Notes from the Training Staff – March 2019
Locker Room postings since last month’s News & Notes Articles: RulesCorner – Batting/Pitch: Hit-by-Pitch Detection. Game Management Corner – General: Protests and Forfeits revised. Videos: Mechanics/Plate umpire movement – Fair or foul call get set; Foul near backstop Removed bats, Ejections, Protests Do you know what to do when you remove bats, have an ejection, or have a protest for
Notes from the Training Staff – February 2019
We have had multiple interpretations recently on the rule regarding the pitcher taking a signal. Please use the most recent one only, which has been posted to the Locker Room. The others have been deleted from the Locker Room as they were confusing and contradictory. Here is a quick summary of the correct interpretation: 1) Before the pitcher steps onto
Notes from the Training Staff – January 2019
The CCSUA 2019 Qualification Test is now available in our Locker Room. It is posted in the Training Courses tab; select the link “2019 Qualification Test – January 2019.” The deadline for the test is February 10, 2019 at 5 pm PST. The test is 50 questions, all True/False. The passing grade is 80%. You must receive a passing grade
A Tour of the Locker Room
Overall Design Welcome to our Locker Room website. The website is designed to be easy to navigate so you can find the information you need quickly. Please take a moment to read this article on how to best navigate it and quickly find what you are looking for. The home page is called the Dashboard. The Dashboard page has the
Notes from the Training Staff – December 2018
Dates, locations and times for the annual CCSUA Assignors and Training Meeting are posted on the Locker Room in the Calendar section – both North and South. Make sure you have accepted the appropriate meeting through Arbiter. If you attend without doing so, there will be no lunch ordered for you. A new NCAA Approved Softball Bat List was posted
Pitcher Dupes Runner – Interpretation for Rule 12.14
On 11/28/18 the NCAA Softball Rules Editor released an official interpretation for Rule 12.4, and Case Book plays A.R 12-35 and A.R. 12-37. Revised Interpretation for Rule 12.14 A pitcher may not violate a pitching procedure to dupe runner(s) into leaving the base early. This act violates the spirit and intent of Rule 12.14.2 and makes a travesty of the game.
Notes from the Training Staff – November 2018
Training Our Fall Ball training cycle has wrapped up. Thank you to the umpires who participated and the observers who did their usual great job of helping to improve our umpires and therefore the CCSUA. As announced earlier, the dates for our 2019 CCSUA/Assignors meetings will be: South: January 13, Cerritos College North: January 19, site to be determined Our
Notes from the Training Staff – October 2018
Beginning with October all Monthly Tests will be posted early in each month. Each test will expire on the last day of the respective month. New bat list posted September 19, 2018. Make sure all games are played with this new bat list. The 2019 NCAA Softball Case Book has been published. There is a link on our Locker Room
Notes from the Training Staff – September 2018
NCAA/SUP Umpire Institute The NCAA/SUP Umpire Institute was held in early September. Our SUP Regional Adviser, Jim Sanderson, attended as part of the instructional staff. We will be posting some of the discussion items in our Locker Room soon. Thanks, Jim, for your hard work and input. NASO Member Protection Has Doubled NASO insurance coverage has doubled, effective August 1,
NASO Member Protection Has Doubled
NASO insurance coverage has doubled, effective August 1, 2018.
Notes from the Training Staff – August 2018
CCSUA Training Cycle The start of our yearly training cycle begins in September. We will be holding our annual Fall Clinic for potential new umpires, 2nd year (in 2019) umpires, and selected veterans. Our yearly training cycle includes this Fall Clinic, Fall Ball observation games, the CCSUA/Assignors Annual meeting in January, and the Preseason Camp in late January. Monthly tests
Notes from the Training Staff – July 2018
Welcome to our new Affiliate members. Affiliate members have joined our California Collegiate Softball Umpires Association (CCSUA) so they can have access to our Locker Room website, which is a joint venture between CCSUA and NASO. They are not assigned games by the assigners who work with the CCSUA. The Locker Room is filled with notes and short articles written
Notes from the Training Staff – June 2018
We will continue to have monthly tests during the college “off-season” (see the paragraph below). The June 2018 test is now posted in the Training Courses section of our Locker Room. Hint – perhaps you did not have time during the season to thoroughly review the new NCAA Case Book. The next few monthly tests will be taking plays directly from that Case Book. We
Notes from the Training Staff – May 2018
The college umpire season has completed for most of us. We hope you had a successful season and took a lot of notes on how to improve your game. Congratulations to the CCSUA members who have worked, or will be working, the Community College playoffs, the NAIA playoffs, and the NCAA Regionals, Super Regionals, and Women’s College World Series. Congratulations
Umpire Camps Information
We will post information on college umpire camps as we receive them
End of Season Challenges
We are getting close to the end of the marathon. This is the time that Coaches are looking for an advantage. When coaches start questioning anything and everything. Even when somethings is not there. They have to “stir it up a little bit”. “Create some mayhem” , “Mind games”. It’s known in the sports world as “Gaming the Officials”. Continue to
Notes from the Training Staff – April 2018
Monthly Test The April 2018 test has been posted. There are a few questions on three-umpire mechanics. We all need to study these mechanics as the selections for post-season at all levels has started. Locker Room Updates There have been many changes to our Locker Room since mid-March. As you read the articles, watch the videos, and review the Calendar
Notes from the Training Staff – March 2018
The March Notes from the Training Staff are a bit longer than the normal monthly Notes. The season in is in full swing, a lot is happening on the field, and we want to keep all CCSUA umpires up to date on all that is going on in college softball. Explanation on the monthly tests Due to unforeseen circumstances, we
Notes from the Training Staff – February 2018
Our monthly Notes from the Training Staff will be a bit longer, as we are now using this News & Notes section of the Locker Room to replace the monthly Newsletter. The Season Has Started DO NOT WAIT to take your test. If you need help or a question or two is stumping you, contact a veteran umpire. We all
Notes from the Training Staff – January 2018
It was great seeing everyone at the meetings and clinics. So, now it’s time to hit the books to regain the knowledge. And we all know….. When we have knowledge, and apply the knowledge, we have the power. Note: make sure you review these two articles on the Locker Room (they can be found in the Training Information section) –
Media Format Guidelines
Clarification 3/2/20/18: If a coach want to make a substitution(s) between innings, it must be done with enough time to allow proper recording, etc. so the half inning can begin on time. A charged conference may be used if the substitution is not made in a timely manner.
Notes from the Training Staff – December 2017
New Bat List A new bat list has been issued, effective 12/11/17. It has been posted to the Locker Room – Resources, Links. The next scheduled change will be April 9, 2018. However, additional lists will be posted if timely information warrants, such as when a manufacturer withdraws a bat model or the results of bat testing dictate assessing strikes
Notes from the Training Staff – November 2017
Reminder – send an email to confirm your attendance at one of the CCSUA/Assigner meetings – Dave Long for the South meeting on January 7, Oscar Segura for the North meeting on January 13. Assigner are still assigning games. Make sure you block all your unavailable dates. Hint: as soon as you accept assignments and select Submit, your very next
Notes from the Training Staff – October 2017
Two themes which will be emphasized for the upcoming college softball season are getting the call right, and good communications on the field. Think of a few examples of verbal communications which should be used in both two-umpire and three-umpire crews as they move around the field/diamond to cover plays, pushing and pulling umpire movement. Verbal communication must be supported
Notes from the Training Staff – September 2017
Detailed information on the 2018-2019 major rule changes can be found on our Locker Room. The document is found in Resources/CCSUA/ CCSUA Forms. Select: Major Rule Changes 2018-2019. USE YOUR BROWSER BACK BUTTON TO RETURN TO NEWS & NOTES The Fall Ball rules are explained in an article on the Locker Room. Fall Ball 2017 Rules. USE YOUR BROWSER BACK
Notes from the Training Staff – August 2017
Inaugural NCAA Softball Umpire Institute. The NCAA will conduct a NCAA Softball Umpire Institute that includes classroom and on-field instruction. The institute will be conducted at the USA Hall of Fame Stadium and home of the NCAA Women’s College World Series. Mechanics training, game situations, rules application/interpretation and game management will be part of the curriculum presented. The Institute will
Notes from the Training Staff – July 2017
A second reminder (a repeat from last month) – Now is the time to update availability for fall ball and planning for next season. Now is also the time to register for CCSUA for the 2017-2018 time period. You will find the 2017/18 CCSUA Registration form on both the Arbiter website (go to Lists then Forms) and the Locker Room
HBP – In Box or On the Line
You make the call – award 1st base or keep her at the plate?
Look-back Rule
Why do we have a pitcher’s circle in softball? If you watch a Major League baseball game on TV, you will notice that the players and umpires call a lot of time-outs – almost every time a pitch hits the ground or after ball four, as well as when the ball is thrown back into the infield after a hit.
Pitcher’s Regulations for the Look-back Rule
Pitcher’s possession of ball in circle The look-back rule comes into play after the ball has been hit and the play appears to be coming to a completion. This rule is also important in determining when a play is over 1) the ball is in the circle in the possession of the pitcher and 2) all runners, including the batter-runner,
Runners’ Regulations for the Look-back Rule
Runners must be aware of when the pitcher has gained possession of the ball inside the circle. There is a difference in the codes with regard to the runners’ obligations: • ASA, NFHS, USSSA – if runners are moving between bases when the pitcher has possession of the ball in the circle, they may continue going toward that base, stop
The Lost Mechanics
Over the past years the CCA Manual, the “mechanics manual” for college softball, has removed some sections which had good information covering a number of topics which are still valid college mechanics. They may have been removed because of editing and attempts to make the Manual shorter. o We must accept this but follow this philosophy – once a mechanic
Valuable Rules for Unusual Problems
The Rules The plate umpire has the authority to make decisions on any situations not specifically covered in the rules. (4.10.4.2) The umpire shall not impose an effect on a team for any infractions of a rule when imposing the effect would be an advantage to the offending team. (4.10.5) The umpires are empowered to rectify any situations in which
Scoring Runs
The object of each college softball team is to score more runs than its opponent. The “definition” in the rule book for how a run scores is – each time a runner legally touches first, second, and third bases and home plate before the third out of an inning. There are two exceptions. Can you name them? (Hint; read the
Catch or No Catch
Here is an interesting play for you to review. I suggest you read it until you come to STOP HERE. There is additional spacing so you do not see the correct call. Make your call and then compare it to the correct call. This is an actual play from one of our Community College games in 2016. Thanks to Steve
Tie Goes To a Runner
This article was written for, and was published in Referee Magazine… Fans, players and coaches are often heard stating “the tie goes to the runner.” However, no rule in baseball or softball has this phrase. A few reputable MLB umpires have stated: “there is no tie; they’re either out or safe!” The last half of that statement is inarguably true;
Pitching Rule Regulations
There is more to the pitching rule in the college rule book than the proper procedures to which the pitcher must adhere while preparing and delivering the pitch. Other regulations involving the ball, intentions of the defensive team, and time allowed between pitches. The Ball The pitcher shall have a choice of game balls at the start of their respective
CCSUA Registration for 2017-2018
DEADLINE FOR RETURNING MEMBERS, ONLY: AUGUST 15, 2017. If POSTMARKED AFTER THE 15TH, add $40 to your total amount.
Notes from the Training Staff – June 2017
Self-assessment Now is the time to do a short self-assessment of your 2017 college softball umpiring season. If you have not done this before, make it a yearly habit. Start a new document or grab a blank piece of paper and write some thoughts on how you think you did. Do this now, while the season is still fresh in
Notes from the Training Staff – May 2017
We have tentatively set the CCSUA SoCal Fall Clinic date for September 10, 2017. We are working on a date for our NorCal umpires. This Clinic is for our potential new umpires for the 2018 season, our umpires who have just completed their first season as college umpires, and selected veterans. Umpires who will be in their second year in
Notes from the Training Staff – April 2017
NCAA Softball 2017 Rules Survey: There are some very interesting questions in this year’s NCAA Softball Rules Survey. Here are some of the questions. A more complete list will be in the May Newsletter Change the obstruction rule to requiring the fielder to have possession of the ball in her hand or glove? Change the illegal pitch penalty to a
News & Notes from the Training Staff – March 2017
Too many observers and mentors are reporting that the umpire pre-games are unstructured. It appears that umpires are trying to remember, or just guessing, about the topics to be discussed. This is hard to understand, as the CCA Manual has a comprehensive list of topics (in Section 3), and all college softball umpires are expected to have a written checklist
News & Notes from the Training Staff – February 2017
The presentations from the CCSUA Annual Meetings have been posted in the Training Information section. A very important addition to the Locker Room was posted regarding projected substitutions involving the DP/Flex. This discussion was a result of a difference of opinions by umpires at the recent Kajikawa tournament. The situation occurs often in a game. PLEASE, MAKE SURE YOU REVIEW
Wet Weather Revision to Pre-game Email to Event Management
Thanks to Pete Dufour for this creative adjustment to the sample email sent to coaches and event management To all umpires – considering all the rain we have been getting in drought-ridden California, please use the following modifications in your email to the Coach or Event Management which you send a week before your assigned game. Dear Coach/Event Manager _____,
Downloadable Copy of Qualification Tests
Copy of 2018 CCSUA Qualification Test Copy of 2017 CCSUA Qualification Test
Notes from the Training Staff – January 2017
Umpires should be busy this month putting the final polish on their physical and mental game. Study, do quizzes and tests, have round-table study group discussions, check equipment and take care physically with some exercise to prepare for the first games. Make sure to get your minds in shape by reading parts of the rule book and CCA manual daily
Notes from the Training Staff – December 2016
A new NCAA Approved Softball Bat List was posted on December 12, 2016. Information for the Annual Meetings has been posted on Arbiter and the Locker Room. You must send an email to one of these people designating which meeting you will attend – Dave Long for the South meeting, Oscar Segura for the North meeting. We will order lunch
Notes from the Training Staff – November 2016
CCSUA umpires in the news: Katrina Kershaw is interviewed in the December’s Referee Magazine softball section’s “Five Minutes With…” Glenn Waggoner has an article in December’s Referee Magazine’s softball section. Make sure you read it. Reminder: contact Dave Long via email regarding which CCSUA/Assignor’s meeting your will attend. NCAA News: You can register for the 2017 NCAA Softball Umpire Clinic
Notes from the Training Staff – October 2016
Dates for the 2017 CCSUA/Assignors meetings have been determined: January 8 – CCSUA SOUTH annual meeting. Site and time to be determined. January 14 – CCSUA NORTH annual meeting. Hayward Japanese Gardens, 9am-3pm. Hawaii February (TBD) The monthly test has been posted for October. Make sure you read the October Newsletter and the new articles posted to our Locker Room
Notes from the Training Staff – September 2016
Debbi Lauderback has resigned as the assigner for the Community College playoffs. Joanne Venditto and Rich Kollen are working with the Community College coaches association to better define the selection process for playoffs. This is a good time to take an inventory of your uniform and equipment. Check your equipment to see if repairs or replacements are needed. Check your uniforms for proper color and size.
Notes from the Training Staff – August 2016
Fall Ball is approaching. The next two monthly tests – August and September – will have questions regarding the Nonchampionship Segment of NCAA softball. We call it Fall Ball but it covers from the end of the regular season in 2016 to the beginning of the 2017 season. Make sure you study page 15 of the 2016-2017 NCAA Softball Rule
College Camps – Prepare for 2019
The Assignors, your SUP Advisor, and the CCSUA Training staff bring to your attention that many college camps are being held from June through October. The Assignors for the top NCAA softball conferences expect umpires to attend a college camp The SUP staff recommends to umpires who want to be considered for post-season to attend a camp The CCSUA Training staff supports our
Notes from the Training Staff – June 2016 (Updated)
Another great resource. Are you capitalizing on another great resource available to CCSUA umpires – watching the umpiring at top-level games on TV? If you watched any of the D1 postseason you saw a lot of good training material. Here are some musings on these postseason games, with additional details and comments. Announcers still struggle to accurately cite rules and
Notes from the Training Staff – May 2016
We are at the end of the regular season and now the post-season starts. Congratulations for those who have received assignments. Many of you deserve to work post-season but there are limited spots. Do not be discouraged if you have not been selected. Keep improving your game by using all the resources in our Locker Room. DP reentry interpretation We have
Notes from the Training Staff – April 2016
A lot has been happening in college softball in our areas as the season heats up and teams are vying for possible post-season selection. We have had many umpire/coach discussions, unusual plays, and questions about rules. To assist our umpires to make the right calls and be in the correct positions to make those calls, we have a valuable
Notes from the Training Staff – March 2016
SUP Update The NCAA SUP website has added a new section on their Main page at the very top of the middle column – ERAs (Essential Rules Awareness). The March ERAs have been posted. Be sure you read these important clarifications on: Projected substitutions Questioning the strike zone and other judgment calls Scouting information and electronic equipment use Backstop padding
Notes from the Training Staff – February 2016
The college softball season is well on its journey toward May and the post-season. We hope your season is going well so far. We would like to start collecting interesting plays or experiences at your games. Please send John Bennett an email if you would like to share something unusual or something which could lead to an educational discussion about
List of Conferences and Assignors in CCSUA Area
California Community College Conferences 2023 Assignor’s name is listed for each Conference Bay Valley (Tanihana) Big 8 (Tanihana) Central Valley (Barker) Coast (Llewellyn) Golden Valley (Deel) Inland Empire Athletic Conference (Helsing) Orange Empire (Venditto) Pacific Coast (Helsing) South Coast (Venditto) Western State (Venditto) NCAA DI Conferences (Venditto) Pac-12 Big West West Coast NCAA DII Conferences (Venditto) California Collegiate Athletic Association
Notes from the Training Staff – January 2016
We hope everybody had a wonderful Holiday Season and you are off to a great New Year. December and January were very busy months for the CCSUA Training Staff as we: Prepared and delivered, with your Assignors, two Annual Meetings with informative PowerPoints, instructional videos, and interesting discussions. Devleoped and published the CCSUA 2016 Qualification Test Assisted the SUP in developing the 2016
CCSUA/Assignors Meeting – North
Meeting information January 16, 2016. 9am to 3pm. Hayward Japanese Garden 22373 N 3rd Dt, Castro Valley, Ca 94546. Dress is business casual. Conference meetings will be held after the main meeting Contact Oscar Segura for the North Clinic if you plan to attenc this meeting.
CCSUA/Assignors Meeting – South
Meeting information January 10, 2016. 9am to 2pm. Cerritos College 11110 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk. Dress is business casual. Conference meetings will be held after the main meeting Directions/parking Enter Cerritos College from Studebaker Street on either Falcon Way or New Falcon Way. The meeting will be in the Health Science (HS) building, room 102, which is on the north end
Notes from the Training Staff – November 2015
Welcome to our website!! Thanks for using this resource to improve your umpiring skills. We just posted the November test so make sure you take it. The Assignors have asked us to put together a CCSUA Qualification test to be taken by our members who do not sign up for the NCAA Softball Umpire Program (SUP) in 2016. The Assignor
Notes from the Training Staff – October 2015
With Fall Ball season well under way most of us are working games and staying in shape. But don’t forget your uniform and equipment need to stay in shape as well. Now is the time to do your Annual Uniform Checkup. You can get good prices on softball uniforms and equipment now from most vendors, which are not available if