This presentation enables Beachside Little League umpires, coaches, and fans to learn or review the most important rules, regulations, and recommendations when umpiring a Beachside Little League game. It is not intended to replace the use of the "Green Book".

2.  This training is for
◦ Coaches
◦ Umpires
◦ Fans and players that want to know most of the
rules and are not in the mood to read the “green
book”

3.  Commonly needed Rules and where they are
in the “Green book”
 Basic field umpire mechanics on the 60’ and
90’ fields
 A few other things

4.  This training is not a substitution for or
supplement to the “green book”
 In the event that there is a discrepancy
between this training and the “green book”
the “green book” is authoritative

6.  Look the part (appearance)
 Know the rules (study)
 Show up on time
 Have pregame talk with your
partner
 Pay attention!
 Hustle into proper position
 Watch the ball, glance at runners
 Pause, read, react

7.  Timing, timing, timing
 Angle over distance
 Get set before the play
 Show restraint (attitude)
 Forget close calls
 Support your partner
 Leave from winner’s side

8.  Coach the players
 Carry on conversations with fans
 Socialize with only one dugout
 Give excuses after a call
 Gang up on a coach
 Meet between innings after a close call
 Say, “One more word and you’re gone!”
 Over-dramatize an ejection
 Discuss game with anyone as you leave

9.  Navy or light blue shirt
 Grey pants with black belt
 Navy, red or black undershirt
 Black socks & shoes
 Navy or black hat
 Nothing white

10.  Equipment available in equipment rooms
◦ Pads
◦ Ball bag
◦ Clicker
◦ Broom
 Wear your cup!
 Sunglasses okay if NOT mirrored
 No cell phones if possible.

11.  Fair/foul and catch/no catch responsibilities
 When I’m coming to you for help
 Tag-ups and base touches
 Who should cover third base when
 Signals
◦ Infield Fly
◦ What’s the count?
◦ How many outs?
◦ Rotation is on
◦ I’m staying home
◦ “I’ve got something you need to know”

12.  Plate Umpire
◦ Balls/strikes, Fair/foul, Catch/no catch, plays at
home, some plays at third (communicate!), could
help at first
 Base Umpire
◦ All bases except when the plate umpire takes third
◦ Could help with Fair/foul down the right field line
 Base Umpire positions
◦ Covered in the next few slides
 If the ball goes out, come in
 If the ball stays in, stay out

13. 60 Foot Field

14. Little League (60’ Field)
U
 Assumes a two base umpire
configuration
 The encircled-U in the
diagram to the right is the
umpire
 Base runners are depicted
by a black-colored base
 REMEMBER: Angle to the
ball is ALWAYS more
important than distance

15. Little League (60’ Field) – No runners on base
 Take a position about 10 to
15 feet behind The first
baseman, with both feet in
foul territory.
U
 Allow the first baseman to
move to the ball without
running into you, and react
accordingly.

16. Little League (60’ Field) – Runner on First base or Runner on First and Third
U
 Take a position about ten
feet behind second base on
the first base side of the
diamond, in line with
second and third.
 You should be one to three
steps into the outfield
grass, depending on the
depth of the infield area.

17. Little League (60’ Field) – All other base runner configurations
U
 Assume a position about
ten feet behind second base
on the third base side of
the infield, in line with first
and second bases.
 You should be one to three
steps into the outfield
grass, depending on the
depth of the infield area.

18. 90 Foot Field

19. Junior (90’ Field)
U
 Assumes a two base umpire
configuration
 The encircled-U in the
diagram to the right is the
umpire
 Base runners are depicted
by a black-colored base
 REMEMBER: Angle to the
ball is ALWAYS more
important than distance

20. Junior (90’ Field) – No runners on base
 Take a position about 10 to
15 feet behind the first
baseman, with both feet in
foul territory.
U
 Allow the first baseman to
move to the ball without
running into you, and react
accordingly.

21. Juniors (90’ Field) – Runner on First Base
U
 Take a position about ten
feet behind second base on
the first base side of the
diamond, in line with
second and third.
 You should be one to three
steps into the outfield
grass, depending on the
depth of the infield area.

22. Juniors (90’ Field) – Runner on First (Alternate*)
 Position yourself on an
imaginary line running from
the first base side of home
plate to the edge of the dirt U
circle of the pitcher’s
mound, approximately
halfway between the mound
and second base.
 You should be square to
home plate and down in a
set position.
* Recommended by Little League
for two man crews.

23. Juniors (90’ Field) – Runners on First and Second Base
 Position yourself on an
imaginary line running from
the first base side of home
plate to the edge of the dirt U
circle of the pitcher’s
mound, approximately
halfway between the mound
and second base.
 You should be square to
home plate and down in a
set position.

24. Junior (90’ Field) – Runner at Second Base
U
 Assume a position about
ten feet behind second base
on the third base side of
the infield, in line with first
and second bases.
 You should be one to three
steps into the outfield
grass, depending on the
depth of the infield area.

25. Juniors (90’ Field) – Runner on Second (Alternate*)
 Position yourself on an
imaginary line running from
the third base side of home
plate to the edge of the dirt U
circle of the pitchers
mound, approximately
halfway between the mound
and second base.
 You should be square to
home plate and down in a
set position.
* Recommended by Little League
for two man crews.

26. Juniors (90’ Field) – Runners on Second and Third or Bases Loaded
 Position yourself on an
imaginary line running from
the third base side of home
plate to the edge of the dirt U
circle of the pitchers
mound, approximately
halfway between the mound
and second base.
 You should be square to
home plate and down in a
set position.

28.  Maximum pitch count by league age
◦ Age 7-8: 50 pitches per day
◦ Age 9-10: 75 pitches per day
◦ Age 11-12: 85 pitches per day
◦ Age 13-14: 95 pitches per day

29.  Rest Requirement
◦ 66 or more pitches in a day,
four calendar days of rest must be observed.
◦ 51-65 pitches in a day,
three calendar days of rest must be observed.
◦ 36-50 pitches in a day,
two calendar days of rest must be observed.
◦ 21-35 pitches in a day,
one calendar day of rest must be observed.
◦ 1-20 pitches in a day,
no calendar day of rest is required.
Note: If a pitcher throws 41+ pitches he cannot play catcher for
the remainder of the game.

30.  Reach max limit while pitching to a batter
◦ Can continue until batter reaches base or is put out
◦ If third out is recorded on a base, pitcher may
continue pitching to same batter in next inning
 Pitcher can pitch only one game a day
◦ Cannot pitch in both games of a double header
◦ Cannot pitch in a continuation game and then a
regularly-scheduled game

31.  Managers are ultimately responsible to
remove pitchers that reach max limit
 Official counter must inform the plate umpire
when a pitcher reaches the pitch limit
 Pitcher illegally exceeds max limit:
◦ Pitcher must be removed from the mound
immediately
◦ Opposing team’s manager may protest before
umpires leave the field

32.  Pitches in called games count
◦ Pitch count itself does not carry over
◦ Rest requirements must still be observed
◦ Exception: pitches in games that do not complete
one full inning do not count
◦ Pitches in uncompleted innings under the “revert
back” rule do count
 Pitches in practice, in non-Little League
games, etc., do not count however we
encourage all coaches to put the health of
their players FIRST.

33.  2.00 Definition: A ball delivered by the
pitcher to a batter
 Anything else is NOT a pitch!
◦ Warm-up pitches in the bullpen
◦ Warm-up pitches between innings
◦ Pitches declared “No Pitch”
◦ Pick-off throws
◦ Throws to make plays and appeals
◦ “Ball” penalty to the batter without a delivered pitch

34.  Who keeps the pitch counts?
◦ The official scorekeeper
◦ The home team scorekeeper
◦ A manager or coach
◦ Anybody BUT the base umpire!
 Only one (1) official counter per game
 The official pitch counter should be decided
before the game.

35.  Verify eligibility at plate conference: Use BSLL Pitch
Count Verification Forms if there is a dispute or
question.
 Identify official counter before the game starts
 Prevent protests: If you’re aware a pitcher has
reached their limit, have them removed
 Resolve disputes: If there’s a question on the
validity of the pitch count, go with the official
counter.
 Clarify ambiguities: Know what a pitch is!

36.  Only players, managers and rostered coaches
allowed on the field
 No batboys on small field
 All game participants must stay in the
dugouts or be in the bullpen
 Two adult base coaches allowed
 One adult in dugout at all times

37.  Managers and coaches cannot go on
the field without umpire’s permission
 No alcohol or tobacco anywhere
 No adults can warm up pitchers
anywhere
 All participants must display the
highest standards of conduct and
discipline

39.  Baseball bats are for baseball
 Softball bats are for softball
 Wood bats are legal
◦ Must be smooth and rounded
◦ Check with bat ring
◦ If cracked, get rid of it!
 Composite bats must be on the approved list
 Use of illegal bats will not be tolerated
 Donuts are not allowed.

40.  All players should be in the same uniform
◦ Except for pool players
◦ Be reasonable in cold weather
◦ Don’t get too picky!
◦ Uniforms for adults allowed only in Juniorsand
above
 Metal cleats allowed in Juniors and above

41.  What’s not allowed:
◦ Long white sleeves on pitchers
◦ Arm and wrist bands on pitchers
◦ Frayed or ragged sleeves
◦ Attachments of different color
◦ Metal or glass ANYTHING
◦ Jewelry (including rubber bracelets)
 Except medical alert stuff
◦ Casts on field (even base coaches)

42.  Catcher must wear a catcher’s mitt
 First baseman may wear glove or first
baseman’s mitt
 Pitcher’s glove restrictions:
◦ Any color but white or grey
◦ No attachments
◦ Batting glove under fielding glove okay

43.  Required for all batters, base runners, players
in coach’s boxes, and bat retrievers
 Must be NOCSAE certified
 Chin straps, face guards are optional
 No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals

44.  Required: Chest protector, helmet or mask,
and shin guards
◦ Long-model chest protector for males in Majors
and below
 Cup for male catchers
 Helmet or mask must:
◦ Be NOCSAE certified
◦ Must have throat guard (even on hockey-style
masks)
◦ No cracks or unauthorized paint or decals

45.  Helmet or mask is required for:
◦ Player warming up pitcher between innings
◦ Player warming up pitcher in the bullpen
◦ Catcher during pre-game infield or outfield practice
 Skull caps are not permitted
 If you see a catcher without helmet or mask,
correct it!

47.  Pitch that is not in the strike zone
 Pitch that bounces and then goes through the
strike zone
 Pitch that hits batter but batter does not
attempt to get out of the way
 An award due to certain pitching infractions

48.  Secure possession of ball in hand or glove
 Ball must be in flight
 Held firmly before it touches the ground
 Fielder must show complete control
 Release must be voluntary and intentional
 Dropping the ball while in the act of throwing
is okay

49.  Ball hits the ground first
 Ball falls out before fielder pulls it out of
glove
 Fielder uses any part of uniform or equipment
to secure the ball
 Ball falls out of the glove after the fielder
◦ Falls to the ground
◦ Collides with another player
◦ Collides with the fence

50.  Runner that HAS to advance because batter-
runner is going to first
 Forced runner can be retired by tagging
runner or forced-to base
 Force is removed when:
◦ Batter-runner is retired (all forces removed)
◦ A following runner is retired (force is removed on
lead runner)
 When force is removed, runners must be
tagged

51.  Foul lines, bases and plate are in Fair
Territory
 Bouncing ball that travels past first base or
third base while in fair territory
 Bouncing ball that travels over any part of the
first base or third base bag
 Untouched ball in flight that lands in fair
territory at or beyond first base or third base
 Ball touched in fair territory, regardless of
fielder's position

52.  Bouncing ball that travels past 1B or 3B while
in foul territory
 Untouched ball in flight that lands in foul
territory
 Ball touched in foul territory, regardless of
person's position
 Ball which touches anything “foreign to
natural ground" in foul territory before first
base or third base
 Batted ball that hits batter while in the box

53.  Batted ball that goes sharp and direct from
the bat to the catcher’s hands and is legally
caught
◦ Must hit the hand or mitt first
◦ Must be caught by the catcher
◦ A short-hop is not a legal catch
 A Foul Tip is a Strike. Ball is Live and in play;
runners may run!
 Umpires: Do not call “Foul Ball!”

54.  Rule is to prevent defense from getting a
“cheap” double play
 Situation:
◦ Less than two outs
◦ Runners on 1st and 2nd, or bases loaded
◦ Fair fly ball (not line drive or bunt)
 Ball may be caught by an infielder using
“ordinary effort”
 Can be an outfielder positioned near the
infield who catches it

55.  If the umpire believes that the infield fly rule
is in force they call “Infield Fly” when the ball
reaches its apex
 When called, the batter is out and the force is
immediately removed
 If caught runners must tag up
 If dropped the ball is live and runners may
advance at their own risk
 Due to the requirement of “ordinary effort”
the infield fly is a judgment call of the umpire
and there is no option for an appeal

56. BOTTOM LINE:
 If an infield fly rule is in force: SAY IT
 If an infield fly rule event occurs: CALL IT
 If an infield fly rule event does not occur: DO
NOTHING
YOUR DECISION CANNOT BE APPEALED!

57.  Interference occurs when someone prevents
the defense from making a play
◦ Offensive interference
◦ Umpire interference
◦ Spectator interference
 Exception: Defensive interference is when a
defensive player prevents the batter from
hitting a pitch

58.  Umpire interference: only two ways
◦ Base umpire gets hit by a batted ball before it
passes an infielder other than the pitcher
◦ Plate umpire prevents a catcher from throwing out a
base runner
 It’s NOT umpire interference if
◦ Batted ball was deflected
◦ Catcher throws out runner
◦ Umpire gets hit by a thrown ball
◦ Umpire gets in the way of a base runner

59.  Spectator interference
◦ Happens when a fan reaches into the field of play
and interferes
◦ Could also happen when fan clearly causes a player
to react and affect play
◦ Ball is immediately dead
◦ Umpire awards bases and penalties
 It’s NOT interference if ball is beyond field
boundaries

60.  Obstruction occurs when a defensive player
impedes a runner’s progress and:
◦ Doesn’t have possession of the ball
◦ Is not in the act of fielding a batted ball
 A fake tag is Obstruction

61.  “Live Ball” Strikes
◦ Ball swung at and missed
◦ Ball not swung at that passes through the strike
zone
◦ Foul tip
 “Dead Ball” Strikes
◦ Foul ball with less than two strikes
◦ Foul bunt
◦ Touches batter while in the strike zone
◦ Batter swings or attempts to bunt and the ball
contacts the batter

62.  Area over the plate
 Top: batter’s arm pits
 Bottom: Top of batter’s knees
 Batter in “natural” stance
◦ “Natural” is the position of the
batter as he swings the bat
◦ Zone doesn’t change when
◦ He ducks
◦ He steps out of the box
◦ He moves way up or way back in
the box

63.  A person may only be tagged:
◦ With the ball while holding it
◦ With the glove while the ball is in it
◦ With the hand while the ball is in it
 A bag may be tagged with any part of the
body while holding the ball in the hand or
glove

64.  Bunt: The bat must be moved towards the
ball. Simply holding the bat in bunt fashion IS
NOT a bunt.
 In Flight: A ball that hits a fielder stays and
bounces up is still considered in-flight.

66. WHEN USING SUBSTITUTION RULES*
 A sub must bat once and play 6 consecutive outs
before starter may reenter
 Starter may reenter anywhere in the lineup
 Only starters may reenter the game
 Starters can reenter as a sub but then must fulfill
all substitution requirements
 Defensive substitutions must be made when the
team in on Defense
 Offensive substitutions must be made when the
team is on Offense
* Applies to BSLL Inter-league play only

67. Majors and below
 Pitchers once removed from the mound may
NOT return as pitchers
Juniors and above
 A pitcher remaining in the game but moving
to a different position can return as a pitcher
anytime in the remainder of the game, BUT
ONLY ONCE per game.

68.  A player whose name is on the team’s batting
order may not become a substitute runner
* Applies to BSLL Inter-league play only

69.  Starter MUST pitch to one batter unless the
pitcher gets injured before the completion of
the batter
 Sub MUST also pitch to one batter, unless
inning ends on a putout or gets injured

70.  Substitution
◦ All substitutions should be announced
 Unannounced Substitution
◦ An Unannounced sub is in when:
 Batter gets in the box
 Fielder gets in position
 Runner gets on base
◦ Unannounced pitcher
 Delivers a warm-up pitch from the rubber
 Any player that delivers a pitch from the rubber
between innings is in! (Prevent it!)
◦ No real penalty if sub is eligible to enter
* Applies to BSLL Inter-league play only

71.  3.09:
◦ Keep players and coaches in dugout
◦ Adults cannot warm up pitchers
 3.10: Field Conditions
◦ Before game: Managers can decide. If manager’s disagree
the league president or delegate can make the decision.
◦ After game starts: UIC makes determination (see rule for
details)
 3.15: Only players, managers, coaches, umpires,
and approved league photographers are allowed on
the field. (see rule for details)

72.  3.17: Batboys are NOT allowed
 3.17: Cannot use electronic communication
devices in
the field but carrying one is okay
 3.18: Managers are NOT responsible for
spectators!
◦ Don’t make a team manager go silence a fan
◦ Use an Adult umpire OR get board member involved

74.  Introductions
 Are your Players properly equipped?
 Do you have any pitchers that are ineligible?
 Have you exchanged your lineups
 Special ground rules covered (e.g. time limit)
 Encourage Coaches to keep game moving
 Remind managers to go thru Umpire in
Charge for any inquiries
 Wish both managers Good Luck

75.  Before the game the Umpires should NOT
◦ Conduct a rules clinic
◦ Describe your strike zone
◦ Issue pre-game warnings
◦ Bring up something from previous game(s)
◦ Waste time telling stories
◦ Allow defense to warm-up during the meeting

76.  When the batter is being given an intentional
base on balls:
◦ The catcher MUST stand with both feet within the
lines of the catcher’s box until the ball leaves the
pitchers hands.
◦ PENALTY – Illegal pitch called.

77.  BSLL bat’s using continuous batting order for
all intra-league games
 We use free defensive substitutions
◦ Don’t forget Mandatory Play
 Cannot use special pinch runners
 Injured player are skipped without penalty
 If a batter or runner gets injured and cannot
continue the offensive player that made the
last out will pinch run
* Applies to BSLL Intra-league play only

78.  Base coaches may be placed one near first
and the other near third base
 Base coaches may be:
◦ Eligible players in the uniform of their team
◦ A team manager or coach
 Both base coaches may be composed of a
manager or coach as long as at least one
other adult manager or coach is in the dugout
 Remain within the base coaches box
 Talk ONLY to members of their own team

79.  Teams should not refer to one another in a
derogatory way
 The offense cannot say or do anything to
distract pitcher
 The defense cannot say or do anything to
distract batter

80.  A manager or coach who gets ejected MUST
leave the game site for the remainder of the
game, period.
◦ No hanging around the outfield fence, parking lot,
concession stand, etc.
◦ Failure to comply is grounds for suspending play
until they leave
◦ Ejected player may still remain in the dugout under
adult supervision
◦ A manager or coach ejected from a game will also
receive a mandatory suspension for the next
scheduled game.*
* BSLL rule, some exceptions apply.

81.  If a runner attempts to score during a play in
which the third out is made
◦ Run will count if
 The player touches first, second, third and home base
before three players are put out to end the inning
◦ Run will NOT count if third out is:
 An out of the batter-runner before touching first base
 A force out
 An upheld appeal of a of a runner to touch any of the
bases

82.  The umpire must judge whether the runner
touched the plate before the out is made
◦ If the runner touches the plate before the out, the
run counts
◦ If the runner touches the plate after the out, the run
does NOT count
 In a close call, the plate umpire MUST inform
the official scorekeeper if the run counts

83.  Majors and below:
◦ 6 innings (5-1/2+ if home team is winning)
◦ If called, at least 4 innings (3-1/2+ if home team is
winning)
 Juniors and above:
◦ 7 innings (6-1/2+ if home team is winning)
◦ If called, at least 5 innings (4-1/2+ if home team is
winning)
 Called Games
◦ Games called before a regulation game and after 1
inning it should be resumed where it left off at a later
date
 BSLL has adopted a 10-run “mercy” rule

84.  Rules cover what to do when umpire must call
the game in progress
 If game ends during an inning, score reverts
back ONLY if:
◦ Home team led, then visitors tied
◦ Home team led, then visitors took the lead
 If score was tied, game resumes later

85.  Rules require nine players minimum to start or
continue games.
◦ *BSLL allows for pool players to be used to PLAY the
game. BSLL wants ALL games played. Remember, it is for
the kids!
 BSLL Allows borrowing an outfield from the
opposing team IF a pool player is unavailable.
 If a pool player is required BSLL pool play rules
must be followed. The game is considered a
forfeiture for seeding and tournament play.
 Per Rule 1.01, only instructional Minors divisions
can play with less than nine
* BSLL intra-league rule.

86.  Judgment calls cannot be protested
 Protest of rule misinterpretation
◦ Before next pitch or play
◦ Umpires MUST discuss the call
◦ After decision, manager can formally lodge the
protest
◦ UIC must submit a written report
 Protest of ineligible players must be made
before the umpires leave the field

87.  4.03: Make sure all fielders are in fair
territory
 4.15: When to forfeit a game:
◦ One team doesn’t have enough players
◦ Continued rules violation
◦ Manager starts delay tactics

89.  Batter gets hit by pitch
 Plate umpire interferes with the catcher’s throw
 An illegal pitch is committed (Junior Division and
above)
 Illegally batted ball (fair or foul)
 Foul ball not caught
 Runner interferes with fielder
 A fair batted ball hits a runner before touching a
fielder
 A fair batted ball hits an umpire before it passes
an infielder other than a pitcher
 When an umpire calls “Time”

90.  Runner gets obstructed while defense is making
a play on him
 Runner interferes with a batted ball
 Manager, coach, player requests it AND the
umpire grants it
 Someone gets seriously injured
 Severe weather or weather alarm is sound
 Umpire wants to clean off the plate or secure a
base
 Don’t call “Time” when it isn’t needed
 Always call “Play” to resume the game

92.  Batter must get in the box promptly
◦ Both feet must be in the box
◦ Foot on the line is OK
◦ Foot over the line is NOT OK
 Batter cannot leave the box once the pitcher
gets in Set Position
◦ If the Batter does leave the box the umpire will call
a Ball or STRIKE as the pitch dictates
 If the batter refuses to get in box the umpire
shall call a strike without the need for a
thrown pitch. The ball is a dead ball after the
strike is called

93. A batter becomes a runner when the batter receives a
dropped third strike and one of the following
conditions exist:
 First base is empty AND there is less than two outs
 There are two outs
A batter is OUT when the batter receives a dropped
third strike and one of the following conditions exist:
 There is a man on first and less than 2 outs
*Applies only to Majors and above.

94. Other than the obvious reasons the following
conditions result in the batter begin out:
 Bunting foul on a third strike
 Bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory
 Batter is touched by his own fair ball (unless a
fielder had a chance to field it)
 Batter swings at a third strike, but the ball hits
his hand, wrist, arm, etc.
 An infield fly is called
Note: If you are going to selectively read the green
book, rule 6.05 is a good one to look over.

95.  The batter is out when
◦ He hits the ball with a foot completely out of the
box and on the ground
◦ He steps from one box to the other when pitcher is
ready to pitch
◦ He interferes with a play
◦ The batter is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batter’s box

96.  If defense appeals before Improper Batter
completes the at-bat then the Proper Batter
should simply come to the plate and assume the
count
 If defense appeals after Improper Batter
completes his at-bat
◦ Proper Batter is ruled out
◦ Result of at bat is nullified (except what happens during
at bat)
◦ Next batter up is the batter after the Proper Batter
 The defense must make appeal before the first
pitch to the next batter

97.  If defense fails to appeal
◦ Improper Batter’s at-bat counts
◦ Improper Batter now becomes the Proper Batter
◦ Next batter up is the batter after the new Proper
Batter
 The offense cannot appeal their own error
 Umpires and scorekeepers: SHHHH!!!

98.  Four “balls” have been called
 Batter gets hit by pitch unless
◦ He swung at the pitch
◦ He doesn’t try to avoid the pitch
◦ The pitch was in the strike zone
 Fielder interferes with batter
 A runner or umpire touches a batted ball
before it passes a fielder other than pitcher

99. The batter becomes a runner when:
 A fair ball is hit
 For Major Division and Up: An uncaught third
strike occurs and
◦ Nobody is on first
◦ First base is occupied with two outs
 Batter can’t advance after entering dugout
 Not interference if batter runs when he
shouldn’t

101.  When two runners are on base, it’s not an
automatic out
◦ Lead runner is entitled (unless forced)
◦ Trail runner (lead runner if forced) is out if tagged
 If fielder tags both, point to runner who is out
to prevent confusion

102.  Have to determine
◦ Who threw the ball?
◦ If an infielder, was it an “initial”play or “subsequent”
play?
◦ Where were the runners?
 If “initial” play by infielder, two bases from
Time of Pitch (unless all runners reached their
subsequent bases)
 Any other: two bases from Time of Throw
 Award is never from when ball goes out of
play

103.  Fielder without the ball cannot impede a
runner
 7.06a: Obstructed runner being played upon,
or batter obstructed before reaching first
◦ Immediate dead ball
◦ Runners get base they would have achieved had
there been no obstruction
◦ Obstructed runner gets at least the next base from
last one legally touched before the obstruction

104.  Fielder without the ball cannot impede a
runner
 7.06b: Obstructed runner not being played
upon
◦ Umpire signals and calls Obstruction
◦ Delayed dead ball
◦ End of play, umpire awards bases, IF ANY, that
nullifies the obstruction
◦ Obstructed runner could overrun his protection

105.  The not-so-obvious, runner is out when he:
◦ Avoids a tag by going three feet out of his base
path
◦ Doesn’t slide or attempt to get around a fielder
waiting to make a tag
◦ Slides headfirst going to a base (Majors and below)
◦ Abandons first after touching it
◦ Passes a lead runner
◦ Runs bases in reverse order
◦ Misses home and doesn’t return (must be appealed)

106.  A runner is out for interference when
◦ He hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted ball
(no intent required)
◦ He intentionally hinders a fielder’s throw
◦ A batter hinders a play on that runner at home with
less than two outs
◦ A teammate hinders a play on that runner
◦ The base coach physically assists that runner

107.  A runner is out for interference when
◦ The base coach acts like that runner to draw a
throw
◦ He is hit by a batted ball before a fielder had a
chance to field it
◦ He violates the runner’s lane
 Except for coach’s assistance, ball is dead

108.  A runner is NOT out for interference when
◦ He unintentionally hinders a throw
◦ He is hit by a batted ball after it gets by a fielder
other than the pitcher
◦ He is hit by a deflected batted ball
◦ He runs into a fielder chasing a loose ball (this is
Obstruction)

109.  What constitutes a viable appeal?
◦ Runner misses a base
◦ Runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball
◦ Runner fails to return to first immediately
◦ Runner fails to touch home and doesn’t return
 How does the defense appeal?
◦ Tag the guilty runner
◦ Tag the offended base
◦ Being “clear and unmistakable”

110.  Who can appeal?
◦ Any defensive player
◦ Not the manager or coach
 When can the defense appeal?
◦ When the ball is Live
◦ Before a subsequent play, attempted play, or illegal
pitch or balk
◦ Before all defensive players leave fair territory
 Successive appeals not allowed

111.  If there are two outs and upon appeal a
preceding runner is deemed the third out, no
runners following the preceding runner shall
score.
 If the third out is the result of a Force Play,
neither preceding nor following runners shall
score.

112.  Runners cannot leave bases once the pitcher
and catcher are “ready”
◦ Pitcher on the rubber with the ball
◦ Catcher with mask behind the plate
◦ Ball is live
 One guilty = all guilty
 Let play continue; all outs stand
 Penalty: all runners return to their original
bases unless forced

113.  Umpire must judge the “value” of the hit
◦ Runners advance no further, no matter what
happens during the play
 If batter reaches on an error, nobody gets
more than one base
 Bases loaded and batted ball stays in the
infield, no runs will score
 Read the book examples!

114.  Special Pinch Runners (SPR) are NOT courtesy
runners
 Only a player not in the lineup can SPR
◦ That’s why SPRs aren’t allowed under continuous
batting order
 One SPR per inning max
 A player can be removed for a SPR only once
a game

115.  7.01: Runner cannot return to previous base
when pitcher is ready
 7.02: You need to touch all bases either
forwards and backwards
 7.04: Runners get one base if fielder catches a
fly ball then falls in dead ball territory
◦ If fielder stays on his feet, ball is Live
 7.15: Double-first base procedures
◦ Defense uses white, batter uses colored on initial play at
first (except for uncaught third strike)
◦ Batter may use either base on clean hit
◦ All other: batter must use white

117.  Preliminary position:
◦ Pivot foot: On the rubber (not off the end)
◦ Free foot: In front, behind, or to the side of the
rubber
◦ Hands: Can be together or apart
 If apart, pitcher can bring them together without
starting his motion to pitch
 Pitching motion:
◦ Free foot: Step to the back or side
◦ Pivot foot: Pivot to the side, staying in contact
◦ Hands: Brought together and lifted up
◦ Free foot: Step forward

118.  To disengage, pitcher must back with his
pivot foot first
 Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping
directly to that base with his free foot
 Pitcher cannot start his windup and then stop
◦ No runners: Nothing
◦ Runners: Balk (Jrs or above); Illegal pitch (Majors or
below)

119.  Preliminary position (Stretch):
◦ Pivot foot: On or against (in front of) the rubber
◦ Free foot: In front of and parallel to pivot foot
◦ Hands apart
 Intermediate position (going to Set):
◦ Free foot: brought closer to pivot foot (optional)
◦ Hands brought together
◦ MUST come to complete stop (except Majors and
below)
 Pitching motion: Lift and step forward with
free foot

120.  To disengage, pitcher must step back with his
pivot foot first
◦ Hands must separate before reengaging
 Pitcher may throw to a base by stepping
directly to that base with his free foot
 Pitcher cannot start winding up from the Set
(except in Majors and below)

121.  Cannot balk or deliver illegal pitch with no
runners
 A pitcher balks or delivers an illegal pitch
when he:
◦ Starts his pitching motion, then stops
◦ Fakes a throw to first from the rubber
◦ Throws to a base without stepping towards the
base
◦ Throws to an unoccupied base (except during an
appeal)
◦ Quick pitches
◦ Pitches without facing the batter

122.  A pitcher balks or delivers illegal pitch when
he:
◦ Starts his motion to pitch while not in contact with
the rubber
◦ Stands on or next to the rubber without the ball
◦ Delays the game
◦ Drops the ball while on the rubber
◦ Brings his hands together, separates them, then
brings them together again

123.  Illegal pitch penalty
◦ Dead ball, ball on batter (runners don’t advance)
◦ If the ball is pitched and batted, let play continue
◦ If batter and all runners advance one base safely,
ignore the illegal pitch (same if pitch is ball four)
◦ If illegal pitch occurs on a throw to a base, ignore if
all runners advance; otherwise, enforce penalty
 Manager does get a choice if the batted ball
benefits the offense

124.  Balk penalty
◦ Dead ball, runners advance one base
◦ If the ball is pitched and batted, let play continue
◦ If batter and all runners advance one base
safely, ignore the balk (same if pitch is ball four)
◦ Otherwise, no pitch, and runners advance one base
◦ If balk occurs on a throw to a base, ignore if all
runners advance; otherwise, enforce balk
 Manager does not get a choice

125.  Manager or coach may visit the same pitcher
◦ Twice in one inning, the third visit the pitcher must
be removed from the mound
 Manager or coach may go to the mound
◦ Three times in the game
◦ The forth visit, the pitcher must be removed from
the mound
 Any or all players may participate
 If catcher talks to pitcher after visiting with
the manager or coach, it’s a visit

126.  If the adult talks to another defensive player,
it’s a visit
 It is not a visit:
◦ If the offense asked for Time first
◦ During between inning warm-ups if no delay
◦ If the manager or coach is checking on an injury
◦ In Juniors or above, if the manager replaces the
pitcher

127.  8.01: Pitcher shall take signs from the catcher
 8.02a: Pitcher cannot go to mouth while on the
mound
 8.02c: Pitcher cannot intentionally throw at
batter
 8.03: One minute to warm up between innings
◦ Not more than 8 pitches
◦ More if pitcher hasn’t warmed up
 8.04 When bases are unoccupied, the pitcher
must pitch within 20 seconds

129.  9.01(f): Clear the field when fans get unruly
 9.02: How to handle appeals
◦ Don’t change judgment calls
◦ Manager must go to the umpire who made the call
◦ Don’t overrule your partner!
◦ Manager cannot appeal on a checked swing Strike

130.  9.04(c): What to do when two umps make
different calls simultaneously
◦ Get together and fix it
◦ Umpire in Charge makes the final call
 9.05: Processing ejections
 Carrying the rulebook
◦ Don’t let it be seen (back pocket)
◦ Don’t pull it out between innings
◦ Should only use during a protest
◦ Don’t let the manager show you up!
◦

131. Updated: 3/13/2012
This presentation was largely based on
the work of the 2007 Virginia District 9
Umpires Clinic and updated to the
latest green book. Without their initial
hard work, this presentation would
probably not exist.