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Mechanics Changes
2006
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Down the Lines |
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One change has been made to the 2005 implementation.
In the 3 and 4 umpire systems:
First Base Umpire
When a ball is bunted, the first base umpire will come down the line to a position even with the leading edge of 1st base. The umpire will then move to the infield or go to home as the situation dictates.
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| 2) |
Home Run or Foul Close to the Line |
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Changes have been made to the 2003 implementation.
In the 4 umpire system, if the ball passes out of the ball park near a foul pole, fair (home run) or foul, the Base Umpire will make the call.
In the 6 umpire system, if the ball passes out of the ball park near a foul pole, fair (home run) or foul, the Line Umpire will make the call.
The Plate Umpire is still responsible for watching a ball that is hit out of the ball park and not near a foul pole.
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| 3) |
Plate Mechanics |
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Softball Canada is adopting ISF mechanics for plate umpires including the following:
| 1) |
Set eyes at the top of your strike zone.
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| 2) |
Feet are to be toe/heel with the foot closest to the batter leading.
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Work the slot such that your ear closest to the catcher is on the edge of the plate.
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| 4) |
Feet are to be set with the toes pointing at the plate (not at the pitcher).
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| 5) |
Face the pitcher with your head.
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Track the ball with your eyes and just before the ball gets to the catcher, turn with the pitch to watch the ball go into the glove.
Optional: You may wish to indicate high, low, inside or outside with a further slight head motion in that direction.
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| 7) |
Very slight or no delay between call and signal on strike call. |
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| 4) |
Three and Four Umpire Systems |
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Following the 2005 pilot project, Softball Canada is using the ISF Three and Four Umpire Systems for the 2006 season.
As these mechanics will be in use at all championships, it is important that umpires learn them. The biggest change is in the Three Umpire System as an umpire goes out on all fly balls to the outfield. Small changes were made with the new Four Umpire System.
The ODC recognizes that these changes will need time to take hold, and thus a limited amount of transition flexibility will be allowed.
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2005
| 1) |
Down the Lines |
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Optional mechanic for 2004, this change will be implemented for 2005.
In the 3 and 4 umpire systems:
First Base Umpire
When a ball is hit to the outfield, the first base umpire will come down the line and move to the infield or go to home as the situation dictates.
It should be noted that when the first base umpire has possible coverage at 2nd, the umpire should cut into the diamond and not go down the line. In these situations, the umpire should open up to the ball, watch the touch, and then take the runner into second.
In the 4 umpire system with a runner at 2nd, 1st and 2nd, 1st and 3rd, or 1st, 2nd and 3rd, and the second base umpire goes out, the first base umpire has 2nd base coverage and should immediately cut into the diamond to cover both 1st and 2nd bases.
Third Base Umpire
With R2 and the runner obviously going for home, wait until R2 touches 3rd base before moving down the line and/or directly into the infield on balls hit to the outfield.
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2004
| 1) |
Balls and Strikes |
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We are now following the ISF practise of not saying the number of balls and strikes unless it is ball 4 or strike 3. Therefore the proper way to call balls and strikes will now be as follows:
Ball, Ball, Ball and Ball 4.
Strike, Strike and Strike 3.
You will still be required to give the count when the next pitch is meaningful such as:
1) When there are 2 strikes on the batter.
2) When there are 3 balls.
3) When the count is request.
4) When there is a long delay such as a change of pitcher or injured player.
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| 2) |
Between Inning Positioning |
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The grazing system was adopted by the ISF and as a result Softball Canada followed suite in order to maintain consistency. However this year the ISF decided to return to the previous method.
Therefore the attached document explains what the umpires' responsibilities are between innings. This will be used at all Canadian Championships this year.
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| 3) |
Check Swing |
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Softball Canada is no longer requiring the umpire to ask Did He Swing or Did She Swing. When checking with the base umpires, we will now do as follows:
1) Remove the mask.
2) Step out around the catcher.
3) Point to the appropriate base umpire and say "Swing."
The answer will be a simple "Yes" or "No" with the appropriate signal.
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| 4) |
Dead Ball |
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Dead ball will be used anytime you have to kill the play such as but not limited to:
Batter:
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Hit by pitch. |
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Hit by batted ball in or out of the batter's box. |
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Stepping on home plate or out of the batter's box while making contact with the ball. |
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Backing up between home and 1st. |
Base Runner:
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Interference. |
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Lead-offs. |
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Ball out of play. |
When an umpire needs to suspend play to perform his duties, time will be called.
NOTE: When calling dead ball, the "TIME" signal will be used.
In Slo-Pitch, "Time!" is called at the completion of every play. The "Dead Ball!" call is used in all situations as above.
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| 5) |
High Set Position |
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High Set Position: Knees bent with the hands on the upper thighs.
The high set position will be used prior to making a call. It will not be used as a starting position when runners are on base. Use the ready position instead.
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| 6) |
Sweeping the Rubber |
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At the start of the game, the pitcher's rubber will be swept after the pitcher completes his warm-up pitches.
At the completion of each half inning, the umpire closest to the pitcher's rubber will do the sweeping. Should there be no runners on base, the 3rd base umpire will be responsible for sweeping the rubber.
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2003
| 1) |
Grazing |
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No longer in effect. See between inning positioning for more information.
This mechanic will be used for the 3, 4 and 6 umpire systems only. It is designed to help speed the game up as well as to relieve congestion in the infield.
At the end of each inning and before the pitcher takes his or her warm up pitches, the umpire nearest the rubber sweeps the pitcher's rubber.
The base umpires roam in the outfield or foul territory near their normal starting positions. The base umpires do not gather together as a group unless it is necessary to discuss some element of the game.
In the 6 umpire system, the line umpires roam in the outfield or foul territory beyond the bases near their normal starting position.
The plate umpire rotates from side to side between innings following the catcher.
Click Here For An Animated Image
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| 2) |
Home Run or Foul Close to the Line |
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Changes were made for the 2006 season. See here for more information.
Base Umpires, 4 Umpire System:
Hustle down the line as soon as the ball is hit over your head. It is the responsibility of the base umpire to make all calls if the ball is caught or drops in fair or foul. If the ball is close to the line and it appears it may go out of the park, don't stand on the line as you will block the view of the plate umpire.
Line Umpires, 6 Umpire System:
Hustle down the line as soon as the ball is hit over your head. It is the responsibility of the line umpire to make all calls if the ball is caught or drops in fair or foul. If the ball is close to the line and it appears it may go out of the park, don't stand on the line as you will block the view of the plate umpire.
Plate Umpire, 4 & 6 Umpire Systems:
Move out from behind the plate and into position to determine if fair or foul. If the ball passes out of the ball park near the foul pole, fair (home run) or foul, the Plate Umpire will make the call. The distance and position you move will be determined by the position of any base runners. You must be in a position so you can observe the ball leaving the park and the base runner touching the plate.
Click Here For An Animated Image
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| 3) |
Ready Position |
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The "Ready Position" is a starting position replacing the "rolling start" and the "set start" for umpires.
As the pitch is delivered (break of the hands) assume a stance much like an outfielder on defence. Face home plate, with your feet staggered and about shoulder width apart, knees and back slightly bent with the hands held in front of the body at high thigh or waist level.
With the release of the ball, just shift your weight to the balls of your feet. If the ball is hit, use this position to move quickly to where you want to go. If the ball is not hit, relax and be ready to get "Ready." It has been found that umpires who use this position are able to move out of the way of a hit ball more quickly. The use of this position in all situations also provides consistency in our mechanics.
The "Ready" position does not replace the set position used when seeing the play; however, now when setting, it is recommended that you do not place your hands on your knees but that you set by bending the knees slightly and placing your hands higher up on the thighs. Using this higher set position will take the strain off your knees and not lock you into position quite so tightly. Remember to keep your eye on the ball, focus on the play, hesitate and then make your call. If necessary, move to your next position should play continue.
The sequence on a hit would be: Ready during the pitch; move on the hit to get an angle; take the high set position to watch the play; make the call, coming out of the high set by removing the hands off the thigh, standing erect and making the proper and correct signal.
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