Welcome to Issuue #2 of The Umpire's Call, a monthly (January - May) newsletter for amateur baseball umpires and those interested in becoming baseball umpires.

For those who have received the 1st issue - you are no longer a stranger. If you are new, welcome, and a link to issue #1 can be found at the bottom of the page. As one of our objectives is to identify and recruit new and enthusiastic people, a special welcome to prospective umpires!

The response to the first issue was phenomenal! Approximately 1,400 copies of issue #1 were distributed and replies were received from umpires and conference commissioners in six states.

In most states, registering with the state high school association is quite painless, and remaining registered merely requires fee payment and maybe a rules meeting and a written test. However there continues to be a shortage of game officials in all sports, and state and local associations are concerned that numbers are dwindling. To remedy this situation I offer the following suggestions:

Continue the ease and accessibility of first-time registration, welcome everyone that has interest, encourage him/her to make a commitment to this wonderful avocation. In addition, let him/her know that there are procedures in place to get information and training necessary to become a successful game official.

Along with easy registration, put in place opportunities for rules discussions, on-field instruction, including demonstration of proper mechanics and mastery of skills. Next, develop an evaluation system that accents the positives and nurtures new umpires. These processes will generate greater enthusiasm, better prepared umpires, added confidence, and opportunities for umpires to secure more and higher level contests.

Will the increased requirements and evaluations dissuade the young/new officials?
Quite the opposite. If we show young umpires that there is value in training and offer continued support, we will have people standing in line to umpire, and the numbers problem will disappear.

Who will administer this ambitious idea?
It has to start with local umpires' and officials' associations. Even if it is only a small effort initially, get someone from your group/association or, if no one will step up, someone from another group/association, to present a training session. For example, break the mechanics of plate work into small learning bits - footwork, lock-in, head height, eye control, and timing. Work on field coverage by the plate and base umpires. Demonstrate the A, B, and C positions of the base umpire and when each should be used. Practice accepted signals for game administration and communication with your partner. Talk about balks, obstruction and interference. The topics are endless, and if you do run out, give me a call!

Ask seasoned and retired umpires to evaluate - make use of their experience and expertise - they'll be flattered that you asked! Get your association to be proactive in training and evaluation - the result will be increased interest, camaraderie, and ultimately better umpires!

	Rules, Rules, Rules - Differences and Changes I didn't know there was more than one kind!
Many of us that played on playgrounds or sandlots (a neighborhood makeshift baseball diamond for the younger readers) learned the rules of baseball from older players on our blocks. Rules and nuances of the game were passed down just like the stories your mother didn't want you to hear. Baseball rules differed in each neighborhood, and disagreements were handled the old fashioned way. Today the rules have morphed into many different interpretations. Official Baseball Rules (OBR) is the standard from which most sets of rules have evolved. If one knows the OBR, there should be little trouble plugging in any changes and adaptations. OBR consists of only 10 rules and is well organized. The following are links to some of the more often used rules. The Federation rules are not available online and must be ordered. Links to order OBR and NCAA rules are listed at the bottom of the page. Official Baseball Rules (OBR) - used by members of the American and National League of Professional Baseball Clubs. NCAA Baseball Rules - used by NCAA (college) member schools in all divisions. NAIA Rules Adaptations - used by NAIA (college) member schools, these are NCAA baseball rules with minor adaptations. National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Baseball Rules - Order Online - - used by U.S. high schools in interscholastic competition. These rules are commonly called "The Federation Rules". Other organizations - Dixie Youth Baseball, AABC, Pony League, Little League of America, National Baseball Congress, American Legion Baseball, et al, all have their own adaptations which can be found on their respective web pages. For rules differences, the following are two very good references and both cover OBR, NCAA and Federation rules. Rules Differences Edition by Rick Roder and Chris Jaska. Available either electronically or in hard copy and includes 2004 NCAA, NAIA and NFHS rule differences. Electronic edition includes handy internal hyper-linking for quick and easy movement between codes. The notations to NFHS (high school), NCAA, and NAIA rule differences are found in an appendix where the relevant amateur rule differences are explained. 2004 Baseball Rule Differences by Carl Childress 23rd edition information on the National Federation, NCAA, NAIA, and Official Baseball Rules - Spiral bound soft cover. 2004 Rules Changes 2004 NCAA Baseball Rules Changes 2004 NFHS (Federation) Baseball Rules Changes

	What Equipment Do I Need and Where Do I Get It?
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. At the bottom of the page there is a link to a short list of umpire equipment dealers. More dealers and prices can be found using a web search engine.

	2004 Spring Training for Amateur Baseball Umpires
In the last issue the question was raised about the need and desire for a one-night umpires' clinic - the response was overwhelming - so here it is. What: 2004 Spring Training for Amateur Baseball Umpires When: Wednesday March 17, 2004 Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM, Cost: $10.00 Where: UW La Crosse - Mitchell Hall Fieldhouse This session will be a hands on, activity-based format for umpires of all levels and especially targeting new and younger umpires. Please come dressed in uniform and bring equipment. Instructors: Ben Kapanke, 2002 Jim Evans' Academy graduate, 2002 Northwoods League Staff NCAA Div.2, NCAA Div.3, NAIA, WI, MN High School Umpire Andy Russell, 2003 Jim Evans' Academy graduate, NCAA Div.2, NCAA Div.3, NAIA, WI, MN High School Umpire Scott Ott, 1976 Al Somers Umpire School Graduate, NCAA Div.2, NCAA Div.3, NAIA, WI, MN High School Umpire - instructor at clinics in The United States, Canada, The Netherlands, France, and Germany. Youth leagues, city and town programs, veterans, and newcomers - I highly encourage you to invest three hours to get ready for 2004. Find your clothes, find your gear, and take this opportunity to bring that new umpire you are recruiting to some great pre-season training. Pre-registration and pre-payment are highly recommended and greatly appreciated. Please click on the link below to register. Appleton, WI area umpires' clinic: Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, WI, March 26 (6pm-9pm) and 27 (8:30am-4:00pm). Saturday is scheduled to be outdoors weather permitting. Contact Cynthia Whitely at Fox Valley Technical College 920-735-5642 or whitely@foxvalleytech.com. Both curriculums, La Crosse and Appleton, have been approved by the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association. Umpires who successfully complete either course and are WIAA registered baseball umpires will be given credit for 1 varsity contest if he/she is a L4, L5, or Master official, or will be allowed to advance one level in classification if he/she is a L1, L2, or L3 official. This applies to baseball only. Advancement or game credit will be applied to 2004-2005 renewal. Attendance at either clinic does not exempt umpires from attending required WIAA sport/rule meetings.

	Youth Baseball Umpire Clinics (YBUC)
Does your youth baseball league or organization experience any of the following problems? · Shortage of umpires · Poorly umpired games · Too many on-field disagreements · Games that take forever · Fans, coaches, and parents constantly complaining Designed for young umpires as well as veterans, Youth Baseball Umpire Clinics is in its 4th year of educating youth baseball umpires with a comprehensive "HANDS ON" format. NOT "sit and listen, take notes, watch a video" instruction - YBUC participants come dressed for activity and take an active part in learning pre-game responsibilities, consistent umpiring techniques, on field positioning, and proper game administration. Host a YBUC at your site - Please click here for info! »

	Will You Help?
Thanks for reading the issue#2 of The Umpire's Call. In return there are again a few things you can do to assist: 1. Once again click on my email address below and provide feedback.It was good to hear from so many umpires; old college mates (some from as far as the West Coast) and even one Major League umpire who wished us well! I want to hear from you. Include any questions, concerns, criticisms or announcements. Also, please share this newsletter with others by clicking "Forward Email" at the bottom of the page. 2. As mentioned in the equipment article,if you have old/used equipment to donate, I will be happy to act as the clearing house and give a new umpire a chance with some "seasoned" equipment. 3. Spread the word regarding the 2004 Spring Training for Amateur Baseball Umpires. If you are near La Crosse, please consider attending. If not, contact me to have 2004 Spring Training for Amateur Baseball Umpires in your area. Have you found that new umpire recruit? Thanks for your help and my best regards, Scott

Quick Links...

Issue #1 - The Umpire's Call View NCAA Baseball Rules Test Order Official Baseball Rules (OBR)

Order NCAA Baseball Rules Umpire Equipment Dealers Register for 2004 Spring Training for Amateur Baseball Umpires