Umpiring Fastpitch Softball

Forget everything - or almost everything - you heard in last week's episode. Following David's first three umpire clinic for NCAA at Notre Dame, David had a chance to work a Division I game. Was this a mistake? Were any umpires harmed? More importantly, how many pitches did he drop? We will get you those answers and more and a full explanation of how we got here in this episode. As always, if you...

In our first episode of season three following our break, I talk to David and learn about his experiences travelling to Notre Dame to participate in an NCAA Clinic focused around mechanics for three umpire teams. His NCAA three umpire experience has been limited to date, so how did he do? What did he learn? Was he ever in the right position? Tune in and find out ;) As always, if you want to weigh...

26 Season Two Episodes are in the books (counting this one), a 30% increase from Season One! ;) In this short update, I talk about when we'll be back, what we have planned, and how much we appreciate our listeners! As always, if you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at podcast@umpiringfastpitchsoftball.com, leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this ep...

In this episode, we dig in and talk to Victor about how he got started, what sports and levels he officiates at, and what stories and advice that he has for newer umpires. Some of the topics we cover are Handling Conflicts on the Field, How to Know if Your Strike Zone Sucks (or your 3rd Strike Call, iykyk), a Day (Year?) in the Life of a D1 Umpire, Perspective, and much, much more. Much thanks to...

This week, we tackle some of those myths that seem to never die, things like Hands are Part of the Bat, You Have to Slide, The Batter has a Right to the Box, and many more. Take a listen and let us know if we missed any that we can cover in a future episode or if you think we got any wrong. If you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at podcast@umpiringfastpitchsoftball.com, leave...

As we transition from school ball to summer ball, we decided to take a look at some of the rule differences between NFHS and one of the major sanctions. In many ways, the NFHS rules (and mechanics) echo USA ball, but there are some big differences that always come up when we transition into summer. We examine those to help prepare you as you start to work rec leagues and tournaments. A link to the...

In this episode, we continue our overview of the NFHS Three Umpire System. We use the manual and a handy spreadsheet that David created to discuss movement of U1 and U3 as well as the Plate Umpire's responsibility in the entire system. We have published an image of David's spreadsheet in the comments for this episode on our site so that it can be a reference for others. If you want to weigh in wit...

In this episode, we take a listener suggestion and begin our overview of the NFHS Three Umpire System. Using Part 8 of the new 2024 and 2025 NFHS Softball Umpires Manual and David's experiences with playoff softball, we talk through U1 and U3's responsibilities in this system. We cover The Basics, Guides, Starting Positions, Rotation, and Fly Ball Coverage Responsibilities. This episode spans most...

Between playoff softball, work, families, and the holidays, we didn't record an episode for this week. Instead of leaving you in the lurch, we decided to reair an older episode from a year ago that many of you may not have heard. Stay tuned for more fresh content soon! In this episode, we talk about some times where we were guilty of some bad umpiring. We're not just talking bad judgement, but ins...

You know the rulebook governs what rules you're supposed to enforce on the diamond. You know the mechanics manual covers how you're supposed to do it. But, did you know that the rulebook actually has a rule that expressly gives an umpire the power to be the one (or ones) to do it? In this episode, we dive into NFHS Rule 10 - Umpiring and talk about what authority that we've been entrusted with and...

In this episode, we address the umpires who want to get better and talk over all of the various ways they should do that. This is applicable for anyone wanting to grow, regardless of if their ultimate goal is Varsity HS ball, Travel Ball Nationals (regardless of sanction), or to work NCAA championships. If you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at podcast@umpiringfastpitchsoftba...

In this episode, we turn on the mics and David surprises Pete with a topic to capture raw thoughts and have an organic dialog about the difference in pay when working a Varsity vs a Junior Varsity game. Join us as we explore why we think it happens, whether it should happen, and what - if anything - should or could be done about it. If you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at p...

Just in time for the NFHS playoffs to start around much of the country, in this episode we take a look at NFHS Rule 3-4 regarding the Illegal Substitute. We cover situations and penalties and - admittedly - get a little confused in what appears to be a contradiction between what we were reading. If you listen and have some input, you can comment and leave us feedback at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.c...

Continuing our Umpie Award-Nominated work from last episode, in this episode we act out a mock postgame discussion. Our scenario is that a two person crew just worked a doubleheader where they each took turns behind the plate. One umpire is more seasoned and the other is more green and a bit reluctant to give candid feedback. We play that out and try to show how to have a respectful discussion bet...

After last episode dropped, we had a listener named Joe who reached out to not only tell us that he appreciated the podcast, but that he had a request: "... is there anyway you could do a pre game conference between the two of you guys as if you were getting ready to do a game together?" Joe, your wish is our command! We got together this past week and recorded this episode to try to answer your r...

In this episode, we look at the CCA Manual for how an NCAA Crew's pregame should go. We talk about what to do before the day, how and when to arrive, and what to talk about. If you have any feedback, you can reach us at podcast@umpiringfastpitchsoftball.com, https://umpiringfastpitchsoftball.com/, or on our new FB page, just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball.

In this episode, we examine a video/situation that was brought to one of the Facebook Umpiring Groups that we belong to that brings up a question of possible interference. We dig into the rule and the case book and try to decide how we would have called it on the field. If you want to see the video and the case book references, go to UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com and click on episode 32 to see the...

In this episode, we delve into the changes that result in the new NCAA 20 Second Action Clock. This includes the rules (10.18 and 11.2.1), the mechanics, the gear, and then we work through some case plays. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to interact over at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com where we'll respond or take the discussion to a future episode.

In this episode, we cover an article in the 2024 OHSAA White Book called Calling the Pitch: Consistent Mechanics Lead to Consistent Judgment. We talk at length about Positioning, Dropping to Set, and Timing. Make sure to swing by the episode page for this episode at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com to check out the visual aid we discussed that is included in the comments. If you have any comments or...

In this episode, we cover an article in the 2024 OHSAA White Book called Base Umpires: What's the Rush? We talk about how important timing is in making sure you see what happened and how that factors into communicating to the players, coaches, and spectators. If you have any comments or topics for future shows, feel free to reach out to us over at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com.

In this episode, we conclude the Mechanics Miscues to Avoid section of the 2024 OHSAA White Book by covering the segment on the Plate. We talk about topics like pregame conference suggestions, in-between innings positioning, trailing the runner, announcing (or not!) pitch location, and many more. Check it out and if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, you can leave them over at Umpiring...

In this episode, we continue to dig into the section of the OHSAA White Book titled Mechanics Miscues to Avoid. We cover the Base Umpires section and talk about things like hustling, behavior on the field, signals, and proper positioning. Check it out and if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, you can leave them over at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com and we'll respond or address them on...

In this episode, we dig into the section of the OHSAA White Book titled Mechanics Miscues to Avoid. We cover the Crew Suggestions and talk about things like coverage at 3rd, indicators, behavior between plays and innings, and more. Check it out and if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, you can leave them over at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com and we'll respond or address them on the pod...

In this episode, we dig into the Reminders section of the OHSAA White Book. This is published by Ohio High School Athletic Association, but it isn't just for Ohio, there is quality information for all NFHS umpires. We talk about Noisemakers, Sweatshirts/Jackets, Set it Right, Head Decorations/Headwear/Religious Apparel, Dugout Personnel, Game Management, and Professionalism. Check out the comments...

In this episode, we cover the remaining rule changes for NCAA softball for 2024. We cover the changes to obstruction, step/stride (the pitching rule change around "leaping"), Time Allowed Between Pitches, Visible Action Clock, Warmup Pitches, Ball Specifications, and fences. If you have any questions or comments, be sure to go to UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com and leave us a comment!