In my column last month your heard me decry the NFSHS (FED) rules people for the rule change in rule 3-2-1 mandating that umpires police base coaches to make sure they are in the coaching box. I didn’t think they could make themselves look sillier! I was wrong – they can and they have.

The 2007 NFSHS (FED) Baseball Rules Interpretations, posted online, lists 20 situations and below is an example:

SITUATION 1: In the top of the seventh inning, the home team leads 3-2. With a runner on third base, the visiting coach puts on a squeeze play. R1 breaks for home on the pitcher's motion. The first baseman, aware of the situation, races toward home plate, and catches the pitch in front of the plate and tags the sliding runner before he can reach the plate.

Let’s make sure I have this right. The 1st baseman, upon recognizing a suicide squeeze attempt, sprints from his position at least 80 feet away, and intercepts the pitch prior to it reaching home plate!

Are you kidding me?

My Ruling: The 1st baseman is out for the wrong sport, I am sure his school’s track team could use a good 4x100 relay anchorman, or his team's pitching coach should be dismissed from his position as his pitchers have not developed the necessary velocity to pitch at the high school level, or drug testing needs to begin at the high school level for players, coaches, and FED rule makers.

Those that have thought of, considered using, and ruled on this kind of garbage have disgraced the great game of baseball.

Coaches - if this is how you use your practice time, it is time to reevaluate. May I suggest more time on fundamentals? Maybe spend some time practicing running on and off the field between innings? Take a few minutes to work with your third basemen and pitchers on defending the suicide squeeze and keeping the runner on third base from breaking to the plate. Here's an idea, take some practice time to teach your catchers how to hide their signs from base coaches.

It's the time of year for baseball rules and interpretation meetings. Whether your state high school association, college conference, or local association does or does not require attendance - you need to be there. Many umpires dread rules interpretation meetings and focus on the negative. Let's look at some steps to turn this meeting into the positive experience it should be.

1. Attend with your partner or colleagues; make this the first pre-game conference of the year. Time spent now may save an argument or huge mistake later in the season. Also, bring along your schedule; you may be able to add a game or two.

2. Show up looking and feeling like a professional - the racing hat turned backward, the 3-day scruff on your face, and the dirty blue jeans complimented by the tavern sponsored slo-pitch softball team jacket are not doing much to project the way you wish to be treated on or off the field.

3. Act friendly, smile, and look people in the eye. Greet your umpire friends and colleagues. If coaches are included in the meeting say hello to them as well, even the ones that may not be on your Christmas card list. Introduce yourself to people you don't know - they may be your partner later in the season.

4. Be prepared, just as you do on the field, to pause, read, and react. Give the interpreter the opportunity to present the material, the reasoning, and method of enforcement. Realize it is difficult to speak to a group that thinks they know it all. Take time to ingest and think abut the changes and procedures before you begin to convince yourself that you are going to do it the old way anyway!

5. Take notes for future reference; be detailed in items that seem uncomfortable. It is better to ask and discuss now than be unsure and embarrassed during a game. Ask if there is a group of umpires gathering to complete the test(s).

When you get home start a file for the handouts, put your rule and casebook where you can easily find them, locate your test(s), and know the due date(s). Your organization and attitude now will carry over and pay dividends later in the season.

Working the bases is most umpires' choice when given the option. As umpires get older and smarter they realize that working plate is actually a bit easier on the legs, especially for those of us who do not run as well as we once did.

The following are generally recommended positions for the base umpire in a 2-umpire system. Positioning may vary according to situation and handedness of the batter.

Position A
- 10-12 feet behind the 1st baseman in foul territory
- Body squared to home plate
- Adjust depth to 1st baseman's position

Position B
- Midway between back edge of the grass of the pitcher's mound and the 2nd base cutout on the 1st base side of the infield
- Body squared to home plate in "Ready Position" i.e. hands on knees as pitcher comes to the set position

Position C
- Midway between back edge of the grass of the pitcher's mound and the 2nd base cutout on the 3rd base side of the infield
- Body squared to home plate in "Ready Position", i.e. hands on knees as pitcher comes to the set position

Situation
- No runners on base = Position A
- Runner at 1st base = Position B
- Runner at 2nd base = Position C
- Runner at 3rd base = Position C , some mechanics manuals prefer B position so base umpire is closer to 1st base
- Runners at 1st base and 2nd base = Position C, with less than 2 outs some manuals prefer B position so base umpire is closer to 1st base for a double play
- Runners at 1st base and 3rd base = Position B
- Runners at 2nd base and 3rd base = Position B
- Bases loaded = Position B

When in doubt, common sense needs to prevail. Be aware of where the next play may be, avoid anticipation, and stay safe. Being in position C with a right handed power hitter using a non-wood bat may motivate one to move to position B.

A beginning umpire will find that a significant initial investment is required to secure proper equipment and apparel. The most necessary and costly equipment is related to protection - quality is an issue and skimping is not advised. Keep in mind the level of play, your commitment to the game and your budget.

When deciding to purchase, divide the needed equipment into outerwear and underwear, and then protective and non-protective. Purchase the needed/desired amount of protection and, with the remaining funds, purchase the best quality available.

It may be wise to find an umpire that will lend equipment the first few times; however, be aware that an umpire's equipment is very personal and there may be few generous souls. Also, contact your local officials association, youth league or recreation department and ask if they have equipment available. Seek veteran umpires that may be willing to donate used equipment. It can't hurt to ask and the veteran may be thrilled to assist.

Underwear: shin guards, support apparel and protective cup, inside chest protector
Outerwear: plate shoes, base shoes, socks, plate slacks, base slacks, ball bag, belt, shirt, jacket, mask, hat
Accessories: brush, indicator, pen

Should you buy from a retailer, do plenty of research to find not only the best prices, but also dependable service.

Camps, clinics, newsletters, and umpire associations are welcome to post their news in The Umpire's Call.

Our online readership has grown to over 7,000 worldwide addresses including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the U.K., Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Sweden, Japan, and Australia.

Many offers come in to post commercial and marketing information, but I prefer to keep it simple and focused, and best of all - free!

Please contact me to have your information listed here.

Dave Mekelburg produces UmpNews.com a huge collection of information and articles covering all levels of baseball umpiring - a must see.

Mark Wehrwein invites umpires to sign up for Fed Play of the Day sponsored by the Greater Huntsville, AL Umpire Association

The Toughest Fair/Foul Quiz in the World! - with acknowledgements to Richard Siegel

Earlier I mentioned that I am adding an additional item to our mission list - assist new umpires in obtaining quality used and donated equipment. A main reason for new umpires not sticking with umpiring is the cost of equipment. More often than not, beginning umpires are working low level games and working behind a youth catcher who doesn't want to catch and/or has little skills. This is a situation where a new umpire should be well protected and confident in his/her equipment.

I am asking veteran umpires who have extra or unused equipment and clothing to donate these items to a beginning umpire in their area. Use your local association as a starting point. Should this not be possible The Umpire's Call will be happy to act as a clearinghouse for donated equipment and clothing. Either we will put generous umpires in contact with those in need of equipment or umpires may send their donated equipment to my office and I will forward it, at our expense, to umpires, leagues, programs, and associations that indicate such a need.

Umpires/youth programs/amateur leagues/associations that wish to buy, sell, donate, or are in need of equipment are welcome and encouraged to contact our office. Please include item description (a picture would be great), size, color, condition, price, and your contact information and I will be happy to post it in this section. This is for private individuals only and NO DEALERS PLEASE! (unless you wish to donate)

Have you dreamed of teeing it up at "The Birthplace of Golf"?

Now you can!

Join us July 16-25 for this fabulous golf experience that includes play on six exceptional Scottish golf courses, accommodations in St. Andrews, Scotland, fabulous sightseeing, and an excursion across The Firth of Tay to Carnoustie, where golf has been played since the 1500's, to attend the 2007 British Open!

Please visit the USJT Golf Travel website for more information, and contact our office to book the golf trip of a lifetime.