Maine District 4 LL Umpires: Welcome
Maine District 4 Little League Information Page.Wednesday, September 3
AK Bye-Bye
It was announced today the Andrew Konyar will retire on October 31, 2008. No replacement has been interviewed that they are admitting to.
He said his dream at this time is to have fun with his kids and many grandchildren. He is now a football grandpa and loves being there for them.
So long Andy!
Steve
Rules Every Umpire Should Know Before Taking the Field
Every current and future umpire should read and keep this document with them.
This is a wonderful "Plain English" description of the basics you need to do a game.
Handout: Things Every Umpire Should Know
Game Day Weather
Saturday, June 28
2008 Umpire Guidelines! READ PLEASE!!
Little League District 4 Maine
2008 UMPIRES GUIDELINES
1. First and foremost, the safety of the children and the integrity of the game must be number ONE in the umpire’s mind in how they enforce and interpret the rules. In the case of inclement weather ALWAYS err on the side of safety! See attached lightning protocol.
2. The well groomed umpire creates an atmosphere of respect and dignity. Uniform: slacks – gray; shirt – colors of official’s shirts are optional to each crew (dark/light blue, black, cream, or red (considering different colors from teams jerseys is helpful)) with LL patch on left sleeve; dark, clean shoes and socks; indicator; and hat – neutral or with District 4 logo. Umpires will wear all protective equipment per rule 9.01a.
3. If at all possible, arrive at the field 45 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the game.
4. Game crew should walk the field to confirm readiness to play and then conference before warm ups. Determine who has what coverage (e.g., fair/foul, catch/no catch, tag-up and touches of bases), review hand signals, positioning (e.g., A, B, C or D). Discuss duties of blues during game (e.g., count back up, taking care of mound, who talks to new pitchers (outs, base runners, current count), and timing warm-ups).
5. Umpires will ensure all safety rules are in force (e.g., full catcher helmet, mask, and throat guard during warm ups, no jewelry except for medic-alert bracelets or medallions).
6. Check the playing equipment (i.e., bats, helmets, catchers’ equipment) of both teams during warm ups to make sure they are legal per the rules and undamaged. Illegal/damaged equipment must be removed from the dugouts and will not be allowed in equipment bags.
7. The plate umpire will present the game crew’s names/positions to the game announcer and will ensure a 2008 rulebook is with the TD or Game Official of the game in the Scorer’s Booth.
8. At the conclusion of pregame activities (i.e., announcing teams, National Anthem, Little League Pledge) inform Home Team manager to keep their team in the dugout during the pre-game brief with managers/coaches. Read the attached pre-game discussion at each game. A laminated copy of this pregame conference discussion will be in the Official Scorer’s Booth.
9. Plate umpire will check with official scorer that both batting orders are accurate.
10. Keep the game moving – a ballgame is often helped by energetic and earnest work of the officials. The teams won’t listen to us telling them to hustle if we don’t set the example!
11. Between innings the umpires should position themselves in the field. Avoid congregating with each other to discuss calls made in the previous half inning and especially do not talk with the spectators. If your water is by the fence, take a drink but, don’t linger. If a fan asks you a question, be polite and use good judgment when answering and then get to your spot.
12. Remind Managers/coaches they are not to interface with anybody outside of the playing fence during the course of the game. A scorebook, if used, will be maintained by one of the coaches in the dugout and not outside the fence.