Newbie Starting Baseball on Tues..tips???

Jeremy Hohn · #1 (**permalink**) Sun Apr 20, 2003, 09:20pm

Hey Guys,
I am a long-time basketball official, and decided to help pay for my referee camps for basketball by umpiring a bit of baseball. I am going to start out at the 13-14yr old league here in town. Any tips for a first timer? I have done a bit of little league in the past, but this is going to be quite a jump up here. I need to purchase a rulebook as well. Is there anywhere online for me to get some quick rule lookup? Thanks a bunch...

PeteBooth · #2 (**permalink**) Sun Apr 20, 2003, 10:10pm

Originally posted by Jeremy Hohn

Hey Guys,
I am a long-time basketball official, and decided to help pay for my referee camps for basketball by umpiring a bit of baseball. I am going to start out at the 13-14yr old league here in town. Any tips for a first timer? I have done a bit of little league in the past, but this is going to be quite a jump up here. I need to purchase a rulebook as well. Is there anywhere online for me to get some quick rule lookup? Thanks a bunch...

1. What Rules does this league play by? OBR, FED, or a combination? If this league plays by FED rules, you have to purchase the Rule / Case Books. You cannot get those rules on line. You can get the OBR rules on line but you cannot copy them because MLB owns the rights.

Bottom Line purchase the rule books. The expense isn't that great.

2. If you get a chance watch some of the other umpires work to get a feel for the strike zone that is generally accepted in this league and also what kind of coaches you will be dealing with. This is no different than watching a fellow basketball official to get a feel for the game.

3. As in basketball, dress appropriately. Shoes polished, pants tailored and a clean shirt. It's important to give a professional appearance.

4. Get to the game at least 30 minutes before the start so you can have a good pre-game with your partner, and also make certain each team does not "dilly dally" during their pre-game warm-ups. Example if the game starts at 6PM, each team should be finished with their pre-game by 10 minutes to 6. That leaves 5 minutes for the plate conference and then F1 gets 8 warm-up pitches, therefore, the game starts ON TIME. This is especially important on fields that have no lights.

5. If possible have someone whom you trust and respect watch you and give you a good honest evaluation after the game.

6. I don't know about basketball but in baseball in order for an official to be covered under the HS insurance Policy, you MUST work with another certified official. If you are NOT certified for baseball or you are certified and will be working with NON certified officials, I recommend getting your own insurance. Since you are a basketball official you might have add'l insurance coverage already.

Good Luck!

Pete Booth

JRutledge · #3 (**permalink**) Mon Apr 21, 2003, 01:10am

to get these books, but by "Behind the Mask" and "On the Bases" by Carl Childress.

Read both books cover to cover and this will give you a great amount of knowledge before you ever step onto a field. This will give you many tips or cover things that will help you out tremedously.

You can by the books from Referee Magazine or NASO. You might be able to buy them on this website, but I am not sure about that.

Some of the things in the book are a bit outdated, but for the most part the information is great and applies to all kinds of aspects of umpiring from, what hand to hold your mask to what to do in an argument. Great start up books.

Peace

cowbyfan1 · #4 (**permalink**) Mon Apr 21, 2003, 06:12am

Rule number 1: learn the rules. If calling OBR u can get them on line at MLB.com.
2: find an official willing to teach you, ask questions.
3: keep up with these boards. If someone comes up with a senerio, look it up in the book as to what the ruling would be.
4: look professional. Until you learn the rules and mechanics (which will take a few years at least) look and act professional. This will get you out of hot water a ot of times. Not always but if you at least act the part, most people will think you really know the part.
5: watch the game on TV and as much as possible watch the umpires.
6: and this is most important. HAVE FUN!! If you are not having fun it isn't worth it. Do it for the kids, the game and make the money last reason to be out there.

as far as rule 1-5 goes to summerize. learn, learn, learn.

ebouchard · #5 (**permalink**) Mon Apr 21, 2003, 10:36am

You can check out http://www.rules-study.com. We offer a software study guide ($25 each) that includes 1000 questions from the previous five years NFHS exams and also includes the CURRENT 2003 NFHS Rules Book and Case Book in the software. It is a great training tool for learning, studying, and knowing the NFHS Baseball rules.

Jeremy Hohn · #6 (**permalink**) Wed Apr 23, 2003, 09:12am

Well first game didn't really go all that bad. I guess this league is pretty laid back as my fellow umpire showed up in a big blue T-shirt, and shorts. I never saw a lineup card taken, and subs were brought in like a basketball game!

I did get caught a couple times on where to stand with runners on the bases and what I am supposed to be watching on certain plays. For instance, I had a tag up play where I had to go into the outfield to see if it was a catch/trap, and the other team said the runner left early, missed base, etc etc. Who is watching that in a 2 person crew? There wasn't a working scoreboard there either, so keeping track of outs, balls and strikes was a hassle as well. All in all it didn't go bad. I am going to try and secure a rule book today, as well as a ball/strike/out counter as I have to work behind the plate on Thurs! OUCH!

nine01c · #7 (**permalink**) Wed Apr 23, 2003, 12:36pm

Jeremy:

You sure are jumping right in there! No rule book yet?
Just a few thoughts after reading your post:
Regardless of what your partner is wearing, try to dress as professionally as you can. You will soon learn about gear and uniforms. Looking the part helps your confidence. Don't rely on a scoreboard (even if there IS one). PU is responsible for balls and strikes.
Scoreboards are often WRONG.
As far as your mechanics questions for 2 man, each situation has it's own placement of where umpires will start out and end up. It will be hard to learn and practice if you are not working with experienced umpires, or at least ones trying to learn as you are. I can e-mail you a good overview of the 2 man system if you want to provide your e-mail address.
Also, if you logon to amateurumpire.com there are good articles and teaching clinics, etc. there for beginners.
Lastly, if you make it through this summer (I'm sure you will) consider taking the classes next year at your local High School Association and pass the test to be certified.
Ask around and I'm sure someone can point you to the contact person.
Funny, I was a baseball umpire first, and took the basketball clinic so I could ref in the winter and stay in shape (for baseball). Now, I love officiating basketball as much as baseball (well, almost, until baseball season).

Jeremy Hohn · #8 (**permalink**) Wed Apr 23, 2003, 01:48pm

please email me that info..

[email protected] thanks a bunch!