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As a first year ASA slowpitch umpire, I'm struggling with my strike zone. At some point during the year, I've been confident. But then I get a vocal pitcher who complains and I lose my confidence. I know what the rule book says. It has to have a 6 - 12 foot arc and cross any portion of the plate from the batters front knee to back shoulder. I know every umpires strike zone is a little different. One thing I struggle with is the deep strike. So all you veterans out there lend a rookie a hand. How do you judge the illegal pitch over 12 feet? Its sometimes hard for me to judge if its over the shoulder or at the shoulder. What do you suggest? Also do you require the ball to cross a certain portion of the plate? For example, if the ball just nicks the front corners and lands beside the front of the plate, what do you have? See illustration below....
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Some umpires I've talked to require the ball come a little farther back than that. Do you use where the ball lands as an indicator? I've had one umpire say if it lands within 6 inches from the back of the plate, we've got a strike.
Any advice?
Thankss
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