Umpiring Fastpitch Softball

In this episode, we start off addressing some feedback that we got about episode 21. After that, we start to take a look at some of the changes for 2024. They include the double first base, fences, bats, assistant coaches, electronic equipment, video review, and postgame review of suspensions. Stay tuned for part 2! If you have any questions or comments, be sure to go to UmpiringFastpitchSoftball....

In this episode, we continue looking at the information put out by NFHS for the 2024 season, this time considering their points of emphasis. We cover what the NFHS says about Game Management, Unacceptable Conditions, Unreported vs. Illegal Substitutions, and Pitching Mechanics: Replant.

In this episode, we cover the official rule changes for NFHS for 2024. This includes changes around electronic communication, wristband play systems, pitching mechanics, and more!

In this episode, we finish the USA Base Umpire Mechanics from the Umpire Manual. This is episode 5 of 5 in the Base Umpire Mechanics miniseries. We dig in and cover Difficult Situations (Chapter 5, Section B6 in the Manual). If you want a free electronic copy of the manual courtesy of USA Softball, go to UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com and click on the "More" button for this episode to get the link...

In this episode, we continue the USA Base Umpire Mechanics from the Umpire Manual. This is episode 4 of 5 in the Base Umpire Mechanics miniseries. We dig in and cover Insight / Outside Theory and Fly Ball Coverage (Chapter 5, Sections B4 and B5 in the Manual). If you want a free electronic copy of the manual courtesy of USA Softball, go to UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com and click on the "More" butt...

In this episode, we continue the USA Base Umpire Mechanics from the Umpire Manual. This is episode 3 of 5 in the Base Umpire Mechanics miniseries. We dig in and cover Base Calls: Swipe Tag / Pulled Foot, Tag Play Philosophy, and Runner on 1B Pick Off from the Catcher (Chapter 5, Sections B2 and B3 in the Manual). If you want a free electronic copy of the manual courtesy of USA Softball, go to Umpi...

In this episode, we continue the USA Base Umpire Mechanics from the Umpire Manual. This is episode 2 of 5 in the Base Umpire Mechanics miniseries. We dig in and cover Base Calls: Force Plays / Tag Plays / Plays at 1B (Chapter 5, Section B1 in the Manual). If you want a free electronic copy of the manual courtesy of USA Softball, go to UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com and click on the "More" button fo...

In this episode, we begin the USA Base Umpire Mechanics from the Umpire Manual. This is episode 1 of 5 in the Base Umpire Mechanics miniseries. We dig in and cover General Responsibilities (Chapter 5, Section A in the Manual). If you want a free electronic copy of the manual courtesy of USA Softball, go to UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com and click on the "More" button for this episode to get the lin...

In this episode, we finish the USA Plate Umpire Mechanics from the Umpire Manual. This is episode 4 of 4 in the Plate Umpire Mechanics miniseries. We dig in and cover General Responsibilities (Chapter 4, Section D in the Manual). If you want a free electronic copy of the manual courtesy of USA Softball, go to UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com and click on the "More" button for this episode to get the...

In this episode, we go over the USA Plate Umpire Mechanics from the Umpire Manual. This is episode 3 of 4 in the Plate Umpire Mechanics miniseries. We dig in and cover Difficult Situations (Chapter 4, Section C in the Manual). If you want a free electronic copy of the manual courtesy of USA Softball, go to UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com and click on the "More" button for this episode to get the lin...

In this episode, we go over the USA Plate Umpire Mechanics from the Umpire Manual. This is episode 2 of 4 (we KNOW, we were surprised, too) in the Plate Umpire Mechanics miniseries. We dig in and cover Movement from the Plate (Chapter 4B in the Manual). If you want a free electronic copy of the manual courtesy of USA Softball, go to UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com and click on the "More" button for...

In this episode, we go over the USA Plate Umpire Mechanics from the Umpire Manual. This is episode 1 of 4 (we KNOW, we were surprised, too) in the Plate Umpire Mechanics miniseries. We dig in and cover Calling the Pitch: Stance, Set Position, and The Pitch (Chapter 4A in the Manual). If you want a free electronic copy of the manual courtesy of USA Softball, go to UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com and...

In this episode, we talk about the rules regarding Legal, Illegal, Altered, and Non-Conforming bats from the USA rule book. We also hit on a few differences that we are aware of in NFHS, USSSA, and NCAA.

In this episode, we talk about some times where we were guilty of some bad umpiring. We're not just talking bad judgement, but instead where we fell down in executing our mechanics well with some in-game consequences. How did we deal with it and what did we learn?

In this episode, we cover the often misunderstood DP/Flex Rules. We go line by line through the USA rule book, but point out any minor differences along the way. However, most sanctions follow these rules for the positions. If you just want the summary sans discussion, skip ahead to 18:40 in the podcast. The DP/Flex causes a lot of confusion and we think that is partially because of some possible...

In this episode, David Trout talks about his experience doing an Alliance Fastpitch Nationals in Oklahoma City. We talk about what Alliance Fastpitch is, how he got involved, what rules and sanctions were in play, and just how hot Oklahoma City is in the summer.

In this episode - continuing from last week - we break down some more good scenarios that we found in FB Umpire Groups. We cover 4 scenarios: 1) Nose to ball? / Plate Positioning 2) Is a foul ball a play? 3) What does this sign mean? 4) Mechanics of appealing a call?

In this episode, we break down some good scenarios that we found in FB Umpire Groups. First, we start with episode addressing some feedback and errata from earlier episodes. Then we cover 4 scenarios: 1) Obstruction and Misbehavior 2) Batter Interference? (Video Link in Comments at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com) 3) Discarded Equipment 4) Plate Positioning / Wedge?

In this episode, we break down the 2023 NFHS Umpire Survey. It covers thoughts on the 2023 rule changes, asks what things we saw this year and how frequently, then asked for opinions about a few other topics. Last year's survey directly pointed to the changes we saw in 2023, so we talk about what could be coming and what we think about it.

In this episode, David Trout talks about his first time working a USA Nationals tournament in Ocean City, MD. We talk about how he got selected, how travel, lodging, and pay worked out, what the competition and feedback is like, as well as several stories about things that happened while he was there.

In this episode, we go in-depth on the Hit By Pitch rule in multiple sanctions: NFHS, USA, USSA, and NCAA. It would be too simple if they'd all agree! We talk about the differences, what is said and unsaid in each rule, and talk about stories from our experience when these rules came into play.

In this episode, we talk about what we should be doing before and after the game by going through the NFHS manual. Some people might be surprised that "before the game" starts days in advance! We talk about how to communicate, how to prepare, deviations, and responsibilities.

In this episode, we kick off the podcast and talk about 1) Why are we doing this podcast? 2) How often will we release? 3) Who are we? 4) Where is the content going to come from? 5) Why do we each umpire? 6) Short discussion about our initial experiences and exposure to umpire mechanics 7) Wrap Up