEY can see these actions by the catcher.

56. AZBOA Strike Zone Umpire Strike Zone Protocol:  “Snap shot” of where the catcher is positioned and where his glove is sitting in relation to the plate.  Batters knees / Catchers Knees. Batters Top / Catchers Top  Track baseball from pitchers hand all the way into the catchers glove.  Decide where pitch crossed the plate.  Factor how / where Catcher receives pitch.  Consider ALL these factors and Call the Pitch!

57. AZBOA Strike Zone Questions about AZBOA Strike Zone Presentation *Remember there is a Strike Zone Video on AZBOA

58. AZBOA Strike Zone Umpire Mechanics Review A, B, & C positions

59. Starting Position A “A” Position is with NO RUNNERS ON BASE

60. Starting Position B “B” Position is with R1

61. Starting Position B “B” Position is with R1 & R3

62. Starting Position C “C” Position is with Bases Loaded

63. Starting Position C “C” Position is with R3 & R2

64. Starting Position C “C” Position is with R3 only

65. Starting Position C “C” Position is with R2 only

66. AZBOA SVO Baseball Officials Meeting Questions? Sub Varsity Scrimmages w/Mini Clinics = sign up thru Rob On Field Clinic = Feb 13 = sign up via AZBOA.org Next Meeting: