Quick differences between Fed and OBR
 

Our umpire association typically works with leagues using mainly OBR rules. We have been asked to umpire a youth league tournament this weekend using Fed rules. Problem is none of the umps are familiar with Fed rules.

I'm sure there are a number of differences, but can you provide a simple list of the significant rules differences.

Thanks for your help.

1. All balks are immediate dead balls - period!

2. All obstruction is Type-B (delayed dead ball)

3. From the wind-up, F1 may only deliver the pitch or step off - no pick-off from the wind-up.

4. Intentional base on balls can be requested at any time in the at bat with no further pitches.

5. Starters can re-enter once

6. The DH can bat for anyone. Both are locked into the slot on the batting order.

7. Malicious Contact (if used) will supersede any other offense.

Those are the major differences that I can think of here at work.

#4 Intentional base on balls is a dead ball award.
#8 The dead ball appeal.

Thanks
 

Thank you both.

Short and sweet. This is precisely what I was looking for.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatF Our umpire association typically works with leagues using mainly OBR rules. We have been asked to umpire a youth league tournament this weekend using Fed rules. Problem is none of the umps are familiar with Fed rules. I'm sure there are a number of differences, but can you provide a simple list of the significant rules differences. Thanks for your help.

IMO, they forgot the BIG One

FPSR - Force Play Slide Rule

In all rule codes a runner is not required to slide, however, in FED if a runner slides he must do so legally. FED defines what slides are legal vs. Illegal. In a nutshell in FED the runner must slide directly to the bag. In OBR as long as the runner can reach the bag with his hand he/she is ok NOT so in FED.

If it's a Force Play situation and the runner slides illegally into say second base we have an AUTOMATIC 2 outs regardless if B1 beat the throw by a mile to first.

IMO, if you have no experience umpiring using FED rules and you are going to umpire a game played by FED rules you are asking for trouble. The rules are drastically different in certain situations.

There are many more other than the ones that were given to you.

Pete Booth

I appreciate your thoughts and input.

Much of the ball we call uses a "must slide or seek to avoid contact" rule. In principle, it is very similar to the force play slide rule you described.

I had a slight heistancy in agreeing to call this FED-rules tournament, but I am comforted in the knowledge that even in total ignorance of all FED rules, my umpires will still know the overall rules of baseball better than any youth league coach they will come in contact with. If the coaches don't know OBR, I am quite confident they won't know the FED rules either.

We have a very good group of umpires. I don't anticipate any "powder keg" situations or I would never have agreed to cover this tourney.

If it turns ugly, I will let you know.

Subs can also re-enter once-in the same spot in the order, of course.


It does not have to be a player, the coach can ask for it from the bench.

Are we at 9?

Three charged defensive visits for the GAME. Three different pitchers or all to the same pitcher. Three in one inning or spread out over the game.

10) One offensive conference per inning--Watch out for jerk coaches trying to stall in a time limit situation with extra conferences.

11) One foot in the box. Unless the batter has a valid reason-Swing, avoiding a pitch, passed ball, play on a runner-MAKE him keep a foot in the box. Start this from the first batter and you wil not have to deal with the staller in the 6th inning.

Joe

You guys forgot another big one- catch and carry!

A player may make a catch with 1 foot in DBT and 1 in LBT. Once he enters DBT with both feet (even after making a catch), it's a dead ball and a 1 base award.

Subs cannot re-enter. Once the go in the game, then come out, they are DONE.

"Subs can also re-enter once-in the same spot in the order, of course."

This made my head hurt.

"Subs" can only enter they cannot "re-enter" under FED rules.

Regards,

OK, I am an idiot. In HS Softball, subs can re-enter...I typed without thinking.

Joe

Why would the people in charge of a youth tournament hire an umpire association who's members don't work, or understand FED rules? And why would the association accept the assignment? Very unprofessional, in my opinion. Is there no FED umpires' association in the area? I highly doubt it.

Bob

If a runner misses a base, the defensive coach can call time out and make a dead ball verbal appeal, no need to throw the ball anywhere.

Mission accomplished
 

Tournament completed and no problems with the "non-Fed" umpires.

As I expected, the coaches were mostly from USSSA and OBR backgrounds and they had no clue about most of the Fed rules particulars.

Why did the tournament directors choose to use these umpires??
Very simple answer... this association has a reputation for having some very good umpires.

Thanks again for your help.