Virginia District 9 Umpire Clinic

1. Virginia District 9Umpire Clinic

2. What Will You Learn? Little League rules Not ALL of them (you need to study yourself) Mechanics on the 60� and 90� fields Other important tidbits to make you a better volunteer umpire Uniforms and equipment Handling situations Disclaimer: We won�t make you perfect!

3. Agenda 9:00 � 9:10: Welcome/Intros 9:10 � 9:30: Intro to Umpiring 9:30 � 10:00: Regulations 10:00 � 10:45: Rules 1 and 2 10:45 � 11:00: Break 11:00 � 12:00: 60� Mechanics Part 1 12:00 � 1:00: Lunch/Handling Situations 1:00 � 1:45: Rules 3 thru 5 1:45 � 2:45: Rule 6 2:45 � 3:00: Break 3:00 � 4:00: 60� Mechanics Part 2 4:00 � 5:00: Rule 7

4. Introduction to Umpiring

5. Umpire Do�s Look the part (appearance) Know the rules (study) Show up on time Have pre-game talk with your partner Pay attention! Hustle into proper position Watch the ball, glance at runners Pause, read, react

6. Umpire Do�s Timing, timing, timing Angle over distance Get set before the play Show restraint (attitude) Forget close calls Support your partner all the time Leave from winner�s side

7. Umpire Don�t�s Coach the players Have rabbit ears Carry on conversations with fans Socialize with only one dugout Give excuses after a call Gang up on a coach Meet between innings after a close call Say, �One more word and you�re gone!� Over-dramatize an ejection Discuss game w/anyone as you leave

8. Uniforms and Equipment Navy or light blue LL shirt (Both umpires the same!) Grey pants with black belt NO SHORTS (that�s for softball) Navy, red or black undershirt Black socks & shoes Navy or black hat (league logos acceptable) NO WHITE ANYTHING! (shoes, socks)

9. Uniforms and Equipment Plate gear preferably under uniform Ball bag on Plate Umpire only Wear your cup! Sunglasses okay if not mirrored No cell phones, pagers unless required by your employee Base umpires: red flag! No rulebooks hanging out of back pocket

10. The Pre-game Talk Fair/foul and catch/no catch responsibilities When I�m coming to you for help Tag-ups/base touches Who should cover third base when Signals Infield Fly What�s the count? How many outs? Rotation is on I�m staying home �I�ve got something you need to know�

11. On the Field PU: Balls/strikes, Fair/foul, Catch/no catch, plays at home, some plays at third (communicate!), could help at first BU: All bases except when PU takes third; could help with Fair/foul down RFL BU positions: A (10�-12� behind first in foul territory): No runners B (behind second baseman): Runner on 1B C (behind shortstop): All other situations Ball goes out, come in; ball stays in, stay out.

12. Regulations

13. Reg IV (i): Mandatory Play All players* that show up play a minimum: Six defensive outs One at-bat Penalty: Player starts next game Player plays what he missed Player plays minimum for that game *Big League has no mandatory play requirement

14. Reg IV (i): Mandatory Play Penalty (continued) BOD warns/suspends manager May be excused if game is shortened Umpire responsibilities: Just know if a player has to meet extra play Violation is not protestable (you can�t force a player to meet requirement)

15. Reg V: Pool Play Option to use players from other teams Pool run by Player Agent Cannot �borrow� from opposing team Pool player must play Nine consecutive defensive outs One at-bat Umpires: know the league limitations

16. Reg VI: Pitch Counts Maximum pitch count by league age 10 and under: 75/day 11 and 12: 85/day 13 thru 16: 95/day 17 and 18: 105/day Rest requirements 3 days rest: 61+ pitches (16 & under); 76+ (17-18) 2 days rest: 41-60; 51-75 1 day rest: 21-40; 26-50 No Rest: 1-20; 1-25

17. Reg VI: Pitch Counts Reach max limit while pitching to a batter Can continue until batter reaches base or is put out If third out is recorded on a base, pitcher may continue pitching to same batter in next inning Pitcher can pitch only one game a day Cannot pitch in both games of a double header Cannot pitch in a continuation game and then a regularly-scheduled game Exception: Big League pitchers can pitch in two games a day

18. Reg VI: Pitch Counts Managers are ultimately responsible to remove pitchers that reach max limit Official counter must inform the UIC when a pitcher reaches his/her limit Pitcher illegally exceeds max limit: Pitcher must be removed from the mound immediately Opposing team�s manager may protest before umpires leave the field

19. Reg VI: Pitch Counts Pitches in called games count Pitch count itself does not carry over Rest requirements must still be observed Exception: pitches in games that do not complete one full inning do not count Pitches in uncompleted innings under the �revert back� rule do count Pitches in practice, in non-LL games, etc., do not count

20. Called Games Examples 12yo: 70 pitches on Mon; game called Resumes Thur: cannot pitch due to rest requirements (3 days) Resumes Fri (no game in between): can pitch up to 85 pitches Resumes two weeks later after a game between the same two teams earlier in the day: can pitch up to 85 pitches, unless He has rest requirements from a game earlier in the week He pitched in the first game

21. Called Games Examples 12yo: 25 pitches in the top of the first; game gets called in the bottom of the first Pitches do not count No rest requirements (can pitch next day) 12yo: 55 pitches thru 5 innings, pitches 10 more pitches in the sixth; game gets called and reverts back to the end of 5 Pitches in sixth inning do count Pitcher has thrown 65 pitches (requires 3 days rest)

22. What�s Gone from Reg VI? Inning limitations: No limits on the number of innings pitched Calendar week: Pitches are counted by day, not by week Five Majors pitchers per game: Can pitch every kid on the roster in a game 12 year-old restrictions: Can pitch 12s with no limitations (but not in Minors!)

23. So, What�s a Pitch? 2.00 Definition: A ball delivered by the pitcher to a batter Anything else is NOT a pitch! Warm-up pitches in the bullpen Warm-up pitches between innings Pitches declared �No Pitch� Pick-off throws Throws to make plays/appeals Directed intentional walks (no pitches required) �Ball� penalty to the batter without a delivered pitch Pitcher licks fingers, Illegal Pitch, etc.

24. Reg VI: Pitch Counts Who keeps the pitch counts? The official scorekeeper The home team scorekeeper A manager or coach Board member at the game site Independent spectator Anybody BUT the base umpire! Only one (1) official counter per game League should designate the counter in its local rules/policies

25. Umpire�s Role on Pitch Counts Verify eligibility at plate conference Identify official counter before the game starts Prevent protests: If you�re aware a pitcher has reached his/her limit, have him/her removed Resolve disputes: If there�s a question on the validity of the pitch count, go with the official counter Clarify ambiguities: Know what is/isn�t a pitch Count pitches: NO! NO!! NO!!!

26. Reg XIV: Field Decorum Only players, managers and rostered coaches allowed on the field No batboys on small field All game participants must stay in the dugouts/bullpens Two adult base coaches allowed One adult in dugout at all times

27. Reg XIV: Field Decorum Managers/coaches cannot go on the field without umpire�s permission No alcohol or tobacco anywhere No adults can warm up pitchers anywhere All participants must display the highest standards of conduct and discipline

28. Rule 1.00Objectives of the Game

29. Rule 1.01 �Little League Baseball is a game�� Teams must have nine players Exception: Minor League Instructional divisions may play with less than nine Competitive Minors: Gotta start and continue with nine on each team

30. Rules 1.04 � 1.08: The Field Make sure lines comply with rules Inside lines of batter�s boxes not required Foul lines straight and flush with first and third bases Pitcher�s plate should be level with the ground Leagues may use double-first base On-deck position not allowed on 60� field Know where leadoff batter may stand

31. Rule 1.10: LL Bats Baseball bats in baseball, softball bats in softball Wood bats are perfectly legal Must be smooth and rounded Check with bat ring If cracked, get rid of it! Donuts are illegal!

32. Rule 1.10: LL Bats Majors/below 33� long, 2-1/4� diameter Tape/sleeve can�t exceed 16� Juniors 34� long, 2-3/4� diameter Tape/sleeve can�t exceed 18� Seniors/Big 36� long, 2-5/8� diameter (2-3/4� if wood) Tape/sleeve can�t exceed 18� Cannot be less than -3 drop weight

33. Rule 1.11: The Uniform All players should be in the same uniform Except for pool players Be reasonable in cold weather Don�t get too picky! Uniforms for adults allowed only in Juniors/above LL patches required on jersey Metal cleats allowed in Juniors/above

34. Rule 1.11: The Uniform What�s not allowed: Long white sleeves on pitchers Arm/wrist bands on pitchers Frayed/ragged sleeves Attachments of different color Metal or glass ANYTHING Jewelry (including rubber bracelets) Except medical alert stuff Casts on field (even base coaches)

35. Rules 1.12 � 1.15: Gloves/Mitts Catcher must wear a catcher�s mitt First baseman may wear glove or first baseman�s mitt Fielder�s glove cannot exceed 12� in length Pitcher�s glove restrictions: Any color but white or grey No attachments Batting glove under fielding glove okay

36. Rule 1.16: Batting Helmets Minimum of six (seven in Juniors/above) Required for all batters, base runners, players in coach�s boxes, and bat retrievers Must be NOCSAE certified Chin straps, face guards are optional No cracks or unauthorized paint/decals

37. Rule 1.17: Catcher�s Gear Required: Chest protector, helmet/mask, and shin guards Long-model chest protector for males in Majors/below Cup for male catchers Helmet/mask must: Be NOCSAE certified Must have throat guard (even on hockey-styled mask) Not have cracks or unauthorized paint/decals

38. Rule 1.17: Catcher�s Gear Helmet/mask is required for: Player warming up pitcher between innings Player warming up pitcher in the bullpen Catcher during pre-game infield/outfield practice Skull caps are not permitted If you see a catcher without helmet/mask, correct it!

39. Rule 2.00Definition of Terms

40. Rule 2.00: Def of Ball Pitch that is not in the strike zone Pitch that bounces and then goes through the strike zone Pitch that hits batter but batter does not attempt to get out of the way An award due to certain pitching infractions More on that later

41. Rule 2.00: Def of Catch What is a Catch? Secure possession of ball in hand or glove Ball must be in flight Hold firmly before it touches the ground Fielder must show complete control Release must be voluntary and intentional Dropping the ball while in the act of throwing is okay

42. Rule 2.00: Def of Catch What is NOT a Catch? Ball hits the ground first Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of glove Fielder uses any part of uniform or equipment to secure the ball Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder Falls to the ground Collides with another player Collides with the fence

43. Rule 2.00: Def of Force Play Runner that HAS to advance because batter-runner is going to first Forced runner can be retired by tagging runner or forced-to base Force is removed when: Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed) A following runner is retired (force is removed on lead runner) When force is removed, runners must be tagged

44. Rule 2.00: Def of Fair/Fair Territory Foul lines, bases and plate Bouncing ball that travels past 1B/3B while in fair territory Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the 1B/3B bag Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair territory at or beyond 1B/3B Ball touched in fair territory, regardless of fielder's position

45. Rule 2.00: Def of Foul/Foul Territory Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while in foul territory Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul territory Ball touched in foul territory, regardless of person's position Ball which touches anything �foreign to natural ground" in foul territory before 1B/3B Batted ball that hits batter while in the box

46. Rule 2.00: Def of Foul Tip Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher�s hands and is legally caught Must hit the hand or mitt first Must be caught by the catcher A short-hop is not a legal catch A Foul Tip is a Strike. Ball is Live and in play; runners may run! Umpires: Do not call �Foul Ball!�

47. Rule 2.00: Def of Infield Fly Rule to prevent defense from getting a �cheap� double play Situation: Less than two outs Runners of 1st and 2nd, or bases loaded Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt) Ball may be caught by an infielder using ordinary effort

48. Rule 2.00: Def of Infield Fly Can be an outfielder positioned on the infield who catches it Umpire calls �Infield Fly� when the ball reaches its apex When called, batter is out and force is immediately removed If dropped, ball is Live and runners may (but don�t have to) advance

49. Rule 2.00: Def of Interference Interference occurs when someone prevents the defense from making a play Offensive interference Umpire interference Spectator interference Exception: Defensive interference is when a defensive player prevents the batter from hitting a pitch

50. Rule 2.00: Def of Interference Umpire interference: only two ways Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it passes an infielder other than the pitcher Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing out a base runner It�s NOT umpire interference if Batted ball was deflected Catcher throws out runner Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball Umpire gets in the way of a base runner

51. Rule 2.00: Def of Interference Spectator interference Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play and interferes Could also happen when fan clearly causes a player to react and affect play Ball is immediately dead Umpire awards bases/penalties It�s NOT interference if ball is beyond field boundaries

52. Rule 2.00: Def of Manager The Manager: Is ultimately responsible for the team Should attend plate conference Is who the umpire talks to when there is a problem Is the only one allowed to appeal or protest Coaches may request time to talk to pitcher, report subs

53. Rule 2.00: Def of Obstruction Obstruction occurs when a defensive player impedes a runner�s progress and: Doesn�t have possession of the ball Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball A fake tag is Obstruction Much more on this later!

54. Rule 2.00: Def of Strike �Live Ball� Strikes Ball swung at and missed Ball not swung at that passes through the strike zone Foul tip �Dead Ball� Strikes Foul ball with less than two strikes Foul bunt Touches batter while in the strike zone Batter swings/attempts to bunt and the ball contacts the batter

55. Rule 2.00: Def of Strike Zone Area over the plate Top: batter�s arm pits Bottom: Top of batter�s knees Batter in �natural� stance �Natural� is the position of the batter as he swings the bat Zone doesn�t change when He ducks He steps out of the box He moves way up or way back in the box

56. Rule 2.00: Def of Tag Tag of person and bag are different! A person may only be tagged by: Touching him with the ball while holding it Touching him with the glove while the ball is in it Touching him with the hand while the ball is in it A bag may be tagged with any part of the body while holding the ball in the hand or glove

57. Other 2.00 Definitions Bunt: Bat must move towards ball Double header: Two games on the same day (don�t have to be consecutive) In Flight: Ball that hits a fielder stays that way Inning: Ends immediately after third out Person: Body, clothing or equipment

58. Break!!

59. Rule 3.00Game Preliminaries

60. Rule 3.02: Discoloring the Ball Don�t let anyone try to rub up the baseball Related rule: 8.02 on pitchers Umpire action: Replace baseball If intentional, issue warning Eject only if blatant Rubbing up includes: Picking up dirt in hand and rubbing onto ball Rubbing ball directly against the ground

61. Rule 3.03: Reentry Rule Srs/below: A sub must play 6 consecutive defensive outs and 1 at bat before starter may reenter BL has no sub minimum play requirement Starter may reenter anywhere in the lineup BL: Starter must reenter in the same spot in the lineup Only starters may reenter (subs cannot) Requirement applies If Starter1 enters for Starter2

62. Rule 3.03: Reentry Rule If a starter reenters too soon Player starter entered for must leave game Starter must also leave Opposing manager may protest Don�t let this happen! Nobody eligible to reenter Opposing manager gets to choose Ejected players CANNOT reenter

63. Rule 3.05: Starter/Sub Pitchers Starter MUST pitch to one batter Sub MUST also pitch to one batter, unless inning ends on a putout When removed from the mound, cannot return to pitch Exception: Jrs/above can return once in the game if not removed from lineup

64. Rule 3.08: Unannounced Subs An Unannounced sub is in when: Batter gets in the box Fielder gets in position Runner gets on base Unannounced pitcher Delivers a warm-up pitch from the rubber Any player that delivers a pitch from the rubber between innings is in! (Prevent it!) No real penalty if sub is eligible to enter

65. Other 3.00 Rules 3.09: Keep players and coaches in dugout (unless they need a potty break) Don�t let adults warm up pitchers 3.10: Who decides on field conditions? Before game: managers After game starts: UIC 3.13: Ground rules�decide on them during pre-game conference

66. Other 3.00 Rules 3.17: Cannot use electronic comm devices in the field Carrying one is okay, but beware 3.18: Managers are NOT responsible for spectators! Don�t make a manager go silence a fan Get BOD member on duty involved

67. Rule 4.00Starting and Ending the Game

68. Rule 4.01: Plate Conference Managers exchange lineups UIC should check for accuracy Umpires �in charge� when exchanged Late arrivals not required to play What to cover: Introductions �Players properly equipped?� Ground rules, if any Encourage to keep game moving Remind managers to go thru UIC for subs Wish both managers good luck

69. Rule 4.01: Plate Conference Umpires should NOT Conduct a rules clinic Describe your strike zone Issue pre-game warnings Bring up something from previous game(s) Waste time telling stories Allow defense to warm-up during the conference

70. Rule 4.04: Continuous Batting Order Leagues may opt to bat all the players present at the game Free defensive substitutions Don�t forget Mandatory Play Cannot use special pinch runners Injured player skipped with no penalty League decides what to do when Runner gets injured and cannot continue Batter gets injured and cannot continue

71. Rule 4.06: Game Conduct Most WIDELY interpreted rule in the rulebook Teams should not refer to one another in a derogatory way Offense cannot say/do anything to distract pitcher Defense cannot say/do anything to distract batter

72. Rule 4.07: Ejections A manager or coach who gets ejected MUST leave the game site for the remainder of the game, period. No hanging around the outfield fence, parking lot, concession stand, etc. Failure to comply is grounds for suspending play until he/she leaves Ejected player may still remain in the dugout under adult supervision

73. Rule 4.09: Timing Play Timing Play: A runner attempts to score during a play in which the third out is made Run won�t count if third out is: A real-time/appealed force out A real-time/appealed out of the batter-runner before touching 1B An upheld appeal of a preceding runner at any base If third out is not one of the above�

74. Rule 4.09: Timing Play The umpire must judge whether the runner touched the plate before the out is made If the runner touches the plate before the out, the run counts If the runner touches the plate after the out, the run does NOT count Plate umpire MUST inform the official scorekeeper if the run does/doesn't count

75. Rule 4.10: Regulation Game Majors/below: 6 innings (5-1/2+ if home team is winning) If called, at least 4 innings (3-1/2+) Juniors/above: 7 innings (6-1/2+ if home team is winning) If called, at least 5 innings (4-1/2+) Game called after 1 inning: resumed later Leagues can adopt 10-run �mercy� rule

76. Rules 4.11d&e: Who Wins? Rules cover what to do when umpire must call the game in progress If game ends during an inning, score reverts back ONLY if: Home team led, then visitors tied Home team led, then visitors took the lead If score was tied, game resumes later

77. Rules 4.11d&e: Who Wins?

78. Rules 4.11d&e: Who Wins?

79. Rules 4.16 � 4.17: Nine Players Rules require nine players minimum to start/continue games Per Rule 1.01, only instructional Minors divisions can play with less than nine Leagues must define what divisions are instructional Should be those where scores are not kept and standings don�t count

80. Rule 4.19: Protests Judgment calls aren�t protestable Protest of rule misinterpretation Before next pitch or play Umpires MUST discuss the call After decision, manager can formally lodge the protest UIC must submit a written report Protest of ineligible player: before umpires leave the field

81. Other 4.00 Rules 4.03: Make sure all fielders are in fair territory 4.05: Base coaches stay in dugout until pitcher ends his warm-ups 4.15: When to forfeit: One team doesn�t have enough players Continued rules violation Manager starts delay tactics

82. Rule 5.00Putting the Ball in Play � Live Ball

83. Rules 5.09 � 5.10: Calling Time When ball goes out of play When batter gets hit by pitch Runner interferes with fielder Runner gets obstructed while defense is playing on him Runner interferes with a batted ball Manager, coach, player requests it AND umpire grants it

84. Rules 5.09 � 5.10: Calling Time When someone gets seriously injured When lightning strikes When umpire wants to clean off the plate or secure a base Don�t call it when unnecessary Always put the ball back in Play afterwards

85. Rule 6.00The Batter

86. Rules 6.02 & 6.03: Batter and the Box Batter must get in the box promptly Both feet must be in the box Foot on the line: Okay Foot over the line: NOT Batter leaves the box during the pitch Ball or STRIKE as pitch dictates No balk/illegal pitch if pitcher stops Batter refuses to get in box: �Directed� strike (umpire tells pitcher to pitch)

87. Rules 6.02 & 6.03: Batter and the Box

88. Rule 6.05: Batter is Out Other than the obvious, the batter is out when: In Jrs/above, the third strike is not caught with less than two outs, but a runner is at first The batter swings at a third strike, but the ball hits his hand, wrist, arm, etc. He hits an infield fly He is touched by his own fair ball (unless a fielder had a chance to field it) The bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory

89. Rule 6.05: Batter is Out Other than the obvious, the batter is out when: He intentionally hits/kicks a foul ball that could go fair He violates the runner�s lane rule More on that later A fielder touches and intentionally drops his fly ball/line drive anytime there�s a runner on 1B and less than two outs Not out if ball falls untouched (unless an infield fly) A preceding runner intentionally interferes to break up a double play

90. Rule 6.05j: Lane Violation Three-foot lane halfway from home to first Batter must run completely in lane If the batter is out of the lane and prevents the fielder at first from fielding the throw, interference

91. Rule 6.05j: Lane Violation Throw hits batter: Out First baseman can�t catch throw: Out Catcher doesn�t throw: No penalty Catcher hesitates, then throws late: No penalty Catcher throws wild and then tries to blame batter: No penalty Ball thrown towards home hits batter: No penalty

92. Rule 6.06: Illegal Batter Action The batter is out when He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the box and on the ground He steps from one box to the other when pitcher is ready to pitch He interferes with a play

93. Rule 6.06c: Batter Interference Steps/stumbles out of the box and impedes catcher's throw to retire a runner Stays in the box and affects a play at the plate Intentionally impedes catcher's throw while in the box Throws his bat and hinders a fielder

94. Rule 6.06c: Not Batter Interference Stays in box and does nothing out of the ordinary Backs out and unintentionally kicks a loose ball Runner is put out despite the batter�s action No play being made (dead ball) Catcher�s throw to pitcher hits batter or bat (live ball)

95. Rule 6.07: Batting out of Order Improper Batter: Batter who is out of turn Proper Batter: Batter who should be up to bat If defense appeals before IB completes at bat: just fix it PB comes to the plate and simply assumes count

96. Rule 6.07: Batting out of Order If defense appeals after IB completes his at-bat PB is ruled out Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during at bat) Next batter up is the batter after the PB Defense must appeal before next pitch

97. Rule 6.07: Batting out of Order If defense fails to appeal IB�s at-bat counts IB now becomes the PB Next batter up is the batter after the new PB Offense cannot appeal their own error Umpires and scorekeepers: SHHHH!!!

98. Rule 6.08: Batter Gets First Batter gets hit by pitch unless He doesn�t try to avoid the pitch He swung at the pitch The pitch was in the strike zone Fielder interferes with batter Runner interference Umpire gets hit by batted ball before it passes a fielder other than pitcher

99. Rule 6.08c: Defensive Interference Occurs when catcher or fielder prevents a batter from hitting the pitch Penalty: Batter gets first, runners advance only if forced or stealing If batter: Misses pitch/hits uncaught foul: Call Time, enforce penalty Hits pitch: let play end, manager gets choice of play or penalty, If everyone advances one base safely, ignore infraction

100. Rule 6.09b: Batter Better Run! Jrs/above: The batter may run to first on an uncaught third strike when Nobody on first Runner on first only with two outs Can�t advance: �BATTER�S OUT! BATTER�S OUT!� Batter can�t advance after entering dugout Not interference if batter runs when he shouldn�t

101. Break!!

102. Rule 7.00The Runner

103. Rule 7.03: Two Runners on Base When two runners are on base, it�s not an automatic out Lead runner is entitled (unless forced) Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged If fielder tags both, point to runner who is out to prevent confusion

104. Rule 7.05: Base Awards Three bases: batted ball is touched by detached equipment Two bases: Thrown ball is touched by detached equipment Batted bouncing ball goes out of play or gets stuck in the fence Thrown ball goes out of play One base: Pitched ball goes out of play (two bases if pushed) Pitcher throws ball from rubber out of play

105. Rule 7.05g: Ball Thrown Out of Play Have to determine Who threw the ball? If an infielder, was it an �initial� play or �subsequent� play? Where were the runners? If �initial� play by infielder, two bases from Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their subsequent bases) Any other: two bases from Time of Throw Award is never from when ball goes out of play

106. Rule 7.06: Obstruction Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner 7.06a: Obstructed runner being played upon, or batter obstructed before reaching first Immediate dead ball Runners get base they would have achieved had there been no obstruction Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from last one legally touched before the obstruction

107. Rule 7.06: Obstruction Fielder without the ball cannot impede a runner 7.06b: Obstructed runner not being played upon Umpire signals and calls Obstruction Delayed dead ball End of play, umpire awards bases, IF ANY, that nullifies the obstruction Obstructed runner could overrun his protection

108. Rule 7.08: Runner is Out The not-so-obvious, runner is out when he: Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base path Doesn�t slide or attempt to get around a fielder waiting to make a tag Slides headfirst going to a base (Majors/below) Abandons first after touching it Passes a lead runner Runs bases in reverse order Misses home and doesn�t return (must be appealed)

109. Rule 7.09: Runner Interference A runner is out for interference when He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted ball (no intent required) He intentionally hinders a fielder�s throw A batter hinders a play on that runner at home with less than two outs A teammate hinders a play on that runner The base coach physically assists that runner

110. Rule 7.09: Runner Interference A runner is out for interference when The base coach acts like that runner to draw a throw He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a chance to field it He violates the runner�s lane (already talked about that) Except for coach�s assistance, ball is dead

111. Rule 7.09: Runner Interference A runner is NOT out for interference when He unintentionally hinders a throw He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder other than the pitcher He is hit by a deflected batted ball He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is Obstruction)

112. Rule 7.10: Appeal What constitutes a viable appeal? Runner misses a base Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball Runner fails to return to first immediately Runner fails to touch home and doesn�t return How does the defense appeal? Tag the guilty runner Tag the offended base Being �clear and unmistakable�

113. Rule 7.10: Appeal Who can appeal? Any defensive player Not the manager or coach When can the defense appeal? When the ball is Live Before a subsequent play, attempted play, or illegal pitch/balk Before all defensive players leave fair territory Successive appeals not allowed

114. Rule 7.13: Leaving Base Early Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher and catcher are �ready� Pitcher on the rubber with the ball Catcher with mask behind the plate Ball is live One guilty = all guilty Let play continue; all outs stand Penalty: all runners return unless forced

115. Rule 7.13: Leaving Base Early Umpire must judge the �value� of the hit Runners advance no further, no matter what happens during the play If batter reaches on an error, nobody gets more than one base Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the infield, no runs will score Read the book examples!

116. Rule 7.14: Special Pinch Runner SPRs are NOT courtesy runners Only a player not in the lineup can SPR That�s why SPRs aren�t allowed under CBO One SPR per inning max A player can be removed for a SPR only once a game

117. Other 7.00 Rules 7.01: Runner cannot return to previous base when pitcher is ready 7.02: Gotta touch all bases forwards and backwards 7.04: Runners get one base if fielder catches a fly ball then falls in DBT If fielder stays on his feet, ball is Live 7.15: Double-first base procedures Defense uses white, batter uses colored on initial play at first (except for uncaught third strike) Batter may use either base on clean hit All other: batter must use white

118. Rule 8.00The Pitcher

119. Rule 8.01: The Windup Preliminary position: Pivot foot: On the rubber (not off the end) Free foot: In front, behind, or to the side of the rubber Hands: Can be together or apart If apart, pitcher can bring them together without starting his motion to pitch Pitching motion: Free foot: Step to the back or side Pivot foot: Pivot to the side, staying in contact Hands: Brought together and lifted up Free foot: Step forward

120. Rule 8.01: The Windup To disengage, pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop No runners: Nothing Runners: Balk (Jrs/above); Illegal pitch (Majors/below)

121. Rule 8.01: The Set Preliminary position (Stretch): Pivot foot: On or against (in front of) the rubber Free foot: In front of and parallel to pivot foot Hands apart Intermediate position (going to Set): Free foot: brought closer to pivot foot (optl) Hands brought together MUST come to complete stop (except Majors/below) Pitching motion: Lift and step forward with free foot

122. Rule 8.01: The Set To disengage, pitcher must step back with his pivot foot first Hands must separate before reengaging Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping directly to that base with his free foot Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set (except in Majors/below)

123. Rule 8.05: Balk/Illegal Pitch Cannot balk/deliver illegal pitch with no runners A pitcher balks/delivers illegal pitch when he: Starts his pitching motion, then stops Fakes a throw to first from the rubber Throws to a base without stepping towards the base Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an appeal) Quick pitches Pitches without facing the batter

124. Rule 8.05: Balk/Illegal Pitch A pitcher balks/delivers illegal pitch when he: Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with the rubber Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball Delays the game Drops the ball while on the rubber Brings his hands together, separates them, then brings them together again

125. Rule 8.05: Balk/Illegal Pitch Illegal pitch penalty Dead ball, ball on batter (runners don�t advance) If the ball is pitched and batted, let play continue If batter and all runners advance one base safely, ignore the illegal pitch (same if pitch is ball four) If illegal pitch occurs on a throw to a base, ignore if all runners advance; otherwise, enforce penalty Manager does get a choice if the batted ball benefits the offense

126. Rule 8.05: Balk/Illegal Pitch Balk penalty Dead ball, runners advance one base If the ball is pitched and batted, let play continue If batter and all runners advance one base safely, ignore the balk (same if pitch is ball four) Otherwise, no pitch, and runners advance one base If balk occurs on a throw to a base, ignore if all runners advance; otherwise, enforce balk Manager gets no choice

127. Rule 8.06: Pitcher Conference Manager/coach may visit the same pitcher Twice in one inning Three times in the game The next visit, pitcher must be removed from the mound Any/all players may participate If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with the manager/coach, it�s a visit

128. Rule 8.06: Pitcher Conference If the adult talks to another defensive player, it�s a visit It is not a visit: If the offense asked for Time first During between inning warm-ups if no delay If the manager/coach is checking on an injury In Juniors/above, if the manager replaces the pitcher

129. Other 8.00 Rules 8.01: Pitcher can take signs from anybody 8.02a: Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the mound 8.02c: Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at batter 8.03: One minute to warm up between innings Not more than 8 pitches More if pitcher hasn�t warmed up Pitcher must pitch within 20 seconds (no base runners)

130. Rule 9.00The Umpire

131. Rule 9.00: The Umpire 9.01(a): All must be certified 9.01(c): Make it up if you can�t find it* 9.01(f): Clear the field when fans get unruly 9.02: How to handle appeals Don�t change judgment calls Manager must go to the umpire who made the call Don�t overrule your partner! Manager cannot appeal on a checked swing Strike

132. Rule 9.00: The Umpire 9.04(c): What to do when two umps make different calls simultaneously Get together and fix it UIC makes the final call 9.05: Processing ejections Carrying the rulebook Don�t let it be seen (back pocket) Don�t pull it out between innings Should only use during a protest Don�t let the manager show you up!

133. Questions?