[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

email:

"From the SUP for those of you who do not have access:


~~7/28/2014Notes from the National Coordinator - August 2014
“There is nothing permanent except change.”
Heraclitus


Greetings,
I would like to take this opportunity to update you on a mechanic change that will occur in the 2015-2016 season. After research, the scissor stance for plate umpires will no longer be approved by the SUP. This stance puts the umpires in greater jeopardy to sustain a possible injury when hit by a foul ball. It also has shown a greater inconsistency in strike zones across the country. One of this years focus points is strike zone accuracy. Umpires should to be in the slot, head height should be at the top of the strike zone and no lower than the top of the catcher’s helmet. Please review the criteria for a called ball or strike within the current rules book.

This fall there are two new experimental rules. The first concerns the ball. Teams will collect data on the new experimental ball during the fall season. Selected teams will compare the new ball with the traditional ball using the following guidelines:
1. Have a dozen experimental balls and a dozen traditional balls rubbed up prior to the game.
2. Using a permanent marker, mark the experimental balls with a mark large enough to distinguish it from the other dozen but not so large as it will be distracting to the players.
3. Place the dozen experimental balls in a ball bucket in the on-deck circle or at the entrance to the dugout on the first base side and a bucket with the traditional balls in the on-deck circle or at the entrance to the dugout on the third base side. Umpires do not need to manage ball rotation from their ball bags but instead allow the teams to put balls in play from their bucket in appropriate innings.
4. Establish a ground rule to “play on without regard to if it is the offensive or defensive team’s bucket” should the bucket come into play.
5. Experimental balls will be used in odd innings and traditional balls in even innings.
6. To ensure the validity of the data, participating coaches should comment on their experience through the on-line survey as soon as possible.
The second experimental rule concerns teams line-ups. Teams will be able to use “LINKS” instead of the DP/Flex or DH rules. This is only allowed in FALL softball.
The advantage of “Links” is its simplicity. There are 10 players in the line-up with two sharing the same spot in the batting order (LINKS). Either player may occupy that spot when on offense, any time, any number of times and nine of the 10 players must play defense. Teams may still select to play with nine as in the past with the same restrictions. There is no change in this line-up. (See power point under General Umpiring Information)

I have had the opportunity to work with many of you over the summer at various camps. I ask that you study the manual. The material in the manual will allow you to be in the best position to see the play and make an accurate judgment. See the play develop. Work for proper positioning which has two criteria: angle and distance. Adjust your position to see all of the elements in front of you: the ball, base, fielder and the runner. And finally develop good timing. Observe the play; gather all the information you need to make the correct call. Then make the call and apply the correct signal to convey your decision.
Continue working hard to improve. The fall season is just around the corner. Keep in mind that the two experimental rules are only to be used during the fall season if both coaches agree.
Remember our mantra:

Every pitch, every play every time!
Donna Vavrinec
National Coordinator
"

Thanks Cecil.

MTD, Sr.