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	<title>Forums</title>
	<description>Forum rss feed</description>
	<link>http://umpire-empire.com</link>
	<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:40:45 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Forums</title>
		<url>http://www.umpire-empire.com/forum/images/UmpireEmpire125.png</url>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com</link>
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		<title>Stinky Chest Protector!!!</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24975-stinky-chest-protector/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I have a Champro Pro-Plus Chest Protector. It's not bad but the foam padding on the inside socks up all the sweat. Now after three years it is smelling bad. I washed it in the washing machine but even after just one game it is back to stinking. Any ideas?!?<br />
<br />
I want a West vest, but I can't get one right now.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:40:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24975-stinky-chest-protector/</guid>
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		<title>Assignments are rolling in!!!</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25040-assignments-are-rolling-in/</link>
		<description>The Arbiter is lighting up!! I have 3 double headers the week I get home from work. I work as a medic in the oil field and work 21/21. I am eager to strap on the gear and call some baseball.</description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:28:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25040-assignments-are-rolling-in/</guid>
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		<title><![CDATA[Does the term &#34;Blue&#34; offend you?]]></title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24002-does-the-term-blue-offend-you/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A friend of mine who went to Wendelstedt's this past year and I were talking about this a few days ago, and the way he explained it to me really made sense.  He related it as to someone going into a hardware store and rather than call the employee by his name, just yelling "Hey, Smock!"  (or whatever kind of clothing they have on)  It got me thinking that although we introduce ourselves by name at the plate meeting, I'm called "Blue" at least 5 times a game. <br />
<br />
Does anyone here think that "Hey, Blue!" is disrespectful?  Personally, I feel as though (especially for HS and above games) that if a coach/manager is going to come out an and talk to me, he should at least call me by my name, when I call him by his.  Thoughts?]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:08:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24002-does-the-term-blue-offend-you/</guid>
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		<title>Test Monday</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24655-test-monday/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I have my PIAA test on Monday. I've been studying like crazy for this thing. I've actually never really had to try to do well on tests. This one however is my white whale. I'm a teacher and on Friday we have a field trip. I volunteered to stay back with the detention kids so that I can study all day. Plus it got me bonus points with my other teachers.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:27:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24655-test-monday/</guid>
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		<title>Short Sleeve Mock Neck Undershirts</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25037-short-sleeve-mock-neck-undershirts/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[With McDavid no longer producing the short sleeve mock neck undershirts where are you guys turning for your mock neck wicking shirts? I prefer the mock neck over the crew neck and there don't seem to be many quality options.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:26:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25037-short-sleeve-mock-neck-undershirts/</guid>
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		<title>2012 test</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25010-2012-test/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I am working on my states <acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym> practice test,I think I am over thinking this one.<strong class='bbc'>With <acronym title='Base runner at 1B'>R1</acronym> at first base, less than two outs. A shot back at the pitcher deflects off the pitcher's foot toward first base. The pitcher chases the ball into the baseline between home and first. The pitcher arrives at the ball ahead of the batter-runner. As the pitcher is reaching for the ball, the batter-runner collides with the pitcher (not malicious) and both players fall to the ground. The pitcher gets up with the ball and tosses to first base for the put-out on the batter-runner.</strong><br />
<br />
A. Obstruction on the pitcher; award <acronym title='Batter-runner'>BR </acronym>at least first base; and award the base he is forced to by BR's obstruction award unless he advances further while the ball is in play<br />
B. Inference on the BR; call him out and return <acronym title='Base runner at 1B'>R1</acronym> to first base<br />
C. Incidental contact; play on<br />
D. The out stands; award <acronym title='Base runner at 1B'>R1</acronym> 2nd base<br />
<br />
I am saying a,But for some reason i am doubting myself]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:14:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25010-2012-test/</guid>
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		<title>P/DH Question</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24946-pdh-question/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I'm having a DUMB moment and can't figure this one out. Help Please.  And if you can explain it I would Appreciate it.<br />
<br />
<br />
The starting pitcher is listed as the P/DH on the lineup card. His team gets a 12 run lead after one inning. The head coach can replace the pitcher and put the starting pitcher in to play left field<br />
<br />
True or False]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:07:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24946-pdh-question/</guid>
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		<title>Wilson Leg Guards</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25042-wilson-leg-guards/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Well, looks like it might be time for me to sell my extra set of leg guards if this guys sells his, mine will be for sale next.<br />
<br />
<a href='http://www.ebay.com/itm/Authentic-Major-League-Baseball-Wilson-West-Vest-Umpire-Leg-Shin-Guards-MLB-/280801101469?_trksid=p5197.m1374&_trkparms=algo%3DPI.WATCH%26otn%3D8%26po%3DLCA%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D6498571115042810661#ht_500wt_1156' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.ebay.com/itm/Authentic-Major-League-Baseball-Wilson-West-Vest-Umpire-Leg-Shin-Guards-MLB-/280801101469?_trksid=p5197.m1374&_trkparms=algo%3DPI.WATCH%26otn%3D8%26po%3DLCA%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D6498571115042810661#ht_500wt_1156</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:21:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25042-wilson-leg-guards/</guid>
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		<title>2012 NCAA Test</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24596-2012-ncaa-test/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Well, at 12:01 am tomorrow morning, the 2012 NCAA test window opens.<br />
<br />
I am wondering what strategies you use to get you through the test?<br />
<br />
Do you take it all at one time?  <br />
<br />
Do you break it up into smaller sections?<br />
<br />
Or do you do something completely different?<br />
<br />
Share your test-taking strategies here!]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:18:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24596-2012-ncaa-test/</guid>
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		<title>Moving with the Catcher</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24958-moving-with-the-catcher/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Right handed batter<br />
The catcher is going to call for a pitch on the outer half of the plate.<br />
After giving his signal to the pitcher, the catcher shifts to his right two or three inches.<br />
<br />
Do you shift two or three inches with the catcher or do you stay in the same place with your nose on the inside corner?]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:20:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24958-moving-with-the-catcher/</guid>
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		<title>Coach and catcher miscommunication on intentional walk.</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25053-coach-and-catcher-miscommunication-on-intentional-walk/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[So here is the situation.  With a runner on first and third base, the catcher asks the plate umpire for an intentional walk to load the bases.  The plate umpire awards the base - at this moment the head coach declares he didn't ask for the intentional walk.  The coach calmy walks toward the catcher and aks - "who told you to walk him?"  The coach then asks the plate umpire if the intentional base on balls can be undone.  What do you have?  This is a junior varsity <acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym> game.  I realize this is a most unusual situation.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:11:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25053-coach-and-catcher-miscommunication-on-intentional-walk/</guid>
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		<title>And the circus begins</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25038-and-the-circus-begins/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I recieved this today:<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style='font-size: 12px;'>The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has advised us that the BBCOR decertification process has been implemented for the Marucci CAT5 33-inch model. </span><br />
<span style='font-size: 12px;'>Effective immediately and until further notice, this bat (Marucci CAT5 33" length) should be considered a non-compliant bat and subject to <acronym title='High school rules'>NFHS</acronym> Baseball Rules 4-1-3b and 7-4-1a. </span>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:30:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25038-and-the-circus-begins/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title>It all begins now...</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25057-it-all-begins-now/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.com/v/uY-SjmhQ3i0?version=3" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://youtube.com/v/uY-SjmhQ3i0?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="360"></embed></object><br />
<br />
First game tomorrow. And the weather is supposed to be in the 70s how perfect.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:51:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25057-it-all-begins-now/</guid>
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		<title>Hello from CO</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25017-hello-from-co/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Greetings all:<br />
<br />
First year venturing into umpiring.  I've reffed soccer for 10 years, and basketball for 5.<br />
<br />
Grew up playing baseball, but know I've got a lot to learn on the umpiring side.  We do mostly 2 man mechanics out here in the sticks, so I've got my running shoes laced up and ready to go.<br />
<br />
Looking forward to learning a lot from both my on-field mentors and the members here!  Hope everyone has a great season!!<br />
<br />
Don]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:34:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25017-hello-from-co/</guid>
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		<title>Finnerty Supply Bucket</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24750-finnerty-supply-bucket/</link>
		<description>Ok, interested to find out what you carry in the supply bucket.  Thanks.</description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:05:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24750-finnerty-supply-bucket/</guid>
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		<title>Looking for some pictures</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25021-looking-for-some-pictures/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Guys I'm looking for some good pictures of various pieces of umpire equipment.<br />
<br />
Specifically:<br />
<br />
Riddell Power CP<br />
Original West Vest by Douglas - with the Velcro plate<br />
Anything by Carlucci<br />
+POS Rosin mask<br />
<br />
Any other vintage umpire equipment or plate shoes.<br />
<br />
Good pictures of rare Items like the vans or nike plate shoes -- I believe there were some converse shoes in there too. <br />
<br />
Many thinks.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:45:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25021-looking-for-some-pictures/</guid>
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		<title>For Umpiring School, a Staff Party Proves Costly - New York Times</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24831-for-umpiring-school-a-staff-party-proves-costly-new-york-times/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href='http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/10/sports/baseball/umpiring-school-loses-baseball-relationship-over-behavior-at-party.html?_r=1' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/10/sports/baseball/umpiring-school-loses-baseball-relationship-over-behavior-at-party.html?_r=1</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 04:59:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24831-for-umpiring-school-a-staff-party-proves-costly-new-york-times/</guid>
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		<title><![CDATA[Catcher's Box]]></title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25007-catchers-box/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I've never called this one, but if the catcher has one foot out of his catcher's box, it's an illegal pitch (<acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym> rule 6-1-1 penalty).  As I was reading this, I saw the dimensions for the catcher's box being 43 inches wide.  So I measured the position of my feet that I would take if I were a catcher in a wide stance, and the edge of my feet came to 42 inches. Therefore, any movement to the right or left of a few inches would put me out of the catcher's box. <br />
<br />
This forum frequently talks about catchers setting up and moving outside, but has anyone called an illegal pitch when the catcher sets up too far to the side. And I'm not talking about the pitchout situation or the intentional walk.<br />
<br />
To add to the discussion, I'll bet the catcher's box is not lined (or lined incorrectly) on the majority of our fields. So it becomes a sticky situation to call this unless it's very obvious.<br />
<br />
Your thoughts?]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:25:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25007-catchers-box/</guid>
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		<title>Compression pants</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/23203-compression-pants/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Soooo - <br />
I heard that compression pants can actually help you stay cooler?  Is this true?  It was explained to me that when you run, it creates a cooling breeze that pulls heat away. <br />
<br />
I work in the desert.   100 degrees,  &lt;10% humidity.  <br />
<br />
What is your experience with compression tights?<br />
<br />
Any place they don't work?  (humid areas, etc?)<br />
<br />
What is the best brand/model?  I don't care about price if it really works. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span rel='lightbox'><img src='http://www.ump-attire.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/230-l.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></span><span rel='lightbox'><img src='http://g.nordstromimage.com/imagegallery/store/product/Gigantic/7/_5959147.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></span>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:00:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/23203-compression-pants/</guid>
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		<title><![CDATA[Old Style  New Balance Plate &#38; Base Shoes on sale]]></title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24952-old-style-new-balance-plate-base-shoes-on-sale/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[60.00 for the plate shoes 48.00 for base shoes , and free shiping<br />
<br />
<a href='http://www.6pm.com/new-balance-shoes-on-sale~p#!/new-balance-black-shoes/CK_XAUIBA1IBa-ABAeICBBwBCgg.zso?s=goliveRecentSalesStyle/desc/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.6pm.com/new-balance-shoes-on-sale~p#!/new-balance-black-shoes/CK_XAUIBA1IBa-ABAeICBBwBCgg.zso?s=goliveRecentSalesStyle/desc/</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:53:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24952-old-style-new-balance-plate-base-shoes-on-sale/</guid>
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		<title>illegal sub debate</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25019-illegal-sub-debate/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Tonight there was somewhat of a debate about what at the time I thought would be a no-brainer. The debate was over whether an umpire should <strong class='bbc'>allow </strong>an illegal sub to be entered into a game. In other words, if a coach comes to you with a substitution and you recognize that it is an illegal sub should you allow it or tell the coach he can't do that.<br />
<br />
My opinion has always been I would tell the coach the player is not eligible and not allow it but apparently there are some that would say it is giving unfair info to that team and you should give the opposing team an oppurtunity to get the out ( if it's on offense ). So what is the correct way to handle this ?]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:47:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25019-illegal-sub-debate/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title>All Star CPU4000 fit</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/23983-all-star-cpu4000-fit/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I am really seriously considering purchasing one of these new All Star chest protectors.  My only concern is the fit around the neck.<br />
I wear a 17 1/2 to 18 dress shirt and have read some concerns about neck room.  I was just wanting to get input from guys that have worn the CP.<br />
<br />
Thanks.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:32:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/23983-all-star-cpu4000-fit/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Jacket vs. Long Sleeve?</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24820-jacket-vs-long-sleeve/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Interested in the opinions here.  Looking to get a jacket for the first 1/2 of the spring or so, and wanted to know if you all thought the pullover or long sleeve shirt look better for behind the plate.  My college association requires all umpires to AT LEAST have a Honigs K17 black jacket ( so we can all match), so I will be getting that one.  Should I get the jacket just for the bases and wear a long sleeve black shirt behind the plate?  I don't have the money for a plate coat yet, otherwise I would be all over that.  I personally like the way the long sleeve shirts look.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:46:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24820-jacket-vs-long-sleeve/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[<acronym title='High school rules'>NFHS</acronym> Rules App for iOS]]></title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24990-nfhs-rules-app-for-ios/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Just paid $5.95 for the 2012 app. Not a bad deal since it includes case and rules rolled into one. <br />
<br />
Someone said that Little League had an app for rules, but I did not see it in the app store.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:50:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24990-nfhs-rules-app-for-ios/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title>Everything is so different</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24777-everything-is-so-different/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Long time since I have been on here. (I think the last email I had was from August of 2009 or so). Have decided to see what is new.<br />
<br />
And NEW it is. WOW <img src='http://umpire-empire.com/public/style_emoticons/default/wow.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':wow:' /><br />
<br />
Looking forward to rejoining the community and keep up the good work Warren.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:18:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24777-everything-is-so-different/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Umpire Looking for a Team for Week 7 for <acronym title='Cooperstown Dream Park'>CDP</acronym>]]></title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25025-umpire-looking-for-a-team-for-week-7-for-cdp/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Myself and a buddy of mine are looking to go to Cooperstown this year on the Week 7.<br />
<br />
If we go together we can share some of the expenses and save you money!!!<br />
<br />
I already have a team but my buddy still needs one.<br />
<br />
If there is anyone out there looking for a team please email me at jaxrolo@gmail.com<br />
<br />
Thanks]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:37:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/25025-umpire-looking-for-a-team-for-week-7-for-cdp/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Showing a three ball count</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24563-showing-a-three-ball-count/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[What's your preferred method for showing a three ball count using the left hand.  I've seen it done two ways:<br />
<br />
1. middle-ring-little finger combination<br />
2. index-middle-ring finger combination<br />
<br />
I've found that it's easier for me to use the middle-ring-little finger combo, as I can hold onto my indicator more easily with my thumb and index finger.<br />
<br />
Please note that I didn't ask for the "right" or "proper" method, just your preferred method.  <img src='http://umpire-empire.com/public/style_emoticons/default/wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' /><br />
Oh, if there is another option that I didn't mention, please share it.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:08:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24563-showing-a-three-ball-count/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>New Mechanic for 2012</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24251-new-mechanic-for-2012/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Today our class was introduced to a new mechanic for taking pick off plays for 2012. <acronym title='he Professional Baseball Umpire Corp.'>PBUC</acronym> and the minor leagues expect all pick off plays from the pitcher to first base to be taken from the B and C position in this fashion.<br />
<br />
Start hands on knees set shoulders squared to plate with eyes and head on pitcher.<br />
<br />
as the pitcher starts his move step to the mid point between the 45ft line and first base with your RIGHT foot.<br />
<br />
see the ball out of his hand.<br />
<br />
drop step with the left foot squaring your shoulders towards first base and take the play standing set in a "modified scissors stance" with arms to your side.<br />
<br />
make your call as your left foot comes up to square with your right.<br />
<br />
I had a hard time with this in drills today as i am used taking a step towards the mid point between the 45ft and first base with my left foot then squaring to the base.  Luckily the beach is a great place to draw your own diamond and get in some extra practice.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:04:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24251-new-mechanic-for-2012/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title>Nike pro combat sale</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24867-nike-pro-combat-sale/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Just left my local academy all of the Nike Pro combat hyper warm gear was on sale 50% off.<br />
<br />
I grabbed a white long sleeve fitted and a black long sleeve fitted as well as a pair of the hyper warm compression leggings.<br />
<br />
Each were originally $50 each all on sale for 24.99 each]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:25:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24867-nike-pro-combat-sale/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title>3rd to 1st pick off / errant throw</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24957-3rd-to-1st-pick-off-errant-throw/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Runners on third and first,pitcher trys the third to first pick off move. As he steps to third the ball slips and goes directly to the ground and rolls acrosses the foul line between home and third. runner on first steals second. what do you have?<br />
<br />
Question brought up by a fellow umpire.  I have nothing if a fielder was in position to receive the pick off throw unless ball goes into dead ball territory]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:16:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24957-3rd-to-1st-pick-off-errant-throw/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>new balance outlet site</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24994-new-balance-outlet-site/</link>
		<description>here is a site i stumbled across . just about anything new balance , and yes they have the 450 plate and the 995 base in most sizes . www.joesnewbalanceoutlet.com . happy shopping gentlemen !!!marc</description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:38:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24994-new-balance-outlet-site/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[The infracting team can never benefit from the umpire's awared]]></title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24988-the-infracting-team-can-never-benefit-from-the-umpires-awared/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[From the NJ <acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym> test. This question was prviously addressed, but I did not see any response.<br />
<br />
Your thoughts?]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:36:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24988-the-infracting-team-can-never-benefit-from-the-umpires-awared/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Reebok Magistrate Plate Shoes on sale for $64.95!</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24751-reebok-magistrate-plate-shoes-on-sale-for-6495/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Baseball Savings . com<br />
<br />
<a href='https://www.baseballsavings.com/customer/category/product.jsp/SUBCATEGORY_ID/40694/searchWords/field+magistrate' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>https://www.baseball...ield+magistrate</a><br />
<br />
Sizes 8 through 15.   Black/white or black/black.<div id='attach_wrap' class=''>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:44:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24751-reebok-magistrate-plate-shoes-on-sale-for-6495/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Happy Birthday SDIX!!!</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24985-happy-birthday-sdix/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Happy Birthday SDIX!!!   <img src='http://umpire-empire.com/public/style_emoticons/default/notworthy.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':notworthy:' />  <img src='http://umpire-empire.com/public/style_emoticons/default/notworthy.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':notworthy:' />  <img src='http://umpire-empire.com/public/style_emoticons/default/notworthy.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':notworthy:' />  <img src='http://umpire-empire.com/public/style_emoticons/default/notworthy.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':notworthy:' />  <img src='http://umpire-empire.com/public/style_emoticons/default/notworthy.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':notworthy:' />  <img src='http://umpire-empire.com/public/style_emoticons/default/notworthy.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':notworthy:' />]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:18:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24985-happy-birthday-sdix/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>60lbs Lost And Ready For High School</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24855-60lbs-lost-and-ready-for-high-school/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[In the offseason I have been working out and dieting. I have lost 60lbs and I'm loving it. I even played fall mens league. I didn't do very well fielding but I did I did bat .600!!! I have none 5 high school scrimmages and I can tell a BIG change!!!<br />
<br />
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		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:33:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24855-60lbs-lost-and-ready-for-high-school/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Parachute Cord</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/22232-parachute-cord/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Thanks to some suggestions here, I have procured myself enough parachute cord to replace the laces in my plate and base shoes.<br />
<br />
Now, I need to know how you all treat the ends to keep them from fraying and make it possible to get through the eyelets of my shoes. I know I can burn the ends to close them up, but is there a sure-fire method to work with them as they're melting to help with threading?]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2012 06:40:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/22232-parachute-cord/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Cap Creasing</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/1836-cap-creasing/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<span style='font-family: Verdana'>All, <br />
Honest question,.. for clarification please. <br />
<br />
I've seen somewhere, can't find it, but...<br />
<br />
for a NON LOGO cap, should it still be creased?<br />
<br />
I'm assuming yes, but just wanted to clarify.<br />
<br />
Thanks in advance</span>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sun, 19 Feb 2012 17:02:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/1836-cap-creasing/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>My Timing Lesson</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24874-my-timing-lesson/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I attended the Wendelstedt SoCal Winter Classic in Palm Springs this weekend.  Great clinic.  I picked up a couple new things that I had not known about, but will help me make a significant improvement on the field.<br />
<br />
I will talk about them this week when I have more time, but I wanted to get this short story out because I thought it was funny and educational at the same time.<br />
<br />
My Timing Lesson<br />
I usually get good feedback on my timing behind the plate.  This last weekend, it paid off while I was being evaluated.<br />
<br />
We were doing live games and umpires were rotating in and out every half inning.  This probably unnerved the batters and pitchers as the strike zone was almost definitely changing every half inning.<br />
<br />
I took the dish in the bottom of the 5th.   First pitch comes in far enough off the plate and slams in to the glove.  I say in my head "Ball" and the same time the batter mutters "Shit!".  I took my eyes off the glove and looked at the batter and thought "That's my cue!", and rose and hammered a strong "Strike!"<br />
<br />
No, I didn't call a strike for the language (I don't care).   Rather, the batter had been up to bat 3 times earlier and knew better than I what the strike zone looked like on that day.  After all, it was my first pitch, and perhaps his 12th.  <br />
<br />
The point of the short anecdote is to reinforce the benefits of good timing.   Good timing is about gathering all the information and analyzing it.  And this time, because I said "Ball" in my head, it gave me an extra beat to hear the batter tell me otherwise, and allowed me to call a pitch more appropriate for that particular game.<br />
<br />
<br />
I would have felt pretty stupid calling "Ball" as the batter muttered "Shit!"]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sun, 19 Feb 2012 11:44:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24874-my-timing-lesson/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Player listed twice in the lineup</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24486-player-listed-twice-in-the-lineup/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Here is a rules conundrum to ponder whilst we wait for the grass to green. . .<br />
<br />
Late in the 1988 season, the Milwaukee Brewers hosted the Detroit Tigers. The official lineup card listed future Hall of Famer Robin Yount batting third playing centerfield, <strong class='bbc'>and</strong> batting fifth as the DH.<br />
<br />
In the <acronym title='Time of pitch '>TOP</acronym> of the first Yount took his position in centerfield.<br />
In the bottom of the first Yount batted third and lined out to second base.<br />
In the bottom of the second Mike Young batted in the five spot and lined out to shortstop.<br />
<br />
After Young lined out, Tigers manager Sparky Anderson complained. The umpire crew removed Yount from the game on the theory that Young had pinch hit for Yount in the five hole. A new outfielder took Yount’s position batting third and Young remained in the DH spot batting fifth (and the pitcher remained in the game).<br />
<br />
<em class='bbc'>Is that correct? What should have happened?</em><br />
<br />
Pete]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sun, 19 Feb 2012 05:30:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24486-player-listed-twice-in-the-lineup/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Runner behind infielders, hit by batted ball</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24951-runner-behind-infielders-hit-by-batted-ball/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<span style='color: #000000'><span style='font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, Helvetica, sans-serif'><span style='font-size: 12px;'><p class='bbc_left'>Bases loaded, none out and the infield is drawn in to the grass. B4 hits a line drive up the middle that nails <acronym title='Base runner at 2B'>R2</acronym>, who is standing on second base. No infielder had a chance to make a play.</p></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Rulings:<br />
<br />
<span style='color: #000000'><span style='font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, Helvetica, sans-serif'><span style='font-size: 12px;'><p class='bbc_left'><acronym title='Official Baseball Rules'>OBR</acronym>:</p></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style='color: #000000'><span style='font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, Helvetica, sans-serif'><span style='font-size: 12px;'><p class='bbc_left'>NCAA:</p></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style='color: #000000'><span style='font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, Helvetica, sans-serif'><span style='font-size: 12px;'><p class='bbc_left'><acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym>:</p></span></span></span>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 23:01:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24951-runner-behind-infielders-hit-by-batted-ball/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Forgetting &#38; Disinterested]]></title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24626-forgetting-disinterested/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Wow, I haven't posed in some time.<br />
<br />
I just started getting paper work and registration dues for 2012 submitted these past few weeks.   Let me tell ya something - I feel like I don't want to do it anymore. <img src='http://umpire-empire.com/public/style_emoticons/default/sad.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':(' /><br />
<br />
I'm not sure what it is, but I seemed to have lost interest over the previous months.  I started a new and much more demanding job this past fall and that has been where my mind has been since the 2011 season ended.  I haven't picked up a rule book in months or even tempted to get my head back in the 'game'.  I sit here and wonder what I need to do to prep myself.  I seem to be forgetting basic rules in my mind.<br />
<br />
This summer would be the start of my 7th year umpring.  I just don't why or how I lost motivation in what I used to love.  Last year was one of my seasons so far.  Maybe because it is the fact I put up with many bitchy and aggrivating people for 40+ plus hours each week at work, idk - I don't wan't to hear it anymore. <img src='http://umpire-empire.com/public/style_emoticons/default/meditation.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':meditation:' /><br />
<br />
I sit here and ask myself - do I really want to keep doing this?]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 21:57:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24626-forgetting-disinterested/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title>when is it too early too toss?</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/17152-when-is-it-too-early-too-toss/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[When is it too early too toss a manager from a game? Let me summarize the situation;<br />
<br />
I was working a L.L. 11u tournament game tonight; its a round robin tournament that started last friday night and ive seen both of these teams already. Home team's coaches are nothing but class, i wish all teams were like them. The visitors on the other hand have done nothing but give headaches to everyone the whole tourney. The last time i had the visiting team they argued that i "blew " a call, with that said i love when coaches can only quote half a rule when they try and argue and forget about the parts that would go against their case, so needless to say there was no blown call. Before the start of the game we call the managers over for the ground rules like always and before we can even start the manager starts in with "so do you want to admit know that you were wrong the other night" my response was "so do you want to stay and watch this game from your bench?" coaches response " as soon as you say your wrong ill drop it" my response "Your gone" and tossed him. Like you predicted he went off like a rocket saying he cant be tossed before the game starts and lineups are exchanged. For this tourney they swap lineups in before they start infield and we never see them so that argument was null in void. That enlies my question though;  there was nothing wrong with me tossing him before the first pitch was there?]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 18:22:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/17152-when-is-it-too-early-too-toss/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[All-Star System Seven <acronym title='Chest protector'>CP </acronym>Sizing]]></title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24616-all-star-system-seven-cp-sizing/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I am considering buying this CP.<br />
<br />
It comes in 12" and 15"<br />
<br />
For those of you that own one or have tried one what size do you recommend?<br />
<br />
I am 5'8"  200# (I know I need to lose weight)<br />
<br />
Thanks!]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 15:01:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24616-all-star-system-seven-cp-sizing/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title>Runnr hit by batted ball</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24921-runnr-hit-by-batted-ball/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The rule says if batted ball touches a runner after passing through or by an infielder AND another infielder could have made a play on the ball, the runner is out.<br />
Based on this language a ball that the infielder allows to go through his legs and hits a runner would qualify as "through" and the runner is called out. Not sure why,<br />
but for some reason I thought when the infielder erred the runner was no longer in jeopardy. I realize if he makes any contact with the ball, no out is called, but maybe<br />
it's just that it doesn't seem right to call runner out when he is passing behind a fielder that clearly has a play on the ball fails to make the play. Any other opinions?]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:56:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24921-runnr-hit-by-batted-ball/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Help out my kid. Answer his survey</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24883-help-out-my-kid-answer-his-survey/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[can you help out my 6th grader's marketing project by answering this survey? Thanks so much guys<br />
<br />
<a href='https://docs.google.com/a/maine207south.org/spreadsheet/viewform?pli=1&formkey=dEhWdlk4anNaUk10RVNUbWJBN25EdlE6MQ#gid=0' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>https://docs.google.com/a/maine207south.org/spreadsheet/viewform?pli=1&formkey=dEhWdlk4anNaUk10RVNUbWJBN25EdlE6MQ#gid=0</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:14:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24883-help-out-my-kid-answer-his-survey/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title>4 pairs of shin guards for sale...2 brand new, 2 slightly used...</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24268-4-pairs-of-shin-guards-for-sale2-brand-new-2-slightly-used/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<em class='bbc'>hey everybody, i've got some shin guards i'm looking to sell...i've got a brand new 18/19 inch wilson "west vest" still in the plastic with tags on them...i'll let them go for $89.00 plus postage......i also have a pair of honigs collegite shin guards that are brand new as well...i'm asking $40.00 for those....i have a slightly used pair of the west vest 16/17 inch shin guards i'm looking to get $60.00 for those, and lastly, i have a slightly used pair of the gerry davis" no knee strap" shin guards that are my personal favorite...i'm asking $60.00 for these also.....hit me back if interested, i'm going to wait a while before listing on e-bay.......thanks, mike  p.s.	shoot me an e-mail at <a href='mailto:quickstrike33@gmail.com' title='E-mail Link' class='bbc_email'>quickstrike33@gmail.com</a>......</em>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:57:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24268-4-pairs-of-shin-guards-for-sale2-brand-new-2-slightly-used/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>umpires shrink in height and weight in last 25 years</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24877-umpires-shrink-in-height-and-weight-in-last-25-years/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ever notice todays umpires have changed drastically in size over the last 25 years..read in an article the other day, that back in 1983 the <acronym title='Batting Average'>AVG</acronym> height of a major league umpire was almost 6-2..the <acronym title='Batting Average'>AVG</acronym> weight was 225...and in 2010 the <acronym title='Batting Average'>AVG</acronym> height of a major league umpire is 5-11 and a half...the <acronym title='Batting Average'>AVG</acronym> weight is 202..that is a big difference... and also the article said in today s game a lot more complaints against the strike zone and calls on the bases...i think a good reason for the complaints is the scrutiny the umpires have to deal with in todays game...more cameras more high tech makes everything more visible...also game is faster...but i think the umpiring 20 years ago was a bit better than it is today...what do u guys think]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:31:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24877-umpires-shrink-in-height-and-weight-in-last-25-years/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title>Advice from a pro</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24665-advice-from-a-pro/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MLB umpire Durwood Merrill once said to me. "The worst thing an umpire can do is eject a coach... Now if the coach ejects himself, well, that's OK" (I do not remember the exact words but this was basically it) <br />
<br />
He didn't mean it as advice, I was catching in front of him, but he made the comment after a confrontation with a coach. He is originally from my area and after he retired he called games at my HS for a few years before his heart attack. I remembered it when I started calling games and it has really helped me make sure the coach has done something and its not my emotions that get the ejection! He also bought a restaurant in a town down the road and decorated it with some cool memorabilia, the food wasn't too bad either. (just cool info)]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:16:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24665-advice-from-a-pro/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title>All-Star FM4000 Mask</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24915-all-star-fm4000-mask/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I am gonna by a new mask this season and was wondering who owns this mask.  I have the All-Star System Seven <acronym title='Chest protector'>CP </acronym>and was thinking of buying this mask. Any reviews?]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 23:45:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24915-all-star-fm4000-mask/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>You need to read the rules</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/23605-you-need-to-read-the-rules/</link>
		<description><![CDATA["You need to read the rules"<br />
<br />
<br />
Just wondering how folks in here handle it when a coach or manager says this to you. <br />
<br />
I have never EJ'd or even warned for this.   But it seems like it crosses the line and needs to be addressed. <br />
<br />
What think?]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 22:48:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/23605-you-need-to-read-the-rules/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Base awards</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24882-base-awards/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[This is in the <acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym> test:<br />
<br />
With a runner on first base, The batter hits a ground ball to B4. B4 attempts to tag the runner advancing from first, but misses him. B4 then throws to first but sails the ball into the dugout. The runner and batter-runner are awarded:<br />
<br />
a Two bases from thier position at the time of the pitch<br />
<br />
b Two bases from the time of the throw<br />
<br />
c two bases from when the ball became dead<br />
<br />
d one base.<br />
<br />
My first initial thought was two bases from the time of the pitch because it was the first throw, but the failed attempted play/tag on the runner could be considered the initial play, so the subsequent play is the throw to first, which makes it after the throw...<br />
<br />
Thoughts???]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 22:48:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24882-base-awards/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Touching the Cathers Back?</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24619-touching-the-cathers-back/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[When working the dish, I will lightly touch the catchers back with the finger tip of my middle finger.<br />
<br />
In a scrimmage yesterday (my first of 2012) my partner told me I should not do this. He said that evaluators don't like it.<br />
<br />
Any and all thoughts, please.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:01:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24619-touching-the-cathers-back/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>High School Game today!</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24881-high-school-game-today/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Today is my first High School game of the season!!!! I'm excited eve though I already work 9 USSSA games this weekend.<br />
<br />
Its a Middle School game but thats ok. I have 2 varsity games later in the week.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:25:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24881-high-school-game-today/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Little League Adds U3K Rule for Majors</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/23631-little-league-adds-u3k-rule-for-majors/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[For the 2012 season, Little League has adopted the uncaught third strike rule for the Majors division.  This rule will be in effect for the Little League international tournament.  Local leagues will have the option of staying with the previous rule which is still in effect for minor divisions.<br />
<br />
It will be interesting to see how this works out on 60 ft bases.<br />
<br />
This new rule, and other rule changes here:<br />
<br />
<a href='http://www.littleleague.org/Assets/forms_pubs/2012RuleChanges.pdf' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'><span style='color: #247cd4'>http://www.littleleague.org/Assets/forms_pubs/2012RuleChanges.pdf</span></a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:42:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/23631-little-league-adds-u3k-rule-for-majors/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>NCAA 2012 Newsletter</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24538-ncaa-2012-newsletter/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Here is the 2012 NCAA Newsletter that was distributed at the meetings if anyone missed it or is otherwise interested.<br />
<br />
http://<acronym title='dead ball'>DB</acronym>.tt/HAQYuCF4]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:02:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24538-ncaa-2012-newsletter/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[2012 <acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> Test]]></title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24225-2012-nfhs-test/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[How many of you still get a paper copy of the <acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym> test?  In MN, we get a paper copy of the test in late February, early March, then we take an online version of the same test for our state agency with a due date around the end of March.<br />
<br />
To those of you in other parts of the country, when do you receive your paper <acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym> test, how do you submit your test to your state agency, and when are the approximate deadlines?]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:10:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24225-2012-nfhs-test/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>How does your association work?</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24889-how-does-your-association-work/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Was going to post this in the "High School games today!" thread, but didn't want to hijack:<br />
<br />
Here's how it works in our association:<br />
<br />
To be a "Qualified" member (meaning you can be assigned games), you must meet the requirements:<br />
<br />
Must attend a certain number of meetings (5 for 1st and 2nd year guys, 4 for everyone else)<br />
Must pass the qualification exam.<br />
Must pay the association fee and not be delinquent with your assignor fees.<br />
Must attend at least one qualified mechanics clinic.<br />
Must be in good standing with respect to ethics, etc.<br />
<br />
First year guys (no matter how long you have been umpiring elsewhere) - All games are one man and the games are either Freshman or Frosh/Soph.  Everyone starts out with a 600 rating.  Everyone is supposed to be evaluated at least once in their first season (though this is often driven by the individual member).<br />
<br />
Second Year guys - Based on your rating (from your first year evaluation), you can move up as far as JV - no varsity.  All games still one man and most will be JV (possibly some freshman or frosh/soph).  Most of the good second year guys get a 400 rating.<br />
<br />
After that, it's all ratings based.  You have to have a 300 or below to work varsity.  Some guys have been around for 5+ years and never sniffed varsity.  In other cases, there are 3rd year guys doing varsity and even some playoffs, but that is very rare.  I'm sure there is some "good ole boy" stuff still going around, but generally, when you are good you get noticed and when you are bad you get noticed.<br />
<br />
All varsity is, at a minimum, 2 man.  There is a "Trinity League" which are private schools that pony up the extra money for 3 man.<br />
<br />
There are various ratings requirements to work the different levels of the playoffs, with the 100 rated guys getting the most important games.<br />
<br />
Funny to hear guys talk about Middle School.  Middle Schools don't have teams in SoCal.  High School is grades 9-12, Middle School is grades 6-8.  I don't know if any districts still have Junior High (grades 7-9).  That seems to be something that has been phased out in most areas.<br />
<br />
How does it work in your area/association?]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:00:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24889-how-does-your-association-work/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Douglas Shin Guards</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24927-douglas-shin-guards/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[What's your opinion on these Douglas Shin Guards?<br />
<br />
<a href='http://www.ebay.com/itm/140703044609?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.ebay.com/itm/140703044609?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:20:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24927-douglas-shin-guards/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Folding Bags Included with Umpire Bags--Useful?</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24919-folding-bags-included-with-umpire-bags-useful/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I've had my <acronym title='Another professional umpiring school'>JEAPU</acronym> equipment bag for a few years now, and never used the two folding bags that were included with it. Do they actually work and not cause wrinkles? I'd hate to put my poly-wools in there and have them looking like dookie.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:36:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24919-folding-bags-included-with-umpire-bags-useful/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Did I kick it?</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24858-did-i-kick-it/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Shaking off the rust here.<br />
<br />
<acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym> rules in an interesting scrimmage.<br />
<br />
<acronym title='Base runner at 1B'>R1</acronym> & <acronym title='Base runner at 2B'>R2</acronym>, 0 outs, batter has 2 strikes.<br />
<br />
Both runners break on the pitch. Batter whiffs badly and comes across the plate for K3. Easy BI.<br />
<br />
<acronym title='Catcher'>F2</acronym> can't make throw to second.<br />
<br />
Obviously the batter is out and nobody contested the BI.<br />
<br />
Here's where it gets interesting.<br />
<br />
I also called <acronym title='Base runner at 2B'>R2</acronym> out & sent <acronym title='Base runner at 1B'>R1</acronym> back. I felt confident in my call, but then...<br />
<br />
<acronym title='Offensive coach'>OC</acronym> comes out calmly and peacefully. He states since the attempted play was on <acronym title='Base runner at 1B'>R1</acronym>, he should be out and <acronym title='Base runner at 2B'>R2</acronym> return to 2nd.<br />
<br />
I stuck to my call. But the seed of doubt was planted.<br />
<br />
My rationalle it that it was more of a penalty getting the lead runner. But for the life of me I couln't remember the rule didn't help:<br />
<p class='citation'>Quote</p><div class="blockquote"><div class='quote'>
ART. 5 . . . Interfere with the catcher's fielding or throwing by:<br />
a. leaning over home plate,<br />
b. stepping out of the batter's box,<br />
c. making any other movement which hinders actions at home plate or the catcher's attempt to play on a runner, or<br />
d. failing to make a reasonable effort to vacate a congested area when there is a throw to home plate and there is time for the batter to move away.<br />
PENALTY: When there are two outs, the batter is out. When there are not two outs and the runner is advancing to home plate, if the runner is tagged out, the ball remains live and interfer­ence is ignored. Otherwise, the ball is dead and the runner is called out. When an attempt to put out a runner at any other base is unsuccessful, the ­batter is out and all runners must return to bases occupied at the time of the pitch. If the pitch is a third strike and in the umpire's judgment interference prevents a possible ­double play (additional outs), two may be ruled out (8-4-2g).<br /></div></div>
Let me have it.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:14:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24858-did-i-kick-it/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>hat camera for us umpires</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/11931-hat-camera-for-us-umpires/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Has anyone ever heard of or tried to use a helmet / hat cam while umpiring? I want to be able to do this somehow but my searches have not came up with much that would be practical for us umpires. <br />
<br />
I would really want to be able to do this for reviewing situations during my games that I could improve on or use as a training aid for other umpires. <br />
<br />
The biggest hurdles I have come up with so far is:<br />
 - Finding a camera small enough / mountable on a regular umpires cap that is not distracting to others<br />
 - Would it be against any rules to do this? (mostly umpire high school, little league, select)<br />
 - would need to be mounted on a cap and not face mask as most calls you would have the mask off.<br />
 <br />
<br />
Thanks eveyone! I have been around lurking for quite awhile now and have found answers to all my questions by searching and research until now. <br />
<br />
<br />
OhioUmp<br />
<br />
<br />
]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:19:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/11931-hat-camera-for-us-umpires/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[2 <acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym> test balk questions]]></title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24854-2-fed-test-balk-questions/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[(is there a particular place where we discuss particular questions on this years tests?)<br />
<br />
<acronym title='Pitcher'>F1</acronym>, while on the pitchers plate, in either the windup or set position (a) adjusts his cap, or (<img src='http://umpire-empire.com/public/style_emoticons/default/cool.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='B)' /> shakes off the signal with his glove, or &copy; shakes off the signal with his head.<br />
<br />
1 of these motions is illegal<br />
2 of these motions are illegal<br />
all illegal<br />
all legal<br />
<br />
Is b the only one thats illegal becuase the others are not motions that are a normal part of his delivery?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
AND<br />
<br />
<acronym title='Pitcher'>F1</acronym> can be called for a balk because he moves his head<br />
<br />
true<br />
false<br />
<br />
<br />
((i assume this is true but is an odd question)<br />
<br />
thanks..we have 50 questions in NJ and we got together last night and were able to answer all but a few with rule cites...i wasnt sure about the two above and about another that i posted before that said<br />
<br />
"the infracting team can never benefit from the umpire's award"<br />
<br />
true or false...]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:03:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24854-2-fed-test-balk-questions/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Dead ball?</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24884-dead-ball/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Federation<br />
<br />
With one out and a runner on first base, B4 allows the fair fly ball to drop untouched to the ground.<br />
<br />
a ball is dead batter is out<br />
<br />
b ball is dead and runner on 1st is out<br />
<br />
c Ball is live and no one is out yet<br />
<br />
d The runner and batter-runner are awarded one base.<br />
<br />
This is a tricky question at least to me, the book states if the ball is "intentionally" dropped the ball is dead and all runners return. The question states that it was "allowed" to drop. The book also states that the batter is not out if the infielder "permits" the ball to drop untouched to the ground, except when <acronym title='Infield fly'>IFF</acronym> is in effect. Page 52  8-4-1c1<br />
<br />
So how do we differenciate intentional and permit on a dropped ball?]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:43:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24884-dead-ball/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>College Opening Day</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24849-college-opening-day/</link>
		<description>I start my college season today.  NAIA non-conference, 1-9 and 1-7.  The high today is 37, gotta love college baseball!</description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:50:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24849-college-opening-day/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Umpire Mask vs Hockey Style</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/23890-umpire-mask-vs-hockey-style/</link>
		<description>Last year I used a traditional mask and was comfortable with it. I am thinking about getting a hockey style helmet for next season. My question is, what are the pros and cons of each? Thank you in advance.</description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:34:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/23890-umpire-mask-vs-hockey-style/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>one more</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24886-one-more/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Bases loaded, batter hits a high pop fly that is easily catchable, but hits the runner who is standing on second base.<br />
<br />
a -  dead ball batter out<br />
<br />
b - dead ball both the batter and runner on second are out<br />
<br />
c - dead ball only runner is out<br />
<br />
d - live ball no out are yet declared<br />
<br />
The question didn't state how many outs there were so I guess in this case it doesn't matter...my thoughts are since this could be an easy out and force outs at any base, the runner on second should not be required to leave the base so not to interfere with DP. The book states that during and <acronym title='Infield fly'>IFF</acronym> if the runner is hit on base it is not an out. What's the call?]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:29:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24886-one-more/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Do you adjust your head height...</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24621-do-you-adjust-your-head-height/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Do you adjust your head height depending on how <acronym title='Catcher'>F2</acronym> positions himself?<br />
<br />
Example: I was doing cage work last night with a team who used two different <acronym title='Catcher'>F2</acronym>'s.  One was a big kid who sat up higher so my chin was at the <acronym title='Time of pitch '>TOP</acronym> of his head.<br />
<br />
The 2nd <acronym title='Catcher'>F2</acronym> sat much, much lower, almost sitting on the ground if you can visualize the type of <acronym title='Catcher'>F2</acronym> I'm talking about.<br />
<br />
Do you set an arbitrary, consistent height at the <acronym title='Time of pitch '>TOP</acronym> of my zone with the <acronym title='Catcher'>F2</acronym> who is sitting very, very low vs an <acronym title='Catcher'>F2</acronym> who assumes a "natural" stance?<br />
<br />
The size of the players would be adult size.  <br />
<br />
Please ask me to clarify if I'm not making sense.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:50:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24621-do-you-adjust-your-head-height/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>8-4-2m question</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24679-8-4-2m-question/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I'm going through our states 2012 <acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym> exam and I've come across something I can't find an answer to...<br />
<br />
The situation in the question is, <acronym title='Base runner at 1B'>R1</acronym>, B1 hits an extra base hit. <acronym title='Base runner at 1B'>R1</acronym> is obstructed by <acronym title='Second baseman'>F4</acronym> and falls down. B1 passes him, then realizes his error and slows down to let <acronym title='Base runner at 1B'>R1</acronym> pass him. When the play ends, <acronym title='Base runner at 1B'>R1</acronym> is on 3rd and B1 is on 2nd. <br />
<br />
My question is, 8-4-2m says runner is out when.....<br />
<br />
<span style='color: #333333'><span style='font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif'> passes an <strong class='bbc'>unobstructed</strong> preceding runner before such runner is out (including awarded bases);</span></span><br />
<br />
What if the runner passes an obstructed runner? Is the ruling different? If it is, can someone point me to where it states this?  If the runner is still out for passing, why bother putting the word <strong class='bbc'>unobstructed</strong> in the rule?]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:15:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24679-8-4-2m-question/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>New Rule re: Blood on Uniform</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24819-new-rule-re-blood-on-uniform/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[In 2012 <acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym> has decided to create a stricter rule regarding blood on uniforms...<span class='bbc_underline'>no</span> amount of blood is acceptable on the uniform.  In past years, they said that anything less than "an <span class='bbc_underline'>excessive</span> amount of blood" was okay.  So here's the scenario:<br />
The coach notices that his players knee is bleeding and has created a blood stain on the uniform pant which won't come out with routine cleaning.  This can not be remedied as easy as a jersey because there are no extra pants available in the dugout.  So the coach gets some white tape and tapes right over the blood stain on the white pants.  No one notices the tape until the last inning when the player comes up to bat.  Is there anything illegal about wearing a piece of white tape on the pants?  If it is illegal, and if it's removed, the blood stain will be revealed. <br />
Your thoughts?]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:55:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24819-new-rule-re-blood-on-uniform/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>The Ultimate Uniform stash</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24852-the-ultimate-uniform-stash/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Here are some great Photos of Honigs packing all 68 MLB umpires uniforms up for next season.<br />
<br />
<a href='http://www.facebook.com/pages/Honigs-Whistle-Stop/97390769202' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.facebook.com/pages/Honigs-Whistle-Stop/97390769202</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:07:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24852-the-ultimate-uniform-stash/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Health and Fitness</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24873-health-and-fitness/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[After reading about all of us who are wanting to lose some weight, I thought I'd throw this out to give us a little motivation, support, and goal for better health.  I came up with a progression of how we shed pounds and ranking based on the % of our loss goal we are at a given week.  The idea is for each of us to post our current weight&gt;weekly weigh in weight&gt;goal weight.  Then based on the % of your loss goal you'll receive a ranking and each time you increase your % loss you'll go up in classification.  It looks something like this<br />
<br />
0 - 10% of loss goal = Pony League<br />
11 - 20% of loss goal = Bronco League<br />
21 - 30% of loss goal = <acronym title='High school rules'>NFHS</acronym><br />
31 - 40% of loss goal = NCAA<br />
41 - 50% of loss goal = Short A<br />
51 - 60% of loss goal = Rookie League<br />
61 - 70% of loss goal = A<br />
71 - 80% of loss goal = AA<br />
81 - 90% of loss goal = AAA<br />
91 - 99% of loss goal = MLB<br />
100% of loss goal = Crew Chief<br />
<br />
If enough guys are interested in posting and keeping track I'll pull all the weekly stats together and we can see who's winning the battle, encourage each other and inspire us all to be in better shape mentally and physically.<br />
<br />
Posting weight:<br />
<br />
I weighed at the gym this afternoon<br />
220&gt;220&gt;180 (starting weight&gt;current weight&gt;goal weight)]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:40:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24873-health-and-fitness/</guid>
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		<title>My very first ejection. How did I do?</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/16335-my-very-first-ejection-how-did-i-do/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<span style='color: #333333'>Well the top two teams were playing. number one team is really nice, two team is always yelling about something. O</span><span style='color: #333333'>kay...so there was an incident in the field where someone could have thrown the ball multiple places and the field ump didn't happen to be watching third base when he made the play. </span><span style='color: #333333'><ul class='bbc'><li>I was watching it, I just didn't have the angle i could have had if I was in the field, but I had to make a call since he didn't even see it. i called the number 2 team's player out and they went apeshit.</li><li>they said if neither of us saw it I should have sent him back to second which is not how baseball works.</li><li>so they kinda went crazy there but I let it slide.</li></ul><ul class='bbc'><li><ul class='bbc'><li>this was the second game of the day so the chalk was a little worn and in some spots not even there, but I could distinguish some sort of a batters box apparently the kid had no idea. so the pitcher went on and the kid hit a foul ball with is foot entirely out of the box</li><li>if it was close I would have let it slide since it was sorta hard to make out, but he had me and the catcher next to the backstop so it was obvious even if he couldn't see the box he should have been up to the plate.</li><li>anyway I called an illegally batted ball and the batter was out.</li><li>coaches went ape **** saying i should have drawn a box. even though that is not my job. and it was apparent he was out of the box. two board members and the head umpire came and backed me up and we both told them to just let it go and that what was done was done.</li><li>anyway the head coach just wouldn't shut up about either calls so i just ejected him.This story might be sorta splotchy... any questions or comments would be appreciated. Thanks</li></ul></li></ul></span>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:48:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/16335-my-very-first-ejection-how-did-i-do/</guid>
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		<title>Umpire Racism?!?</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24748-umpire-racism/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href='http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1652338,00.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1652338,00.html</a><br />
<br />
Found this article, I put it in funny stories because that's what it was to me, just plain funny. It seems people want to believe its the umpires fault so bad..... <img src='http://umpire-empire.com/public/style_emoticons/default/smashhead.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':smachhead:' /><br />
<br />
As we all know its OUR fault little Billy isn't going to be able to play in the MLB  after all.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 02:07:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24748-umpire-racism/</guid>
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		<title><![CDATA[Finally on it's way]]></title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24692-finally-on-its-way/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I got the UPS notification that Honigs shipped the black plate coat I ordered.  It is due to arrive on 2/7/2012 in plenty of time before my first night varsity tournament game. <br />
<br />
Honigs website states it will take 12 weeks for delivery, Honigs in College Station told me 6 to 8 weeks, it's arriving in the 8 weeks and 4 days, not a bad estimate.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 23:53:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24692-finally-on-its-way/</guid>
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		<title>For sdix00</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24381-for-sdix00/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href='http://www.ibnsports.com/baseball/tbones.aspx?vid=6242' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.ibnsports...s.aspx?vid=6242</a><br />
<br />
View at your own risk.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:13:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24381-for-sdix00/</guid>
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		<title>Baseball Virtual Umpire Camp CD</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24869-baseball-virtual-umpire-camp-cd/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Guys,<br />
<br />
Does anyone own the Baseball Virtual Umpire Camp CD from Honigs?  If you do was it worth the purchase?]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:21:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24869-baseball-virtual-umpire-camp-cd/</guid>
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		<title><![CDATA[<acronym title='Cooperstown Dream Park'>CDP</acronym> 2012]]></title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24839-cdp-2012/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I will be headed to <acronym title='Cooperstown Dream Park'>CDP</acronym> on Week 7 this year.<br />
<br />
Anyone else headed up there this year?<br />
<br />
I'd be interested in sharing a rent a car if anyone else is coming.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:19:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24839-cdp-2012/</guid>
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		<title>Pro School</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24011-pro-school/</link>
		<description>Good luck to any of members going to school in a week or so. I know a couple have intentions but I am not sure who is actually pulling the trigger.</description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:06:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24011-pro-school/</guid>
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		<title>2012 New Years Resolutions?</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24085-2012-new-years-resolutions/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Ok since the new year is like 2 days away, what are some of your New Years Resolutions? Baseball and personal.<br />
<br />
Mine..<br />
<br />
Keep losing weight and going to the gym.<br />
Try not to have a quick temper.. in life.. but in baseball for some reason I don't..LOL<br />
Be happy with what I have.. and try to not want more.<br />
Stay in touch with God, and Pray more.<br />
Work on my Umpire game, Keep your mouth shut and Umpire....LOL<br />
<br />
I will think of some more..LOL]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:38:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24085-2012-new-years-resolutions/</guid>
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		<title><![CDATA[&#34;I'm Warning you!&#34;]]></title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/15375-im-warning-you/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>Had quite the problem with a coach.... Here is the report I sent to the League UIC.... It wasn't an ejection report, just preventive umpiring...<br />
<br />
Background: The league I'm an independent contractor for is district of a larger league.<br />
<br />
<p class='citation'>Quote</p><div class="blockquote"><div class='quote'></span></span><br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>Hey [UIC], it's Matt Riley, one of the [league] Umpires... I just got home from a game that had a bit of a problem with a coach.... <strong class='bbc'><br />
</strong>The game was between the [HT] and an [larger league] team from [city] with orange jerseys. I had the bases and [PU] had the plate. Before the game began, we had a conference near home plate between the two teams, and the [AT] manager asked "We are playing [larger league] rules, correct?" Me and [PU] responded, "Yes sir, same rules we've been playing with all year." And he was fine, we started the game...</span></span><br />
 <br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>In the top of the first, there was a dropped third strike... The batter runner for [AT] headed towards first, the throw by the catcher took the first baseman off the base, he stuck his glove out and the batter runner ran into the glove for the out... Following the half inning, the [AT] manager called me and [PU] over and told us that the 1B had "barreled" his runner and hurt his runner's wrist... We told him we hadn't seen that, but we would tell the [HT] coach that it would not be tolerated... The [AT] coach then threatened to protest the game if it was to happen again. </span></span><br />
 <br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>In the 3rd inning, there was a play at the plate... The [HT] player slid into home, but was tagged out... The [AT] coach began complaining that the [HT] player had stuck his elbow out to his catcher, which just didn't happen... We told him it hadn't happened to which he responded "This is ridiculous!"... </span></span><span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'><strong class='bbc'>The [HT] manager then half yelled "Come on, let's play ball!", and they proceeded to have a small shouting fight over who their talking to, and </strong></span></span><span rel='lightbox'><img src='http://umpire-empire.com/public/style_emoticons/default/blahblah.gif' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></span><br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'><strong class='bbc'><br />
</strong></span></span><br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'><strong class='bbc'><br />
</strong>Two innings later, the AT coach came out to take his pitcher out of the game, and as he took the ball from his pitcher, he tells me (standing in B position) "I'm protesting this game by the way"... While the pitcher warms up, I go to [PU] and let him know that he had told me he was protesting the game. We went to the coach and the following exchange occured...</span></span><br />
 <br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>[PU]: Coach, you are protesting this game?</span></span><br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>[AT] Manager: Yes, this is ridiculous.</span></span><br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>[PU]: On what grounds?</span></span><br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>[AT] Manager : Barreling</span></span><br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>[PU]: Coach, you argued that barreling happened in the first inning... You can't protest that now.</span></span><br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>Manager: I told you guys back in the first inning, if that happened again, I was protesting if it happened again</span></span><br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>Me: Coach, you need to tell me or [PU] that you are going to protest before the next pitch is thrown, you cannot come to us 4 innings later.</span></span><br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>Manager: Well this is just wrong, I'm protesting, and I am on the [larger league] board, and I'm warning you, I'm watching every one of your calls, and you better not make any mistakes!!!</span></span><br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>[PU]: If you would like to protest any further calls in this game, you can come to me or Matt immediately after the play ends, and we will make note of it. Now let's play ball.</span></span><br />
 <br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>The [AT] coach was also unsportsmanlike in the post game hand shake and blew off the [HT] coaches, refusing to shake their hands.</span></span><br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>The [HT] won the game by mercy after 6</span></span><br />
 <br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>Me and [PU] just want to be clear that there was no proper protest of this game placed for any in game play, and that to the best of our knowledge, everything both teams did during the game was legal.</span></span><span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'></div></div>
<br />
</span></span><br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>The stuff in bold was something I remembered while taking out the names of everything.</span></span><br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'><br />
He just responded....<br />
<br />
<p class='citation'>Quote</p><div class="blockquote"><div class='quote'></span></span><span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>Matt,</span></span><br />
 <br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>First, thank you for emailing me to let me know what happened.</span></span><br />
 <br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>As far as I know the [larger league] rules are the regular Little League rules. Protests are only allowed for misapplication of a rule. If you did not think there was any malicious contact between the 1B and the batter-runner then there is nothing to protest. Judgement calls are NEVER subject to protest.</span></span><br />
 <br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>As for the call at home, which went in his favor, just sounds like sour grapes.</span></span><br />
 <br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>It sounds like you and [PU] did everything correctly and have nothing to worry about. If he actually is on the board and complains then he have to deal with me.<br />
</span></span><br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'></div></div>
</span></span><br />
 <br />
 <br />
<span style='font-family: Arial'><span style='font-size: 10px;'>I realize the UIC is correct now... I just want to know if you guys have anything to add.... Should I have ejected or warned the coach?<br />
<br />
Thanks!<br />
<br />
Note: This is the league wide UIC, not the 12u UIC I have had in a post before.<br />
<br />
EDIT: Hold on, I'll fix the quotes, they don't look right because I copied and pasted from my email.</span></span>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 03:58:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/15375-im-warning-you/</guid>
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		<title><![CDATA[<acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym> notable rules / differences cheat sheet]]></title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24411-fed-notable-rules-differences-cheat-sheet/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<span style='color: #800000'><span style='font-family: lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif'>In the most recent 100 topics, there are only THREE from the rules forum.   So I thought I would spice it up a bit. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style='color: #800000'><span style='font-family: lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif'>I have a friend who will be working his first year of HS ball this year.    I think I freak him out a little when I talk about <acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym> rules. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style='color: #800000'><span style='font-family: lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif'>So I thought I would make him a cheat sheet / crash course to help him manage the mess that is the <acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym> rule book. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style='color: #800000'><span style='font-family: lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif'>I broke the rules out by topic and listed them in order of encounter/priority, bringing the most important stuff to the <acronym title='Time of pitch '>TOP</acronym> and hiding the stuff that doesn't really matter at the bottom.  Safety appears toward the <acronym title='Time of pitch '>TOP</acronym> because it's our favorite <acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym> topic. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style='color: #800000'><span style='font-family: lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif'>I tried to balance brevity against accuracy and probably failed at both. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style='color: #800000'><span style='font-family: lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif'>It's a Google doc and I hope to make it better over time.  I want to change the wording on many of these so it does not resemble that of other publications, but still gets the point across.  The doc is not intended to replace the rule book, but to just checklist the things that an umpire familiar with <acronym title='Official Baseball Rules'>OBR</acronym> needs to study before stepping on to a HS field. </span></span><br />
<span style='color: #800000'><span style='font-family: lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif'><strong class='bbc'><span style='font-size: 14px;'><a href='https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pgAiDBv0UszrzY1lfzzbKGi6FbT-3hcYq-c4cy0VGe0/edit' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pgAiDBv0UszrzY1lfzzbKGi6FbT-3hcYq-c4cy0VGe0/edit</a></span></strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style='color: #800000'><span style='font-family: lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif'>Basically, I wish I had this last year. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style='color: #006400'><span style='font-family: lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif'>You get one gold star for every error or omission you find. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong class='bbc'>Plate Meeting:</strong><ul class='bbc'><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 1-1-2, 1-1-3-The lineup cards and official scorebook must contain all starters and substitute players.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 1-1-7, 2-10-2, 10-2-3-Prior to a game, each coach is required to inform the plate umpire (or umpire-in-chief) that all his players are legally equipped.<br /></li><li>Sportmanship - e.g. "<em class='bbc'>all participants are expected to exhibit good sporting behavior throughout the game</em>"</li></ul>
<br />
<strong class='bbc'>Safety</strong><ul class='bbc'><li><strong class='bbc'>Headgear</strong><br />
<ul class='bbc'><li>A catcher must wear a helmet with full ear protection, mask, throat guard, shin guards, body protector, and protective cup (if male).<br />
<ul class='bbc'><li>The helmet, mask, throat guard, and protective cup (if male) must be worn anywhere by any person taking the crouch position to warm up a pitcher.</li></ul></li><li>The  umpires' jurisdiction extends beyond the bounds of the playing field in enforcing this requirement.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 1-5-1 While the ball is live, batters, runners, batter-runners, retired runners, on-deck batters, and player/student base coaches  must wear a double ear flap helmet when on live ball territory (team warning/ejection). A batter's and catcher's helmet must bear the NOCSAE stamp of approval.<br /></li><li>A face guard attached to a batter's helmet must be attached by the helmet manufacturer, or by a process approved by the helmet manufacturer (see also <acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 1-4-6).<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 1-5-5 If a pitcher or other defensive player wears a helmet or face guard, it must have a non-glare surface.</li></ul></li><li><strong class='bbc'>Jewlery - </strong><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 1-1-6-A player can wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace; however, it must be taped against the player such that it is immobilized but visible. A player can also wear prostheses if they are no more  dangerous than the corresponding body parts and do not give the player an advantage over an opponent.<br /></li><li><strong class='bbc'>Blood </strong>- 3-1-6 - If there is any amount of blood on the uniform, it shall be changed or cleaned before that individual participates again. (See Communicable Disease Procedures on page 75.)<br /></li><li><strong class='bbc'>Concussions </strong>3-1-5 - Any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion shall be immediately removed from the game and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health-care professional. (See <acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussions on page 73.)<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 5-2-1d-An umpire may immediately call time (before the end of continuous action) if he determines that a medical emergency exists, or that further play may jeopardize an injured player's safety.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 3-3-4-If players are warming up during a game without a fence or some other form of protection, someone must stand between them and home plate with a glove to protect them from batted and thrown baseballs. This gloved player is NOT required to wear a helmet.</li></ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong class='bbc'>Bats and BBCOR stuff here (Not Finished)</strong><br />
<span style='color: #e6e6fa'><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 5-1-1 c, 1-3-5-Terminology is different. "Illegal" bats are either altered or do not meet specifications (batter who enters batter's box with "illegal" bat is out, ball is dead). "Defective" bats are broken, cracked, or dented, or cause discoloration of the ball (bat is removed, play is • otherwise unaffected).</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong class='bbc'>Most Common/Important Rules/Differences</strong><ul class='bbc'><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 2-22-1,5-1-3,8-3-2., 8.3.2a- On any obstruction the ball remains live.<br /></li><li>A Fake tag is <acronym title='Obstruction'>OBS</acronym><br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 2-22-3-It is obstruction any time that a fielder without the ball denies the runner access to a base. (No such thing as “in the act of fielding a throw”)<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 5-1-3-The ball becomes dead when an umpire recognizes the defense's request to grant an intentional walk. An intentional walk can be granted when the catcher or his coach requests it; no pitches need be thrown and the walk can be granted with any count on the batter (<acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 2-4-3).</li></ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong class='bbc'>Avoiding a fielder</strong><ul class='bbc'><li>Runner is out when:<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 8-4-2c - Similar to the LL Slide-or-attempt-to-get-around rule, Runner must avoid a  fielder in the immediate act of making a play on him (8-4-2c). The ball remains live unless interference is called.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 8-4-2d, 8-4-2b2- runner attempts to go over the <acronym title='Time of pitch '>TOP</acronym> of any fielder (unless the fielder is lying down or the runner goes over his outstretched arm; see 8-4-2b-2) is out; the ball remains live.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 8-4-2b2 - Diving is ALWAYS illegal, regardless if the fielder is prone.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 2-32-1,2-32-2 - Slides illegally<br />
<ul class='bbc'><li>rolling, cross-body or pop-up slide into the fielder<br /></li><li>raised leg is higher than the fielder’s knee<br /></li><li>runner goes beyond the base and then contacts/alters play<br /></li><li>runner slashes or kicks the fielder<br /></li><li>runner tries to injure the fielder<br /></li><li>runner, on a <em class='bbc'>force play</em><strong class='bbc'>,</strong> does not slide on the ground and in a direct line between the two bases.</li></ul></li></ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong class='bbc'>Force Play Slide Rule </strong><ul class='bbc'><li>See:<a href='https://www.arbitersports.com/MyRefereeApp/Print.aspx?mod=PrintArticle&pid=1977' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>https://www.arbitersports.com/MyRefereeApp/Print.aspx?mod=PrintArticle&pid=1977</a><br /></li><li>A runner is out when, on a force play, (8-4-2b, 2-32-2)<br />
<ul class='bbc'><li>Fails to slide and subsequently interferes<br /></li><li>Slides illegally (see above)</li></ul></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 8-4-2b--If a runner <em class='bbc'><span class='bbc_underline'>is forced</span> <span class='bbc_underline'>to home </span></em>when he touches it and then interferes with a throw, <em class='bbc'>his run is nullified and he and the <acronym title='Batter-runner'>BR </acronym>are out</em>. If a runner who is <em class='bbc'><span class='bbc_underline'>not forced</span></em> touches home and then interferes with a batted ball, his run <em class='bbc'>is allowed</em> but the <em class='bbc'><acronym title='Batter-runner'>BR </acronym>is out</em>.</li></ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong class='bbc'>Designated Hitter 3-1-4</strong><ul class='bbc'><li>A hitter may be (not mandatory) designated for any one starting player (not just pitchers) and all subsequent substitutes for that player in the game.<br /></li><li>A starting defensive player cannot be listed as the DH in the starting lineup.<br /></li><li>A DH’s name shall be included (next to or below the defensive player) on the lineup cards presented to the <acronym title='Umpire-in-Chief'>UIC</acronym>.<br /></li><li>Failure to declare a DH at the plate meeting precludes the use of a DH for that game.<br /></li><li>The DH, and the player he is batting for, are both locked into that spot in the batting order.<br /></li><li>DH is terminated if the defensive player (or subs) bats/runs or the DH (or subs) plays defense</li></ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong class='bbc'>Malicious Contact</strong><ul class='bbc'><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 3-3-1n-A runner who maliciously crashes into any fielder when the contact was avoidable (or when contact was unavoidable, but the runner's intent was to harm) is out and ejected, the ball is dead, and other runners must return to their last bases touched or passed at the time of the malicious crash.<br /></li><li>A runner who has scored and then crashes into a fielder is allowed his run (such runner is still ejected).<br /></li><li>If a defensive player initiates the malicious contact, the ball is dead and he is ejected (umpire must rule out or safe on the play as usual).<br /></li><li>Runners are awarded the bases they would have obtained absent the malicious contact.</li></ul>
<br />
<br />
<strong class='bbc'>Pitching Rules Differences</strong><ul class='bbc'><li>A balk is an immediate Dead Ball.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 6-1-2-If a pitcher steps onto the rubber in the windup position with his hands apart, then brings both hands together at the same time, he is considered to have begun his motion to pitch.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 6-1-2-It is a balk if a pitcher attempts a pickoff from the windup position.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 6-1 to 6-3-Any violation of the pitching rules 6-1 to 6-3 is considered an illegal pitch, even if the pitch is not delivered.<br />
<ul class='bbc'><li>That means -<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 6-1-2-With no runners, it is a ball if a pitcher goes from windup to set (or vice versa) without disengaging the rubber.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 6-1-3-It is a ball if a pitcher using the stretch position with no runners fails to come set before delivering a pitch.</li></ul></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 6-2-2c, 6.2.2d- (8/5/1 vs 8/8/1) The first time any pitcher warms up on the game mound he is allowed eight warm-up pitches. Each subsequent time that the game pitcher warms up prior to the start of a half-inning, only five warm-up pitches are allowed.  Pitcher only gets one minute between innings.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 6.2.4c-A pitcher is not required to remove his pivot foot from the rubber during a feint to third before turning and throwing to first base, but the throw to first is required because the pitcher is still considered to be in contact with the rubber.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 6-2-4d-If a pitcher is beginning his delivery and a batter requests time, or steps back out of the batter's box, and time is not granted, then a completed pitch is automatically called a strike. An additional strike is assessed in this situation if the batter steps outside the batter's box with both feet (without being forced out of the box or exiting for another reason) per Federation rule 7-3-1. Furthermore, if the batter steps out with both feet and the pitcher hesitates, a strike is assessed per Federation rule 7-3-1. If the umpire determines that it is the batter's explicit intent to cause the pitcher to balk by such actions, the batter is ejected.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 6-2-5- (<acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym>=5ft, NCAA=10ft circle, <acronym title='Official Baseball Rules'>OBR</acronym>=Straddle rubber) During the hidden ball trick, it is a balk if the pitcher is within five feet of the pitching rubber without the ball.</li></ul>
<br />
<br />
<strong class='bbc'>Appeals(Not finished)</strong><ul class='bbc'><li>Dead ball appeals are allowed<br /></li><li>Verbal appeals are allowed<br /></li><li>no appeal necessary<br />
<ul class='bbc'><li>runner taking a running start from behind the base to retouch</li></ul></li><li>coach appeals are allowed<br /></li><li>appeals after offense initiates a play are allowed<br /></li><li>appeals after overthrows are allowed</li></ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong class='bbc'>State-specific Rules: (Not Finished)</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong class='bbc'>Less Common but Notable Rules</strong><ul class='bbc'><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 1-2-4--An on-deck batter is not required. If a batter chooses to warm up, he must be in the area of his on-deck circle-- Bats+weights allowed, chains,pipes, hammers, etc. NOT allowed<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 1-3-1-Breakaway bases and a safe-first base are allowed<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 1-3-7-If equipment left lying on <acronym title='Live ball territory'>LBT</acronym> alters a play in favor of the offending team, the umpires are authorized to nullify the advantage by awarding bases, declaring outs, returning runners, etc.</li></ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong class='bbc'>Conferences - 2-10-1, 3-4-1, 3-4-2, 3-4-5</strong><ul class='bbc'><li><acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym> calls them “Conferences” instead of “Trips”<br /></li><li>A charged conference is a meeting between a coach and a player.<br /></li><li>A conference is not charged if the pitcher is removed.<br /></li><li>The coach is allowed:<br />
<ul class='bbc'><li>3 defensive conferences during the regulation innings<br /></li><li>1 defensive conference for each extra inning<br /></li><li>1 offensive conference per inning</li></ul></li><li>Conferences do not accumulate or carry over<br /></li><li>Coach can quickly confer with his team during an opposing team’s charged conference or break in the action (e.g. umpire’s time out)<br /></li><li>Umpire must notify a coach each time a conference is charged.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 3-4-1-During regulation innings, a pitcher must be replaced each time a coach confers with any defensive player after three defensive conferences have been charged.<br /></li><li>During any extra inning, a pitcher must be replaced when a coach confers with any defensive player after one defensive conference has been charged.<br /></li><li>Note: a replaced pitcher cannot again pitch in that game; however, he can remain in the game or reenter it later at a non-pitching position (if it is his first reentry).</li></ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong class='bbc'>Number of players  (not finished)</strong><ul class='bbc'><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 3-1-3-Any of the nine or ten starters who become replaced can reenter the game once. However, any player listed as a starter for a game must be at the ballpark when the lineups are exchanged (4.4. Ie).<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 4-4-1-A team is allowed to continue with eight players.  When the hole in the lineup fails to bat, record an out.</li></ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong class='bbc'>Annoying little differences</strong><ul class='bbc'><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 1-1-4-Fielders must be in fair territory at the time-of-pitch; a fielder with one foot in fair territory is considered to be in fair territory.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 5-1-li-Both feet of a standing fielder must be in <acronym title='Dead ball territory'>DBT </acronym>before the fielder is considered to have entered DBT.</li></ul>
<br />
<br />
<strong class='bbc'>When you get really bored:</strong><ul class='bbc'><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 1-2-S-It is recommended that if an expansion of the dugouts is made, the dugouts should be extended toward the outfield on a line parallel to the foul line. Both dugouts should end up the same size.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 1-2-8, S-1-11-When on the playing field, media personnel are required by rule to be contained within a lined area. The ball is dead if it strikes anything within the area; if any media personnel exit the area and are struck by a live ball, it remains live.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 1-3-1-Legal baseballs are identifiable by the <acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> "authenticating mark." If such legal baseballs are not available, the umpires should go fOlWard with the game, but report the  ncident to the state association. The home team must provide the umpire with three baseballs to start the game, and no less than two must be readily available after that.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 2-35-The strike zone is that area over home plate between the batter's knees and the halfway point between his shoulders and waistline, as exhibited in his normal stance. (Compare this with <acronym title='Official Baseball Rules'>OBR</acronym>: “. . .determined from the batter’s stance <em class='bbc'>as the batter is prepared to swing </em>at a pitched ball.”<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 3-1-2-No penalty is mandated or suggested for a coach who .. insists on taking an illegal conference; it has been recommended that the umpire restrict or eject the coach.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 1-4-4-A manufacturer's logo on a uniform may not exceed 2 1/4 square inches, and may appear only once on the uniform. A two-by three-inch American flag may be worn on each uniform item. A commemorative patch (with dimension restrictions identical to manufacturer's logos) may be worn on the jersey. The numbers on the uniform must be at least eight inches in height.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 3-3-1g-A player may not wear a bandana.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 3-3-1g-2-Team personnel may not direct intimidating remarks toward their opponents.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 3-3-li-A base coach is allowed to hold a scorebook or rulebook, including an electronic device used for scorekeeping purposes only, and a stopwatch, but no other objects (restriction or ejection).<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 3-3-1m-A player is prohibited from throwing his bat, helmet, glove, etc., to show disgust; penalty-immediate ejection.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 5-1-1h, 5. 1. 1a-c-The ball is dead if an umpire verbally announces a foul ball; such call cannot be changed.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 5-1-2g-When an illegal glove touches a live ball, the penalty is equivalent to detached equipment.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 1-3-6-The size of a catcher's mitt is not limited. Maximum dimensions of fielder's glove: 14 inches long, 8 inches wide, webbing 5 % inches on <acronym title='Time of pitch '>TOP</acronym> and bottom. There is no distinction between a fielder's glove and a first baseman's mitt; either may be worn at any position. Fielders are required to wear a glove or mitt.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 1-3-6, 6-2-1h-The pitcher's glove cannot contain any white or gray areas. A multi-color glove is legal if it is not considered distracting according to the judgment of the umpire.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 1-1-S-A team is not specifically required to have sleeves of the same color; only sleeves of the approximate same length.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 1-2-1-A line marking the separation ofLBT/<acronym title='Dead ball territory'>DBT </acronym>is itself <acronym title='Live ball territory'>LBT</acronym>.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 1-2-1-The coaching box is only 5 feet wide.<br /></li><li><acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> 1-2-2-The use of synthetic materials in constructing the pitching mound is allowed.</li></ul>
<br />
Sorry to say, there is still more.   Check out the <acronym title='Jaksa/Roder Rules Interpretation manual'>J/R</acronym> <acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> Appendix, The <acronym title='Baseball Rule Differences, by Carl Childress'>BRD</acronym>, and Section 10 "Major Rules Differences" in the <acronym title='High school rules, aka FED '>NFHS</acronym> rule book for a comprehensive list of differences.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 02:41:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24411-fed-notable-rules-differences-cheat-sheet/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>UA Poly Wool Pants...</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/23888-ua-poly-wool-pants/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href='http://www.ump-attire.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=UAPW-PL&Category_Code=NEWBB&Product_Count=4' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.ump-attire.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=UAPW-PL&Category_Code=NEWBB&Product_Count=4</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 02:36:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/23888-ua-poly-wool-pants/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Obstructed View</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/22074-obstructed-view/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[18U fall ball game yesterday and working 90' by myself. BR hits a little duck snort down the RF line about 30 feet behind the bag. I also have plate responsibilities with R3 tagging. The OF slopes down/away from infield. I have RF, 1B and 2B all converging and the latter two plus the runner in my line of sight. I lose the ball as it drops below player head level on the horizon.<br />
<br />
I took a guess it was fair. My guess is I was wrong as the fielders let up their effort when the ball hit the turf. This was the first time I have encountered such a severely obstructed view.<br />
<br />
I am thinking I don't want the player's reaction to dictate my response, but it may be the best indicator. Should I have waited for them to react? Or, are there other techniques I may have used?<br />
<br />
All help is appreciated.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 02:12:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/22074-obstructed-view/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Ball Bags</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24516-ball-bags/</link>
		<description>Ideally, should your ball bags match your pants or shirt? For example if you are wearing Charcoal and navy, which color ball bag is more appropriate?</description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 02:01:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24516-ball-bags/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>R3 jumps over F2</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/8045-r3-jumps-over-f2/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[LL JRs. R3, groundball to F6. R3 goes on contact and throw from F6 beats runner by 3 steps. F2 fields the throw with one knee on the ground completely blocking the plate and as R3 approaches, at the last second he jumps completely over F2 and the plate. F2 quickly tags R3 ( so he was out anyway } but my partner had already called him out on the jump.<br />
<br />
After the game I asked him if he was sure about the play at the plate and he said sure he can't jump over a fielder trying to make a tag. I told him that was A HS rule and felt like the jump by R3 satisfied the attempt to get around requirement of 7.08(a). We weren't arguing, just a constructive conversation BTW. He said his concern was safety and felt like the runner should have been called out, so we agreed to disagree on that one.<br />
<br />
So, am I right about this play and also what if it is the exact same play except that right after the jump F2 stands up and creates a collision and looses the ball.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:28:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/8045-r3-jumps-over-f2/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title>Cleaning Shoes</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24778-cleaning-shoes/</link>
		<description>Im sorry for another shoe cleaning thread but I have to ask. I had used the scrubbing bubbles technique on my plate and base shoes (reebok magistrates), and it has turned the bottoms of my shoes a bluish/white color! Not the under part, but the bottom part of the shoes, which is clearly visible and it looks horrible! Has anyone else encountered this?</description>
		<pubDate>Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:33:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24778-cleaning-shoes/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>WNY Ump</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24829-wny-ump/</link>
		<description>I have been following this site for a while, and have found a bunch of good info.  Been umpiring LL for the last 2 years, and making the move to HS ball this spring.  Look forward to the challenge, and also to more good topics of discussion on the boards.</description>
		<pubDate>Sun, 12 Feb 2012 09:14:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24829-wny-ump/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[<acronym title='Infield fly'>IFF</acronym>?]]></title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24833-iff/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[If I don't call it then would it NOT be an <acronym title='Infield fly'>IFF</acronym> even if in reality I blew the call.  (Catchable with normal effort, fair ball, etc)]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sun, 12 Feb 2012 04:48:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24833-iff/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title>Shock 3/0? New Umpire Hockey style mask</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/20683-shock-30-new-umpire-hockey-style-mask/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Hi I am wondering if anyone know's anywhere I can get the new hockey style umpire mask it is worn by MLB umpire Gary Cederstrom and it looks to have outstanding protection. I have looked all over google and still can't find this mask anywhere, if anyone know's where to get it or a release date please let me know.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:13:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/20683-shock-30-new-umpire-hockey-style-mask/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>New Favorite ?</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24846-new-favorite/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Straight from the 2012 <acronym title='High school rules'>NFHS</acronym> Baseball Open Book Test:<br />
<br />
55.  It is a delayed dead ball.<br />
<br />
a. The ball remains live and in play.<br />
b. The ball becomes dead immediately.<br />
c.  It is a delayed dead ball.<br />
<br />
 <img src='http://umpire-empire.com/public/style_emoticons/default/brutal55vp0.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':bang:' />]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:11:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24846-new-favorite/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>It is optional for the base umpire to carry an indicator if the field has a scoreboard</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24796-it-is-optional-for-the-base-umpire-to-carry-an-indicator-if-the-field-has-a-scoreboard/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
120.     It is optional for the base umpire to carry an indicator if the field has a scoreboard.  <br />
<br />
  a.   True    b.   False <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Appreciate the opinions, however, I am looking for the correct answer for a <acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym> test. <br />
<br />
Can't find anything in the book. <br />
<br />
Thanks!]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:33:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24796-it-is-optional-for-the-base-umpire-to-carry-an-indicator-if-the-field-has-a-scoreboard/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[2012 <acronym title='Minor League Baseball '>MiLB</acronym> Umpires]]></title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24821-2012-milb-umpires/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I will update as the Leagues post their staffs.<br />
<br />
Remember, umpires sometimes switch between AAA Leagues.<br />
<br />
Not showing from last years IL are<br />
Karl Best, Travis Brown, Fran Burke, Derek Crabill, Art Thigpen. MLB call ups from last year in the IL not on this years IL list are Lance Barrett and DJ Reyburn<br />
<br />
INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE UMPIRES FOR 2012<br />
<br />
GERARD ASCANI -- Age 29 -- 5’9”, 160 lbs. -- Resides in Metairie, LA -- 2nd yr. in Triple-A<br />
Gulf Coast Lg. (2004)........................S. Atlantic Lg. (2005-06)..................Southern Lg. (2008-10)<br />
New York-Penn Lg. (2004)................Carolina Lg. (2006-07)......................Venezuelan Lg. (2010)<br />
Appalachian Lg. (2005)..................Arizona Inst. Lg. (2008)........................International Lg. (2011)<br />
<br />
SEAN BARBER -- Age 26 -- 5’9”, 190 lbs. -- Resides in Lakeland, FL -- 1st yr. in Triple-A<br />
Appalachian Lg. (2006-07)................Florida State Lg. (2008-09).................Arizona Inst. Lg. (2009-10)<br />
S. Atlantic Lg. (2007).........................Southern Lg. (2009-11).......................Venezuelan Lg. (2011)<br />
<br />
CRAIG BARRON -- Age 31 -- 5’10”, 215 lbs. -- Resides in Fayetteville, GA -- 3rd yr. in Triple-A<br />
Gulf Coast Lg. (2005).......................S. Atlantic Lg. (2006)...........................Southern Lg. (2008-09)<br />
New York-Penn Lg. (2005)...............Carolina Lg. (2007)..............................Venezuelan Lg. (2009)<br />
Florida Inst. Lg. (2005).....................Arizona Inst. Lg. (2007-08)...................International Lg. (2010-11)<br />
<br />
TOBY BASNER -- Age 27 -- 5’10”, 172 lbs. -- Resides in Snellville, GA -- 3rd full yr. in Triple-A<br />
Gulf Coast Lg. (2004)........................Dominican Lg. (2006)...........................Puerto Rican Lg. (2008)<br />
Appalachian Lg. (2005).....................Carolina Lg. (2006-07)..........................Pacific Coast Lg. (2009)<br />
Florida Inst. Lg. (2005).......................Venezuelan Lg. (2007)..........................Arizona Fall Lg. (2009-10)<br />
S. Atlantic Lg. (2006)..........................Southern Lg. (2007-09)........................International Lg. (2010-11)<br />
<br />
SETH BUCKMINSTER -- Age 30 -- 6’4”, 210 lbs. -- Resides in Fort Worth, TX -- 1st yr. in Triple-A<br />
Arizona Lg. (2006)...........................Florida Inst. Lg. (2008)...........................Texas Lg. (2010-11)<br />
Appalachian Lg. (2007-08)..............California Lg. (2009)...............................Arizona Inst. Lg. (2010)<br />
S. Atlantic Lg. (2008)<br />
<br />
KELVIN BULTRON -- Age 33 -- 5’10”, 210 lbs. -- Resides in Canovanas, Puerto Rico -- 2nd yr. in Triple-A<br />
Appalachian Lg. (2006)....................Florida State Lg. (2008-09).....................Texas Lg. (2009-10)<br />
S. Atlantic Lg. (2007).......................Arizona Inst. Lg. (2009)............................International Lg. (2011)<br />
<br />
JON BYRNE -- Age 28 -- 5’10”, 143 lbs. -- Resides in Thornlie, Austrailia -- 2nd yr. in Triple-A<br />
Gulf Coast Lg. (2005)......................California Lg. (2007)................................Arizona Inst. Lg. (2009)<br />
Northwest Lg. (2006).......................Eastern Lg. (2008-10).............................International Lg. (2011)<br />
Midwest Lg. (2006)<br />
<br />
VIC CARAPAZZA -- Age 32 -- 6’0”, 170 lbs. -- Resides in Palm Harbor, FL -- 4th full yr. in Triple-A<br />
Gulf Coast Lg. (2003-04).................Florida State Lg. (2006)..........................Pacific Coast Lg. (2008-09)<br />
Florida Inst. Lg. (2003-05)...............Arizona Inst. Lg. (2006)...........................Arizona Fall Lg. (2008-09)<br />
New York-Penn Lg. (2004)..............Eastern Lg. (2006-08)..............................International Lg. (2010-11)<br />
Midwest Lg. (2005).........................Dominican Lg. (2007)..............................Major Lg. Baseball (2010-11)<br />
<br />
TRAVIS CARLSON -- Age 27 -- 6’6”, 215 lbs. -- Resides in Lakeland, FL -- 1st yr. in Triple-A<br />
Gulf Coast Lg. (2006).....................Florida State Lg. (2008-09).....................Southern Lg. (2010-11)<br />
New York-Penn Lg. (2006).............Arizona Inst. Lg. (2009)............................Venezuelan Lg. (2011)<br />
S. Atlantic Lg. (2007)<br />
<br />
JOHN CONRAD -- Age 35 -- 6’0”, 195 lbs. -- Resides in Wallingford, CT -- 3rd yr. in Triple-A<br />
Arizona Lg. (2004)..........................California Lg. (2006-07)............................International Lg. (2010-11)<br />
Appalachian Lg. (2004)..................Arizona Inst. Lg. (2007)............................Arizona Fall Lg. (2010)<br />
S. Atlantic Lg. (2005)......................Eastern Lg. (2007-09)<br />
<br />
CHRIS CONROY -- Age 37 -- 6’4”, 230 lbs. -- Resides in North Adams, MA -- 6th full yr. in Triple-A<br />
New York-Penn Lg. (2000-01).........Eastern Lg. (2004-06)...............................International Lg. (2007-11)<br />
Florida Inst. Lg. (2001-02)................Pacific Coast Lg. (2006)...........................Venezuelan Lg. (2008)<br />
S. Atlantic Lg. (2002)........................Arizona Fall Lg. (2007,09-10)...................Major Lg. Baseball (2010-11)<br />
Carolina Lg. (2003)<br />
<br />
MIKE ESTABROOK -- Age 35 -- 6’0”, 185 lbs. -- Resides in Lambertville, NJ -- 8th yr. in Triple-A<br />
Gulf Coast Lg. (1999-2000)...............Florida State Lg. (2002)...........................International Lg. (2005-11)<br />
Appalachian Lg. (2000).....................Southern Lg. (2003-04)............................Arizona Fall Lg. (2006)<br />
S. Atlantic Lg. (2001).........................Venezuelan Lg. (2004)..............................Major Lg. Baseball (2006-11)<br />
<br />
MANNY GONZALEZ -- Age 32 -- 6’0”, 210 lbs. -- Resides in Valencia, Venezuela -- 5th yr. in Triple-A<br />
Gulf Coast Lg. (2002-03)...................Florida State Lg. (2005)............................Arizona Fall Lg. (2008-09)<br />
New York-Penn Lg. (2003-04)...........Texas Lg. (2006)........................................International Lg. (2008-11)<br />
S. Atlantic Lg. (2004)..........................Southern Lg. (2007)..................................Major Lg. Baseball (2010-11)<br />
<br />
JEFF GOSNEY -- Age 28 -- 5’11”, 185 lbs. -- Resides in Lakeland, FL -- 2nd yr. in Triple-A<br />
Gulf Coast Lg. (2006)........................Florida Inst. Lg. (2007)...............................Venezuelan Lg. (2010)<br />
Appalachian Lg. (2006).....................Florida State Lg. (2008)..............................International Lg. (2011)<br />
Midwest Lg. (2007)...........................Texas Lg. (2008-10)<br />
<br />
ADAM HAMARI -- Age 28 -- 6’0”, 185 lbs. -- Resides in Marquette, MI -- 2nd yr. in Triple-A<br />
New York-Penn Lg. (2006)..................Arizona Inst. Lg. (2007,09).........................Eastern Lg. (2009-10).<br />
Midwest Lg. (2007)..............................Florida State Lg. (2008).............................International Lg. (2011).<br />
California Lg. (2007)............................Southern Lg. (2008)...................................Arizona Fall Lg. (2011).<br />
<br />
ANTHONY JOHNSON -- Age 30 -- 5’9”, 160 lbs. -- Resides in McComb, MS -- 1st yr. in Triple-A<br />
Pioneer Lg. (2006) .............................Carolina Lg. (2008).................................. Southern Lg. (2010-11)<br />
Appalachian Lg. (2007)..................... Florida State Lg. (2009) ...........................Arizona Inst. Lg. (2010)<br />
S. Atlantic. Lg. (2007)<br />
<br />
WILL LITTLE -- Age 28 -- 5’11”, 170 lbs. -- Resides in Fall Branch, TN -- 1st yr. in Triple-A<br />
Appalachian Lg. (2007).................... Carolina Lg. (2008-09).............................. Arizona Inst. Lg. (2009-10)<br />
Florida Inst. Lg. (2007)..................... Southern Lg. (2009-11)............................. Dominican Lg. (2011)<br />
S. Atlantic Lg. (2008)<br />
<br />
MARK LOLLO -- Age 30 -- 5’11”, 205 lbs. -- Resides in New Lexington, OH -- 4th yr. in Triple-A<br />
Gulf Coast Lg. (2002-03)................. Carolina Lg. (2005).................................... International Lg. (2009-11)<br />
New York-Penn Lg. (2003)............... Florida State Lg. (2006)............................ Arizona Fall Lg. (2010-11)<br />
Florida Inst. Lg. (2004-05)............... Texas Lg. (2006)......................................... Major Lg. Baseball (2011)<br />
S. Atlantic Lg. (2004)....................... Eastern Lg. (2007-08)<br />
<br />
BEN MAY -- Age 30 -- 6’0”, 200 lbs. -- Resides in Racine, WI -- 1st yr. in Triple-A<br />
Gulf Coast Lg. (2007)...................... Midwest Lg. (2008-09).................................Eastern Lg. (2010-11)<br />
New York-Penn Lg. (2007)............... Florida State Lg. (2008-10)......................... Puerto Rican Lg. (2010)<br />
<br />
BRAD MYERS -- Age 32 -- 5’10”, 190 lbs. -- Resides in Holland, OH -- 2nd yr. in Triple-A<br />
Gulf Coast Lg. (2004)....................... Midwest Lg. (2006-07)................................ Texas Lg. (2008-10)<br />
Florida Inst. Lg. (2004)..................... Florida State Lg. (2007)............................... International Lg. (2011)<br />
New York-Penn Lg. (2005)............... Arizona Inst. Lg. (2008)<br />
<br />
ALAN PORTER -- Age 34 -- 5’10”, 200 lbs. -- Resides in Warminster, PA -- 5th yr. in Triple-A<br />
Gulf Coast Lg. (2002-03).................. Carolina Lg. (2005)....................................... Arizona Fall Lg. (2008-09)<br />
New York-Penn Lg. (2003)................ Arizona Inst. Lg. (2005)................................ International Lg. (2008-11)<br />
S. Atlantic Lg. (2004)......................... Eastern Lg. (2006-07)................................. Major Lg. Baseball (2010-11)<br />
Florida Inst. Lg. (2004)<br />
<br />
DAVID RACKLEY -- Age 30 -- 5’10”, 175 lbs. -- Resides in Matthews, NC -- 5th full yr. in Triple-A<br />
Arizona Lg. (2001)............................ California Lg. (2004)..................................... Arizona Fall Lg. (2008-09)<br />
Florida Inst. Lg. (2001-02)................ Arizona Inst. Lg. (2004-05).......................... Venezuelan Lg. (2010)<br />
Northwest Lg. (2002-03).................. Texas Lg. (2005-07).................................... .Major Lg. Baseball (2010-11)<br />
S. Atlantic Lg. (2003).........................International Lg. (2007-11)<br />
<br />
JON SAPHIRE -- Age 30 -- 6’3”, 215 lbs. -- Resides in Centerville, OH -- 1st yr. in Triple-A<br />
Gulf Coast Lg. (2005)..................... Midwest Lg. (2007)........................................ Eastern Lg. (2009-11)<br />
New York-Penn Lg. (2006).............. Carolina Lg. (2007-08).................................. Arizona Inst. Lg. (2009-10)<br />
<br />
DAVID SOUCY -- Age 29 -- 6’3”, 195 lbs. -- Resides in Bluffton, SC -- 1st full yr. in Triple-A<br />
Appalachian Lg. (2006).................. Carolina Lg. (2008).......................................... Eastern Lg. (2009-11)<br />
Florida Inst. Lg. (2006)................... Arizona Inst. Lg. (2008)................................... International Lg. (2011)<br />
S. Atlantic Lg. (2007)<br />
<br />
CHRIS WARD -- Age 31 -- 5’11”, 172 lbs. -- Resides in Ashland, KY -- 3rd yr. in Triple-A<br />
Gulf Coast Lg. (2004)..................... S. Atlantic Lg. (2006-07)............................... Venezuelan Lg. (2009)<br />
Appalachian Lg. (2005).................. Carolina Lg. (2007)........................................ International Lg. (2010-11)<br />
Florida Inst. Lg. (2005)................... Arizona Inst. Lg. (2007)................................. Arizona Fall Lg. (2010-11)<br />
New York-Penn Lg. (2005-06)....... Southern Lg. (2007-09)<br />
<br />
CHAD WHITSON -- Age 30 -- 6’1”, 185 lbs. -- Resides in Dublin, OH -- 2nd full yr. in Triple-A<br />
Appalachian Lg. (2005).................. Arizona Inst. Lg. (2008)................................... International Lg. (2010-11)<br />
S. Atlantic Lg. (2006)...................... Eastern Lg. (2008-10).................................... Arizona Fall Lg. (2011)<br />
California Lg. (2007)<br />
<br />
Brian Hertzog has moved up from the TL to the PCL.<br />
<a href='http://mynorthwest.com/29/630998/Lake-Stevens-man-following-his-major-league-dream' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://mynorthwest.c...or-league-dream</a><br />
<br />
Also looks like Hirabayashi was released from PCL as he has been named to the NPB's technical committee for the Japanese Professional League that he use to work in for 9 years. His position in the committee is to pass on the umpiring he learned while in the US. Hope they have learned to show more respect for umpires in the 7 years he has been away, which is the reason he left in the first place. Maybe Valentine showed the Japanese respect for umpires while he was there, or maybe not. It will not be fun for Hirabayashi if this area has not improved, other than give him a job.<br />
										 							  <br />
2012 FSL................................age...........HGT........WGT..........2011<br />
<br />
Jose Esteras...........................31.............5'7"........180..........SAL<br />
Bryan Fields............................27............5'11".......185..........SAL,FSL<br />
Ramon Hernandez..................25............5'7".........205..........SAL<br />
Pat Hoberg..............................25............6'1".........195..........MWL,FSL<br />
Brett Houseman......................27............5'9".........190..........FSL<br />
Shane Livensparger.................28............6'0".........185..........SAL<br />
Matthew McCoy......................25............6'0".........205.........FSL<br />
Roberto Ortiz...........................27............5'11".......170.........SAL<br />
Alex Ransom...........................21............6'2".........175..........PIO,MWL<br />
Matthew Springer....................28............5'9".........205..........MWL,CAL<br />
Brett Terry................................23............5'10".......145........CAL<br />
Christopher Tipton..................28.............6'0"........180........MWL]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:13:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24821-2012-milb-umpires/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>How to start a study group?</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24707-how-to-start-a-study-group/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I want to put together a study group for our local group to do the the <acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym> test in Minnesota but I want our time to be productive and engaging for those who attend.  <br />
<br />
In your experience, what is the best way to do these and get participation from those who attend?<br />
<br />
I don't want guys just sitting there writing in answers and I don't want all of us sitting there in a room with our noses in our rule books not having any dialogue about the questions.<br />
<br />
Interested group members will have a copy of the 2012 <acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym> test which is what we plan to use as our guide.  <br />
<br />
Would it be better to break it up into smaller settings or try to tackle all 100 questions at one time?  I really want to avoid having guys show up just to write in the answers so I'm also interested in hearing some ground rules too.<br />
<br />
Please, I need some help here.....share your experience with me.<br />
<br />
Thanks!!!]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:23:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24707-how-to-start-a-study-group/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>All star FM4000ump</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/23928-all-star-fm4000ump/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Found this mask in stock at <a href='http://www.baseballwarehouse.com' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.baseballwarehouse.com</a>. I know a couple people on here had been waiting for this mask to become available. I send the fm25ti I had ordered back in August when I found out this one was coming out. It should be at my house in a few days, can't wait. Now for a new equipment bag(diamond or force bag) and new all star chest protector and I will be set for the upcoming season.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:13:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/23928-all-star-fm4000ump/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Easy <acronym title='Batting Out of Order'>BOO </acronym>question]]></title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24818-easy-boo-question/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I was at an association meeting last night and we were going over <acronym title='Batting Out of Order'>BOO </acronym>situations. I've always thought I had a good understanding of <acronym title='Batting Out of Order'>BOO </acronym>rules until this one came up.<br />
<br />
BO: able-baker-charles-daniel-edward-frank.. and so on<br />
<br />
<acronym title='Time of pitch '>TOP</acronym> of 1st Baker comes to the plate to lead off and singles, Abel comes to the plate and singles on 1 pitch. Now with Baker on 2nd and Able on 1st Charles come to the plate and before anything happens the D appeal BOO. SO, here is how I understand BOO. The pitch to Able legalized Bakers at bat, when the D appeals before Able is legalized Ables at-bat is nulified Baker is returned to 1st, Charles (who missed his at-bat) is called out and the following batter Daniel is up[6.07 (d)(1)]. This is how I see it but last night the consensus was that even though Charles was called out HE is also up because he follows <acronym title='Base runner at 1B'>R1</acronym> (Baker) in the order. Have I lost my mind? please show your work. Thanks, 1]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:47:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24818-easy-boo-question/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>NEW Honigs K17B jacket for sale - Black w/white stripes</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24582-new-honigs-k17b-jacket-for-sale-black-wwhite-stripes/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I have a never used Honigs K17B jacket that I want to sell.  It is a size large, black with the white stripes.  I just bought it this last fall before the Smitty fleece-lined jackets came out, so I may get one of those instead.  <br />
<br />
Here is their link to it: <a href='http://www.honigs.com/sub/42/K17B' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.honigs.com/sub/42/K17B</a><br />
<br />
$50 shipped to you.  <acronym title='Private message'>PM </acronym>me.<br />
<br />
<span rel='lightbox'><img src='http://www.honigs.com/images/detail_lg/K17B.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></span>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:27:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24582-new-honigs-k17b-jacket-for-sale-black-wwhite-stripes/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[2012 <acronym title='Baseball Rule Differences, by Carl Childress'>BRD</acronym>]]></title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24716-2012-brd/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<strong class='bbc'>2012 <acronym title='Baseball Rule Differences, by Carl Childress'>BRD</acronym></strong>								<br />
I submitted the manuscript to Amazon, it was accepted, and the book will be listed for sale within 5 to 7 business days. Same deal as last year. <br />
				<br />
				On the plus side:<br />
				<br />
				396 pages, alphabetical index, citation index, list of OFF INTERPs<br />
				<br />
				You'll find more than 60 new NCAA official interpretations from Jim Paronto, rules interpreter for the NCAA.<br />
				<br />
				Jaksa/Roder authoritative opinion has been replaced by the Wendelstedt Umpire School manual, which contains 400 plays an official interpretations. Hunter asked the <acronym title='Baseball Rule Differences, by Carl Childress'>BRD</acronym> to highlight his interps, and we were happy to comply. An official interp from a major league umpire alweays trumps opinion!<br />
				<br />
				The <acronym title='High school rules'>NFHS</acronym> Website case book plays are in the <acronym title='Baseball Rule Differences, by Carl Childress'>BRD</acronym> though they have not been published yet. <br />
				<br />
				Complete explanation of all <acronym title='High school rules'>NFHS</acronym> rule changes for 2012.<br />
				<br />
				NAIA changed from an <acronym title='Official Baseball Rules'>OBR</acronym> base to an NCAA base. The <acronym title='Baseball Rule Differences, by Carl Childress'>BRD</acronym> has all the modifications and exceptions.<br />
				<br />
				My guarantee as always: Buy the book. If you don't thinkl it's worth the money, let me know. I'll refund your purchase price ... and you can keep the book!<br />
				<br />
				IMPORTANT NOTE: If you purchased the 2011 <acronym title='Baseball Rule Differences, by Carl Childress'>BRD</acronym> in January, email me a copy of your sales slip and I will send you the 2012 book for $10 plus shipping.<br />
				<br />
				Here's a new section this year:<br />
				<br />
				404 PITCHER: STOPS IN: WINDUP POSITION <br />
				<br />
				<acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym>: The pitcher may not pause in the windup position once he has moved any part of his body such as he habitually uses in his delivery. <br />
				(6-2-4d) PENALTY: Balk. (6-2-4; Website #20, 2011)<br />
				<br />
				Note 400: The <acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym> OFF INTERP simply affirmed that the rule had not changed in spite of what people see on television. Once the pitcher begins his delivery, "he must continue his motion without interruption or alteration." Compare NCAA : The pitcher must continue his motion "without interruption or alteration." (9-1a) They harmonize. Or so it seems. But ....<br />
				<br />
				NCAA: A pitcher may pause during his delivery from the windup position without penalty. (9-1a AR 2)<br />
				<br />
				Note 401: The rationale for the change explained that in "some parts of the country" when the pitcher paused during the windup, umpires were calling a balk. Interesting, for those were the umpires enforcing the rule: "From this [windup] position, any natural movement associated with the delivery of the ball to the batter commits the pitcher to pitch without interruption or alteration." (9-1a) But, as the Jersey boys say: "Fuhgeddaboudit!"<br />
				<br />
				<acronym title='Official Baseball Rules'>OBR</acronym>: Same as NCAA 9-1a AR 2. (8.01a)<br />
				<br />
				OFF INTERP 348-404: WENDELSTEDT: A brief pause in the windup "is not enough to be considered a ‘start and stop.'" (P150/130)<br />
				<br />
				Note 402:Before you ignore the brief "start and stop" move in any <acronym title='Official Baseball Rules'>OBR</acronym> league, check with your umpire-in-chief to see whether officials want to allow the "Japanese pause."<br />
				-----------<br />
				<br />
				Tell your friends and colleagues about the <acronym title='Baseball Rule Differences, by Carl Childress'>BRD</acronym>. Its yearly sales make it possible to keep up this unique book.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:33:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24716-2012-brd/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Insurance - NASO vs. ABUA vs. ???</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24759-insurance-naso-vs-abua-vs/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I bought ABUA insurance last year for $45. <br />
<br />
My HS Association as well as a couple other local youth orgs wants us to get NASO insurance for a final price of $75 after discounts and rebates (if 70% of the HS Association joins).   They actually want $100, but say that I will get money back after all rebates and discounts are applied.   I am not confident I would ever see this money. <br />
<br />
NASO comes with Referee magazine, but my HS Association membership on Arbiter gives me access to all the articles electronically, which is what I prefer anyway. <br />
<br />
I just don't see what the love affair is with NASO.<br />
<br />
What am I missing?]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:07:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24759-insurance-naso-vs-abua-vs/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Out or fair ball</title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24795-out-or-fair-ball/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym>- count 3-2, B1 swings and the ball hits him on the fore arm never touching the bat and goes into fair territory...]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:55:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24795-out-or-fair-ball/</guid>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Balk with catcher's interference]]></title>
		<link>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24772-balk-with-catchers-interference/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Bases loaded, one out, the <acronym title='Base umpire'>BU</acronym> calls a balk as B1 hits grounder to SS who steps on 2nd base for the force out, but throws wide to 1st base as B1 is safe. The <acronym title='plate umpire'>PU</acronym> called catcher's interference. Does the offensive coach have any option here or is the balk simply enforced and the <acronym title='Catcher’s interference'>CI</acronym> ignored?]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:25:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/24772-balk-with-catchers-interference/</guid>
	</item>
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