SOFTBALL UMPIRES’ CLINIC

TTU INTRAMURAL SPORTS OFFICE

EMPOLYEE EXPECTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Expectations & Responsibilities› Knowledge of sports rules and mechanics› Represent the Intramural Program positively as an official, player, and

spectator.› Serve as an impartial and fair official.› Be respectful to all players and participants.

– In the face of inappropriate language or comments directed at you, be professional.– Alert professional staff or a graduate assistant. We will back you up.

› Ensure a safe environment for all.– Safety is your number one priority as a sport official.

› Abstain from using tobacco products during Intramural Activities.› Arrive at least fifteen (15) minutes before the start of your shift.› Clothing

– Athletic clothing– Staff shirt– No jewelry, watches, wristbands etc

Even More Expectations & Responsibilities› Inform Leslie if you are playing for a team.› When seeking a trade or drop on W2W, please try to

give at least a one day (24 hours) notice.› Remember that all shifts are subject to approval, and

posting your shift does not guarantee your shift will be reassigned.

› If you attempt to pick up a shift, please remember that numerous factors will be considered, and you may or may not receive that shift.

› If your shift is not traded or assigned to another worker, you are responsible for covering your shift.

› In case of emergencies, contact Leslie or Victor ASAP.

Evaluation & Feedback› Officials will be evaluated regularly

each night.› When receiving feedback, ask plenty

of questions for clarification.› Be receptive to constructive feedback.

– Understand that your actions and decisions as an official are being evaluated, and it is not a personal attack.

› Being able to receive and apply feedback is indispensable.

Nightly Evaluation FormNAME ____________________________ __________________________ __________________________

POSITIVES

     

OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT

     

COMMUNICATION 

POSITIONING & MECHANICS 

APPEARANCE & PRESENTATION 

GAME MANAGEMENT

1 2 3 4 5 

1 2 3 4 5 

1 2 3 4 5 

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5 

1 2 3 4 5 

1 2 3 4 5 

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5 

1 2 3 4 5 

1 2 3 4 5 

1 2 3 4 5

GENERAL CREW FEEDBACK

 

SOFTBALL BASICS

Playing Field

INFIELD

OUTFIELD

FOUL LINEFOUL LINE

Player Equipment› Athletic Clothing

– Clothing should allow freedom of movement.– Please remember to wear appropriate clothing.

› Hats– Any headwear with knots as well as hard plastic or

metal hair control devices are prohibited.

› No Jewelry!– Watches, earrings, rings, and necklaces can result in

injuries to players.– Religious and medical items are allowed. It needs to

be taped to the body or placed inside the shirt or jersey.

Player Equipment› Athletic Shoes

– Shoes must be worn at all times!– No vibrams– Molded rubber cleats, screw-in cleats, and molded

rubber cleats with metal tips are allowed.– No spiked cleats or screw-in metal cleats.

LEGAL!

ILLEGAL!

The Game› Players– A maximum of twelve players may be

added to the batting order.– Seven players are required to start the

game.– A maximum of ten players may take the

field.› When there are ten players, four players

must play the outfield.› The pitcher and catcher positions must be

filled at all times.

The Game: Equipment

› The Intramural Sports Office will provide the ball and balls for each contest.

› Personal bats must be presented for inspection.– We reserve the right to declare any bat illegal.– The owner allow the opposing team the

opportunity to use the bat. If the owner refuses, the bat cannot be used.

› Players in the field must wear gloves.› The catcher must wear a helmet and

facemask.

The Game: Team Areas› Team Dugouts & Supporters– Players

› Players that are not fielding, batting, or coaching are asked to remain in or near their teams dugout.

› A maximum of two coaches (1st Base & 3rd Base) are allowed on the field.

– Supporters› Supporters must remain off the playing field

and outside of the backstop.› Supporters should not kick or violently shake

and grab the fence.

The Game: Timing› Fifty Minute (50:00) Time Limit

– Regular season games may end in a tie.– At the expiration of the fifty-minute time limit,

an inning in progress shall be completed if the home team does not have the lead.

› During the postseason, extra innings shall be played until the score is no longer tied at the conclusion of an inning.

The Game: Scoring

› Home Run Rule– Participants in the IFC and

Men’s Divisions will be allowed five (5) home runs per game. Any home runs in excess of five (5) shall result in an automatic OUT.

› Mercy Rule– Please refer to the table for

related point differentials and number of completed innings.

Point Differential Innings Completed

20 Runs 3 Innings

15 Runs 4 Innings

10 Runs 5 Innings

PRE-GAME & POST-GAME RESPONSIBILITES

Pre-Game Responsibilities: Timeline› 15:00 to 10:00 before Game Time:– Ensure all officials are fully equipped

› Clickers› Watch

– Check players’ equipment.› Check for bat legality.› Check cleats.

– Check with the scorekeeper for any issues.– Answer any questions.

› 5:00 before Game Time– Conduct Captains’ Meeting

Pre-Game Responsibilities: Captain’s Meeting› Captain’s Meeting– Set the tone for the entire game (Very important)

› “Umpires officiate, players play, coaches coach, and fans cheer”– Review sportspersonship rules

› Affects postseason eligibility › Affects All-Points competition standings› Two Ejections = Forfeiture

– Review basic softball rules › Explain timing› Substitutions› Fair vs. Foul Balls› Dead Balls› Legal vs. Illegal Pitches

Post-Game Responsibilities› After the conclusion of the final

scheduled game:– Help gather equipment for storage

› Bats (2)› Softballs & Ball Sleeves › Bases

– Gather trash in dugouts and in spectator areas– Ask professional staff or a graduate assistant

if anything else needs to be completed– Clock out via the iPad or Thumbprint scanner– Go to sleep, stay up & watch TV etc

SOFTBALL CREW MECHANICS

Crew Mechanics: General

› Two-person or three person officiating mechanics

› Positions1. Plate Umpire2. Base Umpire(s)

› Coverage and responsibilities will change according to the location and number of baserunners.

Two-Person Crew Responsibilities

HOME PLATE UMPIREBalls & StrikesThe CountPlays at 3rd & Home PlateIllegal PitchesCatches in the OutfieldCalling Infield Fly ruleEnsuring runners touch basesCalling “time” after each play

BASE UMPIREPlays at 1st & 2nd

Plays at 3rd on a tripleOne base runnerLast base runner

Runners on tag up scenariosMaking sure runners touch basesEnforcing pitching regulationsEnsuring runners do not leave the base

early

Home Plate Umpire› Initial Position

– Stand behind/next to the catcher.– Stand on the same side as the batter.– Give yourself the best angle to see the

pitch height & the batter’s box.

› Fly Ball– Step out five to seven feet into the

infield

› Play at the Plate– Stay out of the way.– Obtain the best possible angle to see the

play.

Base Umpire› Initial Position– No runners/Runner on 3rd Base only

› Stand two to three feet outside foul line› Stand eight to ten feet behind 1st Base.

– No Runners; Play at 1st Base› Maintain positon for best angle.

– Runner(s) on 1st Base and/or 2nd Base› Stand midway between 1st Base & 2nd

Base› Stand on the fringe of the infield › Avoid blocking fielders or interfering

with runners.

Two-Person Mechanics: No Runners; Play at 1st Base

U

B

U

Two-Person Mechanics: No Runners; Triple Hit

U

BB

U

Two-Person Mechanics: Runners on 1st and/or 2nd; Base Hit

U

B

U

B

Three-Person Crew Responsibilities

HOME PLATE UMPIREBalls & StrikesThe CountPlays at 3rd & Home PlateIllegal PitchesCatches in the OutfieldCalling Infield Fly ruleEnsuring runners touch basesCalling “time” after each play

BASE UMPIRE(S)Plays at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd BasesRunners on tag up scenariosMaking sure runners touch basesEnforcing pitching regulationsEnsuring runners do not leave the base

early

Three-Person Umpire Mechanics› Plate Umpire & 1st Base Umpire– Identical to Two-Person Mechanics

› 3rd Base Umpire– Initial Positioning

› Stand two to three feet outside foul line› Stand eight to ten feet behind 3rd Base.

– Has all 3rd Base Plays

Three-Person Mechanics: No Runners; Play at 1st Base

U

B

U

B

Two-Person Mechanics: No Runners; Triple Hit

U

B B

U

B

Two-Person Mechanics: Runners on 1st and/or 2nd; Base Hit

U

B

U

BB

SIGNALS

SIGNAL

When Making Calls:

VERBAL CALL

“TIME!”

After Every Play:1. No one is attempting to make a play (run, tag out etc.)

AND2. The pitcher has the ball

LIVE BALL VS. DEAD BALL

Live Ball› The ball is live in the following

situations:– The ball has left the pitcher’s hand– The ball is in playable territory– Ground ball that passes 1st or 3rd Base in

fair territory– Ground ball that hits or bounces over 1st or

3rd Base– Thrown ball hits an offensive player

unintentionally– Thrown ball or fair ball hits an umpire– Thrown ball hits a coach

Infield Fly Rule› An infield fly occurs when all of the following

conditions are satisfied:– A fair fly ball (not including a line drive) which can

be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort. – Less than two OUTs.– Runners on 1st and 2nd base or there are runners on

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Bases (Bases loaded).

› When all three conditions are met, the umpire will declare an infield fly and rule the batter out immediately.

› The successful or unsuccessful catch attempt by an infield does not factor into the umpire’s decision.

› If the fly ball is caught by the infielder, the base runners must tag up.

Dead Ball› The ball is dead in the following situations:

– Foul Ball› Batted ball that passes 1st or 3rd base in foul territory› The ball is touched on or over foul territory between

1st Base & Home Plate or 3rd Base and Home Plate› The ball contacts a person, umpire or object on or

over foul territory.› The ball contacts the batter or bat twice while the

batter is still located in the batter’s box.› A tipped pitch less than six feet from the ground is

caught by the catcher.– Result

› Less than two Strikes: Strike› Two Strikes + two consecutive Foul Balls: The batter

is OUT.

Dead Ball› The ball is dead in the following

situations:– The batter steps outside of the batter’s

box before attempting to hit the ball.› The batter is OUT.

– The batter steps on Home Plate while making contact.› The batter is OUT.

– Runner leads the base before the ball is contacted.› The runner is OUT.

Dead Ball: Out of Play› Defense throws the ball into an Out of

Play area.– The dugouts are considered out of play.– A fielder cannot intentionally throw the ball

into an Out of Play area to stop runners.

› A fielder enters an Out of Play area while attempting to play a batted or retrieve an errant throw.

› A fair ball ricochets off a defender or runner on base into an Out of Play area.

› When the ball legally becomes Out of Play, each runner will be awarded the closest base plus an additional base (1+1).

PITCHING

Pitching› Preliminary

– The pitcher must start with both feet on the ground and one foot or both feet touching the pitching rubber.

– As the pitcher releases the ball in an underhand motion, his or her foot or feet must remain in contact with the pitching rubber.

– Walking pitches are illegal.

› Legal Delivery– After beginning the pitching motion, the pitch

must be delivered immediately and with a continuous motion.

– The pitcher cannot deliver a pitch between the legs or behind the back.

Pitching: Illegal Pitches› Illegal Pitches

– Higher than twelve (12) feet– Lower than six (6) feet– Fake or non-continuous pitch– Walking start– One foot does not remain in contact with the

pitching rubber (Base Umpire)

› When the pitch does not fall within the height range (six to twelve feet), the plate umpire will declare the pitch illegal.– The batter may choose to swing or not swing

› No Swing: Ball› Swing: The batter take the result of the play.

6 FT

12 FT

BATTING

Batting› Balls & Strikes

– The batter will a 1-1 (balls-strikes) count.

› Foul Balls– When the batter has two strikes, the batter

can hit one legal foul ball. – A batter will be declared OUT if he or she

hits a second foul ball.

› Bunting & Chopping– Bunting and Chopping are not allowed.– Batters must a full swing at the ball.– Batters that perform a bunt or chop will be

declared OUT.

Batting Order› The team captain must provide the

batting order to the scorekeeper before the start of the game.

› Players are required to bat in the order listed on the official scoresheet.

› After one full rotation, the batting order is set, and no new players may be added.– The team captain may add up to twelve

players before the order is set.– Exception: A team has less than ten players.

The team may add up to ten players to avoid automatic OUTs.

Batting Order› Substitutions

– Once the batting has been set for a team with at least ten players, additional players may enter the game via the traditional substitution method.

– The team captain needs to notify the scorekeeper regarding any substitutions.

– When a player is replaced, that players may re-enter the game after one full rotation and at the same spot on the batting order.

Traditional Substitution Method› Note that the batting order has been

locked or there are twelve players batting.

› A player may be replaced TWICE during the same game.

› Once a player is replaced twice, that player can no longer participate for the duration of the contest.

› The substitute and re-entering player must always enter at the same spot on the batting order.

Batting Order Example

Player 1 Player 11 Player 1 Player 11 Player 12

Player 2

Player 3

Player 4

Player 5

Player 6

Player 7

Player 8

Player 9

Player 10

BASE RUNNING

Base Running› The runner must advance or return to a base in legal

order.– Advancing: 1st Base 2nd Base 3rd Base Home Plate– The base runner may only return to the last Base

touched.

› A player is entitled to a Base until:– He or she legally touches the next base in the sequence.– A batter becomes a base runner, and the player is forced

to advance.

› The runner must remain within three (3) feet of the base line when advancing or returning to a Base.– EXCEPTION: The runner is avoiding contact with a

fielder without the ball.– EXCEPTION: Runner is rounding 1st Base or 3rd Base.

Base Running› Players may overrun 1st Base without the

chance of begin tagged out.– If the player is attempting to run to 2nd Base, he

or she may be tagged out.– Players may be tagged out

› Stealing is not permitted.– Stealing is attempting to advance before a legal

or illegal pitch has been contacted..– Players that are stealing should declared OUT

immediately.

› When sliding, players may slide head first or feet first. – When sliding feet first, cleats must be kept close

to the ground.

Base Running› Tagging Up

– When a fielder catches a fly ball, the runners may advance at their own risk.› They must be in contact with the Base when the

ball is caught.› The runner may declared OUT in two ways:

– Tag: The runner advances after touching the base.– Force Out: The runner fails to touch the base as the

ball is caught, and the defense may touch the last base the runner occupied.

› Courtesy Runner– An injured player may be replaced by the last

person who recorded an OUT.– The request must be made during a dead and

before the first pitch.

Base Running› Appealing

– The defense may appeal the following:› Missing a Base› Leaving a Base early› Batting Out-of-Order› Attempting to advance to 2nd Base after making

the turn at 1st Base– Live Ball Appeal

› The fielder touches the player or Base with the ball in possession.

› If the runner has left the field, the fielder may identify the person to the umpire.

– Dead Ball Appeal› The team captain or fielder present an appeal to

the Plate Umpire.

Obstruction vs. Interference

DEFENSIVE OBSTRUCTION› A defensive player or team member hinders or

prevents a batter from striking at or hitting a pitched ball.

› Example:– A fielder who is not in possession of the ball impedes

the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running the bases.

› Result: – Delayed Dead Ball – Runner is safe at the next legal Base to which they were

advancing.– Once the runner legally advances to that Base, the

interference protection they may advance at their risk

OFFENSIVE INTERFERENCE› An act by the offensive players or others that interferes

with a fielder’s opportunity to make a play on a batted or thrown ball

› Example:– When not in contact with a base, a runner is hit by a fair batted ball.– A runner (who has already been tagged OUT or forced OUT) fails

to move out of the way of a throw to a base (i.e. 6-4-3 Double Play)

› Result: – Immediate Dead Ball– Runner who committed the interference is OUT.

› If the interference resulted in the batter-runner or another runner becoming Safe or scoring, the batter-runner or runner shall be OUT as well.

– All other runners must return to the last base touched when the interference occurred.

FIELDING

Fielding› When attempting to catch fly balls,

fielders must:– Secure the ball in their glove or hand

before the ball touches the ground or fence

– A trapped ball is not a legal catch of a fly ball.

› When the fielder is transferring the ball from the glove to the hand and drops the ball, the catch shall still be considered good, and the batter/runner shall be declared OUT.

Force Out vs. Tag Out

FORCE OUT› A runner must advance to the next legal

base.

› The fielders may tag the base before the runner touches the base.

› Situations– Fair ball– Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball.

TAG OUT› A runner does not have to advance to the next

legal base.– The defense must tag the runner with the ball in their

hand or glove– The tag must occur before the runner arrives at their

previous base or the next legal base.

› Situations– Fair ball– Rundown

CO-RECREATIONALMODIFICATIONS

Team Composition

Please refer to the following table for legal team ratios.

Number of players Male to Female RatioTwelve Players 6:6Eleven Players 6:5 or 5:6

Ten Players 5:5Nine Players 5:4, 4:5, 6:3, 3:6Eight Players 4:4, 5:3, 3:5Seven Players 4:3, 3:4

**You must have at least three males or three females to field a team.**

Offense: Pitching & Batting› Pitching

– Each Team shall provide a pitcher for their team.› Teams shall self-pitch.› The pitcher may bat as normal. It is not required.› When the pitcher has to bat, he or she may be replaced by a

teammate not on base at that time.– Each batter shall receive a maximum of three pitches.

› Illegal pitches shall count as one of the three pitches.– If the batter fails to hit a fair ball after three pitches, the

batter is OUT.– If a fair-batted ball contacts the offensive pitcher, the

batter is OUT.

› Male Batter Restrictions– Male batters must hit with their non-dominant hand.– Male batters that bat with their dominant hand will be

declared OUT.

Offense: Batting Order› Alternating Lineup– The batting order must alternate

between male and female batters. – If a team is playing with an

uneven number of players, players will need to bat more than once throughout the batting order to be able to alternate male and female.

Male #1Female #1

Male #2

Female #2

Male # 3

Female #3

Male #4

Female #1

Male #5

Female #2

Batting order for a team with five males and three females

Offense: Automatic OUTs› Excessive Home Runs

– When the male batters for a team hit five home runs, each subsequent home run will result in an automatic OUT.

› Batting Order– When the team bats out of order, the batter shall be

declared OUT.

› Ejections– When a player is ejected, he or she may be replaced

by an eligible substitute. If there are no eligible substitutes available, an automatic OUT will occur each time the vacant positon is required to bat.

– The eligible substitute must be the same gender as the ejected individual.

Defense› Fielding Positions

– Each team may field all ten positions by rule.– Each team shall provide a defensive pitcher and a catcher. – The defensive catcher should not obstruct the actions of the offensive

pitcher.– No more than five players of each gender may play in the field at a

time. – The pitcher and catcher combination must include a male and female. – There is no restriction on the number of males or females in the infield

or outfield.

› Restriction Line– Cones will designate the outfielder restriction line, separating the

infield from the outfield.– Outfielders must remain behind the line until the ball has been hit. – If an outfielder illegally enters the infield before the ball is hit, the

batting team has the following two options:› Take the result of the play.› The current batter is awarded First Base, and, if applicable, all base runners

will advance by rule.

Defensive Restriction Line

Scoring Modifications› Runner Restrictions

– Once a runner’s foot touches on or past the Commit line, the runner must continue towards the Scoring Plate.

– The runner must use the Scoring Plate. – If the runner attempts to return to 3rd Base, the runner

is automatically OUT, and the ball remains live.

› Catcher Restrictions– After the runner is “committed,” it is a Force OUT

for the catcher.› The catcher may not attempt a Tag OUT. › If a tag is applied, the runner is Safe.

– The catcher must tag or touch the Defensive Plate. – If the catcher obstructs the runner in his/her path to

the Scoring Plate, the runner shall be declared Safe.

Commit Line

Scoring Plate

Defensive Plate

GAME MANAGEMENT

Managing the Game: Basics› Being aware of player emotions and actions will

allow you to be proactive.– Being proactive will help you stop problems before they

occur.

› Take your time with your decisions.› A properly managed game will have necessary

warnings and ejections.– If possible, try talking to players before issuing ejections.

› Problematic players should be addressed immediately and accordingly.– Addressing these players may involve speaking to the

player, calling warning the player, or ejecting the player from the game.

Managing the Game: Fighting› While a fight can happen without

warning, proper game management typically prevents fights.

› When a fight breaks out:– Step back and observe players and others

involved in the fighting.– Watch if any spectators step on the field.– Do not attempt to physical stop the fighting.

Managing the Game: Managing Yourself› Game management requires that you

manage your emotions.› Try to remain calm and relaxed

through the game.› Be professional at all times.

– When players become uncooperative or disrespectful, deal with them accordingly.

– Address the player’s current actions.– Trust your partners.

› Know your primary responsibilities.› Support and back up your partners at all times.

Issuing Ejections› Players should be ejected for the following

actions:– Contacting an Umpire– (After Warning) Repeatedly Questioning your

Judgement– Throwing a bat or helmet in resentment of a call– Destroying or attempting to destroy equipment or

the softball field– (After warning) Inappropriate gestures or

language.

› Ejections should be issued to maintain your authority and ensure the safety of everyone on the field.

SPORTSPERSONSHIP SYSTEM

Sportspersonship System: Ratings & CriteriaRating Criteria

5 - Excellent Players fully cooperate with Intramural Sports staff and opposing team members. Spectators support their team in a positive manner. Team captain respectively addresses officials. The team is an exemplary model for other teams.

4 - Good Winning Team of a Forfeited Game. Team members verbally complain about some calls or show some dissent. Their actions may warrant a conduct penalty (i.e. yellow card, technical foul, or unsportsmanlike conduct penalty), but they

do not receive a penalty.

3 - Average Both Teams for a Defaulted Game. Team constantly complains to IM staff or the opposing team. The team captain exhibits no control over his/her team,

spectators, and himself/herself. Their actions result in a conduct penalty (i.e. yellow card, technical foul, or unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.) Teams that receive a conduct penalty cannot receive higher than a “3” rating. The team that has one ejection or two conduct penalties will not receive higher than a “3” rating.

2 – Below Average Team constantly complains to IM and the opposing team. The team captain exercises no control over anyone. Teams that receive one ejection and one conduct warning or three conduct warnings shall forfeit the contest and receive a

rating of “2.”

1 - Unacceptable A Team Forfeits a Game. The entire team and spectators are non-cooperative. The team captain is combative and unhelpful. The team that receives two ejections or four conduct warnings during a game shall forfeit the game and may forfeit the entire

season.

Rating Criteria

5 - Excellent

Players fully cooperate with Intramural Sports staff and opposing team members. Spectators support their team in a positive manner. Team captain respectively addresses officials. The team is an exemplary model for other teams.

4 - Good

Winning Team of a Forfeited Game. Winning Team for a Defaulted Game. Team members verbally complain about some calls or show some dissent. Their actions may warrant a conduct penalty (i.e. yellow card, technical foul, or unsportsmanlike conduct penalty), but they

do not receive a penalty.

3 - Average

Defaulting Team for a Defaulted Game. Team constantly complains to IM staff or the opposing team. The team captain exhibits no control over his/her team,

spectators, and himself/herself. Their actions result in a conduct penalty (i.e. yellow card, technical foul, or unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.) Teams that receive a conduct penalty cannot receive higher than a “3” rating. The team that has one ejection or two conduct penalties will not receive higher than a “3” rating.

2 – Below Average

Team constantly complains to IM and the opposing team. The team captain exercises no control over anyone. Teams that receive one ejection and one conduct warning or three conduct warnings shall forfeit the contest and

receive a rating of “2.”

1 - Unacceptable

A Team Forfeits a Game. The entire team and spectators are non-cooperative. The team captain is combative and unhelpful. The team that receives two ejections or four conduct warnings during a game shall forfeit the game and may forfeit the

entire season.

Sportspersonship System: Points of Emphasis› Penalize players and teams when

necessary.– Allows teams to adjust behavior.

› Try to talk to players before issuing ejections.

› If no ejections occurred, a team cannot receive lower than a “4.”

› A player can be ejected, and the team can still receive a “3.”– Problematic players are often the cause of

issues, and their removal improves the game.

Mechanics & Positioning Use signals and your voice to communicate. Understand your current responsibilities.

Hustle Work hard, and you will learn quickly.

Slow Down & Take Your Time As an official, you must take a mental snapshot of the action before making a decision. Your base calls and fielding calls should occur about one to two seconds after the play.

Communication Use verbal and non-verbal communication through the game. Talking to players will help your game run smoothly.

Game Management Manage players and yourself to ensure a fun, fair, and safe environment.

POINTS OF EMPHASIS