Quote:
Originally posted by dweezil24
Hi guys,
This is my first season umping in a SP league that follows ASA rules. A few problems over the weekend in a game, and I think they could have all been avoided if I had called the plays with more confidence and authority. But I wanted to get your opinions.
Scenario #1:
As the PU, a borderline 3-1 pitch at the knees. I twitched my arm about to call it a strike. The batter moved towards 1st. I dropped my arm and called it ball 4. The pitcher got mad.
Thinking back, I ought to have stuck with my initial instinct and called the batter back to the box. I also should probably wait a little longer before I call the pitch, was I reacting too quickly?
Scenario #2:
As the PU, there is a tag play at 3rd which is my call. I have a clear view of the play from about 1/3 of the way between the plate and the pitcher's rubber. I saw the tag up on the shoulder of the runner just after he sneaked a foot in to the bag and called the runner safe. The other team's manager (who happened to be the pitcher from the 1st scenario) went to my partner, not to me, and asked for a second opinion. My partner came to me a said that he saw the runner as out (from the edge of the rightfield grass). Rather than stick with my initial call, I caved and called the runner out. Dumb dumb dumb. I should have had confidence in my angle on the play and stuck with the safe call. I also should have pulled the manager aside and reminded him to come to me first if he questions one of my calls.
In my defense, it was my 3rd game of the day and I had been sick the whole day before. No excuse, I know! Just wanted to confess my sins and get your guys' opinions on the situations. Any suggestions on how I can improve?
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dweezil24:
Scenario #1 - You might have pulled the trigger too qucikly but it happens when you are new, don't beat yourself up over it. There's not an umpire on this board who hasn't done the same thing. Work on your timing. Timing is very important. Try waiting a couple of seconds before you call the pitch. Count one thousand one, one thousand two, STRIKE (or ball).
Scenario #2 - Remember your partner's name and NEVER work another game with him.
I'm new to softball but have many years of baseball umpiring behind me. This is guidance provided for baseball umpires:
In the situations listed below, a partner who is 100% certain he has additional information unknown to the umpire making the call should approach unsolicited and alert the other umpire to such information. However, the ultimate decision to change a call rests with the calling umpire.
1) Deciding if a home run is fair or foul.
2) Deciding whether a batted ball left the playing field for a home run or ground rule double.
3) Cases where a foul tip is dropped or trapped by the catcher.
4) Cases where a foul fly ball is caught or not caught.
5) Cases when an umpire clearly errs in judgment because they did not see the ball dropped or juggled after making a tag or force.
6) Spectator interference plays.
7) Balks called by an umpire who clearly did not realize the pitcher�s foot was off the rubber.
Umpires should not seek help on plays which they are 100% confident in their judgment and view of the play.
Judgment calls, which have traditionally not been subject to reversal include:
1) steal and other tag plays (except if the ball is dropped without the umpire�s knowledge as discussed above);
2) force plays (when the ball is not dropped and foot is not pulled); 3) balls and strikes (other than check swings).
This practice shall continue. Also, some calls cannot be reversed without creating larger problems. An example is a 'catch/no catch' with multiple runners.