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USA Softball Fast Pitch Issues Observed at National Championships in 2018

USA Softball Fast Pitch Issues Observed at National Championships in 2018. Leadership Opportunities For Improvement. PROFESSIONALISM Understand and demonstrate the ability to use USA Softball Mechanics only . (REF: Umpire Manual, POEs – When do umpires deviate Pg. 16)

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USA Softball Fast Pitch Issues Observed at National Championships in 2018

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  1. USA Softball Fast Pitch Issues Observed at National Championships in 2018

  2. Leadership Opportunities For Improvement PROFESSIONALISM • Understand and demonstrate the ability to use USA Softball Mechanics only. (REF: Umpire Manual, POEs – When do umpires deviate Pg. 16) • Being attentive and open minded when receiving advice from evaluators. (REF: Umpire Manual, POEs, Additional Successful Tips, Pg. 21) • Demonstrate the ability to properly communicate with coaches and partners. (REF: Umpire Manual, Chapter 1, Prerequisites for Good Umpiring, Pg. 28) • Be properly prepared using rule study and mechanics practice prior to Championship. (REF: Umpire Manual, Chapter 1, Prerequisites for Good Umpiring, Section A, Para. 3 – 9, Pg. 30-31) • Be able to maintain game focus and also refocus when necessary. (Ref: Umpire Manual, POE, Pg. 16., Chapter 1, Section A, Para. 3 Pg. 30, and Chapter 4 Section A, Para. 3h, Page 46)

  3. Leadership Opportunities For Improvement GAME MANAGEMENT • The plate umpire understanding how to administer the plate conference. (REF: Umpire Manual, Pre-Game Conference with Coaches, Pg. 42) • Be able to manage players and coaches to keep proper game flow. (REF: Umpire Manual, POEs, Time Between Innings, Pg16) • Learn to manage coaches who are outside the dugout and coaching (on defense). (REF: Umpire Manual, Communications, Para. 4 and Rule Book, Rule 5 Section 12, Para. A) • Learn how to develop the ability to take control in difficult situations. (REF: Umpire Manual, Chapter 1, Section B, Para. 1-4 and Chapter 4. Plate Mechanics Section C, Para. 1a-b, and Para 2a-f, and Chapter 5, Base Mechanics, Section B, Para. 5a-5g, Pg. 59-61) Line Up Management Be able to manage and enforce JO Pool Play batting order rules. (Ref: Umpire Manual – POE, Pg.16 and Chapter 4, Section D, Para. 6, Pg. 53)

  4. Plate Mechanics Opportunities For Improvement STANCE • SLOT/HEEL-TOE/GPA: Be able to see the pitch by lining up properly. (Ref: Umpire Manual, POE and Definitions, Page 17 and 22-23, Chapter 4 Para. A1, Page 44 – (STANCE) and Elements of A Successful Umpire, Page 28, Chapter 4, Para. B1-2, Page 47) • SET POSITION: The ability to get set prior to the release of the pitch. (Ref: Umpire Manual, Chapter 4, Para. A2, Page 45) • HEAD HEIGHT: Be able to set your eyes at the top of the batter’s strike zone. (Ref: Umpire Manual, POE, Pg. 17) TRACKING AND TIMING TRACKING: Use proper tracking technique to see the pitch from the pitcher’s hand to the catcher’s glove (Ref: Umpire Manual, POE, Pg. 23 and Chapter 4, Plate Mechanics, Section A, Para 3, Pg. 45-46)

  5. Plate Mechanics Opportunities For Improvement MOVEMENTS • Be able to demonstrate proper movement to the holding zone in all scenarios in or reverting to the two (2) Umpire System. (Ref: Umpire Manual, Chapter 4, Section B, Pg. 47-49) • Use proper mechanics with the out of the park HR. Stay in foul ground to manage the players. (Ref: Umpire Manual, Chapter 4, Section B, Para. 1F 1-4 Pg. 47-49) • Know when to trail the BR staying close to the foul line and no further than 1/3 of the way to 1B. (Ref: Umpire Manual, Chapter 4, Section B, Para. 1b 1-4 Pg. 47)

  6. Base Mechanics For Improvement FOUNDATION • Understanding the reasons for using only USA Softball Mechanics as a base umpire (REF: UMPIRE MANUAL, POEs, Pg. 21, Chapter 1, Prerequisites for Good Umpiring, Pg. 28-31) • Communication is essential: Visually and Verbally communicating with partners while moving to a play. (REF; UMPIRE MANUAL, POEs, Pg. 16, Chapter 1, Prerequisites for Good Umpiring, Pg. 28-30, Chapter 5, Base Mechanics, Pg. 54 to 61) • Using Pre Pitch Preparation (PPP): Understanding the concept and philosophy of PPP and how it pertains to reading the play and being in position on time. (REF; UMPIRE MANUAL, Section 2, Definitions, Pg. 23, Chapter 1, Prerequisites for Good Umpiring, Pg. 31)

  7. Base Mechanics For Improvement DISTANCE AND ANGLES • PLAYS AT 1B: Be able to demonstrate proper angles and distances on calls at 1B. Knowing why we do not make calls beyond a 45 degree angle at 1B. (REF: UMPIRE MANUAL, POEs, Plate and Base Umpire. Pg. 17-21, Section 2, Definitions, Pg. 22) • PLAYS AT 1B: When starting behind the SS (2 umpires), demonstrate the ability to get a proper angle and then closing your distance. (REF: UMPIRE MANUAL, Two Umpire System, Runner on Second Base, Runner on Third Base and Runner on First and Second Base, Runner on First and Third Base, and Runner on Second and Third Base, and Bases Loaded, Pg.70 – 78 and Video Links in Manual to review proper movement ) • TAG PLAYS: The ability to move 90 degrees to the path of the runner to “see through” the tag. (Between the offense and defense). (REF; UMPIRE MANUAL, Chapter 5 Base Mechanics, Section B, Para. 1&2, Pg. 56-58) • DISTANCE ADJUSTMENTS: Understanding the proper distances from tag and force plays, and making the proper adjustments to see the play with an unobstructed view. (REF; UMPIRE MANUAL, Chapter 5 Base Mechanics, Section B, Para. 1&2, Pg. 56-58)

  8. Base Mechanics For Improvement INSIDE/OUTSIDE MOVEMENTS • INSIDE/OUTSIDE THEORY: Understand where to be and why you should be there as it pertains to the Inside/Outside Theory. (REF: UMPIRE MANUAL, Chapter 5, Base Mechanics, Section B, Para. 3, Pg. 58) • PUBGAR(P): Demonstrate the ability to pick up the ball and glance at the runner when moving into position for a possible play. (REF: UMPIRE MANUAL, Chapter 5, Base Mechanics, Section A, Watching the Ball, Para 2. Pg. 56) • CHASING: Proper movement of U3 when U1 chases. (General). (REF: UMPIRE MANUAL, Three Umpire Systems, No runners on, Runners First Base Only, First and Second Base, First and Third Base, Second and Third, or Bases Loaded, Pg. 94 – 111 and all Video Links)

  9. Base Mechanics For Improvement TIMING • STOPPING: Remember to stop prior to rendering a decision on a play. (Making a call). STOP – SEE THE PLAY – MAKE THE CALL (REF: UMPIRE MANUAL, POEs, Not being set on Calls, Pg. 17, and Chapter 1, Prerequisites for Good Umpiring, Section A, Para. 6 & 9, Pg. 31)

  10. Base Mechanics For Improvement MOVEMENTS • PARALLEL MOVEMENT/ANGLES: The ability to use parallel movement to maintain proper distance and then adjusting to get the best angles on tag and force plays. (REF: UMPIRE MANUAL, POEs, Pg. 19) • MOVEMENT: Demonstrate the ability to move from the starting position to the proper calling position when making a call. (REF: UMPIRE MANUAL, Chapter 5, Base Mechanics Section A., 4. Points Governing Decisions on the Bases: Sentence below the 4 listed elements, Pg. 55) • THIRD BASE: Understanding 3rd base coverage and movements in both 2 and 3 umpire systems (REF: UMPIRE MANUAL, Two Umpire System and Three Umpire System, Pg. 67 – 111 to include all Videos)

  11. Base Mechanics For Improvement STARTING POSITIONS • STARTING POSITION: Being able to understand the concept of “shading” the lead runner and not being too close or too far from the appropriate fielder. (REF: UMPIRE MANUAL, DEFINITIONS, Pg. 23) • STARTING POSITION: Understanding why and how to set up prior to the pitch with runners on base. (REF: UMPIRE MANUAL, Chapter 5, Base Mechanics, Section A, Para. 1-2, Pg. 54-55) BETWEEN INNING MECHANICS BETWEEN INNING MECHANICS: The ability to know where to stand and what to look for between innings. (REF: UMPIRE MANUAL, Between Inning Mechanics, Pg. 114)

  12. Overall Performance Opportunities For Improvement PRE CHAMPIONSIP PREPARATION: Reiterating the need for preparing mechanically and rules wise prior to working a National Championship. (REF: UMPIRE MANUAL, POEs, Pg. 21) QUALIFICATIONS: Making sure that umpires assigned to National Championships are qualified to be at that level of play. (REF: UMPIRE MANUAL, POEs, Pg. 21)

  13. Overall Performance Opportunities For Improvement PROFESSIONALISM • Insuring that you have a proper uniform which includes making sure your shoes are shined etc. (REF: UMPIRE MANUAL, Chapter 1, Prerequisites for Good Umpiring, Section A, Para 1-9, Pg. 28-31) • Reiterate the necessity for umpires who accept assignments to National Championships to be able to take constructive advice in the manner it is meant. (REF: UMPIRE MANUAL, POEs, Pg. 21) • Reminder to continue the positive relationships with fellow umpires and UIC Staff. (REF: UMPIRE MANUAL, POEs, Pg. 21) • Reiterate the need to work as a team which will help to improve their individual performance. (REF: UMPIRE MANUAL, POEs, Pg. 21) • Demonstrate the ability to “move with a purpose” in all situations. It doesn’t necessarily mean ‘running’ to each position. (REF: UMPIRE MANUAL, Chapter 1, Prerequisites for Good Umpiring, Pg. 28 • Recommend that they watch other umpires to continue to better themselves. (REF: UMPIRE MANUAL, POEs, Pg. 21)

  14. National Championship Observations How do we improve on these? • More involvement from Local Association UIC and staff during regular season games • Continued training and use of the USA Softball Mechanic Manual and USA Softball Rules knowledge • CONTINUED REVIEW AND TRAINING USING THE POEs IN OUR MECHANICS MANUAL AND OUR MECHANICS MANUAL • Use local tournaments as evaluation time for your umpires prior to sending to National Championship • Work games to ensure knowledge of the 3 Umpire system prior to sending to National Championship. This could include Fast Pitch umpires working Slow Pitch games to get more opportunity to rotate on the bases. • Train your umpires and hold them to the highest standard, as their presence not only reflects on them but on you as their UIC, your Local Association, and USA Softball

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