Positioning

1) To call plays which occur on the basepaths.

2) To enforce Rule 7.13, "Leaving Base Too Soon".

An umpire must position himself so that he has the best chance of making any call that falls to him.

In my eyes, being in position to call a safe-or-out play is more important than being in position to enforce Rule 7.13. No one can predict what will happen to a baseball hit into the outfield, especially in Little League. As a result, I concentrate on the right place to be when the ball is hit within the infield.

There are eight combinations of base runners, ranging from bases empty to bases loaded. Most of these dictate one position for the base umpire. However, in a few cases, the umpire's position depends on the number of putouts recorded in the inning.

With the bases empty, the base umpire stands behind first base (on the outfield grass) and outside the foul line. He stands in foul territory so that, if a screaming line drive comes down the first-base line and he gets hit by it, it must be a foul ball. Of course, if the ball bounces past first base in fair territory, it's a fair ball and the umpire has to get out of its way.

The first-base position could also apply with only a runner on third base. Odds are that a ground ball will be played either to the plate (the home plate umpire's call) or to first base (your call). The chance of a line drive being caught and returned to third base to double-up the runner is slim. From first base, you can still see a runner leave third base too soon. Most umpires, however, position themselves either between first and second or between second and third so as not to get caught out of position on a play at third.

With a runner on first base, the base umpire takes a position on the edge of the outfield grass on an extension of the line from third to second base. From this position, you can see the force play at either first or second. You also have enough time to move around and cover a following play at third.

The same position applies when runners are on first and third. Again, the force at first or second is more likely than a play at third base.

That position, on the first-base side of second, may also be used for situations with runners on second and third or with the bases loaded. With runners on second and third, there is no force play, so the most likely infield play is home or to first. Your position allows you to see either runner leaving too soon.

With the bases loaded, a force is likely at any base, and the only disadvantageous play to you is the play at third. However, unless the ball is hit to the third baseman, third base is the least likely place for the ball to go. And if the ball is hit to third, it's a force play at third, so the call is easier anyway.

The only two situations that remain are a runner on second base, and runners on first and second. For these situations, the umpire's position varies with the number of outs.

With fewer than two out, the umpire should take a position on the outfield grass, on the line from first base through second. This gives a much better view of the runner(s) leaving too soon, and by cheating a few steps, you can still see a force play at first base. (This assumes that the plate umpire has asked you to cover third base. If he assumes responsibility for third, stay on the first-base side of second.)

However, with two out, you may want to move to the first-base side of second again. The infield play will generally be to first base, in order to retire the side.

With runners on first and second, the home plate umpire should be ready to cover a force at third. However, he must also be ready in the case of an overthrow which would enable a runner to try for home. Whichever position you take, be ready to call a play at third -- but bear in mind that with two out, the play at first is still more likely.

When the ball is hit into the outfield, and you're standing by first base, start following it. Stay in the outfield, and edge over in the general direction of the ball, but don't go too deep into the outfield grass. If the ball drops, this moves you into a better position for a call at second or third base.

If the situation calls for it, you can cut across the diamond to cover an obvious play at third base when a batter tries to leg out a triple. Otherwise, using the positioning above, you should be able to call just about everything from the outfield.

The rule of thumb is to start the play in a spot where you'll be able to see a play at the base where you teach your players to make the play in that situation. You can't be 100 percent sure, because Little Leaguers are unpredictable. But in most cases, by using this guideline, you'll be in a good position to see most plays.

Even if the plate umpire never seems to move from behind the plate, don't be afraid to ask him for help if you're not sure of a call. He'll especially be of help if you're not sure of a rule, and he'll probably be able to help you out on force plays, especially at third. On the other hand, if you're certain you had position and you made the right call, you don't have to confer.

Finally, remember that communication with the plate umpire is essential. Spend a few minutes before the game discussing who has which plays (third-base plays, Infield Flies, etc.). The payoff comes in better control of the game.

Force Plays at First Base

To call a play at first base which the first baseman fields on a throw, and you're standing at first base: Take a few steps into fair territory, to get an angle on the base. When the ball is thrown, look at the base, watch the fielder to make sure he stays on the base, and watch the runner. At the same time, listen for the "thwack" of the thrown ball in the first baseman's mitt. If the runner's foot got to the bag before the "thwack", call the runner safe. If the "thwack" beats the runner and the fielder held the bag, then as long as he still has the ball, or he's cleanly taken it out of his glove (to throw it to the pitcher or around the infield), the runner is out.

This is the only situation in which it's not advisable to watch the ball. It's better to watch the runner and listen for the ball.

Interference and Obstruction

If a ball is hit in the infield, an infielder has the right to play it. For instance, the first baseman has the right to play a ball hit to him, and a runner from first has the obligation to avoid that fielder. Running in front of a fielder playing at "normal" depth is accepted, but if the runner makes contact with the fielder or stops in order to distract him from making a play, interference should be called.

Only one fielder gets the benefit of the interference rule on any one batted ball. The umpire must decide which fielder had the best chance at fielding the ball. Contact by a runner with any other fielder is not interference (and may indeed be obstruction).

It is also interference if a batted ball touches a runner while an infielder still has a chance to play it. However, if the ball has already touched any infielder, including the pitcher, the runner is not out (unless he deliberately touches the ball, such as by kicking it), and the ball remains alive and in play.

Interference makes the ball dead. Generally, the runner who interferes is out, although in some cases, the batter is out (or both batter and runner are out, in the case of a runner who willfully interferes in order to break up a double play). No other runner may advance once interference is called.

On the other hand, once the ball has been touched, the runner has the right to the base line. Any infielder (including the pitcher) who touches the ball ends the interference call. A fielder who blocks the base path and prevents a runner from reaching a base or advancing to the next base is guilty of obstruction, unless he has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. (In that case, if the runner leaves the base line, he is out.)

Appeal Plays

1) Failing to "Tag Up"

On appeal, the runner who fails to tag up is out if either he or his base is tagged by a fielder with the ball. However, even though this is classified as an appeal play, there is no need to verbally appeal or return the ball to the pitcher's mound unless "Time" is called before the appeal takes place.

2) Missed Bases

Rule 7.13 - Leaving Base Too Soon

When you see a violation, drop your signal flag immediately. If any runners advance on the play, wait for the play to end. Then call "Time" and alert the plate umpire to the violation.

In past seasons, some umpires would give warnings, either to the base runners or to the manager at the end of the inning. To make the rule's enforcement uniform, throw the flag right away. This, along with the penalty, will provide sufficient warning.

Any penalties under the rule can be worked out between you, the plate umpire, and the official scorer.

Fair and Foul Balls

Never yell "Fair ball!" You are certain to confuse several players into thinking you said "Foul". Instead, point in the direction of fair territory and then move into position for the following play.

On the other hand, if the ball is foul, raise your arms into the air and yell "Foul!" This will alert everyone and kill the play.

The Infield Fly Rule

Back in 1891, the Baltimore Orioles wrought havoc with the rest of the National League by intentionally dropping pop-ups and then turning easy double (and triple) plays. To counter this, the league introduced the Infield Fly rule.

Under the rule, a batter is called out immediately when the umpire judges that a high fly ball (not a line drive or an attempted bunt) can be caught with ordinary effort by an infielder (including the pitcher or catcher). However, the rule only applies with runners on first and second base and fewer than two out. (The rule also applies with the bases loaded, since there are runners on first and second.) The moment the batter is called out, the force is removed from the runners -- who may then stay on their bases and not be forced to advance. Of course, they may try to make the next base at their own risk.

If there's any doubt in your mind that a batted ball is not an Infield Fly, don't call it. The plate umpire usually has a better vantage point than you do. On the other hand, if you are sure, then yell "Infield Fly" as soon as you know it.

The rules state that it's only an Infield Fly if it's a fair ball. If the ball appears to be landing near the foul line, yell "Infield Fly if fair". If the ball drops untouched in the infield and rolls foul, it's the same as any other foul ball.

Note: In the Minor levels of Rutherford Little League, the Infield Fly rule does not apply.

"Time"

When a player requests "Time", the ball does not become dead until the umpire grants "Time". It is up to you to make sure that no further action is taking place before you call "Time".

Never give the defense "Time" unless the ball is in the possession of an infielder (including the pitcher or catcher) in the infield, and no base runners are advancing. If a runner is dancing off a base, make sure he is heading back to a base and the defense is not trying to put him out before granting "Time".

Base runners often ask for "Time" to stand up and dust themselves off after sliding into a base safely. Give a quick glance around the field and make sure no other runners are advancing before granting "Time".

Injury Situations

But what happens if a fielder gets hit by a line drive? For an umpire, common sense and safety must prevail.

Generally, the rule of thumb is not to kill a play by calling "Time". But if the fielder requires immediate attention -- for instance, if the pitcher gets nailed by a comebacker -- you (or the plate umpire) have the right to call "Time" immediately and tend to the injured player. (In this case, you would confer with the plate umpire and place the runners accordingly. A good way to handle it is to give each runner, including the batter, one base.)

No one will fault you if you call "Time" because you believed a player on the field to be in serious danger.

Important Recent Rule Changes

Head-first sliding by a player advancing to a base is illegal. A player who slides head-first while advancing must be called out. A head-first slide when a player returns to a previously occupied base (as in a rundown or pickoff) is still legal (although undesirable), but if the runner has never had legal possession of the base he slides head-first into, he is out. For timing purposes, the out is recorded when the player sliding head-first touches the ground with a body part other than his feet (usually the hands or stomach). If the head-first slide is the third out, no run may score after the player hits the ground; if the head-first slide is by a forced runner, no run may score on the play, period.

For 1999, the balk was eliminated in Little League Baseball. Actions that used to be balks are now "Illegal Pitches"; it's a delayed dead ball, with the offense taking the play if the pitch is hit and every runner, including the batter-runner, advances at least one base. Otherwise, the pitch will be called a ball.

Umpire Conduct

Avoid wearing a shirt or jacket emblazoned with the name of your regular-season team. Even though you are umpiring a game involving teams from the opposite league, a team shirt may be misinterpreted by players, coaches, and fans. Also avoid shirts with logos or sayings that might be offensive. Shirts with alcohol or tobacco logos are strictly prohibited.

On the other hand, "neutral" Rutherford Little League shirts, jackets, etc., are more than acceptable, as are tournament shirts or official Little League merchandise. Professional baseball logo shirts are O.K., but a no-logo golf shirt may be preferable.

Avoid eye contact with fans whenever possible. After the third out of an inning that featured a few close calls, you may want to walk out behind second base until the catcher throws the last warm-up pitch down to second.

Remember to show at the field 15 minutes before game time to consult with your plate umpire regarding positioning, responsibility for calling Infield Flies, fair and foul balls, etc.

The moment you are at the field for your game assignment, you have the right, indeed the obligation, to enforce the rules. Of particular interest are the safety regulations. If, for instance, you spot a catcher warming up the pitcher without proper equipment, flag it right away. If the manager disregards your warning, bring it to a board member so that it can be dealt with.

By dressing and acting respectably and responsibly, you will command respect on the field. Your cooperation is appreciated.