Referee.com

[Coachhimup]

I got this email from them and has some different rule books, guides, etc.  I already have my NFHS 2022 rule book.  

 

But I am posting a link to see if any of you guys can suggest me getting some of this stuff.  (I am a first year umpire)

i APPRECIATE THE HELP THANKS IN ADVANCE

 

https://store.referee.com/baseball?PK=M22EBS5E

[MadMax]

17 hours ago, Coachhimup said:

(I am a first year umpire)

Are you new to umpiring overall, or just new to NFHS / High School baseball? 

Professionally / personally, I'd rather you have your essential gear outfitted, a standard uniform in place, and have a tentative schedule in place such that you can best estimate and expect what you're going to encounter. Then, lean heavily upon your associates and colleagues, and the resources they either know of or utilize (including online resources). While a physical catalog of books, guides, manuals, and other resources is beneficial, it represents an expenditure that you may need elsewhere. 

[Coachhimup]

I'm new overall. I've been a high school football coach for 23 years. I've got all my equipment etc. I just want to be solid on the rules. I'll be doing high school.

Thanks!

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[LRZ]

The NFHS Case Book illustrates the rules with specific fact scenarios, and often provides additional authority beyond the strict language of the NFHS Rule Book. A mechanics manual is also helpful, although what is important is knowing the mechanics as practiced in your area.

[Coachhimup]

32 minutes ago, LRZ said:

The NFHS Case Book illustrates the rules with specific fact scenarios, and often provides additional authority beyond the strict language of the NFHS Rule Book. A mechanics manual is also helpful, although what is important is knowing the mechanics as practiced in your area.

Ok I have the case book our state Athletic Association gets us that.  I will look at that mechanics manual.  Thank you

[Donny7]

Coach, Welcome to Umpire Empire

You received great advice from the guys above. An NFHS Rule Book, Case Book and a mechanics manual is a lot to digest and all of the hardcopies you need to get started.

You can find no cost, on-line instructional videos, on almost any subject or situation you can think of. Just make sure that they are following the same rule set that you will be officiating. All baseball rules, from youth to the MLB, do have differences.

Many of us would argue that, although rules are important, knowing the mechanics and being at the right place and angle at the right time, is much more important than knowing all of the rules. 

Since you have been coaching in HS for 23 years, you obviously know all of the proper protocols that go along with HS sports. Although coaching football, I'm sure you know the game of baseball. So, you are already way ahead of the curve.

Whether behind the plate or in the field, I will offer these two things to you as being two of the staples of good umpiring.

• TIMING TIMING TIMING  - Slow down and take your time. It ain't nothing until you call it!
• The ANGLE is much more important than the distance

Now latch on to a veteran umpire mentor, one that you have trust and confidence in, wear him out with your questions and soak the answers up like a sponge. And last but certainly not least, you can be professional and HAVE FUN all at the same time. It's good to smile on a baseball field... it's contagious.   

[LRZ]

I agree about the importance of a good mentor with whom you can discuss issues, questions and situations. But I would not emphasize mechanics ("much more important") over rules; they are both important, perhaps equally so. What good is it to be in the right place, with a good angle--but you kick a rule?

I used to get assigned with an umpire who was notorious for not being particularly rule-sharp, but he was a great salesman who could sell anything. I'd provide rule support when he needed it and he'd sell his calls.

A good place to start on the rules is the definition section.

[Coachhimup]

Coach, Welcome to Umpire Empire
You received great advice from the guys above. An NFHS Rule Book, Case Book and a mechanics manual is a lot to digest and all of the hardcopies you need to get started.
You can find no cost, on-line instructional videos, on almost any subject or situation you can think of. Just make sure that they are following the same rule set that you will be officiating. All baseball rules, from youth to the MLB, do have differences.
Many of us would argue that, although rules are important, knowing the mechanics and being at the right place and angle at the right time, is much more important than knowing all of the rules. 
Since you have been coaching in HS for 23 years, you obviously know all of the proper protocols that go along with HS sports. Although coaching football, I'm sure you know the game of baseball. So, you are already way ahead of the curve.
Whether behind the plate or in the field, I will offer these two things to you as being two of the staples of good umpiring.

• TIMING TIMING TIMING  - Slow down and take your time. It ain't nothing until you call it!
• The ANGLE is much more important than the distance

Now latch on to a veteran umpire mentor, one that you have trust and confidence in, wear him out with your questions and soak the answers up like a sponge. And last but certainly not least, you can be professional and HAVE FUN all at the same time. It's good to smile on a baseball field... it's contagious.   

Awesome! Thank you. Some really good information here. I've been watching a lot of videos on YouTube. There is a lot of good information there thank you.

I appreciate the advice so much.

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[Donny7]

On 2/11/2022 at 9:20 AM, LRZ said:

I agree about the importance of a good mentor with whom you can discuss issues, questions and situations. But I would not emphasize mechanics ("much more important") over rules; they are both important, perhaps equally so. What good is it to be in the right place, with a good angle--but you kick a rule?

I used to get assigned with an umpire who was notorious for not being particularly rule-sharp, but he was a great salesman who could sell anything. I'd provide rule support when he needed it and he'd sell his calls.

A good place to start on the rules is the definition section.

 I have seen the situation you described above many times. Partners by having different strengths, complementing each other in their abilities. In today's, shortage of official's world, wise Assigners will often make game assignments with just that mix of strength/weakness in mind. It was with that line of thinking that I suggested, placing a priority on mechanics before learning "ALL" the rules. 

My statement was: "although rules are important, knowing the mechanics and being at the right place and angle at the right time, is much more important than knowing all of the rules."  

My statement was used in the context of giving advice to a new umpire. When a "partial quote" is taken out of context... it can have an entirely different meaning.      I did begin the sentence with "rules are important"    

[LRZ]

I didn't misread you or distort the context; I simply disagree with your advice.

In any event, give the new umpire some guidance: which rules should be prioritized? 

IMO, it's more likely, considering the shortage of officials, that assigners, desperate for bodies, don't have the luxury of assigning good mixes. And it might be that new umpires will be working lower levels and possibly solo, with no one to bail them out on a rule.

But I see no reason to belabor the disagreement further.

[Donny7]

On 2/13/2022 at 8:41 AM, LRZ said:

I didn't misread you or distort the context; I simply disagree with your advice.

In any event, give the new umpire some guidance: which rules should be prioritized? 

IMO, it's more likely, considering the shortage of officials, that assigners, desperate for bodies, don't have the luxury of assigning good mixes. And it might be that new umpires will be working lower levels and possibly solo, with no one to bail them out on a rule.

But I see no reason to belabor the disagreement further.

4 Habits of Successful Officials

If you took a poll of coaches and players and asked them to name the skills and habits that are important for a game official to possess, what do you suppose would be on the list? More importantly, where would “rules knowledge” fall on the list? Rules knowledge is undoubtedly important but how often will it enter into their thinking? Probably only if a controversial ruling came up during the game you worked, and how often does that happen? The bottom line is that you’re often judged by the little things you do that get noticed rather than your two most crucial skills: rules knowledge and mechanics. While there is no substitute for strong rules knowledge and solid mechanics, the best officials also possess qualities that are independent of those skills. They have a demeanor or confidence about them that sets them apart from most officials. How can you rise above the rest and, with minimal effort, make yourself look better to everyone who views your performance?

As in other areas of life, there are “little things” that you can do right now — starting with your next assignment — that will enhance your performance, improve your image, increase your comfort and confidence levels and simply make you a better official. The following skills and habits won’t be ingrained overnight but improving a little bit at a time with each of them doesn’t require any significant study or exceptional effort.

1. Keep moving

Hustle really doesn’t take all that much extra effort. It’s simply a matter of being dedicated to being in position and looking interested and athletic during your games. If you know where to be, it is usually easy to get there. Just remember the basic hustle rules: Get as close to the ideal position as possible while ensuring that you are not running when the play happens, you don’t interfere with the play and you don’t leave a potential secondary play uncovered.

2. Look professional

No one should underestimate the value of appearance. Buy the standard clothes and equipment for your level of play and wear them properly. Iron your shirts and pants and shine your shoes. Be dressed and ready before you appear on the field or court and dress professionally when arriving at your changing room before the game. Looks are seldom deceiving; make sure your first impression is one that you can try to live up to and not one that you have to overcome.

3. Arrive early

As with appearance, arrival time is a first-impression issue. It should surprise no one that the official who comes running up to the field a few minutes before game time creates a terrible impression on everyone at the location.

Plan your game days carefully to ensure that you’re able to observe the 15-minute rule for arrival time. The absolute latest you should arrive is 15 minutes early. Most games at the high school level and above will require you to arrive between 45 minutes to an hour and a half early. If you arrive 15 minutes earlier than that, you will always be on time. You will need to properly warm up for your duties, inspect the playing surface, equipment and teams before the game and conduct a managers’ or captains’ conference in addition to your own pregame conference with your crew.

4. Meet the teams

Don’t underestimate the potential value of a meeting with coaches and captains, which gives you an opportunity to get the game started on the right note.

Know what you’re going to say before you talk to the coaches. That diminishes the possibility of you stumbling over your words, creating a negative opinion of your ability or comfort level. Speak in a confident, yet friendly tone, introduce yourself and give a firm handshake. Cover everything you need to cover, no more or no less and finally, offer to answer any questions.

Then there is only one thing left to do. “Let’s Play Ball”

[Mudisfun]

I'm just jealous that that he received 2022 rule and case books! Don't know if it is just our association, CIF or CBUA, but we are still using the books we received in 2020. Normally we get new books every 2 years but this year, nope. Made some of the question on new rules on the state exam a little fun to guess at.

 

 

[beerguy55]

On 2/11/2022 at 8:20 AM, LRZ said:

I agree about the importance of a good mentor with whom you can discuss issues, questions and situations. But I would not emphasize mechanics ("much more important") over rules; they are both important, perhaps equally so. What good is it to be in the right place, with a good angle--but you kick a rule?

When coaching my players I always told them that when given the choice I'll take "hustle and error" over "lazy and no error" every time.  You could also substitute work ethic for good positioning, game smarts, proper footwork, angles, and a few other equivalents that really all end up the same thing.  Right place, right time.   In the long run being in the right place at the right time will correlate to successful execution more than it won't.   Being out of position will correlate to a failure to execute more than it won't.

I'd apply the same standard to the officials I'm paying to arbitrate my game.   I don't care how well you know the rule book if you can't move your ass ten feet to see a play properly.  Most games you can get by knowing the same subset of rules a ten-year old knows.  Many rules you may not see in 50 games.   But every play you need to be in some reasonable position to make the right call.

 

I've been told by many people that I should be an umpire, because I know the rules so well (relatively speaking, I assume).  As much as I appreciate that sentiment I've always believed that knowing the rules is the easiest part of the job.  Mechanics and game management are the differentiators...and that's where I'd fail miserably.

[Donny7]

12 hours ago, beerguy55 said:

When coaching my players I always told them that when given the choice I'll take "hustle and error" over "lazy and no error" every time.  You could also substitute work ethic for good positioning, game smarts, proper footwork, angles, and a few other equivalents that really all end up the same thing.  Right place, right time.   In the long run being in the right place at the right time will correlate to successful execution more than it won't.   Being out of position will correlate to a failure to execute more than it won't.

I'd apply the same standard to the officials I'm paying to arbitrate my game.   I don't care how well you know the rule book if you can't move your ass ten feet to see a play properly.  Most games you can get by knowing the same subset of rules a ten-year old knows.  Many rules you may not see in 50 games.   But every play you need to be in some reasonable position to make the right call.

 

I've been told by many people that I should be an umpire, because I know the rules so well (relatively speaking, I assume).  As much as I appreciate that sentiment, I've always believed that knowing the rules is the easiest part of the job.  Mechanics and game management are the differentiators...and that's where I'd fail miserably.

Coachhimup, StatsUmp, Thunderheads, MadMax

Real world, very knowledgeable coach's view vs umpires' opinions.

How important is it for a NEW umpire to know ALL the rules as compared Mechanics, Safes/Outs or all of the other tangibles? Not very. 

 Tangible: Capable of being clearly grasped by the mind; substantial rather than imaginary: tangible evidence.

[Thunderheads]

2 hours ago, Donny7 said:

Coachhimup, StatsUmp, Thunderheads, MadMax

Real world, very knowledgeable coach's view vs umpires' opinions.

How important is it for a NEW umpire to know ALL the rules as compared Mechanics, Safes/Outs or all of the other tangibles? Not very. 

 Tangible: Capable of being clearly grasped by the mind; substantial rather than imaginary: tangible evidence.

I'm confused?  Why are you mentioning me and StatsUmp in this thread?

[LRZ]

Please point to where I said a new umpire must know all the rules and that "all rules" knowledge is more important than mechanics?* You have turned the argument on its head: knowledge of the rules and of mechanics are equally important.

And you still have not told the new umpire what rules to focus on first, your "tangibles." 

* "But I would not emphasize mechanics ("much more important") over rules; they are both important, perhaps equally so."

[Thunderheads]

Let's not get into a pissing match guys ...... I understand what @Donny7 is saying, and I can see what @LRZ is saying also.  I think you guys are more on the same page as you think you are, and it's the semantics of it all that's confusing things.   Let's agree that it certainly is a COMBINATION of things for sure.  That said, for me personally, I believe as most of you do, that a FIRST IMPRESSION is SO important!  And how you look, and carry yourself speaks volumes!  Now that doesn't downplay rules knowledge by any stretch either, but as I said, it's a combination of things.

@Coachhimup's original post was indeed looking for REFERENCE material to assist him.  That should be our focus along w/ side-bars for other helpful hints.

[Coachhimup]

21 hours ago, Mudisfun said:

I'm just jealous that that he received 2022 rule and case books! Don't know if it is just our association, CIF or CBUA, but we are still using the books we received in 2020. Normally we get new books every 2 years but this year, nope. Made some of the question on new rules on the state exam a little fun to guess at.

 

 

Yes our association sent them out.  

[Coachhimup]

16 hours ago, beerguy55 said:

When coaching my players I always told them that when given the choice I'll take "hustle and error" over "lazy and no error" every time.  You could also substitute work ethic for good positioning, game smarts, proper footwork, angles, and a few other equivalents that really all end up the same thing.  Right place, right time.   In the long run being in the right place at the right time will correlate to successful execution more than it won't.   Being out of position will correlate to a failure to execute more than it won't.

I'd apply the same standard to the officials I'm paying to arbitrate my game.   I don't care how well you know the rule book if you can't move your ass ten feet to see a play properly.  Most games you can get by knowing the same subset of rules a ten-year old knows.  Many rules you may not see in 50 games.   But every play you need to be in some reasonable position to make the right call.

 

I've been told by many people that I should be an umpire, because I know the rules so well (relatively speaking, I assume).  As much as I appreciate that sentiment I've always believed that knowing the rules is the easiest part of the job.  Mechanics and game management are the differentiators...and that's where I'd fail miserably.

Yes I can see how important it is for the mechanics.  I ordered the mechanic books.  I am going to see if I can get some work in Friday doing our middle school vs. 9th grade scrimmage at our high school.    I want to get as much practice as I can.  I went to a scrimmage last night just to watch.  I noticed coaches from both teams out on their buckets during the game.  That seems to be a point of emphasis this year of not allowing that.

[noumpere]

59 minutes ago, Coachhimup said:

 That seems to be a point of emphasis this year of not allowing that.

You probably don't want to be the only one in your association strictly enforcing that.

[LRZ]

Coachhimup, when you get a chance to watch colleagues in your umpire association, sit in on their pre-game and then ask questions afterwards; make notes to yourself and look up the relevant rules and/or mechanics when you get home. You will likely see things you want to incorporate into your own approach and maybe things that don't resonate with you. 

[Coachhimup]

Coachhimup, when you get a chance to watch colleagues in your umpire association, sit in on their pre-game and then ask questions afterwards; make notes to yourself and look up the relevant rules and/or mechanics when you get home. You will likely see things you want to incorporate into your own approach and maybe things that don't resonate with you. 

Definitely a good idea. We had our weekly meeting tonight. I'm going to go to a clinic and works scrimmages after the clinic this weekend.

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[Senor Azul]

Mr. Coachhimup, you posted a link to the Referee website store and asked our opinions of the publications offered for sale. Funny thing though, no one talked about any of those books. I own three of these publications from 2011—

Baseball Rules Simplified & Illustrated

Baseball Rules By Topic

Baseball Game Changers: Plays You Gotta Get Right (in 2011 this one was called Plays That Trip You Up)

My advice is that if you are going to buy any of these books now is the time when you are at the beginning of your umpire career. The reason is that these books are very basic, written for the beginner. I bought mine 10 years into my umpire career and found them to be nearly useless. That’s why now in 2022 they are in near mint condition when most of my books are obviously used a great deal.

I think these books will help you get a better understanding of umpire fundamentals. And just as an aside these books seem to be something of collector items now—older editions are now being sold on eBay for what I consider to be exorbitant prices.

I would recommend that you consider buying the publication Everything Pitchers Can and Can’t Do. In my experience pitching questions arose nearly every game. If you are going to focus your learning on any phase of the game, I think it should be on pitching rules. And I cannot stress enough the value of the Case Book--I found the Case Books to be extremely helpful.

[Catch18]

Definitely a good idea. We had our weekly meeting tonight. I'm going to go to a clinic and works scrimmages after the clinic this weekend.

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You might also contact schools in your area. Ask them if you can come work the cages, bullpen sessions, etc. Most of the time, I’ve found coaches welcome umpires to come get reps.


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