MCLL
All-Star Umpire Training
3 AND 4 MAN ROTATIONS
MORE UMPIRES: BETTER AND WORSE

More sets of eyes on the field lets us have
better coverage.
 See
all runners touch bases
 Better angle, closer for catches, home runs, etc.

But more bodies on the field can have issues
 Even
number of umpires making a call
 Traffic jam in the infield

Pregame chat is even more important!
“GOING OUT”


With more umpires, we can cover the outfield better
Go out on balls hit over the head of the infielders








When in doubt, go out
Go out in your prescribed part of the outfield
If you go out, you have fair/foul, catch/no-catch, home
run, ground-rule double, eaten-by-gopher, etc.
4-man covers the entire outfield with base umpires
3-man leaves some parts to the plate umpire
If you go out, stay out
Be crisp about whether you’re in or out
Don’t change your mind
F8
F9
F7
Right
Left
CF Split
F8
F7
Left Rail
The Cone
The Cone
F9
Right Rail
FAIR/FOUL
If there’s an umpire in A or D, PU only calls F/F for
balls that settle or touch before the bag
 BU calls F/F for fly balls that land past the bag,
going out if necessary
 BU calls F/F for bounding balls that land before
the bag then pass the bag.



This isn’t “going out.” Call it and then rotate as
appropriate.
For infield foul flies, the umpire in A or D should go
to the fence to help the PU.
SIGNS AND SIGNALS
4-man: consider having U2 signal U1 & U3, so PU
only has to signal U2.
 Infield fly


Infield in
Number of outs
 What’s-the-count, here’s-the-count
 1st-to-3rd, staying home
 We need to talk
 Rotate!
 Nice job!

3-MAN
U3 is in D unless there’s a solo R1, when he’s in B.
 U1 is in B except: no runners, solo R1, solo R3
 Split at F8 when on rails (no runners or solo R3)
 Umpire in B has the cone; partner has one rail, PU
has the other.
 If the ball is in the outfield and no one goes out,
only one goes in

Umpire in B
 U3 if on rails (cover 2B)
 The other one drifts into foul territory

3-MAN: BEFORE PITCH
U
U
R
U
U
U
U
U
R
U
Rails: CF Split
R
R
U
U
U3 has the cone
U1 has the cone
U
U
U
R
U
R
U
R
Rails: CF Split
U
U
R
U
R
U
U
R
R
R
U
U
U
U
U1 has the cone
U1 has the cone
U1 has the cone
U1 has the cone
3-MAN: STEAL OR BALL HIT TO INFIELD

A&D (no runners or solo R3)




A&B (solo R1)





PU: move to 3rd once R3 scores.
U3: move to C to cover 2nd.
U1: cover home after BR commits to 2nd.
This is the fun rotation!
PU: move to 3rd. Very important!
U3: Stay in B.
U1: cover home after BR commits to 2nd.
B&D (the rest of the time)



PU: stay home.
U3: Stay in D.
U1: Stay near B, flex between 1st and 2nd.
3-MAN: GROUND OR LINE HIT TO OUTFIELD

A&D (no runners or solo R3) or A&B (solo R1)
 PU:
move to 3rd once R3 scores.
 U3: move to working area to cover 2nd.
 U1: cover home after BR commits to 2nd.

B&D (the rest of the time)
 PU:
stay home.
 U3: stay in D.
 U1: move to working area, flex between 1st and 2nd.
3-MAN: FLY BALL HIT TO OUTFIELD

A&D (no runners or solo R3)




A&B (solo R1)




U1: go out on balls to right of CF, else in & pivot to working area
U3: go out on balls to left of CF, else in to working area
PU: cover plays at 1st if U1 goes out, else stay home
U1: go out on balls to RF, else in & pivot to working area
U3: go out on balls in the cone, else in to working area
PU: cover balls to LF. Move to 3rd regardless.
B&D (the rest of the time)



U1: go out on balls to cone, else in to working area.
U3: go out on balls to LF, else in to working area.
PU: cover balls to RF. Otherwise, use some judgement.


If R1 & R3, do 1st->3rd just like 2-man
If U1 goes out, cover back-door play at 1st.
3-MAN DEMONSTRATIONS
No runners or R3 only
 R1 only
 Other combos

Hit to infield
 Ground/line to outfield
 Fly to outfield

4-MAN

U2 can choose B or C







Often choose C if there’s a runner on 2nd (pickoffs)
Often choose B if there’s a runner on 1st and not 2nd (steals)
U2 goes out for balls in the cone
U1 & U3 go out for balls down the lines
If no one goes out and the ball is in the outfield, U2 goes
in; U1 & U3 drift foul
If someone goes out, the others generally rotate
clockwise one base, unless a runner is coming to their
base
U1 rotates home when the batter commits to 2nd base
4-MAN: STEAL OR HIT TO INFIELD
Each umpire stays chest-to-ball but gets an
angle on the approach edge of his base.
 If the ball gets overthrown to the outfield, U2
goes in; the others stay out (drift foul).

4-MAN: GROUND OR LINE HIT TO OUTFIELD
U2: in to working area.
 U1/U3: drift to coaches’ boxes.
 PU: stay point-of-plate until a play develops.

 Note
position of runners when ball thrown by
outfielder for possible out-of-play base awards

Watch for force plays thrown from outfielders!
4-MAN: FLY BALL TO OUTFIELD
U1: go out on balls to RF, otherwise foul & to
coach’s box, then to home if no R2.
 U2: go out on balls in the cone, otherwise in to
working area. If U1 goes out, cover 1st & 2nd.
 U3: go out on balls to LF. If U2 goes out, go in to
working area
 PU: If R2, stay home. Otherwise, go to 3rd if U2
or U3 goes out.

 Watch
R3 touch home on your way up the line
District 9
All-Star Umpire Training
GAME PREPARATIONS
EQUIPMENT CHECKS
U1 & U2 check the 1B dugout.
 PU & U3 check the 3B dugout.
 Manager must supply the composite bat list.
 Composite bats not on the list don’t play.

 Juniors:
Composite bats must be BBCOR
 Seniors: Non-wood bats must be BBCOR
Helmets: No decals, tape or writing
 Give removed equipment to the TD.

CREW MEETING
Consultant will assign crews and name a PU.
 Crew meets (privately) while the PU gears up
 Decide positions. Try to work one you haven’t
done recently.
 Clarify rotations. Ask consultant if you need to.
 Make sure you know each others’ names!
 Look at the lineup on the way to the field.
 Be on the field 15 minutes before game time.

PLATE MEETING
PU runs this. BUs are mostly silent.
 Introduce managers and umpires
 Any changes to the lineups?

 Tell

the scorekeeper that the lineups are official
All players are legal and properly equipped?
 Get
a positive response from each manager
Any questions?
 Be done in 60 seconds. Seriously.

TIME BETWEEN INNINGS




Make it short!
U1/U3 check on the catcher
PU asks new defensive manager for subs
U2 counts pitches (U3 in 3-man).



Best not to meet unless needed




Count up, not down.
Also for pitcher changes.
NEVER meet after a controversial call
Water if you have time.
NEVER chat with fans.
Don’t point at crew. If they’re in position and not holding up a
stop sign, they’re ready.
PROTEST PROCEDURES









Listen carefully to the manager. If he doesn’t use the word “protest” you just
have a difference of opinion.
Stop the game. Note the count and the runners for later.
Bring your consultant(s) on to the field. Meet with both managers and all
umpires.
The umpire explains the situation, the judgments (what happened) and the
rulings applied.
The umpire presents the manager’s position and asks for his confirmation.
The umpire notes which rules were applied and how.
The consultant confirms or modifies how the rules are applied given the
judgments made by the umpires. This might involve clarification by the
umpires.
If either manager believes the verdict is in conflict with the rules, we’ll
repeat with the TD, a call to San Bernardino, and a call to Williamsport, in
that order.
No protest can happen after the next pitch or play.
District 9
All-Star Umpire Training
RULE CLARIFICATIONS
ILLEGAL BATS
Umpires check as a courtesy.
 If a batter steps in the box with an illegal bat,
the team loses an adult base coach for the
remainder of the game.
 Also, if discovered before the next batter takes
a pitch, the offender is out and the play
nullified (similar to BOO).

“CATCH AND CARRY”
This is a HS rule prohibiting throws DBT.
 DOES NOT APPLY in Little League.
 A fielder who gets possession of the ball in LBT
and is carried into DBT by momentum MAY throw
from there.
 If the ball is dropped during the throw, it’s out of
play: 2 bases from the time of the drop (throw).
 If the fielder falls down in DBT, runners get 1 base
and the ball is dead.

TIMING PLAYS

When the third out is made on the BR before touching
1st, no run can score





When the third out is made on a runner forced to a
base, no run can score




Catch
Tag the base
Tag the BR
Appeal (successfully) that the BR missed 1st.
Tag the base
Tag the runner
Appeal (successfully) that the runner missed that base
Otherwise, it’s a timing play.
SUBSTITUTIONS






Minimum play: 3 consecutive defensive outs and 1 at-bat.
Once a sub enters, he may not leave until he meets
minimum play.
Once a starter re-enters, he may not leave until he meets
minimum play.
When a starter or a sub re-enters, he must stay in the same
spot in the batting order.
When a pitcher has met minimum play and is removed on
offense, he may come back to the mound once per game.
Defensive substitutions must be made on defense. Offensive
substitutions must be made for the next batter or a runner
on base.
SPECIAL PINCH RUNNERS
May be used once per inning
 The pinch runner must not be in the lineup.
 The existing runner must not have had a SPR
earlier in the game.

District 9
All-Star Umpire Training
LINEUP MANAGEMENT
WHY ALL THIS BOOKKEEPING?
In case of protest, break glass.
 Surprise is the enemy of the umpire.
 “Bookkeeping” is one of only two English words
with a triple double-letter.

EVER WONDER WHY YOU HAD THIS?


It’s not just for counting
runs in Minors play
Turns out you need to
know what inning it is
when you don’t use the
CBO.
PRE-GAME






Check for dupes
Ineligible Pitchers
Set up starting pitcher
Confirm lineup at plate
meeting
Note H/V
Learn manager’s name
Washington District 9 Little League
"For The Kids"
Team Name
OutsAreGood
Date
7/4/2009
#
7
4
10
14
8
11
5
9
15
POS
8
9
6
7
2
1
4
5
3
3
1
12
Manager
President
Batting Order
Player's Nickname
Merkle
Turtle
Sumo
Rookie
Backstop
Dugout
The Count
'Gar
Rat Cage
FeelGood
Underhand
Bucket
Alice
Mad Hatter
Changes
#
11
Coach
Coach
Pitchers
Inn.
Trips
1.0
Tweedledee
Tweedledum
1ST INNING


Top: Pitcher visit
Bottom: #3 runs for #4
Washington District 9 Little League
"For The Kids"
Team Name
OutsAreGood
Date
7/4/2009
#
7
4
10
14
8
11
5
9
15
POS
8
9
6
7
2
1
4
5
3
3
1
12
Manager
President
Batting Order
Player's Nickname
Merkle
Turtle
SPR 1(3)
Sumo
Rookie
Backstop
Dugout
The Count
'Gar
Rat Cage
FeelGood
Underhand
Bucket
Alice
Mad Hatter
Changes
#
11
Coach
Coach
Pitchers
Inn.
Trips
1.0
1
Tweedledee
Tweedledum
TOP OF 2ND




#15 takes mound and
throws warmup
pitches; 11 arrives and
shoos him off.
Checks on injured F2
Calls time, shows #9
where to play a bunt
Subs #1 for #5
 #5 has not batted
Washington District 9 Little League
"For The Kids"
Team Name
OutsAreGood
Date
7/4/2009
#
7
4
10
14
8
11
5
9
15
POS
8
9
6
7
2
1
AB 4
5
3
3
---1
12
Manager
President
Batting Order
Player's Nickname
Changes
Merkle
Turtle
SPR 1(3)
Sumo
Rookie
Backstop
Dugout
1(2.2)
The Count
'Gar
Rat Cage
FeelGood
Underhand
Bucket
Alice
Mad Hatter
#
11
Coach
Coach
Pitchers
Inn.
Trips
1.0
1 2
Tweedledee
Tweedledum
BOTTOM OF 2ND




Brings #5 back to bat
After #9 walks, has #5
run for him
When #7 is HBP, has
#3 come in to run
Substitutes #3 for #7
Washington District 9 Little League
"For The Kids"
Team Name
OutsAreGood
Date
7/4/2009
#
7
4
10
14
8
11
5
9
15
POS
8
9
6
7
2
1
AB 4
5
3
--3
---1
12
Manager
President
Batting Order
Player's Nickname
Changes
Merkle
3(2)
Turtle
SPR 1(3)
Sumo
Rookie
Backstop
Dugout
1(2.2)
The Count
SPR 2(5)
'Gar
Rat Cage
FeelGood
Underhand
Bucket
Alice
Mad Hatter
#
11
Coach
Coach
Pitchers
Inn.
Trips
1.0
1 2
Tweedledee
Tweedledum
TOP OF 3RD





Goes to mound after
warmup pitches
Brings back #5 after 1
out
Brings back #5 after 2
outs
Visits F1 after HR
Has #14 pitch, #11 to
CF
Washington District 9 Little League
"For The Kids"
Team Name
OutsAreGood
Date
7/4/2009
#
7
4
10
14
8
11
5
9
15
POS
8
9
6
7
2
1
AB 4
5
3
--3
---1
12
Manager
President
Batting Order
Player's Nickname
Changes
Merkle
3(2)
Turtle
SPR 1(3)
Sumo
Rookie
Backstop
Dugout
1(2.2) 5
The Count
SPR 2(5)
'Gar
Rat Cage
FeelGood
Underhand
Bucket
Alice
Mad Hatter
#
Pitchers
Inn.
Trips
11
1.0
14
3.2
Coach
Coach
1 2 3 3
Tweedledee
Tweedledum
BOTTOM OF 3RD







Subs #12 for #14
Has #3 run for #11
Subs #7 for #3 so #3
can run
Has #1 bat for #5
#5 singles; subs #1 for
#5 at 1st
#1 is ejected for
throwing his helmet after
called out at 2nd
Has #14 run for #9
Washington District 9 Little League
"For The Kids"
Team Name
OutsAreGood
Date
7/4/2009
#
7
4
10
14
8
11
5
9
15
POS
8
9
6
7
2
1
AB 4
5
3
--3
---1
--12
Manager
President
Batting Order
Player's Nickname
Changes
Merkle
3(2)
Turtle
SPR 1(3)
Sumo
12(3)
Rookie
Backstop
Dugout
1(2.2) 5 1 5
The Count
SPR 2(5)
'Gar
Rat Cage
FeelGood
-------------- EJ
Underhand
Bucket
Alice
Mad Hatter
#
Pitchers
Inn.
Trips
11
1.0
14
3.2
Coach
Coach
1 2 3 3
Tweedledee
Tweedledum
TOP OF 4TH




#14 takes mound
#11 to LF, #4 to CF, #7
to RF
Collision at 1st, #15
injured.
Visiting mgr chooses
#3 to reenter for #15
Washington District 9 Little League
"For The Kids"
Team Name
OutsAreGood
Date
7/4/2009
#
7
4
10
14
8
11
5
9
15
POS
8
9
6
7
2
1
AB 4
5
3
--3
---1
--12
Manager
President
Batting Order
Player's Nickname
Changes
Merkle
3(2) 7
Turtle
SPR 1(3)
Sumo
12(3) 14
Rookie
Backstop
Dugout
1(2.2) 5 1 5
The Count
SPR 2(5)
'Gar
-------------3
Rat Cage INJ
FeelGood
-------------- EJ
Underhand
Bucket
Alice
Mad Hatter
#
Pitchers
Inn.
Trips
11
1.0
14
3.2
Coach
Coach
1 2 3 3
Tweedledee
Tweedledum
BOTTOM OF 4TH



R3, #14 due up, #12
bats instead and
singles
Defense appeals BOO
10-run lead; game over
Washington District 9 Little League
"For The Kids"
Team Name
OutsAreGood
Date
7/4/2009
#
7
4
10
14
8
11
5
9
15
POS
8
9
6
7
2
1
AB 4
5
3
--3
---1
--12
Manager
President
Batting Order
Player's Nickname
Changes
Merkle
3(2) 7
Turtle
SPR 1(3)
Sumo
12(3) 14 12
Rookie
Backstop
Dugout
1(2.2) 5 1 5
The Count
SPR 2(5)
'Gar
-------------3
Rat Cage INJ
FeelGood
-------------- EJ
Underhand
Bucket
Alice
Mad Hatter
#
Pitchers
Inn.
Trips
11
1.0
14
3.2
Coach
Coach
1 2 3 3
Tweedledee
Tweedledum
NOT COVERED




2 subs at once
J/S/BL differences
Softball differences
Can have more than 2
in a batting slot
Washington District 9 Little League
"For The Kids"
Team Name
OutsAreGood
Date
7/4/2009
#
7
4
10
14
8
11
5
9
15
POS
8
9
6
7
2
1
4
5
3
3
1
12
Manager
President
Batting Order
Player's Nickname
Merkle
Turtle
Sumo
Rookie
Backstop
Dugout
The Count
'Gar
Rat Cage
FeelGood
Underhand
Bucket
Alice
Mad Hatter
Changes
#
Pitchers
Inn.
Trips
Coach
Coach
Tweedledee
Tweedledum
TIPS



Go to defensive
manager between
innings and ask for
subs!
Get off the field after
the game is over!
Read the tournament
rules!
Washington District 9 Little League
"For The Kids"
Team Name
OutsAreGood
Date
7/4/2009
#
7
4
10
14
8
11
5
9
15
POS
8
9
6
7
2
1
4
5
3
3
1
12
Manager
President
Batting Order
Player's Nickname
Merkle
Turtle
Sumo
Rookie
Backstop
Dugout
The Count
'Gar
Rat Cage
FeelGood
Underhand
Bucket
Alice
Mad Hatter
Changes
#
Pitchers
Inn.
Trips
Coach
Coach
Tweedledee
Tweedledum
District 9
All-Star Umpire Training
CONFLICT
MANAGING THE MANAGER







Don’t let anyone but the manger discuss calls
Send him to the umpire that made the call
Turn him so he’s facing the crowd
Listen without interruption (“what did you have on that play?”) but don’t
allow demonstration
Explain clearly (without demonstrating) what you saw and what you called.
Don’t allow interruptions (“I listened to you; please show me the same
respect.”)
Allow him to restate his disagreement, then declare the conversation over
(“OK, but it’s time to play ball.”)
IF you want help:





Gather the whole crew (and no one else).
Be as fast as possible, but no faster.
Same umpire delivers the verdict.
Give a 1-on-1 answer to the manager who’s going to be disappointed
Announce the decision to everyone
EJECTIONS
When it’s physical (contact in anger, or
threatening)
 When it’s personal (you’re a bad umpire)
 When it’s profane
 When it’s prolonged (won’t stop when told to)
 When it’s persistent (continues to bring up calls
from earlier)

HOW TO THROW YOUR CREW UNDER THE BUS
Have an even number of umpires make a call.
 Blow a call. You live or die as a team.
 Express disagreement with your partner’s call—to
players, coaches, fans, or muttering at the grass
 Talk to spectators between innings.
 Put the ball in play too soon.
 Butt in to a conversation with the manager
 Other ways?

Q&A