WIAA Approved Softball Umpiring Clinic
Date: March 4th, 9:00-1:00
Location: Valley Sports Academy, 1855 125th St, Lake Hallie, WI
Conducted by WIAA Master Level Umpires with over 80 years of varsity, NCAA, and USA experience.
There will be classroom rule discussion and mechanics demonstration, then time practicing “game-like” situations and application of rules and practice of mechanics, along with “live” work in batting cages and on-the-field with softball teams playing a tournament throughout the day.
Fee: $40 per participant. Snacks and bottled water will be provided.
For registration use this link Registration Form. Complete this form and send payment before March 1st.
Payment options:
- Use Venmo(@beennic) or Paypal
- Send a check made payable to Nic Been, 1539 110th Ave, Hammond, WI 54015
Contact Nic Been with questions, [email protected] or 715-418-0821
Softball Umpires Clinic Outline:
8:45 – Check-in
9:00 – Classroom discussion and demonstrations
10:30 – Live Field & Plate work (indoors) in collaboration with a softball tournament, and batting cages
**Bring your field and plate equipment, uniform
12:40 – Classroom Q/A, Discussion
1:10 – Clinic Concluded
Topics Overview (see p2 for more details)
General Information: uniform, equipment, rules, situations, contracts/communication, 2023 meeting folder
Mechanics/Positioning: plate, base, strike zone, rundowns, illegal pitches, etc. (2 & 3-person)
Umpire Etiquette: professionalism, teamwork, responsibilities, pre/post game, communication
Other
DISCLAIMER
Any official who attends a clinic and completes the requirements successfully will be given credit for 1 varsity contest if he/she is a L4, L5, or Master official, or will be allowed to advance one level in classification if he/she is a L0, L1, L2, or L3 official. Officials must meet all the requirements of the advanced classification level, including being licensed on time. These privileges apply only to their classification in this sport. Advancement or game credit will be given when the official renews their license for the 2023-24 school year. Reminder: Camp attendance DOES NOT exempt them from the sport meeting requirement (to be available soon on the WIAA website) or the exam requirement (currently available on the WIAA website).
General Information
Uniform (Powder Blue Shirt, Heather Grey Pants, Navy Blue Hat, Black Belt, Ball Bag, Black Shoes)
Additional Equipment (Mask, Indicator, Chest Protector, Shin Guards, Protective Cup, Plate Brush)
Rules Knowledge Review: The NFHS Rules Book, Case Book, Umpire Manual
Mechanics
Out/Strike (3 levels)
Non-Verbal – Everyone knows the call, you just confirm
Verbal/Signal – Your judgment (used 75% of the time)
Sell – Loudly verbally call/sell (in the field, briefly pause, quick “mind replay”, then SELL)
Safe (3 levels) – same as Out/Strike.
Plate Mechanics
What is the Strike Zone (Strike zone for different levels of play, although, technically the same realistically different.) Be methodical (Same repetitive movements)
Slot position (Get in the slot – best view) Stance The key is to have a “locked” position. Head Height. Align on the plate. Athletic Stance (Back Straight, Hand Position, etc.) Ball Tracking (Follow with eyes, not your head – then make the call wait til it hits the glove, then call) Consistency.
Strike (When to use verbal “strike” when to just signal, how to sell the strike and how often to sell)
The Count – Give every other pitch. The higher the level, the less you need to give the count. Stop Signal. Play Ball Signal. Dead Ball/Foul Ball. Close plays and plate positioning.
Infield Fly Signal (On/Off) Illegal/Legal pitches.
Base Mechanics
A, B, C
Move to improve (Angle over Distance. Go for the angle over getting closer to the play) Stop moving while making the call. A – Inside/Out (Fly ball coverage) B/C – Allow players to get their spot 1st, then get yours (Talk with players) Safe on pulled foot (Signal Safe, then signal “Side Swipe”)
How to cover rundown situations.
Umpire Etiquette
Professionalism, Communication, Punctuality – 30 Minutes is preferred and standard protocol.
Never disagree publicly with your partner (you are the only 2 people on YOUR team! Stick Together) Pre-Game Discussion with Partners.
Responsibilities (3rd base, fair/foul, fly balls)
Communication/Signals: Special plays you’ve seen. Pick something you want to get better @ each game. Verbally communicate/point during plays. How to get count from partner (Base Ump) How to get help on a check swing (Base ump, do not offer help until asked) If umpires need help or disagree, call a conference – give all available information, let the umpire who made the call change the call. Otherwise the call stands, and the umpires stand together with the call!
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
