Ohio Hot Stove Baseball, Inc.

1. Ohio Hot Stove Baseball, Inc.

2. Umpire Clinic “…Keep your eye everlasting on the ball…”

3. About this Clinic… • This Clinic is designed to be interactive! Our outline has been tweaked and perfected (Hopefully!) over the past 30+ years, from former State and County Head Umpire Bob Feierabend, to current State President and Lorain County Head Umpire Lou Vasi. Input is garnered from the senior umpire staff. Please ask questions, we will be more than happy to answer any umpire or rule related question. As we go through the course we will be discussing certain rules in depth, please keep your questions to the section we are currently discussing…and remember to have fun!

4. A few thoughts about umpiring… • The quality of the game can never exceed the quality of the umpiring available. • Every game is a new game, every pitch a big one. • Let the umpire lose his temper, and he/she is through. • Let the umpire get pushed around, and he/she is through. • 6 words describe what an umpire should be: • Quick to think, Slow to anger.

5. Thoughts, continued… • There are no close plays, only Ball/strike, Safe/Out • In order to be a good umpire you have to have the desire to learn something every day. • Study the rule book. Read it, visualize it, see the play in your mind so when you see it on the field, its already in there. • To be good, you have to have good judgement, good eyesight, confidence, and integrity. Umps do not care who is up, or who is pitching, only if the pitch is a strike or a ball. Only safe or out. Call it the way you see it.

6. State Of Ohio Concussion Return-To Play Law • All OHSBL managers, coaches and umpires must comply with this law! • Use this site to get your free certification. NHFS Free Concussion Course • Click on the button that says, please login to order. In the window that appears , click to register. • When your registration is complete you may "order" the free concussion course offered along the left hand side of the page. Continue following prompts. Although it may look like you'll be charged for the course, there is no cost. • Once you've completed "checkout," you'll be able to take the free online course and print a compliance certificate. • If you want additional information on this law go to Healthy Ohio :: Concussion in Youth Sports: Ohio's Return-to-Play Law • Your community may be asked to provide proof of compliance • Take a picture of your completion certificate with your phone, and keep it with you as needed.

7. Uniform • We wear the Black MLB replica as our Official uniform shirt

8. Any color MLB replica may be worn during the regular season, provided both umpires are dressed the same.

9. Heather Gray pants (Charcoal Gray may be substituted)

10. Black or Dark Blue Socks • Red Undershirt

11. Umpire Hats • Black or Dark Blue • Ohio Hot Stove Baseball/Softball logo is the only one permitted • ALWAYS wear the brim forward, even when behind the plate, unless you are wearing the hockey style helmet, then no hat is required for the plate umpire. • Hats should be clean, with no visible dirt or stains

13. Black belt. This is a must. We do not umpire without a belt on. • Black Shoes, shined, with black laces; some white trim is ok.

14. Coat: any black or dark blue coat. No hoodies, no logo’s.

15. Accessories, including clickers and brushes, are a must. • Clickers come in three or four wheel varieties. • Brushes also come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

16. Ball Bags are only worn by the PLATE umpire, and always on the right side. You may wear one on both sides. If you are left handed and need the bag on your left- wear two.Gray, Black, or Navy Blue is acceptable. They must both match.

17. Chest protector, Shin Guards, and personal protective gear are worn UNDER the uniform. Former North Olmsted and North Ridgeville Hot Stove Umpire and Current MLB umpire, #92 James Hoye 

18. Some General Guidelines about Uniforms/Umpiring • All Umpires should be clean and neat • NO jewelry, this includes rubber wrist bands and earrings. Wedding band is ok. NO watches. • Dress as an umpire to do a game, dress as a fan to watch a game. • No fraternization (Talking, joking, etc.) with Coaches, Managers, Players, Spectators, or any field personnel. • Be firm, but polite. Make it clear the rules will be followed. A question about a rule should be courteous and brief. Talk to your partner, make a call, move on.

19. Scheduling • Know who your Head Umpire is for the communities you wish to work in. The list is on www.loraincountyhotstove.com. (or your charters website.) • Be available, as much as possible. The season is relatively short. • If you schedule a game, do the game. It is hard to get someone else last minute because you change your mind. The more reliable you are, the more games you'll get. Schedulers call first who they know want to work. • Arrive AT LEAST 30 min. before the game.

20. Pre Game Etiquette • Arrive 30 min early, or earlier. Know the designated spot where you’ll meet your partner. • If you don’t know who your partner is, ask. Don’t be shy. All umpires are willing to help the new guy. • Find out what color shirt you're wearing. If you only have one shirt, it should be the black MLB replica. • Discuss who is doing plate or bases. Do not plan to be a “base guy” forever. • Take advice from the “old guys”. If they say to clean your shoes, clean them. We’re only trying to help. • Go to the bathroom before the game-typically we do not take a bathroom break, however you may if it is un-avoidable.

21. Etiquette continued • Discuss signals (More on these later). Don’t just BS about the great play you had yesterday. There will be time for that later. • Look at each other. If the old guy is dressed wrong, tell him. Don’t allow him to go out dressed incorrectly. This includes jewelry. • If you have any questions, ask. This is your time to get it set in your head. • Walk together to the field 15 minutes before scheduled start time. Check equipment, including bats, helmets and catchers helmets. • The UIC or Crew Chief is usually the plate umpire. The older more experienced partner may be the Crew Chief or UIC for the game and do the bases. This allows the new guys get plate experience. • Keep your temper. Deaf ears. No rabbit ears.

22. Signals • Work out a set of hand and arm signals, so you are both on the same page. • Touching the top of the head-need the count; flash number of balls on left hand, strikes on right. • Right hand over heart, number of outs (0 or 1) in left hand-Infield fly rule • Wipe hand down arm-Infield fly is off • Discuss who is covering catches in the field, who has tag ups. (I like field ump has catch, plate ump has tag ups) • Check swing-Base umpire only rules if asked BY THE PLATE UMPIRE. Return signal same way. Silent or verbal.

23. Warnings and Ejections • Warnings should be issued as a last resort. If a Coach is being overly belligerent, try talking quieter; in turn, it will make him settle down to hear you. Do not get into an argument with him. Maintain composure. • Once you issue a warning, for example, “Coach-One more word, and you’re gone!”. If the coach says another word, you have to eject him, or risk losing respect and control of the game. • Be firm but polite. Let him have his say, he is only doing his job. Once you’ve heard him out, act on his request, and be done.

24. Ground Rules • Usually given by the Crew Chief or UIC for the game but may be done by either umpire. At tournaments it is the Field Judge’s responsibility. • Coaches can not determine a ground rule, they may suggest one, but it isn’t a rule until the umpires agree to it. • We do NOT give warnings at Ground Rules meetings. You may “remind them” of rules, such as the jewelry rule, but no warnings. • Safety first, ask both Managers if all his players are properly equipped per the rules, and get an affirmative answer.

25. Ground Rules-Continued Ground Rules/Plate Meeting information: Both umpires should introduce themselves. Coaches will do same. Start behind home plate, and go around the whole field, and finish at home plate. Address the backstop fence: mention holes or areas of concern. Mention the entryway. Address the bench area/dugouts. Where equipment is and should be. Where the on-deck circle is. Address the out of play fence(s). Are the lines visible? Is the fence the entire length of the field or is there an out of play area? Address the Home Run fence, if there is one. Address any branches hanging over the fence(s). Address any holes in the fence. Address the out of play fence(s). Are the lines visible? Is the fence the entire length of the field or is there an out of play area? Address the bench area/dugouts. Where equipment is and should be. Where the on-deck circle is. Ask if all of the players are properly equipped. Get an affirmative answer out loud from each coach. Mention jewelry. Do Not give warnings. Mention cell phones/emergency personnel. (rule 3.21pg. 53 2019 OHSBL rules). Ask if they have any questions. Answer only questions related to the ground rules. (Do not discuss what “Your strike zone is”). If they have a rules question, politely defer to a more appropriate time. Give the home team a few minutes to take the field. The coaches have to relay the info to the players. The Home team takes the field to start the game.

26. Game Management • Ever sit through a really long game and wonder WHY? • Umpires have some control over the game, especially the plate umpire. • NO fraternization. If you aren’t distracted by talking, you can more effectively do your job. Plate umpire stands to the defense side of the plate, near the foul line. Base umpire goes to short right field. • Plate umpire should be watching the transition between innings, ask them to hustle up if they are taking too long. • Request the pitcher and a catcher (or someone to warm up the pitcher). Fielders don’t need the infield practice between innings.

27. Game Management • This will allow the coach time to set the other players, while the pitcher is warming up. • Pitchers get 8 the first inning, and 5 each successive inning. If it is cold, plate ump may allow more pitches. Tell the catcher this, and that he needs to throw the 8/5th pitch down. • If you’re counting as well, remind catcher to throw next one down. If he doesn’t, don’t allow him to waste more time. • Coaching visits: One visit per inning while batting. Defense: One visit to the pitcher without penalty. Second visit in the same inning-pitcher is done pitching for the game. Injury visits do not count against a pitcher so long as the coach does not talk baseball/situations etc. Rule 3.03(2), pg. 47, 2019 OHSBL rules. • If you need a drink, have it close, you can drink and still pay attention.

28. Game Management • MLB has instituted a timer between innings: 2:05-2:25 sec maximum; We don’t time it up, but we should be close to this. • If a batter tends to wander too far away between pitches, ask him to stay closer. You could request he keep one foot in the batters box if this gets excessive. • When the last warm-up pitch is done and the catcher has thrown it back, Plate ump should already have his brush out, and be cleaning the plate off. By the time you’re done, the pitcher will be ready. • In the younger leagues, we recommend requesting that a coach make sure helmets are on correctly and chin straps snug before the player enters the on-deck circle.

29. Game Management • Base Umpire: Always have a brush, and use it to clean off bases as needed, and the pitchers plate. Like the plate ump, the base ump can be ready; position yourself near the mound so when the ball goes to 2nd base, you can clean the rubber and jog back to first base, before the pitcher is ready to throw. • HUSTLE! Umpiring is not a spectator sport. Move smartly to your next position. Don’t walk, jog. If you are going to make a call, stop first, see it, get your timing, and call it. Angle over distance. • If doing a younger level game, where three outs may not always be the end of the inning, make sure you know the rules and enforce them, from day 1. (e.g.-H/HH 7 run rule 3.22 pg. 53 2019 OHSBL.) • By knowing and enforcing the rules, the game will move at a good pace.

30. And…here we Go! Starting the Game: • All levels: Teams must have 9 players to start*. I league may use 10. H-E, if at any time due to Illness, injury, or ejection, a team drops to 8 players, they may not return to 9 should the ability arise. An out will be called in that spot. Class I bats a continuous lineup, no out declared until they drop below 9. Start with 12, and one leaves for example. No out is called. • IF Extra Hitter (EH) in lineup-this must be declared at ground rules. If a player gets sick, injured or ejected, the EH may play the field. An out will be declared in the missing players spot. Rule 6.10 pg. 73 2019 OHSBL. • Courtesy runner (CR) for the catcher may enter at any time. Coach must call time out and declare the intent. The CR is a player not currently in the game. If only 9(10) players-Last out is CR. Rule 3.4 pg. 49- 2019 OHSBL rules. • I league and Farm Minor- Should have 9, if they show with less than 9- play the game. There is no minimum to start a regular season game.

31. Players playing up(or down) • Rule XI.D.2, pg. 10/11 2019 OHSBL rules was modified to allow players from the same Charter and community to bring up younger players to older teams in order to field the minimum number of players for a game. Age appropriate players may also play down in Class. Charters have the ability to monitor and approve the use of players. Player movement is only permitted for regular season games. Players may not appear on more than one (1) OHSBL roster. Managers using players from other teams must carry both rosters. • A player changing classes is required to follow innings played (I-G) and bat restrictions of the league class they are playing in that day. (A 12 year-old playing up to class F to help field the team needs to use a drop 5 bat in class F).

32. Equipment • Players shoes: Metal spikes are allowed in class F (13 year old) and up. • G (12) and below must wear rubber or molded plastic cleats. • No screw on football shoes are allowed (if the shoe has the screw molded into the sole) • Helmets: NOCSAE Stamp must be affixed. Full ear flaps on both sides. Facemasks and C-Flaps are OK but must be installed properly. Rule 1.16.4 pg. 33 2019 OHSBL Rules. • Chin Straps for required for class G (12-year-old) and below. Properly affixed and snug to the chin. Rule 1.16.1 pg. 33 2019 OHSBL rules.

33. Batters helmets/Chin Straps • ALL batters must wear a NOCSAE approved batting helmet. Classes G and below (Age 12 and below) must also wear a chin strap. Chin straps must be worn properly, touching the underside of the chin. Facemask is optional, and must be installed correctly.

34. Bats- Rule 1.1, pg. 30/31 2019 OHSBL rules • Farm Minor and Class I – No bat drop restrictions; No composite, two or three piece bats. (rule 10.2P) • HH/H & GG/G- May use a wood or aluminum bat with a maximum diameter of 2 ¾ inches, and a maximum drop of 10 (e.g. 30 inch length, 20 ounce weight). No composite or 2-piece bats. • Class F- Same as above, with a maximum drop of 5. (e.g. 32 inch, 27 ounce). If class F is using a drop 3, it must be marked bbcor 0.50. BESR or unmarked bats are illegal. • Class EE/E- bats may be one, two or three piece or composite, with a maximum drop of 3. (33/30). Metal bats must have bbcor 0.50 manufacture stamped on the bat and legible.

35. Bats-continued • Class D- wood or wood composite bats only. Bamboo bats are legal. • Axe bats are legal for all classes provided they meet the specifications for that class. • Bat grips- Solid grips are legal on all bats. • Taping on all bats may be solid or spaced, and go no higher then originally manufactured. • Choke up knobs are illegal for all classes. • An illegal bat must be detected while in the batters box, or while being used. The batter does not have to make contact. Penalty: Batter is out and runners return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch. Rule 1.1, pg. 31/32, 2019 OHSBL rules.

36. OHSBL Umpire Clinic • Youth Coaches (<18) and Bat Boys/Girls MUST wear a helmet that complies with all of the above rules. • Coaches Dress Code: No Uniform required. Shorts are ok. NO cut off jeans, NO muscle shirts. NO sandals. • NO SMOKING, OR USE OF SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCTS WITHIN THE PLAYING FIELD AREA. This includes VAPING. • Casts and splints must be well padded, no exposed metal. (rule 1.19, pg. 34 2019 OHSBL rules). • Metallic jewelry is illegal. Rubber wrist bands, rope necklaces and the like are ok. Once you see metal you warn the team wearing it. Next one is ejection. (We prefer to preventative umpire and just have them remove it). Rule 1.18 pg. 34, 2019 OHSBL rules.

37. Batter/Runner and the Courtesy Lane • When running to first base, halfway down the baseline there is a 3 foot courtesy line, this line appears to the right of the Fair/Foul line.

38. Courtesy Lane, Continued • The runner MUST run in this lane to avoid penalty, should, in the umpires judgement, interference be a possibility. • Example: Batter bunts the ball, and runs inside fair territory, fielder throws ball wild or hits runner. Because runner was not in the lane, the runner can be called out for interference. Rule 6.5L pg. 68 2019 OHSBL rules. • IF the runner is in the 3 foot lane, and gets hit with the ball, there is no penalty, as this is his lane. • IF the field isn’t marked with a line, it is still assumed to be there. • Fielder doesn’t have to throw the ball to have interference. If he hesitates because of assumed interference you may still call it.

39. Slide or give up?? • OHSBL DOES NOT have a “Slide or Give-up” rule. • Rule 7.14 pg. 85 2019 OHSBL rules states to avoid injury, the runner SHOULD (Not mandatory- OHSBL allows jumping over or around the defensive player) attempt to slide to avoid being tagged. If, in the umpires judgement, malicious contact is witnessed, the runner is declared OUT, and ejected from the game. • As above: OHSBL allows jumping over, around or the like to avoid a tag. Head first slides are legal.

40. Interference • Page 40-2019 OHSBL rules, offensive interference is an act by a member of the team at bat which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play. If the umpire declares the batter, batter runner or runner out for interference all other runners shall return to last base that was, in the judgment of the umpire, legally touched at the time of the interference. Examples: • Runner on third-stealing home on the pitch; batter swings and on follow-through lingers around the plate blocking the catcher from making the play at home, the umpire can call interference and call the runner out. Rule 7.9D pg.81-2019 OHSBL rules. • Runner attempting to score on a play in which the batter interferes with the play at home base before two are out. The runner is out. With two out, the interference puts the batter out and no score counts- Rule 7.8I pg.80-2019 OHSBL rules.

41. Baseline, Is the runner In or Out of it?? • The Fair/Foul lines down third and first are generally considered “baselines”. However, the runner makes his own baseline. If the runner intentionally leaves that line by more than 3 feet to avoid a tag, he shall be called out. Rule 7.8A pg. 78 OHSBL 2019

42. Substitutions • Classes HH/H/GG/G-All players must play minimum of 12 outs (2 innings). SUBSTITUTES must play these 12 outs consecutively. Rule 3.3A1 pg. 45 OHSBL 2019 rules. • Matching- coaches have to match players in this rule. If one has 10 and the other 12, only one sub has to meet this requirement. Rule 3.3C page 45-2019 OHSBL rules. • Recommend they put subs in top of third inning. If they don’t fulfill the sub rule, and the game is protested, the penalty may be a forfeit, including tournament games. • Once the starters and subs have played 12 outs, in classes HH/H/GG/G, free substitution rule may be used. Rule 3.3A3 Pg. 45 2019 OHSBL rules. • Class I bats continuous batting order (e.g. “the roster”); ALL players must play 6 defensive outs. Rule 10.2D pg. 99 2019 OHSBL rules.

43. Illness or Injury • If a player becomes sick or injured and unable to continue in the game, a legal, available substitute may enter the game. • If no legal sub is available, the opposing coach may select a player to enter the lineup in the sick or injured players spot (Not ejection). This is the only time you may change the batting order. Rule 3.3 Exception 1A pg. 46-47 2019 OHSBL rules. • If they have NO subs on the bench (only had 9) drop to 8 and play on. Call an out in the missing players spot in the batting order.

44. Extra Hitter • MUST be declared at ground rules • Starting EH can play the field once he as recorded a time at bat. Must play 12 outs. (6 Offense and 6 defense) • If any player gets sick, injured or ejected and there is no sub available, the EH can take the field, however, an out will be declared in the injured/ill/ejected players spot. • Ejection of EH (or any player) may be substituted by an AVAILABLE sub. IF there is no available substitute, an out is declared. (do NOT use bench as we do for ill/injured player) • A player must meet the 6 outs as a defensive player before player can assume the EH position. Rule 6.10 Pg. 73-2019 OHSBL

45. Batting Out of Order • Batting order is set once given to the scorekeepers, and the Umpire says play ball. • The batting order may not change* • Should list all 9/10 players in the starting lineup by name and number/position. • Should also list matching substitutes, and all other subs available. *unless illness/injury.

46. Batting out of Order-Rule 6.7 pg. 69- 2019 OHSBL rules • Three most common scenarios: • Abel is up. Baker bats. 2-2 count. Offense calls time. Notices out of order. Abel takes his proper spot, but keeps the 2-2 count. • Abel is up. Baker Bats. Baker gets on first. Coach calls time out, informs you Baker was out of order. Check scorebook (s). If this is correct, Abel is out. Baker is up next. • Abel is up. Baker bats. Baker gets on first. Charlie comes up, takes a pitch. Coach calls time out, says batting out of order. Once another pitch or play has occurred, Baker is confirmed as the correct batter. No one is out. Charlie stays hitting. Abel is skipped.

47. Dropped 3rd Strike-Class I/HH/H • Not applicable-Batter is out. HH &H rule 6.5I pg. 67 2019 OHSBL rules. • Class I: this is a dead ball-rule 10.2L pg. 99 2019 OHSBL rules • In class HH & H- With less than 2 outs baserunners on first, second and/or third base may advance at own risk.

48. Courtesy Runner- rule 3.4(1) pg. 49 2019 OHSBL rules. • ALL Classes: A courtesy runner may be used for the Catcher at any time during the game that the catcher gets on base or is already on base. • This situation is NOT considered a substitution • Catcher has to play defense BEFORE he is entitled to a Courtesy runner- Exception: top of 1st inning, the visiting team has not yet played defense. They are still entitled to a CR. The individual identified on the lineup card as the catcher must play defense as the catcher on the bottom of the 1st inning. • This is a speed up rule. Ensure the catcher is getting ready to play defense.

49. Class H/HH Special Situations • Runner may not lead off or steal until the ball has passed the plate- Rule 7.14 pg. 84, 2019 OHSBL rules. • Penalty: player leaves base early-Immediate dead ball, runner out. • LOGICAL CONCLUSION-The play will be called dead when the lead runners progress has stopped. (A change of direction is considered stopping). Inching forward to negate this rule will not be tolerated. • This is a JUDGEMENT CALL by the UMPIRE • Umpire will place hand in the air to signify time is out. • Runners will be returned to last base touched. (NO Half way rule)

50. Class H/HH Special Situations-Continued • When a batter is walked, the runner can continue running to second base provided he does not stop at first. This is a judgement call as to whether he rounds first properly and if play has come to a logical conclusion. Rule 6.12 pg. 74, 2019 OHSBL rules. • 7 runs per inning. A team may score no more than 7 runs in their half an inning until the 6th or last inning. • The inning is considered the “last inning” if the visitors are ahead by 10; if after 2 hrs. at any point in any inning a team is ahead by 10, or the umpire declares last inning due to impending darkness or weather. Rule 3.22, page 53, 2019 OHSBL rules.