As we get closer to the end of the season, and with the playoffs nearing for all levels, it is time for all umpires to sharpen their skills.  The competition will be more intense and we must rise to the occasion.

Review the rule book and/or the CCA Manual every day  Check out the article on our Main page at the bottom of the middle section: “Tips for Reading the Rule Book/CCA Manaul.”

Here is another idea: read the rule book on one day and the CCA Manual on the other day!

Rule Book

Take one small section and study it, starting with Pitching, then Batting, then Base Running.  Then go to the posted Interpretations (see the link on the bottom of the left panel “Official NCAA Rule Interpretations”) and read the appropriate interpretations.  For example:

First day: Read rules 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3.  Then go to page 26-27 of the Interpretations and read all those which start with A.R.10.2.

Second day: Read rules 10.4, 10.5 and 10.6.  Go to page 27 and read A.R.10.4.1

CCA Manual

Read a few pages of Section 7, Three-Umpire System.  Read it slowly as you visualize the mechanics being discussed and while looking at the Mechanigram.  Perhaps break each runner configuration into these three smaller sections and read one each day:

Pages from Starting Position through all the pages with No Chase

Pages covering U1 Chases

Pages covering U3 Chases