It is just unbelievable that the 2006 baseball season is almost upon us and also that this is the third season of The Umpires Call. Many, many umpires have written or called and it appears that we have filled a need.

New for 2006 is The Umpire's Call Blog, an opportunity for all readers to read, contribute, voice an opinion, and if necessary, kick, scream, and swear. Try it. It's easy and quite fun!

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Again, as I have for the past two seasons, I am starting by listing changes for both the FED and NCAA rules. The list is longer than the past two years combined and can be quite daunting to new umpires, or those umpires who get by, or think they can get by, with little or no rules study.

Now is the time to get at it, and just as in exercise, it is far easier with a partner or group. Rule books are dry and much discipline is needed to immerse one self.

Break down the book to sub-tasks (individual rules) and go slowly so each section and subsection is covered. Will you read every word in every section - of course not, you may not know every piece of information, but you do need to know where to find it– so let’s get at it.

The 2006 NCAA baseball rulebook is organized into nine sections that require umpire focus:
Rule 1 – The Game, Field, and Equipment
Rule 2 – Definitions
Rule 3 – Game Personnel and Their Duties
Rule 4 – Pre-game Procedures
Rule 5 – The Game – the Beginning and Ending
Rule 6 – Ball in Play, Out of Play
Rule 7 – Batting
Rule 8 – Base Running
Rule 9 - Pitching.

The 2006 FED baseball rulebook (available for purchase online) is organized in the same manner with a few alterations
Rule 1 – Players, Field, and Equipment
Rule 2 – Definitions
Rule 3 – Substituting, Coaching, Bench and Field Conduct
Rule 4 – Starting and Ending the Game
Rule 5 – Dead Ball, Suspension of Play
Rule 6 – Pitching
Rule 7 – Batting
Rule 8 – Base Running
Rule 9 – Scoring
Rule 10 - Umpiring

Many of you will umpire both college and high school games, which of course requires additional rules study. My recommendation is to know the rules and not compare them. Comparing causes confusion and there is little worse than an on field mental rules block. You will second guess yourself for the remainder of the game and the block will not go away until the game is over.

Alliteration alert!
Preseason preparation will prevent potential embarrassing problems.

Rules as are players, are constantly in motion. Here are the 2006 FED and NCAA baseball rules changes.

FED
1-3-6 Revised Rule:
A glove/mitt, worn by the pitcher that includes the colors white or gray, shall be illegal.
Rationale: This change will eliminate the confusion this past season with the legality of two-toned gloves. Glove manufacturers are making two - toned gloves which typically have not been distracting and extremely popular.

1-5-5 New Rule:
Defensive players are permitted to wear face/head protection in the field. If a pitcher or any defensive player wears face/head protection, its outer covering shall have a non-glare surface.
Rationale: Although not frequent, there are occasions when defensive players suffer serious head injuries as a result of being struck by thrown or batted balls. Not surprisingly, pitchers have suffered a disproportionate share of such injuries. This addition emphasizes that fielder's face and head protection is permitted.

2-10-2 Revised Rule:
A pre-game conference is a meeting involving the umpires, both head coaches and team captains (if available) near home plate
Rationale: This reinforces the importance of the head coach at the pre-game meeting and his certification of his players being in compliance.

2-16-1e Add to the current rule:
e. Inadvertently declared foul by an umpire that touches the ground (becomes dead).
Rationale: Additional coverage to the definition of a foul ball.

3-1-1 Revised Rule:
For discovery of an illegal player (2-36-3) on offense by an umpire or either team, that player shall be called out and restricted to the bench/dugout for the duration of the game. An illegal player discovered on defense shall be restricted to the bench/dugout for the duration of the game.
Rationale: Correcting an omission from the rules book.

3-3-1a Amend the current rule and renumber the remaining sub articles: a. leave the dugout during a live ball for an unauthorized purpose; Renumber in penalty (a) to (b)
Rationale: After numerous educational initiatives the occurrences of team members entering the live -ball area to congratulate a teammate have become a concern.

5-1-1g4 Amend the rule to read:
Lodges in an umpire’s, catcher’s or offensive player’s equipment or uniform and becomes dead.
Rationale: Clarifies the rule for an offensive player.

5-1-1h Add to the current rule:
h. the umpire handles a live ball or calls, “Time” for inspecting the ball or for any other reason, including items in Section 2 or gives the “Do Not Pitch Signal” or inadvertently announces “Foul” on a ball that touches the ground.
Rationale: To make the rule compatible with the definition of an uncaught ground ball that touches the ground is dead.

Dead Ball Table Add to the Current Rule:
Activity # 17 Umpire inadvertently declares “Foul” as in 2 -16-1e
Rationale: Provides additional support to new rule change. Activity is consistent with rule for foul ball.

6-2-1h Amend the current rule:
h. wearing a glove/mitt that includes the colors white or gray.
Rationale: Additional rule support for the new glove/mitt rule.

8-3-2 Amend the current rule:
When a runner is obstructed while advancing or returning to a base by a fielder who neither has the ball nor is attempting to make a play, or a fielder without the ball fakes a tag, if the runner achieves the base he was attempting to acquire then the obstruction is ignored.
Rationale: Clarifies the existing rule.

8-3-3f New Rule:
One base beyond the last legally acquired base, if in the umpire’s judgment the runner was attempting to advance at the time the ball becomes lodged in an offensive player’s uniform or equipment. If the lodged ball occurs during play when the batter-runner was attempting to reach first base, the batter-runner will be awarded first base. Preceding runners will be awarded bases needed to complete the award.
Rationale: Provides support and guidance of the new 5-1-1g4 rule.

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NCAA
Rule 1-12-b
Added wording: “that at any time a batter has hit with a bat that has a flat side and this bat is detected by the umpire, the batter is out and no runners may advance as a result of the batter hitting with this illegal bat.”
Also, add a penalty to clarify how umpires will handle this situation: PENALTY – If detected prior to the first pitch of an at-bat, an altered or flattened bat shall be removed from the game. The batter will be required to use a bat that conforms to the rule. If detected after an at-bat starts, the batter is out and no runners may advance.”
Rationale: To clearly define what happens to a batter after using a bat that is considered to be out of specification. Previously, this was not addressed.

Rule 1-13-c, A.R.
Add New A.R. 2, “The pitcher’s glove may not be white or gray in color.” Rationale: Previously, any glove that was not one uniform color was technically against this rule. Many teams and manufacturers make gloves that are two colors (e.g., light brown and dark brown), but these gloves were not considered by the committee to be distracting to the batter, which is the intent of this rule.

Rule 2, Definitions
Ejection
Add A.R. 2: “If a situation occurs after the last out of a contest and such conduct would result in an ejection during the normal course of play, the umpire (s) shall issue a post-game ejection.
This ejection shall be served in the team’s next contest. If the ejected person is an assistant coach, player or other team personnel, the umpire shall inform the head coach of the ejection, either personally or through the home team game management administrator on site. If the head coach is ejected, the umpire shall inform the coach and/or the game management administrator on site of the head coach’s ejection. The umpire must contact the supervisor or assigner immediately after the contest to report any post game ejection. Conferences may impose further penalties if necessary. (See Appendix D for full procedures.)”
Rationale: After several interpretations this season concerning post-game ejections, the committee felt it was important to clarify this. The committee feels a person ejected after a game is officially final should be penalized for the next contest.

Infield Fly
Second to last sentence, revise to read, “In the case of a declared or undeclared infield fly, the ball is alive and runners may advance at their own risk.”
Rationale: Clarifies that when an infield fly is in effect, runners may advance, but must do so at their own risk.

Rule 3-6-d
Revised penalty to add: “If game management cannot restore order and the game resumed in a reasonable amount of time, the game will be suspended until order is restored.” Also, remove the phrase: “The umpire-in- chief shall forfeit the game.”
Rationale: The committee feels that forfeits do not help the game. In this situation, and in a very small number of cases, when an ejected person would not leave the field and/or game area, umpires forfeited the contest before attempting to have games management and/or security assist.

Rule 3-11
Added to this rule: “The use of tobacco is prohibited during practice sessions, game competition or at the site of competition. The umpire’s jurisdiction begins with regard to this rule upon their arrival on the field or dugout in uniform.”
Rationale: The committee added this wording in response to several conference coordinators, who asked for direction in this area.

Rule 3-11
Change Penalty to read: “Disqualification of the offending individual and head coach from the contest.”
Rationale: This rule was approved in 2005, but did not go into effect until this season.

Rule 5-2-f
Added sentence: “Any scouting information shall not be transmitted to the playing field or to team personnel.”
Rationale: Clarifies that transferring such information to the field is not allowed.

Rule 5-8-b-(4)
Reworded this section to read: “By conference rule, or mutual consent of both coaches prior to the beginning of the contest, a game may be stopped after seven innings if one team is ahead by at least 10 runs.”
Rationale: This will make this section consistent with the definition in Rule 2.

Rule 5-8-c
Delete “etc.” from the sentence.
Rationale: Including this left the rule open-ended.

Rule 5-8-e
Delete the wording: “The game is over when the umpire declares ‘Game’.”
Rationale: This is an unnecessary step for umpires.

Rule 5-13-b
Delete the words “20 seconds” from the protest procedures.
Rationale: Unneeded wording.

Rule 5-16-b-(f)
The committee clarified this section to include the process for filing ejection and suspension reports with appropriate authorities.
The wording will read: “The ejecting umpire shall file ejection and/or suspension reports with the appropriate conference administrator of the ejected/suspended player, coach or team personnel, the NCAA national coordinator of umpires and the secretary editor of the rules committee immediately after the game.”
Also, the committee instructed the secretary-editor and national coordinator of umpires to work with conference offices to find a consistent format to follow and include this as an appendix and in the CCA Umpires Mechanics Manual.
Rationale: There is often confusion when an ejection or suspension is assessed about what the next steps should be for an umpire and an administrator.

Rule 6-2-b and several others
Changed rule reference from 1-11-b-(6) to 1-12-b- (6) to reference the correct rule. Rationale: Rule reference was incorrect.

Rule 6-2-d (1)
Delete “interference” and add the words “follow- through hits the catcher” New wording: “If the follow through hits the catcher and occurs in a situation where the batter normally would become a runner because of a third strike not held by the catcher, the ball shall be dead and the batter declared out. No runner shall advance on this type of play.”
Rationale: Clarifies this specific situation in response to several interpretations during the season.

Rule 6-2-d (2)
Delete the entire paragraph and replace with: “If the catcher is in the act of making a throw to retire a runner and the batter is in the batter’s box and his normal follow through unintentionally strikes the catcher or the ball while the catcher is in the act of throwing, “Time” is called and runners return (unless the catcher’s initial throw retires the runner).”
Rationale: This will allow the umpire some middle ground in a situation where the batter is not intentionally interfering (e.g., a throw to third base), but does so. The offensive team should not be unduly penalized, so the committee felt that returning the runners to the previous base was a good compromise.

Rule 6-5-h
Delete the words, “hand is lowered signifying “Play.” Add the words: “umpire declares, “Play,” or uses some other appropriate signal such as a point toward the pitcher to indicate, “Play,” and that the ball is live. When a batter is getting set, the umpire shall keep one hand up to the pitcher is indicating the ball is dead.”
Rationale: Clarifies the mechanic that is used by most umpires, but makes it uniform for all.

Rule 7-1-b-(1) and (2)
Delete the word “the” and replace with the word “his” so the rule reads, “The batter shall not leave “his” position in
Rationale: Clarification.

Add 7-2-c-A.R. 3
Add: “When the designated hitter and the pitcher both enter on defense at the same time, the coach must designate the positions in the batting order of the new pitcher and the previous pitcher.”
Rationale: (1) DH moves to defense: The pitcher must bat in the spot of the replaced defensive player, (7-2-c-1, A.R. 2)
(2) P moves to defense: The old pitcher must bat in the spot of the replaced defensive player. The new pitcher must bat in the spot of the DH. (7-2-c-1-c)
(3) P and DH move to defense at the same time:
The result:
(a) The old pitcher has never batted
(b) The new pitcher has never batted, and
(c) The DH slot is still occupied.
If both the pitcher and the DH move to defense at the same time, it must be a multiple swap. Only two defensive players entered, and one was the “old pitcher”, and it’s still a multiple swap, in spite of 7-2-c-A.R. 1.

Rule 7-4-e
Revised to read: “A legal pitch that touches the batter when the batter swings and misses; the ball is dead and no runners may advance.”
Rationale: This change will bring this rule in line with 8-2-d (1).

Rule 8-3-o-(4)
Revise to read, “If during an attempt to field a wild pitch, passed ball, or wild throw on a pickoff attempt, the catcher or any other fielder deflects the ball into a dead-ball territory, the runner(s) shall be awarded two bases from the base(s) occupied at the time of the pitch.”
Rationale: This was an interpretation given in the past, but clarifies that a pickoff throw that goes out of play has the same penalty as a thrown ball from a fielder.

Rule 8-6-b Revise to read, “The appeals made under this section before the pitcher and all fielders have left fair territory”
Rationale: The committee deleted “infielders” and replaced it with “fielders” to allow any fielder to make an appeal.

Rule 8-7-b
Delete the sentence, “The runner is safe and an immediate dead ball shall be called.” Replace with: “The umpire shall point and call, “That’s obstruction.” The umpire shall let the play continue until all play has ceased, call time and award any bases that are justified in Rule 2. The obstructed runner is awarded at least one base beyond the base last touched legally before the obstruction.”
Rationale: This brings Rule 8-7-b in line with Rule 8-3- e (2), which was changed last year.

Rule 9-1-a
Changed the wind-up rule to read: “The pitcher shall stand facing the batter, with the entire pivot foot on or in front of and touching, but not off the end of the pitcher’s rubber. The pitcher may have one foot, not the pivot foot, off the rubber and any distance he may desire back of a line which is an extension to the back edge of the pitcher’s plate, but not at either side or in front of the pitcher’s plate.”
Rationale: The committee is trying to avoid some pitchers deceiving a runner (usually on third base) but simulating the position of the wind- up, but truly starting in the stretch position. The committee also has instructed the secretary-editor and national coordinator of umpires to collect good video examples for umpires to review in this area. This rule comes directly from the Major League Baseball Umpire Manual.

Rule 9-3-m (2)
Altered to read: “If a balk is immediately followed by a wild throw by the pitcher to a base that permits a runner(s) to advance to or beyond the base to which that runner is entitled, the balk shall be acknowledged. The umpire will call the balk in the usual manner, but shall not call “Time” until all play has ceased (runners have stopped trying to advance and/or a fielder is in possession of the ball in the infield).”
Also, the following approved rulings were added:
A.R. 1 – When a balk occurs, the pitch is nullified and the batter will resume the at-bat with the count that existed unless:
(a) The wild pitch was ball four on which all runners (including the batter runner) advanced one base.
(b) The wild pitch was strike three on which the batter and all other runners advanced one base.
In both situations (a) and (b) above, play proceeds without reference to the balk, because all runners (including the batter-runner) advanced one base on the pitch following the balk.
A.R. 2 – If the balk is followed by a wild pitch that allows a runner to attempt to go beyond the base that he would have been awarded because of the balk, the runner advances at his own risk; he is either safe or out as a result of the play. The balk is still “acknowledged” as it relates to the batter and he will resume the at-bat with the count that existed when the balk occurred.
Rationale: This revision provides clarity for all umpires when administering the balk provision.

--Rule 9-3-m (3)
Delete the words “and the pitch is nullified. The batter will resume the at-bat with the same pitch count as before the balk was committed.”
Rationale: This addition will clarify several questions that were asked during the season.

The Christmas cookies are gone and nobody can eat just one, the sweater you got as a gift is an XL and a bit tight, and the previous channel button on the remote control is crying for relief!

Your umpire schedule is beginning to take shape, open dates are bad, filled dates are good, consecutive filled dates are even better, and you are very proud of that 20 game stretch in April over a 12 day period. It all looks good now, it feels great to be wanted, but are you, or will you be in shape to be wanted back?

As with rule study, the time to begin getting into umpire shape is now. Yes, some of you are winter sport officials, which mean you have been active, but all of us need to begin preparing our lower body for the upcoming season.

Brisk walking with a spouse or colleague is a good beginning. After a few weeks, let it turn into a combination of walking and 20 yard jogs to simulate getting into the infield from the base umpire A position. Let the walk progress to an intermittent 25 yard hard jog ending with a taking a pivot as the base umpire would from the A position on a base hit.

Concentrate on getting your legs in shape for plate work, begin with a warm up and then simple squats – go slowly please. Picture yourself in a game and get into your stance. If you can get into a weight room, ask for specific direction on the leg machines and squat exercises. Make sure to go slowly so there is not an injury which will delay you from getting ready for the season opener.

One of the most difficult parts of being a young and/or beginning umpire is establishing and building a schedule. Many times the inability to find games or garnering assignments drives good young prospects out of the business without any chance of restarting.

Building your umpiring schedule is nothing more than selling yourself and your service. Marketing your product effectively includes contacting the correct people, communicating accurate information, and creating a positive impression.

It is not too late to begin creating your schedule for 2006 – you can’t sit and wait for the phone to ring or the email to arrive. You have to be a go-getter and make sure the people who need umpires know that you are there.

Here are some suggestions:
Register with your State High School Athletic Association. Create a database of conferences, schools, athletic directors, commissioners, and youth programs for whom you would like to work. Gather all information, address, email, phone numbers etc. Be realistic in distances you wish to travel and desired level of play.
Compose a BRIEF letter of introduction that contains the following:
1. State your experience, if any, and at what level.
2. State your willingness to work and advance.
3. State your flexibility - can you be called on short notice, can you get away during a weekday for an early afternoon start, can you assist with postponed games.
4. Indicate schools/clinics/training that you have attended.
5. Include dates that you have filled or are unavailable.
6. Be sure your contact information is correct.

Email is the most effective method of initial contact as it is inexpensive, easily personalized, and the receiver does not have to shuffle any paper or create a file. Again, be brief, do not stretch the truth, and follow up. Game assignors appreciate having as many qualified names as possible and keeping your name in the forefront will produce results.

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

The following have been submitted for 2006, some are returnees and a few new ones as well.

Hey Blue! is a monthly eMagazine for baseball umpires. Twelve solid pages each month specifically about umpiring and how to be a better official. Email Kent Walker, writer and publisher for a sample copy - $15.00 for 12 issues

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

Midwest Umpires Association will include The Umpire's Call as a link on their website.

23rd Annual Southern Umpires Camp
February 16-19, 2006
Atlanta, Georgia
MLB Instructors: Jerry Crawford, Paul Nauert

The 2006 Umpire Pro Clinic sponsored by Tara Umpires will be held on February 4, 2006 at the Jonesboro High School in Jonesboro, Georgia.
Major League Umpires Marvin Hudson and Laz Diaz will instruct.
The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) will be present to conduct the required annual in-service training. Credit for attendance will meet GHSA requirements.
Cost:$30.00 per umpire
Contact:
Jack Martin - 770-477-1357

Umpires that wish to buy, sell, or donate equipment (to new umpires) are welcome to send information. Please include item, size, color, condition, price, and your contact information and I will be happy to list. This is for private individuals only and NO DEALERS PLEASE! (unless you wish to donate)

Tom Procopio is looking for powder blue and red baseball umpire shirts, size XXL.
Office: 619 266-5374
Cell: 619 972-8771

Jeff Schmidt writes that he would really like to have some umpire gear if it is donated, or available at a reasonably cheap price. He is a starting umpire and is looking for caps, chest protectors, mask, new shirts etc.

Through my golf and travel business I am very fortunate to be in touch with many opportunities both domestic and international. Below are a few ideas and opportunities that can become available based upon interest.

Umpire Exchanges Umpires from different parts of our country, continent, or the world - visiting, touring, instructing, and umpiring at amateur tournaments. This would be a great community project and experience for an umpire association. Let me know your interest in traveling, hosting or both.

Umpires that golf and golfers that umpire! Two golf experiences for baseball umpires, their family, friends, and colleagues. Of course non-golfers are welcome! Target dates August/September 2006.

1. A fully escorted golf experience featuring top- quality golf courses in or near a Major League city. Golf during the day and baseball at night - does it get any better? 5-7 days, destinations being considered are Chicago and San Francisco.

2. A fully escorted golf experience to the birthplace of golf, St. Andrews, Scotland. Play Carnoustie, St. Andrews Links Courses - New & Jubilee, Ladybank, Scotscraig, and ballot for the Old Course! For the true golfer who has always wanted to see and play in Scotland.

Use these trips as an end of the year reward for your crew, association, or just yourself. More information to come, but please let me know if you have interest. Wish to go at a different time of year? Contact me to custom plan a golf trip to any destination in the U.S., Scotland or Ireland!

Does your umpire association or local youth baseball league 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, a division of USJT, has just completed its 5th year of educating 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.

Now accepting bookings for 2006 season

Basic Umpiring 90' Diamond Mechanics and Basic Umpiring 60' Diamond Mechanics are outstanding educational resources for umpire associations and youth leagues. They are sold seperately for $29.95 plus shipping and are available on VHS or DVD. Please contact YBUC office to purchase. Credit cards accepted.

Thanks for reading our opening issue for the 2006 season, it is the longest issue ever, but I am not going to apologize as there is much information to share.

Please forward The Umpire's Call to your colleagues; just use the link at the bottom.

Best wishes to all on a great 2006 season and please stay in touch - I'll be happy to assist in any way.

All 2004, 2005, and 2006 issues of The Umpire's Call are available at U.S. Junior Tours

My best regards,

Scott

email: ott@usjuniortours.com

phone: 608-793-1956

web: http://www.usjuniortours.com