Illegal pitch mechanic

[wadeintothem]

Ha! DOHHH! Yes of course. Left arm. Thanks!

[fiasco]

So, arm goes out and you verbalize as soon as you see the illegal pitch?

[wadeintothem]

To be honest, because I am a slow caller on just about everything I call, I dont jump on it. Usually its after the pitch is delivered by the time I've said and done all that. They pitch pretty fast...

The exception would be like stepping on the plate with hands together, which i see well before the pitch is thrown.

Something like a lane violation, I dont yell stuff that quick.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by fiasco

So, arm goes out and you verbalize as soon as you see the illegal pitch?

Umpiring 101

[kcg NC2Ablu]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Umpiring 101

agreed

[BretMan]

Well, at least ASA Umpiring 101...

Your mileage might vary depending on what sanctioning body you're working for.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by BretMan

Well, at least ASA Umpiring 101...

Your mileage might vary depending on what sanctioning body you're working for.

Are you telling me that there are organizations that let umpires on the field without at least telling them how to call an IP?

[DaveASA/FED]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Are you telling me that there are organizations that let umpires on the field without at least telling them how to call an IP?

Well YA, most of them do. ASA and FED will let you on the field as a registered umpire without telling you how to call an IP. The information is in the book, and they assume you read it prior to umpiring a game, but neither tests you on your mechanics prior to registering you. Most states require you take a NFHS test prior to getting your license, and there are a few mechanics questions on there so it MAY be covered, but possibly not. ASA usually is a send us your money and info and we will send you a book and card. ASA does do a GREAT job, IMO, in my area, of providing schools and clinics to learn these things (that attendance is required prior to working state sanctioned tournies) but to work league games all that is required is to pay your registration fees, from what I have heard most states are also this way.

[fiasco]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Are you telling me that there are organizations that let umpires on the field without at least telling them how to call an IP?

Oh please. Don't be so naive.

Next, you'll be shocked and appalled when I tell you there are basketball referees out there officiating adult men's league games that aren't explicitly taught the proper mechanic for calling and reporting a timeout.

OH THE HUMANITY!!

[BretMan]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Are you telling me that there are organizations that let umpires on the field without at least telling them how to call an IP?

No, that wasn't my point.

What I meant was that not all softball organizations instruct their umpires to call an illegal pitch as soon as it happens. ASA does, of course.

There do exist sanctioning bodies that instruct their umpires to call the illegal pitch when the ball reaches/crosses the plate, regardless of when the infraction actually occured.

Since the OP specified no organization or version of softball, calling an illegal pitch as soon as it happens might not necessarily be Umpiring 101 in all cases.