The More Things Change

by Brent McLaren

Last season should have prepared me better for this season, but when the first notification of a complete change of rules and regulations is noted only at the top of the game schedule even a veteran umpire can get excited quickly. With the declining number of players enrolling in the local softball program there were interleague games scheduled last year. Not a real problem for the umpire since the rules of the home team were to prevail on the local diamond, or so we were told. It would only take the first game to give the blue crew a taste of what was to follow when everything from equipment, pitching rules, appeals, clothing and coaching, even ball size would seemingly go out the window.

Where does an umpire start to adjust to a new set of rules? The following is designed as a guide to help you

What should you do???

Determine if the new association has a published rule book and get a copy quickly.
Determine if the new association has a published case book and obtain a copy.
Determine if the new association has any published umpire manuals and attain at least the introductory manual.
Obtain a written copy of any specific house league rules.
Start reading and studying now!

As I prepared to work within a new set of regulations and guidelines here are some of the areas I pay specific attention to within the rule book. The contrasts made are for example only and may not apply in your league. In each case make careful note of the penalty that can be applied:

A "Watch-Out-For" Study Method

Umpire Signs and Procedures
Situation Old Association New Association

The Strike Zone Mid-chest to top of knees Armpits to top of knees

The "Hold" sign Time Out Live Ball

Charged Conferences with Pitcher When the coach talk to any defensive player When the coach crosses the foul line to talk to the pitcher

How many? 2 per inning
4 per game 1 per inning
3 per game

Can the opposing team meet during a conference? No Yes

"Play" can be called When the pitcher is on the rubber and the catcher is ready to receive the pitch When the pitcher is has the ball within the pitching circle

Appeals Ball must be live Dead ball appeals permitted

Coverage Shared catch/no-catch, fair/foul responsibilities Plate umpire should rule on all catch/fair/foul situations

Other areas to note:

What violations bring about an ejection, for example an illegal reentry
What constitutes an inning and regulation game?
When does a pitch start?
What constitutes an inning pitched?
What are the leagues "curfew" or time limits?

The Playing Field and Game
Situation Old Association New Association

Diamond measurements 60' basepaths with 10' pitching circle 60' basepaths with an 8' pitching circle

On-deck batter Not Permitted Permitted

Number of Coaches One Coach, One Manager No limitations

Base Coaches? One adult, one player Two adults permitted

Who determines the field's initial fitness for play Home team Umpires

Equipment and Uniforms

Altered and illegal bats - including length, COR and taping specifications
Warmup devices (donuts, weights, bars etc.)
Are metal cleats permitted?
Can the player warmup by swinging several bats at the same time?
Helmet Regulations (1 flap, 2 flap) and is the chin strap mandatory?
What happens if a chin strap is open while a player is on base?
What happens if a helmet falls off as the runner is running? Accidentally or on purpose?
Pitcher can wear a batting glove in the glove, or wrist bands on the glove hand?
Pitcher can have a Band-Aid or "Nu-skin" on the pitching hand?
What equipment must the catcher wear?
What regulations exist for casts, knee braces and wheelchairs?
What are the team uniform regulations? Must t-shirts all be the same color?

Players and Substitutes
Designated Hitter (DH) Designated Player (DP), Defensive Only (DEFO), Extra Player (EP) etc.

What are the substitution and re-entry rules?

Can the pitcher return to the mound after a substitution? How is this possible?

Can the pitcher return to the mound after going to the bench?

Are there Blood and Injury rules and procedures?

What procedures are in place should an incident occur?

The Scourge of House Rules Not all leagues function with the same understandings and interpretations of rules. Unfortunately, many of these rules are often changed by league or house policy (rules) that instead of making the game simpler, actually serve to complicate the application of the official rules by the umpire.

It is important for the umpire to be aware of house rules. This is one area where the majority of arguments and disagreements come into place on the ball diamond. Rules which affect pitching, running, fielding, innings played, equipment, etc. etc. are the bane of an umpire's existence.

If you ever call the "Infield Fly" and then watch two coaches go at it head to head with you: one claiming it is not to be called, the other claiming it should have been called last inning as well .... you know what I mean. Umpires and leagues should make a point of eliminating any "house rules" which are not really rules but are in fact coaching policy.

The best leagues to umpire in use no house rules. Look for this when you select your league to officiate.

Make a Written Record

The changes can be quite complicated but preparing a written sheet and especially working to understand the philosophy behind the rules can minimize your work and lower the stress a new association brings.
These notes, containing your personal "points of emphasis," will prove invaluable if you regularly move from league to league. A few minutes glancing through your notes can refresh your mind quicker than hours spent rereading the rule books.
Umpiring in many leagues can expand your knowledge of the rules and interpretations of baseball and softball considerably. The hallmark of a quality umpire is their ability to immediately work within the application of the rules expected by the game they are officiating.
.... written May 4, 1999

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