GETTING IT RIGHT

Mountain West Sports OfficialsMountain West Sports Officials

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Our Goal• Get it right and look good while doing so

• Umpires must strive to get all decisions correct

• Umpire pride and dignity are important, but subordinate to getting it right

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Rule 10-1-4• Any umpire’s decision that involves

judgment … is final• If there is reasonable doubt about a

conflict with the rules, the coach may ask• The umpire making the decision may ask

for info• No umpire shall criticize or interfere with

another umpire’s decision unless asked

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Other Relevant Rules• The UIC may rectify any situation in which

a reversed decision places either team at a disadvantage (10-2-3L)

• The UIC may make a final decision on points not covered by the rules (10-2-3g)

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Direct CoverageChecked swing when “ball” is called (10-

1-4 Note)

• Infield Fly erroneously called (10.2.3F)

• Infield Fly not called (10.2.3G)

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Automatic Assistance

• Batted ball hits batter in box

• Caught/uncaught third strike

• Foul tip dropped, trapped or caught

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Judgment Calls• Ball or Strike

• Safe or Out (catch or no catch)

• Fair or Foul

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Calls That Can be Changed

• Rules application error• Pulled foot• Swipe tag• Dropped ball after tag• Juggled ball on force play or at first

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Calls That Can be Changed

• Home run fair or foul• Home run or ground rule double• Foul fly caught or not• Fair fly caught or not with no runners• Balk when pitcher’s foot is off rubber

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Calls That CANNOT be Changed

• Timing calls on force plays and at first

• Tags on non-force plays

• Checked swing when strike is called

• Fair fly caught or not with multiple runners

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General Techniques• Help may be needed when view is blocked or

poor position attained• Help should be requested after call is made• Avoid lengthy discussions• Hold conversation away from players & coaches• No need to get help if 100% confident – coaches

are NOT entitled to a second opinion

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Finally …

The ultimate decision to change a call rests with the calling umpire