J-UMP Handbook
A Guide for Junior Umpire development
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Message from the State Director of Umpiring
As the State Director of Umpiring in Queensland it gives me great pleasure to
welcome participating umpires and their parents to the Junior Umpire Development
Program. The program was initially considered by a number of the senior umpires,
who had observed the fantastic work carried out by our junior officials at recent
State Championships and various Masters and School events.
It goes without saying, that many of these tournaments would not be possible
without the continued support of our talented juniors.
The purpose of the program is to offer structured development to identified junior
umpires, to ensure they reach their full potential, based on what “they want” to
achieve.
I am also pleased to welcome the parents who make it possible for their children to
be engaged in this pursuit, and make myself available to discuss any questions they
may have.
I hope the inaugural workshop is informative, interesting and opens your minds to a
wonderful pathway. I believe in you all.
Darren Sibraa
State Director of Umpiring
Softball Queensland
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Table of Contents
Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................4
Section 1 .......................................................................................................................................5
1.
Umpiring Pathway .....................................................................................................6
2.
Attributes of an Umpire ............................................................................................7
3.
How umpires are judged by others ...........................................................................7
4.
Perception .................................................................................................................8
5.
Timing........................................................................................................................8
6.
Consistency ...............................................................................................................9
7.
Arguable Calls ............................................................................................................9
8.
Disengaging the argument ......................................................................................10
9.
Dealing with spectators ...........................................................................................10
10.
Support fellow umpires ...........................................................................................10
11.
Getting the call right ................................................................................................10
12.
Judgement Calls .......................................................................................................11
Section 2 .....................................................................................................................................12
1.
Uniform ...................................................................................................................13
2.
Pre-game with partners ..........................................................................................13
3.
Pre-game duties on diamond ..................................................................................14
4.
Pre-game with Coach’s/Managers ..........................................................................14
5.
Game Control ..........................................................................................................14
6.
Game Emergency Procedures .................................................................................15
7.
Post-Game Duties. ...................................................................................................15
Section 3 .....................................................................................................................................16
1.
Mentors ...................................................................................................................17
2.
Participating off-diamond .......................................................................................17
3.
Umpire room conduct .............................................................................................17
4.
Resources ................................................................................................................18
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Acknowledgements
Softball Australia Limited
Softball Queensland Inc.
All the District Associations and their umpire coordinators (who support officials on a
regular basis)
Softball Queensland Umpiring Directorate
Graeme Love (for the development of this handbook)
Workshop presenters
Tournament management committees
And most of all ………
Parents, families and friends (for their ongoing support)
And ……..
The juniors umpires (for being awesome).
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Section 1
Back to Basics
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has not commenced umpiring program is umpiring games at a local association level
•
•
•
1 year experience and has obtained 50% pass mark in the Basic Exam
Local official has conducted an on-diamond check of umpiring skills
Completed the "Play By The Rules" free online training course
Level 1
•
•
2 years experience and has obtained a minimum of 60% pass mark in the Basic Exam
Practical Assessment at either local or state competition/tournament
Level 2
•
•
3 years experience and a minimum of 70% pass mark in the National Exam
Practical Assessment at state competitiion/tournament
Level 3
Level 4
•
•
4 years experience and a minimum of 75% pass mark in the National Exam
Practical Assessment at state competition/tourament
Level 5
•
•
5 years experience and a minimum of 80% pass mark in the National Exam
Practical Assessment at a National Tournament
Level 6
•
•
6 years experience and a minumum of 80% pass mark in the National Exam
Practical Assessment at a National Tournament
State Level
•
Level 0
Local Association Level
Umpiring Pathway
National Level
1.









Learn & Understand the Level 1
introductory participant’s manual.
Sit the basic exam and obtain the require
marks.
Learn by studying the rule book and
watching live games.
Ask questions on what you saw and how
to apply the rules.
Move on to Level 2 Umpire Program.
Seek advice from senior umpires
Attend state championships
Consider a mentor to assist in your
development
Maintain an activity log

Experience required may vary from person to person and depend on the availability of tournaments in which you can be assessed. An exam pass
mark is valid for two years, however you must obtain the required pass mark in the same year you apply to be assessed at the next level.
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2.
Attributes of an Umpire
In order to be a good umpire there are specific attributes that can be readily seen in senior,
experienced umpires. A number of these attributes would include:
a.
b.
c.
Studying the rules and mechanics, especially the ones that are confusing to them,
Complies with the policies and standards expected in the umpiring program,
Always maintains a professional look and ensures uniforms are correct, pressed and
shoes are polished,
d. Contacts other crew members, clearly establishes the time, location and uniform for the
game,
e. Is ready to go, well before the required game time, and able to adjust to any changes,
f. Communicates regularly with the Tournament Chief Umpire (TCU),
g. Conducts or participates fully in a pre-game discussion,
h. Arrive at the diamond on time and starts the game on time,
i.
Keeps the game moving between innings by enforcing the pitch and time rules,
j.
Hustles to their positions according to plays they are responsible for,
k. Uses good timing, sees the entire play, prior to giving a decision so that only one call is
made on the play,
l.
Managing adversity from coaches & players by hearing everything and re-acting to what
needs to be re-acted to,
m. When the game finishes, leaving the field of play with all crew members
n. Conducts or participates in post-game debriefs and asks for feedback from other crew
members and umpires watching. (Be honest)
All members of an umpiring crew are equally responsible to communicate with each other.
Work all games in a professional manner and work the entire to 100% of your ability.
Remember that the players and coaches are playing hard for the win. Don’t cheat them by
being lazy, not hustling or not being prepared.
3.
How umpires are judged by others
Whether umpires like it or not, they are judged by coaches, players and spectators. Your
fellow umpires also judge you in aspects of your umpiring life also. To name a few areas that
will be scrutinised during your umpiring career include:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Game management,
Rules knowledge,
Strike Zone, judgement & timing,
Professionalism and appearance,
Hustle
Positioning
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g.
h.
i.
Mechanics
Communication; and
Making the “tough” call.
An umpire wanting to progress to the highest level is continually evaluating their own
performance and seeking advice and guidance from mentors or senior umpires. Where
possible, observe senior umpires both on and off the diamond and assess yourself against their
standards.
4.
Perception
Perception is defined as “the way you think about or understand someone or something using
your senses”. Everyone viewing your body language, demeanour, mechanics, and calls will
contribute to their perception about you.
Ways to improve perception are:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
5.
Don’t socialize with players, fans and coaches before, during and after the game. Be
polite and respectful but keep non-game interactions to a minimum,
Hustle and work hard for the players,
Keep the game flowing,
Don’t add to a team’s frustration,
Be professional in attitude and appearance; and
Work as a team with your crew.
Timing
Timing is the proper use of your eyes to see the entire play and then render a decision based
on all the information. A basic component of this is the four elements:
a.
b.
c.
d.
The ball,
The fielder,
The runner; and
The base or the tag.
Development of proper timing and rhythm in making decisions is important for umpires. An
umpire who makes a call quickly on every pitch or play may appear to be guessing. Therefore,
timing must be slow enough, yet deliberate and consistent. Timing is developed with
experience and a call delivered with good timing will generally leave no doubt in the minds of
anyone else looking at the play.
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6.
Consistency
We always hear it as umpires, “Come on blue, be consistent”. Consistency is applying the
same calls to both teams throughout the game.
Establish what you are going to call in the first innings of the game. Players need to know
what your parameters are so they can adjust and settle in for the rest of the game. As the
plate umpire, this is establishing the top, bottom, left and right side of the zone. Apply these
throughout the entire game.
You know you have a consistent zone when coaches and players say “the blue has called that
all day, you gotta swing”.
Keep your concentration on the game. There are many distractions that can break your
concentration. Stay focused.
Sometimes the teams don’t make it easy to be consistent because of different styles of
pitchers and team. Slow your timing down a little and get a good look at every pitch.
Three keys to being consistent are:
(1) Call the same throughout the game,
(2) Concentrate, and
(3) Timing)
7.
Arguable Calls
Arguable calls can be safe/out, fair/foul, catch/no-catch etc. Try to be proactive as the coach
questions you. Limit the scope of the argument by understanding what the coach is looking
for. This usually involves simply asking the question “Coach, what is your question”.
Coaches will give you a statement of events, as they see it, but if there is no question, then
there is nothing to talk about and you can carry on with the game.
The hardest part is to listen and remain calm no matter how upset the coach projects
themselves. Keep the discussion to one-on-one.
Don’t expect the coach to always agree with you. Expect more comments about it being a
horrible call, or the worst call they have ever seen.
By remaining calm, using specific description of you the play happened and citing the exact
and specific rule will assist you in selling your call.
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Always be aware of what you say, how you say it and your body language. Before you open
your mouth, think about whether what is being said to you before a response. You don’t have
to responds to everything that is said. React to what needs reacting.
In some situations, the coach may come out simply to be seen to do something. They are
quite likely aware that you made the correct decision, but the team is up in arms and the
coach has to be seen to support the team. Have a quick conversation and carry on with the
game.
8.
Disengaging the argument
Once you and the coach have stated your positions and you have made the decision, it’s time
to disengage and get on with the game. Inform them that is time to play and move back to
your position. If they start walking away muttering and grumbling about the call, let them
walk away.
The umpire not involved in the discussion should keep all other coaches & players away.
Don’t allow coaches or players to yell at you from across the field. By the same token, don’t
yell at coaches. If something needs to be said, go over and discuss it.
9.
Dealing with spectators
DON’T! - If a spectator/s is disrupting the game, have the member of the tournament
committee deal with them.
If you know that a spectator is a fan of one of teams or involved with a team, sometimes a
quiet word to the relevant manager or coach can assist in dealing with this situation without
bringing undue attention to the situation.
10.
Support fellow umpires
Never criticize or interfere with an umpire’s decision, unless asked by that umpire. However, if
there is a misinterpretation of a rule it should be brought to the attention of the umpire
making the decision. The umpire making the call must be the one to seek assistance of a
partner.
11.
Getting the call right
In addition to the previous section “Support fellow umpires”, the first priority is to make the
correct call. Umpire pride is important, but never as important as getting the play correct.
Getting the call correct, may require a reversal of a previous decision. Greater respect is
gained by ensuring the correct decision is made instead of an umpire continuing with an
incorrect decision.
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Coaches and players are not entitled to a second opinion. On the other hand, if umpires have
not seen the entire play, for example when positioned near the short stop and there may have
been a pulled foot by the first base, then there is no harm in seeking additional information.
Umpires should not seek help on plays in which they are 100% confident in their judgement.
If the calling umpire asks for help include ALL other umpires and ensure you have your
conversation away from players and coaches.
12.
Judgement Calls
A judgement call is one in which the umpire has to render a decision on a play while seeing all
the factors. Examples include fair/foul, safe/out, and strike/ball or on any play involving
accuracy of judgement.
No decision rendered by any umpire shall be reversed except that they be convinced it is in
violation of a rule.
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Section 2
The Game
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1.
Uniform
The required uniform of an umpire is:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
Black polished shoes,
Black or Navy socks,
Navy trousers with black belt,
Plain Navy cap,
SAL on-diamond shirt,
White undershirt; and
Brush (worn on belt).
When working as a plate umpire the following;
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
Shin guards (worn under trousers),
Chest protector (worn under on-diamond shirt),
Mask with throat protector,
Ball bag (worn on right side if only one used),
Athletic protector,
Plate brush,
Indicator,
Scorecard holder and pen.
It is recommended that you have a drink bottle, sunscreen and sunglasses available for use as
well. Remember to remove your sunglasses at the pre-game meeting.
In the lead up to any game, ensuring that you all the above items in a single location will assist
you in your preparation so you doing have to worry about forgetting an item.
When you have your game allocations, ensure you know who your partners and make
arrangements to meeting and agree on a time that you will all be ready to have a pre-game
brief.
2.
Pre-game with partners
Don’t be the last person the crew is waiting for. Preparing yourself and allowing ample time
will assist you in getting prepared for the game.
As soon as you are ready, gather with rest of your crew and have a pre-game discussion. Some
of the areas to cover include:
a.
b.
c.
Ground rules for the competition or issues to be mindful of on the diamond.
Rotations and communication
Any game situations that the crew members may be unsure of.
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3.
Pre-game duties on diamond
Always arrive at the diamond together, typically 10 minutes prior to game time. If you identify
an issue with the diamond, have it addressed as soon as possible.
You may be required to conduct equipment checks on Bats, Helmets, Catchers Gear to make
sure they are not damaged in anyway and that bats are legal. The crew should do one team
and then the other.
4.
Pre-game with Coach’s/Managers
The plate umpire will lead the pre-game meeting. The correct standing positions for this
meeting are covered in the SAL Level 1 & 2 Umpire Manuals.
Points to cover during this pre-game include:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
5.
Verify that the team lists are accurate,
Verify the use of DP/Flex or DR
Review any ground rules (e.g timed game or full game)
Explain that all participants will exhibit good behaviour,
Explain the process of making substitutions (e.g. through the plate umpire)
Game Control
To be a successful umpire, you will have to be proficient in rule knowledge, mechanics and
project a sharp appearance. Your ability to handle and control the game is difficult to teach.
What works for one umpire may not work for another. Observe other umpires and you will
develop your own “style” as you gain more experience.
Following are guidelines that have proven to help many umpires control their game:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Respect all participants,
Do not have “Rabbit Ears” – there are things you need to hear and some things you don’t
want or need to hear.
Don’t get into a shouting match with anyone on the field. Project a calm, cool and
professional image.
Use a third person to handle an irate person. For example, if the player is the pitcher,
have the catcher or coach talk to them before you have to do so.
Don’t ask a player what they said or called you. If you do not hear the first time, ignore it
until you hear it again and it merits some kind of action.
Do not stay on top of a close play after making your call. Watch to make sure nothing
further happens, players have cleared, then leave to your position.
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g.
Never put your hands or arms around a coach, player, or other team personnel. Do not
let them do to you as well. This is difficult as you will make a lot of friends in Softball, but
keep it professional on the diamond at all times.
Game control starts when the coaches, players and spectators see you approaching the
diamond and taking the field. First impressions are very important. You will never get another
chance to make a first impression.
Always conduct yourself professionally but have fun.
No one wants a dictator for an umpire, but everyone want and umpire that can control a
game.
6.
Game Emergency Procedures
There are times when games have to be stopped or suspended due to outside factors. For
example, rain, lightning, light failure etc.
Be prepared to stop a game if you see the conditions begin to deteriorate. When necessary,
suspend the game and clear all participants the dugouts.
Have a discussion with the umpiring coordinator or Tournament Chief Umpire to determine
the next steps. Consider if sufficient innings have been completed to determine a regulation
game, or if the game will be suspended and will recommence at a later time. REMEMBER –
this decision is made by the competition committee or the Tournament Chief Umpire.
7.
Post-Game Duties.
The umpire crew should leave the diamond together. In the first instance through a neutral
gate or through the winning teams dugout.
The crew should remain together until the official scorecards are completed correctly and
signed by the crew.
Walk together from the diamond back to the umpire’s room.
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Section 3
Support & Development
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1.
Mentors
Regardless of what level you are, you should seek to identify a senior umpire and approach
them to mentor you in your umpiring development. There are a number of areas that your
mentor can assist with which include goal setting, imparting their experience, observing your
games and providing feedback on your performance or provide advice on opportunities for
improvement.
Identifying a mentor will enhance your development as an umpire, so consider approaching a
mentor and keep in regular contact.
2.
Participating off-diamond
As an umpire you will have many opportunities to participate in off-diamond activities.
Observing games, how other umpires conduct themselves, how coaches & players react to
situations will assist in your own development. You will see ample examples of what works
and what does not work. By actively observing games, you can introduce the positives into
your game and avoid the negatives.
Observing games will also allow you to develop your knowledge of players and coaches.
Watching pitchers & catchers will assist you when behind the plate. Watching how field
umpires react to different game plays will help you in learning what to do in any given
situation.
If you see a situation that needs clarification don’t be afraid to talk the situation through so
you have it clear in your mind.
3.
Umpire room conduct
The first thing you will learn when umpiring is that a lot happens in the Umpires room. At
times it may be confusing and you are unsure of what to do. A few key points to think about
are:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
Be on time to any umpires meetings.
Keep your equipment tidy – Keep your shirts & trousers on hangers when not be used.
Keep your equipment in your bag, and when in uniform, place your off-diamond clothes
in your bag or folded neatly.
Introduce yourself to any umpires that you have not met.
Actively participate in discussions and seek advice if you are unsure on any topic.
Keep your equipment ready to go at all times. You may be called on at short notice to fill
in on the diamond.
Don’t wait to be asked, if you see something needs doing, help out where you can.
Be on time for your crew pre-game meeting – the entire crew appreciates that and
demonstrates you are ready to participate as part of the team.
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h.
4.
Contribute positively to the umpire’s room environment.
Resources
There are ample resources available to assist you in your development. The umpire’s area of
the SAL website provides a range of up to date information and the information is updated on
a regular basis.
An excellent place to start is becoming familiar with the contents of the SAL Level 1 and Level 2
Umpire Program Participants Manual. These manuals cover a range of topics and have been
designed to assist in the development of new umpires.
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Notes:
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