Get Isf Umpire Manual Version V2january 1 2014 - Bsoftballb - Softball Org

Softball umpires in charge of the home plate have the most responsibility among all the umpires working during the game. They are responsible for making a call during every pitch of a ball, strike, or foul inside the strike zone, which may vary from one batter to another.

When the ball is in the infield, the Base Umpire moves or stays in the outfield. When the ball is in the outfield, the Base Umpire moves to a position in the infield. The base umpire's starting position is off the second base person, shading towards the lead runner or 1st base if no runners on.

24)Umpires make the decisions about play in a softball game. The number of umpires in a game can range from a minimum of one to a maximum of seven. There is never more than one "plate umpire"; there can be up to three "base umpires", and up to a further three umpires positioned in the outfield.

Base Umpire Position for Calls Prior to the pitch the base umpire should stand relaxed. With no runners on, the starting position is 5-6 meters (18 feet) behind 1st base in foul territory, 150 mm (6 inches) off the line. With runners on the starting position is 4 meters (15 feet) behind the base line.

As in any other form of softball or baseball, the rulebook strike zone applies: in this case the ball must cross some part of the plate between the batter's front shoulder and back knee.

Signal: The umpire will show the number of balls using the fingers on his or her left hand and the number of strikes with the right. The numbers will also have to be called out loud too, starting with the number of balls, then the number of strikes.

Indicate strike with fingers on right hand and balls with fingers on left hand. Verbally give count. Use consecutive fingers when giving count. Fingers from both hands are touched together chest high in front of body and then a strike signal with no Verbally call.

Trapped ball or safe Signal: Arms spread out at the sides, forming a horizontal line, palms down. The umpire's decision, whether “trapped ball” or “safe”, will also be announced.

The base umpire's starting position is off the second base person, shading towards the lead runner or 1st base if no runners on. It is the responsibility of both umpires to ensure all bases are covered in Tag-Up (re-touching the base after a fly ball is first touched on a catch) situations.