Welcome to the ‘Umpire’ discussion board. Feel free to ask questions or make comments. Other umpires may get on the blog and participate at any time.
It can be as simple as asking questions about new mechanics. Our new in-between inning plate umpire mechanic says to be on the line extended from the 1st and 3rd baselines. If you extend the baseline into foul territory, you will stand about 15 feet beyond home plate facing the on deck circle and dugout of the team coming to bat. This has been an accepted mechanic in NCAA for a while. It keeps the plate umpire away from some confrontational issues. It allows the umpire to take care of scoring, line-up changes, ball rotation, getting refreshment, ect. instead of being alone down the baseline.
Like any mechanics changes, use common sense. If that position puts you in a place which makes you unsafe or in jeopardy for any reason, move to an appropriate position.
I believe it was Rich Lindsay, District 6 UIC, who asked about the possibility of a message board at our last statewide umpire meeting in October. Our Executive Director, Jerry Hanson, was able to come up with this. I’m sure we will have more people use the board as we get closer to the softball season in Michigan.
Hey Blue, what are we all doing during the winter to prepare for the season? It is not too early to begin getting in shape physically and mentally. Get some exercise for the body in, as well as exercise for the mind. We have many opportunities for all of you to get to a district or state clinic. Please take advantage, and make sure this season you are more prepared than ever. . . you will be surprised by the results.
Hello
First of all I would like to say that the idea of a blog site is very nice.
I used to umpire in Michigan for several (5 I think, lost count) and last year I move to the great state of Missouri and let me tell you that you guys run a excellent program compared to here. (thanks Chris, Jim, Hippy, ect…)
Any ways, down here the uniforms they use are the ones with just the ASA logo. I asked if they would let me wear the MASA logo shirts since Mizzu starts with a M, but the answer was no. So therefore I have to buy all new shirts.
I currently have the following:
1- used good condition navy - would wear in tourny
2- used good condition powder blue - a couple small spots
2- used good condition powder blue - would wear in tourny
2 - new - still in plastic powder blue
If some one would like to make a donation to the new uniform fund and get these shirts let me know.
You all know what they cost so make me an offer
Thanks
Dan V dan@ldaco.com
Fellow umpires,
Take the time to check out the asasoftball.org web site. Go to the umire section and see the Plays of the Month and the comments on Rules and changes there. You will also find a powerpoint presentation for a one-man umpire system you may use to instruct umpires and hone up on your coverage.
I have not been able to register on-line. Is there something I am missing, or can the form only be copied to a pdf file for the purpose of printing it out and mailing in??
Thanks,
KF
Kurt, I’m the administrator for the website. We don’t have any on-line registration enabled. So you will have to print and send in the old fashioned way.
Our last MASA State Clinic is Saturday, April 12th in Okemos.
This is a free clinic and is open to anyone interested in becoming an umpire or becoming a better umpire. We offer several classes for you to pick from. Umpire equipment will be available for sale.
Directions to the clinic and session descriptions are on our masasofball.org web site.
Hope to see you there.
You have an opportunity to see the USA Olympic team in Midland on Saturday, June 21, 2008. You must have a ticket to get in. The tickets are free. You may pick them up at Midland Parks and Recreation. They are located at 4811 N. Saginaw Rd. in Midland.
You may also go on-line at www.midland-mi.org for tickets. There is a limit of 4 tickets per household. If you have any questions,you may call the Midland Parks and Rec. office at 989-837-6930.
Since softball was dropped for the 2012 Olympics, this will be your last opportunity to see this exciting team for at least 8 years.
Michael,
As umpires we signal by priority. On a batted fly ball close to the line, we first signal fair or foul first. Then catch or no catch.
The reason is that a catch may not happen for a few seconds after the ball is first touched. In addition, fair or foul is determined by the position of the ball (fair or foul) where it is touched and not by where the actual catch is made or the fielder is standing.
Hope this helps. You can type for further information or call me at 517-525-5522.
Thank you,
Gary
Jim,
Your question about a runner being hit by a ball needs more information. Are you talking a thrown ball or a batted ball?
I’ll assume a batted ball for this answer.
It is under Rule 8 Base Running in our ASA rule Book
I’m going to assume we are not talking intentional contact by the base runner and the base runner is not in contact with a base. I’ll give you the basics and let you check out the book since the answer would be too long to answer in full.
If the batted ball is foul, we have a foul ball.
If the batted ball is fair, we have a few different scenarios.
If the batted ball has not passed a fielder, excluding the pitcher unless the pitcher touches the ball, we would have interference.
If the batted ball has passed an infielder and no other infielder has a chance to play the ball AND get an out, we have a live ball.
Please give a specific play for a specific answer.
You may also call me anytime at 517-525-5522
Thank you,
Gary Evans
MASA Umpire Staff
Welcome to the ‘Umpire’ discussion board. Feel free to ask questions or make comments. Other umpires may get on the blog and participate at any time.
It can be as simple as asking questions about new mechanics. Our new in-between inning plate umpire mechanic says to be on the line extended from the 1st and 3rd baselines. If you extend the baseline into foul territory, you will stand about 15 feet beyond home plate facing the on deck circle and dugout of the team coming to bat. This has been an accepted mechanic in NCAA for a while. It keeps the plate umpire away from some confrontational issues. It allows the umpire to take care of scoring, line-up changes, ball rotation, getting refreshment, ect. instead of being alone down the baseline.
Like any mechanics changes, use common sense. If that position puts you in a place which makes you unsafe or in jeopardy for any reason, move to an appropriate position.
Comments welcome.
Gary Evans
Comment by gary evans — December 31, 2007 #
Wow ! That’s great turn around on a good idea.
I’ll certainly sell this to my class.
Comment by Jim Indgjer — January 2, 2008 #
I believe it was Rich Lindsay, District 6 UIC, who asked about the possibility of a message board at our last statewide umpire meeting in October. Our Executive Director, Jerry Hanson, was able to come up with this. I’m sure we will have more people use the board as we get closer to the softball season in Michigan.
Comment by gary evans — January 6, 2008 #
Hey Blue, what are we all doing during the winter to prepare for the season? It is not too early to begin getting in shape physically and mentally. Get some exercise for the body in, as well as exercise for the mind. We have many opportunities for all of you to get to a district or state clinic. Please take advantage, and make sure this season you are more prepared than ever. . . you will be surprised by the results.
Comment by jyorke — January 15, 2008 #
Hello
First of all I would like to say that the idea of a blog site is very nice.
I used to umpire in Michigan for several (5 I think, lost count) and last year I move to the great state of Missouri and let me tell you that you guys run a excellent program compared to here. (thanks Chris, Jim, Hippy, ect…)
Any ways, down here the uniforms they use are the ones with just the ASA logo. I asked if they would let me wear the MASA logo shirts since Mizzu starts with a M, but the answer was no. So therefore I have to buy all new shirts.
I currently have the following:
1- used good condition navy - would wear in tourny
2- used good condition powder blue - a couple small spots
2- used good condition powder blue - would wear in tourny
2 - new - still in plastic powder blue
If some one would like to make a donation to the new uniform fund and get these shirts let me know.
You all know what they cost so make me an offer
Thanks
Dan V
dan@ldaco.com
Comment by Dan Vande Voorde — January 28, 2008 #
Fellow umpires,
Take the time to check out the asasoftball.org web site. Go to the umire section and see the Plays of the Month and the comments on Rules and changes there. You will also find a powerpoint presentation for a one-man umpire system you may use to instruct umpires and hone up on your coverage.
Comment by gary evans — February 14, 2008 #
This is a sample for the Spring Meeting
Comment by jyorke — February 17, 2008 #
I have not been able to register on-line. Is there something I am missing, or can the form only be copied to a pdf file for the purpose of printing it out and mailing in??
Thanks,
KF
Comment by Kurt Freiberg — February 20, 2008 #
Kurt, I’m the administrator for the website. We don’t have any on-line registration enabled. So you will have to print and send in the old fashioned way.
Comment by Gerry Hanson — February 21, 2008 #
Our last MASA State Clinic is Saturday, April 12th in Okemos.
This is a free clinic and is open to anyone interested in becoming an umpire or becoming a better umpire. We offer several classes for you to pick from. Umpire equipment will be available for sale.
Directions to the clinic and session descriptions are on our masasofball.org web site.
Hope to see you there.
Comment by Gary Evans-MASA Umpire Staff — March 20, 2008 #
You have an opportunity to see the USA Olympic team in Midland on Saturday, June 21, 2008. You must have a ticket to get in. The tickets are free. You may pick them up at Midland Parks and Recreation. They are located at 4811 N. Saginaw Rd. in Midland.
You may also go on-line at www.midland-mi.org for tickets. There is a limit of 4 tickets per household. If you have any questions,you may call the Midland Parks and Rec. office at 989-837-6930.
Since softball was dropped for the 2012 Olympics, this will be your last opportunity to see this exciting team for at least 8 years.
Comment by Gary Evans-MASA Umpire Staff — May 23, 2008 #
Qiuck question. On a fly ball near a foul line that is caught. Do you singal fair or foul before the out?
Comment by Michael — July 1, 2008 #
Michael,
As umpires we signal by priority. On a batted fly ball close to the line, we first signal fair or foul first. Then catch or no catch.
The reason is that a catch may not happen for a few seconds after the ball is first touched. In addition, fair or foul is determined by the position of the ball (fair or foul) where it is touched and not by where the actual catch is made or the fielder is standing.
Hope this helps. You can type for further information or call me at 517-525-5522.
Thank you,
Gary
Comment by Gary Evans-MASA Umpire Staff — July 8, 2008 #
is it a rule that when a runner is hit by a ball he is automatcally out or does there have to be an attempt by infiellder to make a play?
Comment by tim — July 31, 2008 #
Jim,
Your question about a runner being hit by a ball needs more information. Are you talking a thrown ball or a batted ball?
I’ll assume a batted ball for this answer.
It is under Rule 8 Base Running in our ASA rule Book
I’m going to assume we are not talking intentional contact by the base runner and the base runner is not in contact with a base. I’ll give you the basics and let you check out the book since the answer would be too long to answer in full.
If the batted ball is foul, we have a foul ball.
If the batted ball is fair, we have a few different scenarios.
If the batted ball has not passed a fielder, excluding the pitcher unless the pitcher touches the ball, we would have interference.
If the batted ball has passed an infielder and no other infielder has a chance to play the ball AND get an out, we have a live ball.
Please give a specific play for a specific answer.
You may also call me anytime at 517-525-5522
Thank you,
Gary Evans
MASA Umpire Staff
Comment by Gary Evans-MASA Umpire Staff — August 19, 2008 #