“Game management, game decisions, adjustments, and seeing things during the
game – it’s all important.”
Bill Belichick
Greetings,
The 2016 season is off to a good start. The 2016 Clinic will be posted this week for
all to review. All Division II and III umpires who wish to be considered for post
season must view the entire clinic. The clinic power points have been posted on the
Central Hub.
Many of you have started the season working one of the non-conference
tournaments throughout the country. These tournaments are just as intense as
conference series and umpires need to be prepared from the first pitch to the very
last play. Focus, these games count towards a team RPI and their quest for a
postseason berth. The SUP and observers have been observing umpires at various
tournaments and through media coverage. “Keep working hard each game by
creating a respectful game tone, engaging in respectful verbal and non-verbal
communication skills and continue to incorporate conflict resolution skills to
facilitate game management.”(Dr. Kensa K. Gunter)
These areas continue to need our attention.
1. Strike zone: The strike zone has not changed! We have not changed our
mechanic when calling balls and strikes! We have asked that you use the
approved mechanics when working the plate.
The zone is the area above home plate between the bottom of the batter’s
sternum and the top of the knees when she assumes her natural batting
stance. The top of the ball must be on or within the horizontal plane, and
either side of the ball must be on or within the vertical plane of the strike
zone to be a strike unless the ball touches the ground before reaching home
plate. Review these diagrams when judging a pitch.
2. Verbal Misconduct: This year the rules committee made it a “Point of
Emphasis” that questioning umpire’s calls based purely on their judgment
would not be tolerated. Coaches should not be allowed on the field to
question judgment calls. These questions disrupt the flow of the game and
will result in a warning for the first violation and an ejection for each
subsequent violation in the game
Rule 13.3 Verbal Misconduct outlines what behavior is not appropriate for
a coach, player or team personal and the penalty for each infraction.
However, there is an important note for 13.8
A coach or player may on occasion, request feedback regarding the
specific location of a pitch or ask a point of rule without applying Rule
13.8.4 as long as it is not made in an argumentative fashion and does
not delay play.
Umpires should first listen to the coach’s question and judge whether the
question is made in a respectful manner. If the question is concerning
feedback or a point of rule, allow the question without a warning. If not, then
warn the coach. Use common sense and good game management skills when
addressing the coach. If the coach becomes disrespectful, then apply Rule
13.8.
3. Pitching: The quick-pitch and the two-second count. Use common sense; the
intent of this interpretation was to allow the batter and umpire to be ready
for the pitch. If the pitcher has a natural pause and everyone is ready for the
pitch there is no penalty.
The Central Hub homepage has been updated. Take time to visit the E.R.A.; the video
updates and the weekly quiz section.
Postseason recommendation letters will be sent later this month. Once you receive
notification make every effort to complete the umpire availability form as soon as
possible. Continue to work hard on all aspects of the game every pitch, every play,
every time.
Donna Vavrinec
National Coordinator