Rules Interpretation

[LIUmp]

A few weeks ago, I was named a UIC and rules interpreter for Utrip fastpitch. With this job comes responsibilities and tonight's one of them. Tonight I am meeting with coaches for a fall league that my umpiring group is going to work games for. I am asked to talk to the coaches tonight and give them some idea about the rules for Utrip.

I am asking any of you, if you were asked to do this, or if anyone is a UIC/Rules Interpreter and would like to provide me some bulletpoints or helpful hints - what should they be?

I'd like to hear some opinions.

Thanks!

On a related note, I have already met with the umpires for their rules interpretation - but we do have another meeting coming, and I would like to do a mechanics and positioning clinic as well. Any helpful hints on what to tell the umpires in any upcoming meetings?

Other than ..... READ THE RULE BOOK. That's the first thing I told the umpires and will tell the coaches. But we know how many people do that.

[NCASAUmp]

I would focus on the printed local rules that deviate from standard USSSA rules, the LBR, pitching rules.

I would probably avoid OBS/INT, as that will only degrade into a million tangents and questions with a million more follow-ups. Let those calls stay on the field and be handled on a case-by-case basis.

In a coaches meeting, structure is the key.

[MD Longhorn]

I would spend a few minutes teaching them how to properly discuss a play with an umpire when there's a question. Amazing how many 10th year coaches still come out and talk to PU on BU's call, or vice versa.

[RKBUmp]

Point out that they need to actually wait to be awarded time before they walk onto the field. Cant tell you how many times I have had a coach call time and then just start heading out with action still going on, especially on a walk.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

Point out that they need to actually wait to be awarded time before they walk onto the field. Cant tell you how many times I have had a coach call time and then just start heading out with action still going on, especially on a walk.

I usually include that in the plate conference. "If you have a question about a call, ask for time, WAIT for time to be called, then go to the umpire who made the call. We'll be happy to talk with you about it. (emphasis on being receptive)"

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

I usually include that in the plate conference. "If you have a question about a call, ask for time, WAIT for time to be called, then go to the umpire who made the call. We'll be happy to talk with you about it. (emphasis on being receptive)"

Seriously? I have always believed that the plate conference is simply for line-ups (reviewing/making any changes/accepting), covering any applicable ground rules, and establishing home team (if necessary.) I do not include any other information (except in HS where I have to do the "equipped according to the rulebook" thing and establish the site admin.) No rules clinics, no telling them things that they should already know.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by LIBlueASA

A few weeks ago, I was named a UIC and rules interpreter for Utrip fastpitch. With this job comes responsibilities and tonight's one of them. Tonight I am meeting with coaches for a fall league that my umpiring group is going to work games for. I am asked to talk to the coaches tonight and give them some idea about the rules for Utrip.

.

Are you talking about coaches who are used to a different sanction? If so, cover differnces, particularly lineups. Either way, cover changes this year and classic/common misunderstandings.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by LIBlueASA

I'd like to hear some opinions.

Thanks!

Change your screen name.

[bigsig]

Good Luck J.