Umpire Guidelines

Umpire Information will be listed on this page.  Also - please refer to the Rules page for additional info.

Before the Game

1.  Arrive as early as possible for the game.

2.  Decide how calls will be made on base.  A) Clarify that the umpire will have final say over any rulings, discussion or controversy  B) If needed - 1st and 3rd base coach will help umpire call those bases.

3.  Ensure that the visiting team is keeping the official scorebook.

4.  Game time is 6:30 PM.  Play MUST begin as soon as each team has 8 Players, the minimum required.  Other players can be added in as the game progresses.  NOTE - the longer the start of the game is delayed - there is less time to play the game due to impending darkness.

5.  There must be a minimum of 8 Players for either/both teams by 7 PM or the game is a forfeit, recorded as a 10-0 score. The visiting team may begin play with less than 8 if someone is on the way BUT must have 8 in the fielding positions by the time they take the field in the bottom of the inning.

6.  The pitching mound is to be 46' away from home plate and the bases are to be set at 60' apart.

7.  The home team is responsible for setting up the bases and cones.

8.  There are to be no Metal Cleats.

9.  Discuss field conditions with both managers for boundaries, field conditions and anything else that is pertinent to the individual field characteristics.

During the Game

1.  Strike Zone - Knees to Armpits

2.  Pitching Checklist  Pitching rules – use ASA rule (Rule 6 - Modified pitch).  Both feet must start on the rubber, one step forward simultaneous with release of ball.  Ball must be below hip at release (no sidearm).

3.  Three (3) fouls after two (2) strikes in the count = Batter Out

4.  Check the score every 1/2 inning

5.  Overthrows – two bases are awarded from the time the ball left the hand.  ASA Point Of Emphasis #38 (page 152 of 2006 rule book)

6.  Pinch runner must be player who made the last out - runner allowed only in case of injury - please note - NEW FOR '07 - teams are to exchange a list of players who WILL need a pinch runner - Players on this list will have a pinch runner EVERY time they reach a base - last batted out will still have to be pinch runner.

7.  Sportsmanship/Christian behavior – Unsportsmanlike/Unchristian behavior will not be tolerated.  If behavior continues, umpire has the authority and RESPONSIBILITY to disqualify player and/or coach from the game (ASA Code Part 5 Article 505 A). 

8.  Contact rule – use ASA rule.  Runner must avoid contact.  Sliding is suggested, but not required.  Fielders may not be in the base path until they have possession of the ball.  Catchers may wear protective gear but are not allowed to use their equipment to block the path to the plate.  We want to discourage all contact on base paths.  If the act is determined to be flagrant, the offender will be ejected from the game.  See ASA Point Of Emphasis #14 (page 140 of 2006 rule book).

NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

9.   Only the manager may discuss a problem with the umpire.

10. The Umpire should take the initiative to halt the game due to darkness or rain to prevent a catastrophic player injury.

11.  There is no Mercy rule, however, if a team chooses to stop the game - that will be the final score.

[ Discussions | TOC | Search | Post ]