- HUSTLE
- Proper TIMING is essential! Don’t make a call until the catch or play is completed.
- Be ready on every pitch and every play. Before a pitch, know the possible play that might occur after the pitch.
- Watch for illegal pitches. Move on all pitched, batted and thrown balls.
- Be alert for check-swings or hit batsman.
- Never step backwards on any call (this looks like: I’m not sure on the call and puts more distance between you and the play).
- Make your calls standing straight up, to make clear to everyone what your decision is.
- Call all your plays in fair territory except when the play dictates for you to be in foul territory.
- Watch the ball and glance at the runners.
- Don’t let players or coaches call plays for you.
- Check to make certain the bases is secured and keeps the pitcher’s rubber clean.
- Do not make a big call on obvious out, safe, fair or foul calls. Make your close calls with a lot of voice and enthusiasm.
- A «safe» signal or verbal call is not necessary when the thrown ball gets by the defensive player.
- Do not help or console an injured player; if someone is hurt, walk away and let the manager handle it.
- Line-up runners on all fly balls to the outfield, if possible, as outlined in tag up procedures.
- Slow up runners when the ball becomes dead because of fouls, etc.
- Keep the game moving.
- Never walk from one position to another. Hustle and the ball players will follow your example.
- On rundowns, the responsibility of the call is determined by the direction the runner is running towards.
Softball –> One umpire should be inside the infield the other outside the infield to cover the rundown properly.
Baseball –> Both umpires are on the same side of the infield.
- Avoid to touch balls thrown to you by the defensive team, as there may not be three outs.
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