Umpire LLI University and Registration

SCLL Game Checklist for Coaches/Umpires

Local Rules : https://dt5602vnjxv0c.cloudfront.net/portals/23350/docs/localrules/2021%20scll%20%20local%20rules.pdf

PREGAME

• Be there at least 10 minutes pre-game.

• Ensure teams vacate the field 10 minutes before the start of the game. 

• Check for errant balls, equipment or debris left on the field. 

• All gates should be shut.

• All tarps should be pulled back away from the field of play.

• Get 2-3 game balls from the home team with an approved Little League logo on them RS or RS-T models for Majors - RS models for Minors.

• Umpire plate gear is in the 3rd base closet on Montressor and Gill and in the storage sheds on Halfmoon, Sichler, Ferguson, and API.

• Home plate umpire calls balls/strikes,fair/foul, and all catches.

• Base umpire is responsible for all calls at all bases along with fly ball tags/leaving early.

• Review other hand signals with your partner:  infield-fly, drop/caught 3rd strike, count

• The position of the ball, not the position of the player, determines whether fair or foul. The position of the ball determines fair/foul as it passes 1st & 3rd base.

• Only an umpire can grant timeout.  Only a player, not a coach, can ask for a timeout when the ball is in play.  Coaches can ask umpires for time when the ball isn’t in play..

THE BATTER

• Both feet must be within the batter’s box. The chalk lines are within the batter’s box.

• The strike zone is from the top of the knees to the armpits.

• A pitch touching the black part of the plate is a strike.

• A hit ball when the batter is outside of the box is an out.  

(1 foot outside of where the batter’s box chalk should be)

• A pitched ball that bounces can be hit safely but can only be a strike when swung at.

• A bat that hits the catcher’s glove is catcher’s interference and 1st base should be awarded.  Only forced runners on base advance.

• There is no actual penalty for throwing the bat. Get the coach to talk to the batter. A myth; throwing the bat is an out. Unsportsmanlike , but never an out or ejection.

• Rare: batting out of order. Place the correct batter with the actual count in place. Errant batter is out. We shouldn’t have any of these issues with the “continuous batting order rule”

• There are no on-deck batters.  Only the current batter can have a bat in their hand.

THE PITCHER

• Must be engaged with the mound to deliver a pitch.

• Majors and Minors do not require a ‘pause’ of motion before delivering the pitch;SCLL requires a pause and also do not allow ‘quick pitch’ batter must remain in the batters box and be prepared for the next pitch.

• Catcher must be in the catcher’s box.

• A Pitcher may not wear items that create a distraction or safety concern.  Such as jewelry, sunglasses, or an arm-sleeve on the throwing hand.

• A dropped ball or the pitcher stopping their motion is an illegal pitch and a ball. This will happen a lot early in the season. I warn the pitcher and the coach and explain the rule.

• There are no balks in Little League.

• 8 warmup pitches are allowed for a new pitcher and 5 for a returning pitcher per inning.

• Coaches may warm up a pitcher (for inhouse games only). 

• Players warming up a pitcher either on the field or in the bullpen must wear a mask and wear a cup.

• Mound visits:Majors 1 per inning per pitcher and 2 per game per pitcher. Then pitcher must be removed. Minors: 2 per inning and 3 per game. “This happens often in Minors games when a coach tries to talk a struggling pitcher through an inning. Keep the game moving.”

THE RUNNER

• Nobody on base - the base umpire is in foul territory in position to make the call at 1st. Plate ump has the fair/foul call. “Position A”

• Lead runner on 1st base - the base umpire is behind the second baseman in position to make the call at 1st and 2nd. “Position B”

• Lead runner on 2nd base - the base umpire is behind the shortstop in position to make the call at all three bases. “Position C”

• Lead Runner on 3rd base - Convention suggests the base umpire should be in “C” position.  But “B” is also acceptable.

• Remember! There are no bad calls in Little League, only calls made when you are in a bad position.

• Stealing - The runner can leave the base when the ball reaches the batter. If the runner leaves too soon you send them back to the base. They are never out. This will happen often.

• The runner cannot steal if the pitcher is on the mound and the catcher is in the box.

• Local (SCLL) Majors/Minor/Pee Wee league Rules  - Click Here https://dt5602vnjxv0c.cloudfront.net/portals/23350/docs/localrules/2021%20scll%20%20local%20rules.pdf

• When 2 runners occupy the same base,the leading runner is out and the following runner is safe.

• Obstruction - a fielder error-the fielder gets in the way of the runner-runner advances and is safe. Often the first baseman stands atop first base making the runner’s path difficult. Happens often.

• Interference - a runner gets in the way of the fielder- runner error-runner out.

• A runner establishes their own baseline. Once the fielder is in position to make a tag, the baseline becomes a straight line with 3 feet to each side as a boundary.

• Courtesy Runner. Pitcher or catcher with 2 outs. If using a regular batting order this must be a sub. If using a continuous batting order, the runner is who made the last out.

• With 2 outs ask the coaches if any of the runners are pitchers or catchers? This keeps the game moving. One of our main jobs.

THE FIELDER

• Foul tip - a sharp hit directly from the bat to the glove. This is a live ball. Not a catch if trapped against the catcher’s body or stuck in equipment.

• Legal Catch - fielder has secure possession of the ball. A throw happens when a fielder makes a voluntary or intentional release of the ball.

SAFETY

• The only person allowed with a bat is the batter. Get the coaches to enforce this rule and control their dugout-team. No on deck batters. This Happens Every Game!

• Catchers must have a throat protector at all times.

MISC.

• Talk to both coaches at the same time if there is a question. Remember! You must still make the call, not the coaches. If you make a mistake,  admit it and move on.

• This is Little League not Major League.

• It is ok to say that you don’t know. Talk to the coaches and move on.

• Any coach-fan problems contact me as soon as possible. 

• We have zero tolerance for poor sportsmanship!

• We are using the Assignr app for scheduling and reimbursement.  Umpires need to sign up and enter their information. Pay will be a direct banking account to banking account transaction within 2 to 3 days  Assigner will be the Umpire SCHEDULING & REIMBURSEMENT platform

•   All games at Halfmoon Township will be paid the Majors rates.

CONTACT INFO:  Matt Fenton (814)-876-2274

[email protected]     or    [email protected]

Umpire- In-Chief 

First, thank you for volunteering to be an Umpire-in-chief. You are the voice of the SCLL and represent all the umpires. All issues and concerns on and off the field will be directed through you. You are responsible for the planning and execution of a successful umpiring season. Below is a list of the common duties of an Umpire-in-chief. If you have questions that have not been answered here, please seek support from the Vice President of Baseball and Vice President of Softball. 

 

Role 

The Umpire-in-chief’s primary responsibility is to provide leadership, mentorship, knowledge, and an umpire Growth Program. In addition, the Umpire-In-Chief must communicate effectively with the SCLL Executive Board, Board of Directors, umpires, coaches, and parents as required. Finally, the Umpire-In-Chief must facilitate a healthy, fun and educational environment for kids, coaches and parents; and inspire the principals of sport through the game of baseball/Softball. 

 

Duties 

Monthly Meetings: Attend monthly SCLL Board meetings to discuss league topics. Vote on changes to policy, expenditures and contribute new Ideas. Understand SCLL Constitution and Bylaws, Code of Conduct and the rules that apply to the divisions. 

Pre-Season: Address the training needs of local umpires. Establish a clinic schedule for new and returning umpires for their certification with the help of LLI training in Williamsport, PA and Bristol, CT. Be the liaison with the District Administrator and monitor the LLI website for training opportunities.. Be the liaison with area Umpire-in-chiefs. 

Scheduling: Oversee the Umpire Co-ordinator. Recommend improvements to the schedule ensuring the umpires have the correct certification for the level of play. When requested by the LL District 5, identifies local umpires to take part in Tournaments. Works with SCLL Scheduling Committee to learn and utilize Assignr Technology Platforms to make scheduling umpires and paying umpires seamless.

Equipment: Familiarize yourself with SCLL and CRPR fields and equipment. The SCLL Equipment manager will provide you with the keys to access the parks and lock ups / lock boxes and equipment shed. All Umpire equipment will be available. Umpires in SCLL will be given an Umpire uniform, and equipment for the Spring, Summer, & Fall season.  All requests for replacement gear should come to the Umpire-in-chief.  Equipment will be returned by each umpire at the end of the Fall Season.

Uniforms: Establish a date to receive and distribute Umpire uniforms. The Uniform Director and the Equipment Manager will assist you with any special requests. Umpires in SCLL will be given an Umpire uniform, and equipment for the Spring, Summer, & Fall season.  All requests for replacement gear should come to the Umpire-in-chief.  

Fields: All SCLL Fields are maintained by SCLL and all CRPR fields are maintained by CRPR . Everyone involved in baseball/softball are responsible for keeping the fields safe and clean. Any unresolved issues should be communicated to the Vice President of Baseball and Softball. 

Leadership: Attend games during the season to monitor umpires. Respond to rule interpretations and inform umpires of any rule changes. Mentor young umpires providing leadership and direction. Give umpires the tools needed to maintain a quality workforce. The Umpire-in-chief has the full support of the Executive board and board of directors.

Judges are like umpires. Umpires don't make the rules. They apply them. The role of an umpire and a judge is critical. They make sure everybody plays by the rules. But it is a limited role. - John Roberts

With Coaches & Leaders modeling respect, integrity, and patience, our players, coaches and fans will be in a great place.- SCLL

Umpire Attire:  More to come....

Your Role:
Your Support:
Your Efforts:

*we truly appreciate your commitment to umpiring for these kiddos to give them a good experience and help them get better/learn the game. YOu are critical to the kids understanding how to play the game effectively, how they make decisions batting and in the field, and growing the love of the game, "Thank You". We appreicate your commitment to making the times you sign up for, and or helping us manage any conflicts you may run into day to day that would prohibit you from making a game you signed up for. Please contact the coaches/umpire coordinator if you need anything*

Umpire Scheduling Link per season: