It is extremely important that all umpire crews do a proper bat check before every game. This requires coordination with the coaches to ensure the bat list and bats are presented per the rule book. Bat Compression Testing is now required (rule changes in 2020 and 2022) for all NCAA softball games prior to the start of each tournament, series,
Communications With Your Partners
Excerpted from Referee.com, August 8, 2018 The words “requires excellent communication skills” are part of virtually every job description in today’s market, to the point where they’ve become meaningless jargon. When it comes to umpiring, however, outstanding communication skills are essential. Effective umpiring communication will: Enhance your credibility Partners, coaches, players and spectators will gain confidence in you when they
Verbal Communications
Officiating team sports required effective management and communication with the participants of the game. Officials need skills to apply and sell decisions in ways that are well received by the coaches and players. A good decision can be communicated badly and create perceptions of unfairnessA lot of research has been done on sports officials, with most of the decision-making component
Getting the Call Right
The first requisite of an umpire is to ultimately get all decisions correct. Umpire pride is important, but never as important as getting the play right. It is the philosophy of the NCAA that umpires always seek to get the call right. This may involve the reversal of a previously rendered decision. However, the correct decision, not the pride of
Changing a Call
This article is a sister article to the article Getting the Call Right (in this same Game Management General section of the Locker Room). It paraphrases an article from Referee.com (12/28/18). For many years, an umpire changing a call was considered a sign of weakness. The current thinking at all levels of play is that getting the decision correct must
The Unwritten “Rules” of Game Management
Excerpted from an article in Referee Magazine and converted into presentation form. Use the arrow-down symbol on the bottom-left of each page to advance to the next page of the presentation.
Game Flow
Some of the following information is taken from Referee.com article 1/22/19 Softball is played without a clock but increasing game times are very much on the minds of many involved with overseeing the game, particularly at those upper levels where television contracts and drawing fans into seats are big concerns. For a game that does not run on a clock,
Normal Suspensions of Play
Any umpire may suspend the game for a legitimate reason, as outlined in the rule book. Use the signal in the CCA Manual. It is important for the calling umpire to use the appropriate emphasis, both signal and verbal, for the situation. The emphasis may range from the ordinary to the loud/strong (look at me, this is important). As the
Conferences – the Rules
There are many situations which require a suspension of play during a college softball game. A separate article in the Game Management Corner/General/Managing the game section, entitled Normal Suspensions of Play game situations, covers most of these. This article will focus on charged conferences. The best way to better understand the difference between meetings during the game and charged conferences
Administering Option Plays
From 2018 CCA manual Section 4, page 26 With the increase in option plays, umpires must be aware of the possibility that, at the conclusion of a play, a decision on an option play may require the previous batter to be returned to bat with the previous count. It is strongly suggested that umpires glance at their partners as you
Team Tendencies
At the higher levels of all sports the opponents have thoroughly scouted each other and know what to expect when they compete. Do you think it might be helpful, as an umpire, to know something about the teams who are competing? There is a recent trend by umpires at the higher levels to start “scouting” the teams. It is now
The Official Scorer
The official scorer (herein identified as the scorer) is part of the game personnel, as explained in rule 4.6. This is an important role and umpires should be aware of our responsibilities of identifying the scorer and communicating with him or her during the game. Identifying the scorer The scorer is appointed by the host team, conference commissioner or tournament
Defensive Changes and Reporting Them
Thanks to Will Macedo, Oscar Segura and Martin Vandenburg for their assistance in writing this article. All defensive changes must be reported in college. But what is a defensive change as compared to a defensive shift? This is an important distinction, as the NCAA rule book has specific requirements for listing the defensive positions on the lineup card and even
Conference Management
For more information on the rules governing conferences see the article Conferences in Rules Corner/The Game/Participants. Conferences between team representatives and players are a common occurrence during a college softball game. We must allow an appropriate amount of time for the coaches to meet with their players and, now with the new rules in 2022, allow player-to-player conferences. We do
Sell the Tough Call
Excerpted from Referee.com 7/20/18 What do a ninth-inning call at home plate, a crucial roughing penalty late in the fourth quarter or a block/charge call all have in common? They are all tough calls that can generate conflict, controversy and a coach who is going to be very upset. All officials have experienced conflict with a coach. Confrontations can have
Rule Book Verbiage
When you have to make that difficult call and you know you nailed it with your rules knowledge, explain the situation to the coach with rule book verbiage. It is usually best to state the rule to the coach first and then if questioned, use the phrase “in my judgment” or “by rule” as appropriate. Here are some examples: RULE
Body Language – Handshakes and Gesturing
Handshake at pre-game with coaches When you meet someone for the first time, the initial four minutes are powerful in the development of that person’s opinion of you. A common introductory gesture is the handshake. Whether it is the first time you have ever seen this coach, or a coach with whom you are familiar, the handshake at the pre-game
“Are You Approachable?”
Coaches will sometimes tell our assigners that they feel some umpires are no longer willing to listen to their concerns. Perhaps we lost a piece of the puzzle when the rule changed to warn coaches when they questioned judgment. There is a difference when a coach is constantly questioning your strike zone, or your judgment on the bases. There are
Non-verbal communications
Introduction Verbal communications are very important for umpires, but that is not the subject of this article. Before we list the different forms of non-verbal communications, let’s quickly review the key points of verbal communications. Clarity of speech Pauses Stress on words Remaining calm and focused Being polite Following basic rules of etiquette Non-verbal Communications (Body Language) Non-verbal communication comprises
Going for Help on a Judgment Call
Can you change a judgment call when you kicked it and everyone knows you kicked it, but it’s not appealable? Should the umpire tell the coach he/she will not get partners together because this is judgment call and cannot be changed? There was an excellent write-up on the topic of “Going for Help” in the 2011 CCA Manual (pages 109-112), It was
Judicious Use of the Stop Sign
Excerpts from Steve Tietz article in Referee magazine, August 2018 The “stop sign” has been commonplace for many years in multiple sports, but feelings toward it have changed in recent years. Should it be used in a college softball game? The current thinking is that it can be an effective tool in your toolkit but must be used judiciously and
Indicator Management
Knowing the correct count on the batter as a crew After a steal there was a question among the crew as to what the proper count is. What is the correct procedure? The plate umpire should get the crew together to ask for assistance to make sure all umpires agree on the count. Umpires must work hard to prevent
Taking Substitutions from the Coach (Lost Mechanic)
Guidelines for taking Lineup changes There are three very important steps in handling substitution requests from coaches: • Interaction with the coach to accept the substitution • Making the changes on the lineup cards • Announcing the changes Information on how to accurately record the changes on your lineup card is covered by the article on the SUP website: Players
Violations – Be 100% Sure or Due Diligence
Softball umpires make many judgment calls during a game. Some may determine the outcome of the game – a close play at the plate for the winning run. Others may be easy – batter-runner out at first base by 10 steps. And then there are the calls which seem to automatically result in a “discussion” between the calling umpire and
Warnings
EWE Process As taught by the CCSUA Training Staff, an excellent method for handling game participants who continue to argue umpire calls…use the EWE process: Enough – “Coach, that’s enough.” This may be accompanied by the umpire hold out on hand in a “stop” gesture. Warning – “Coach, that’s your warning.” This should be accompanied by a stronger gesture and
Warnings by Rule
In the 2020-2021 NCAA Softball Rules Book, there are 50 possible violations which require a warning from the umpire. See the list below.
Misconduct – Questioning Strike Zone or Umpire’s Judgment
A rule change in the 2016-2017 NCAA Rule Book gave umpires another tool to assist with game management. It was initiated by multiple coaches who were concerned/upset about other coaches being allowed to argue too long or too often. That year the rules committee made it a “Point of Emphasis” that questioning umpire’s calls based purely on their judgment would
Mental Preparation – Should ‘of, Could ‘of, Would ‘of
By Glenn Waggoner. In any sport the theme for umpires is the physical and mental preparation for each contest. We are often reminded that the athletes are stronger, faster and more agile. So we know that getting in shape with some form of activity will help us endure the challenges we will soon face. But how do we prepare ourselves
Pre-game Procedures – start a week before game date
Contacting the Coaches and your Partner by email: A sample email is located on CCSUA Locker Room – Protocols Corner in this same Game Preparation section. The crew chief /plate umpire should check the Arbiter Schedule and home team Point of contact information to determine who the email should be sent to. (Coaches at Community College level, Event managers at
Post-game Procedures
This article includes topics taken from the CCA Manual for Post-game The post-game starts before the game is over. • Create a checklist similar to your pre-game checklist. • Umpires should have as part of their accessories a small pad and pen to take notes during the game. This is as important as your indicator, brush, etc. • When taking
Professionalism By Anthony Garcia
On the Field Professionalism By Anthony Garcia I received an email from my assignor and attached to it was an email from a coach. It began “Joanne, you often get emails from me complaining about the umpires at my games but this one is different.” The coach went on to compliment the umpires on the double header we had worked
What it takes to be an Excellent Umpire
Do you want to be an Excellent umpire? Let us start this article with this message: the best officials, the officials that rise to the top, are masters of rules and mechanics. But they are also the few that live in that world of game and situation management in between being soft and being a hard a$$. Your road to
Five Lessons in Leadership
As college umpires, we are all expected to be professional at all time – on and off the field. We are also expected to be knowledgeable of the requirements for leadership – the exercise of authority, handling mistakes, teamwork, and human nature. Let’s review these traits of leadership and how they relate to umpiring. Use your authority skillfully Umpires, especially
Someone is Always Watching and Listening
This article includes excerpts from article in Referee.com, October 24, 2018 When we sign up to be an official, we should understand there is a higher standard of behavior for our actions on the field or court. But what about when we are not wearing the uniform? Like it or not officials are public figures, even at the amateur levels.
Put a Bad Call or Game in the Rearview Mirror
Every umpire has made a bad call during a game, whether they will admit it or not. Also, many of us have had one of those games he or she would rather forget. Whether it was a kicked call, problems with a partner or crewmate, or argumentative players and coaches, it is not always easy to put those games in
Is “Good Job” Good Enough?
Excerpts from article on Referee.com, 1/21/19 A good quote to remember: “There are no two words in the English language more harmful than, ‘Good job.’” How often do you walk into the locker room after a game, shake hands with your partner or crewmates and automatically say, “Good job,” before you’ve spent even a moment dissecting the job just completed?
My View from the Stands, NCAA umpire Observer, The Umpire’s Coach.
By Jim Sanderson I am very proud to be the fan for the umpire and share in celebrating great umpiring. The long hours of games allow me time for reflection, as I am often asking what allows some umpires to shine and handle most game situations while others struggle to manage coaches, players and themselves. The umpires that are able
Mental Training
From the presentation at the 2017 NCAA SUP Umpire Clinic, by Sports Psychologist Chris Carr, PhD, HSPP, CC-AASP. Opening remarks – Performance Psychology Performance psychology has to do with excellent performance in a field where excellence counts. So today we are focusing on excellence. Good coping skills are intrinsic to excellence in umpiring. Performance psychology fits right into what umpires
Nine Mental Skills for Successful Umpires
From NFCA Fastpitch Delivery, May 2017, by Joseph Maniscalco Maintaining a positive attitude This important skill can make the difference between advancing to the highest levels of softball umpiring and staying at the level you are at right now. Successful umpires realize that attitude is a choice. That choice is something that defines your character, the person you are, and
CCSUA Umpires Self-Assessment Program
Having both the ability and willingness to self-evaluate is critical to becoming a better college umpire. Look at yourself. Recognize your shortcomings. Understand what you could do better. Don’t study the rules enough? Quick temper? Too technical? Overweight? Once you know what you need to work on, you can start to improve. Wanting to improve is a sign of
CCSUA Self-Assessment Form
CCSUA UMPIRE SELF-ASSESSMENT FORM Name: Date Completed: For all questions, consider these four areas – Rules, Mechanics, Game Management, Protocols. Copy and paste this form into a document you can edit. Then complete it and save it. What were your goals going into the season and why (some detail)? Overall how would you rate
Umpire Uniform and Equipment
A very important part of a college umpire’s professionalism is his/her appearance and having the proper equipment. Is every item of your uniform and equipment “TV ready?” Here are some suggestions. Uniform and Equipment annual checkup An umpire’s uniforms and equipment need an annual check-up to assure they are in top condition, similar to the yearly check-up with your
Code of Ethics
Master rules and mechanics; exercise authority in an impartial, firm and controlled manner. Work with each other and your umpire associations in a constructive and cooperative manner. Uphold the honor and dignity of the profession in all interactions with student-athletes, coaches, athletic directors, school administrators, colleagues, and the public. Prepare self both physically and mentally, dress neatly/appropriately, and comport yourself
Game Report Template
USE THE BIG RED ”R” to do your brief report within 24 hours of the scheduled game time. Please use the following five-questions as a guideline to complete your report. Perhaps you save this as a WORD document and use it each time to fill in your response…then place in the “Comment” section of your report. 1. Actual time the
Detailed Instructions for Completing an Incident Report
Tips for Completing an Incident Report The details of an Incident Report should be concise and state the facts in a clear form to make it easy to understand the actions as they happened. Make it as simple as possible so the people reading it will have the facts without getting the impression that the umpire is trying to defend
The Protocols for Ejections
Requirements for umpires after the game The ejecting umpire must submit an electronic Incident Report no later than 24 hours after the game to the appropriate person. IN ADDITION: the CCSUA Assigners’ request that before leaving the game site or between games of a doubleheader or tournament, the crew chief (plate umpire in a 2-umpire game) or the ejecting umpire,
The “It” Factor
The “It” FactorFrom Referee.com 1/19/2018 Rules knowledge, mechanics and making the right calls are important. Missing any of those elements can break your career, but having them won’t make it. Wait. What? It’s true. They won’t set you apart. Because all officials should be studying the rules, getting in the right position to make the calls and making the right
The Emotional Side of Umpiring
Source: Referee.com 4/2/2018 Judgment is an old concept in terms of human history, and as time goes on, humans are constantly trying to regulate judgment and eliminate emotion, to the point of robotic consistency. The essence of the evolution of judgment makes it something else, something resembling a computer program. If each game or contest regulated by humans was made
My Levels of Thinking – by Glenn Waggonner
My Four Levels of Thinking: 1. Unconsciously incompetent – we are new to the game and have not read or grasped, nor applied everything we need to understand for the level of ball. We simply don’t get it yet. However, we are familiar with game from other levels of exposure. We worked together, we are partners. 2. Consciously incompetent –
Softball Umpires A Threatened Species?
By Jim SandersonOur way of life is in danger of changing – the games that we umpire; the games that we have so much passion about. The games that are so much a part of our American culture and fabric of society, may not be played in the future due to lack of quality, trained, competent officials. A serious shortage
Five Stages of Umpiring
This posting is mostly a summary of the material from an article in Referee Magazine, July 2016, written by George Hammond. Introduction Moving up as a softball umpire to the next levels of officiating is not a sprint, it is a marathon. Some officials progress faster through the stages than others. Some reach a plateau and find it difficult to
The Current Officiating Crisis
As most of us are aware, there is a huge challenge for many softball umpire organizations to fill assignments to cover all the games – high school season, travel ball tournaments, rec leagues, etc. How many of you have worked a high school game by yourself, or been pulled off the JV assignment to be the second umpire on a
Illegally Batted Balls – Rules and Mechanics
The Rule A major rule change, effective with the 2018-2019 rule book, was made with regard to the batter’s legal position in the batter’s box when she makes contact with the pitch: at the moment of bat-ball contact, the batter may not contact the pitch when any part of her foot is touching the ground outside the lines of the
Pitching Procedures Before Pitch Starts
See the companion article Here Comes the Pitch for the proper procedures after the hands separate. Pitching Position As the pitcher steps onto the pitcher’s plate with the intent to throw the next pitch, she must have her hands apart with the ball in either her glove or her pitching hand. A minor addition to the legal pitching position in
Substances on the Ball
There are two articles in the Locker Room, both in this section (Rules Corner/Pitching), which deal with the subjects found in rule 10.13 – Substance on the Ball/Items on the Pitcher. You should also read Items on the Pitcher. During the game Applying substances directly to the game balls during the game is prohibited. Although a few rule books use
Items on Pitcher
There are two articles in the Locker Room, both in this section (Rules Corner/Pitching), which deal with the subjects found in rule 10.13 – Substance on the Ball/Items on the Pitcher. You should also read Substances on the Ball. Substance on pitcher’s hands or items on body Substances Drying agents, such as rosin, may be used on the pitcher’s hand/fingers.
Notes from the Training Staff – June 2020
From our Chairperson Rich Kollen What a crazy and sad time in our country, with the virus and civil unrest we are experiencing. I recently spent 22 hours on Zoom calls to develop plans for reopening California community college athletics. The committee addressed the health and safety of student athletes, coaches, fans, and staff, including officials. The other issue facing
Umpire University
Umpire University will contain Modules for different subjects related to umpiring at the college level
Ejection spin move
Assisting umpire after an ejection – be ready for the spin move!
Notes from the Training Staff – May 2020
The CCSUA Training staff encourages you to stay safe and healthy so we can all be back on the field eventually. A strong and healthy body leads to a strong and healthy immune system. College softball umpires train year-round by studying the rule book, the CCA Manual, accessing the Locker Room, and taking the monthly tests. We are also expected
Notes from the Training Staff – April 2020
As a member of CCSUA, and therefore a member of NASO, you should be receiving daily emails from Referee.com with a Softball Caseplay of the Day. If you are not receiving them, contact NASO. If you are, please read them and check the rule if you do not agree with their ruling for college. And…watch for some of these plays
CCSUA School Procedures for Inclement Weather
Below is the protocol which the assigners sent to coaches and event managers for schools assigned by them. See the companion article for umpires: Inclement Weather or Unforeseen Circumstances. It is located in the Game Management Corner, subsection General.
Abandoning a base
Abandonment – leave or forsake completely; to give up possession, withdraw from. Abandoning a base is the simple act of leaving a base without cause. This can happen for many reasons; the most common reasons – the runner assumes she has been called out or thinking that another runner has been called out for the third out of an inning.
Additions and Corrections to 2020 CCA Manual
There were a number of changes to college mechanics for the 2020 season which did not appear in the 2020 CCA Manual. These changes were presented at different meetings conducted by the SUP Staff with Conference Coordinators and at the 2020 NCAA Softball Umpire Clinics, or by posts to the SUP Central Hub. Additions Here are the changes, with the
Notes from the Training Staff – March 2020
As everybody is well aware, our softball season has been interrupted by a serious pandemic. Most of the games for this season have been either suspended or cancelled. You have received emails from your assigners to this regard. Camp Information: The operators of the Next Level Collegiate Umpire Camp have announced their 2020 Camp. A post to the Locker Room
A Message From Barry Mano, President of NASO
Excerpts from his March 17, 2020 statement I write to you today to lift your spirits, and mine too. What we are collectively going through in sports officiating is so unfortunate. Yes, first and foremost comes our health and that of all of us in our communities, towns, cities and countries. That comes first. We of course tend to focus
Notes from the Training Staff – March 2020
As everybody is well aware, our softball season has been interrupted by a serious pandemic. Most of the games for this season have been either suspended or cancelled. You have received emails from your assigners to this regard. Camp Information: The operators of the Next Level Collegiate Umpire Camp have announced their 2020 Camp. A post to the Locker Room
Notes from the Training Staff – February 2020
NCAA Regional Advisor From Joanne Venditto, our NCAA Regional Advisor – there is continued focus for an accurate and consistent strike zone. Read the short article in the CCSUA Locker Room on the Strike Zone, in the Rules Corner/Batting/The Pitch. There is added emphasis on calling the drop ball which is at the top of the knee at the front
Presentation Rule Updates – from CCSUA 2020 meeting
View/Download
Presentations from CCSUA 2020 Annual Meeting
This document has the following presentations: Welcome, Mechanics Updates, Primary/Secondary and Game Management. The Assignors presentation has been posted to the Arbiter. The Rules Update presentation is posted separately in this CCSUA Training Information section.
Performance Vision Training
SlowTheGameDown has been training athletes for over 45 years, from George Brett in 1971 to AL East Champions Toronto Blue Jays in 2015 and the World Series Champion San Francisco Giants in 2010, 2012 and 2014. We believe everything you do in your sport begins with what you see. We can help you develop superior eye-mind-body reactions so that your
Notes from the Training Staff – January 2020
NCAA Recent important announcement from NCAA – a new bat list has been issued, dated January 14, 2020. The link from our Locker Room (use the Links button) has been updated. Qualification test information The CCSUA Qualification test has been posted. It will expire on January 31 at 5pm PST. It is strongly recommended that you download the available pdf
Notes from the Training Staff – December 2019
Many of you who have signed up for the NCAA/SUP and will be receiving your new rule book and CCA Manual. There have been some big changes in the pitching rule and minor changes in other rules. We will post an article to the Locker Room website which will summarize the rule changes, as soon as the training staff has
Notes from the Training Staff – November 2019
As the season approaches, take some time to review the rule book and CCA Manual. The newest version of these will be published in December…be watching for the announcement of their availability. Postings since last month’s News & NotesArticles – Major re-writing of the article Pitch Hit Hands or Bat, and it has been renamed The Hands are NOT Part
Notes from the Training Staff – October 2019
Check the Locker Room for updates on the new rules. There is an updated clarification for the new pitching rule in the Rules Corner/ Pitching Procedures. titled Pitcher taking the signal. Have you taken the October test yet? It will no longer be available after October 31, 2019. The assigners are in the middle of their assignments for the 2020
Notes from the Training Staff – September 2019
Fall Ball has started. What is the official title for college Fall Ball? See page 10 of the NCAA Rule Book for the answer. Are there special rules for Fall Ball? The answer is yes…have you read the recently re-posted article on the Locker Room? You should have registered with CCSUA for the 2020 season. There are a lot of
The Intent of the Rules
Some of this material taken from Umpire.com 8/13/19 When studying the rules, make sure you consider the spirit and intent of the rule. It would be easier if every rule was black and white and there is no “wiggle room.” We either have a look-back rule violation or we do not. The pitch was either legal or it was not.
Notes from the Training Staff – August 2019
Your CCSUA training staff continues to work through the “off-season” to help our umpires improve their games, and to recruit new umpires. We did observations at the recent USA Softball Champions Cup in Irvine, CA. We will be holding a three-umpire camp in August at a Men’s Fastpitch tournament; umpires have been selected by the assigners to attend. We will
2020-21 NCAA PLAYING RULE CHANGES
These playing rules changes that have been approved by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel (PROP). PROP is the final approval body for any NCAA Playing Rule Changes. These rule changes are now FINAL. July 25, 2019 11:34am. Changes to pitching procedures approved in softball rules will standardize the way pitchers take the signal The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel on
Misconduct
All articles on Misconduct have been moved to the Game Management Corner in the Preventive sub-category.
Notes from the Training Staff – July 2019
CCSUA Registration information or the 2020 season will be posted soon. Contact Rich Kollen if you have any questions about registration. The NCAA has posted a new NCAA Approved Softball Bat List, effective July 8, 2019. This is the only bat list which should be used for all games until a newer one is posted. Last month’s Notes pointed out
Notes from the Training Staff – June 2019
The 2019 college softball season is now in our rear-view mirrors and fading fast as the summer months approach. After last year’s season we posted an article to our Locker Room titled CCSUA Umpires Self-Assessment Program, and the form to use for this self-assessment, CCSUA Self-Assessment Form. If you had completed that form for the 2019 season, you would have
Notes from the Training Staff – May 2019
This is the time to do a self-evaluation. What things do you need to work on for next season? How and what do you need to improve on? Reflect on the things you did well and how to improve on them and use them as building blocks. You have the off season to work on your game; you do not
Notes from the Training Staff – April 2019
All of the 2018 and 2019 tests have been re-opened so you can review your results and use them for studying. If you have not taken them, you may do so but your grades will not be added to the gradebooks, as the tests have expired. Additions to Locker Room New article: Game Management/General – The Official Scorer.New videos: Rules/Batter-runner