2017 Update #3

Hope everyone has had a productive season to date, so let’s please cover a few items brought to our attention.
>>>From the NYSSO manual: If a call must be made and your partner did not make it in his area after ample opportunity, then make the call.
If your partner misses a blatant obstruction or interference call in their area, you need to call it if you see it, after giving them a chance to make the call themselves. For example, If the batter/runner runs into the first baseman, stopping her progress, rounding first base after hitting a ball over the outfielder’s head, and the base umpire fails to see it, and you as the plate umpire see it, it must be called. That runner is now protected as far as you feel she would have advanced had the obstruction not occurred. Please remember there is a time/distance factor involved. A player who is obstructed at first base and then thrown out on a bang-bang tag play at third should be ruled safe due to the obstruction at first base.
Obstruction and interference are calls that must be made, each one puts one team at a disadvantage an is a violation of the rules.
>>>Fair/foul on balls near home plate.
Home plate is entirely in fair territory. A ball coming to rest on the plate or touched by the defense over home plate is a fair ball. The fair/foul lines extend from the back corner of home plate to the foul pole. This means that part of each batter’s box, home plate, and all the bases are in fair territory. A batted ball touched inside the batter’s box might be fair or might be foul depending on where it is touched by the defense (or comes to rest). It is not automatically foul because it is touched “in the box”.
If the batted ball is touched by the batter while they are “in the box”, then it is always a foul ball.
>>>Pre-Game meeting at home plate
There seems to be some confusion over what needs to be covered at the pre-game with the coaches.

1. The home plate umpire should call the managers and captains from both teams to home plate. Players and coaches typically shake hands at this point.
   
2. The home plate umpire should them introduce themselves and then their partner.
   
3. Receive and then return and then accept the home team line-up. Do the same for the
   visiting team.
   
4. Ask the home manager to please review the ground rules on the field for that day. If you
   have any questions about ground rules clear them up at this time.
   
5. Ask both managers to acknowledge that both teams are properly equipped and all
   equipment is conforming.
   
6. Read the NYS sportsmanship card to the coaches and players at the meeting.
   
7. Remind them that all jewelry must be removed.
   
8. Ask your partner if they have anything to add, (they should not).
   
9. Start the game.
   That is all you should cover.
   

Do not begin to go over the slide or avoid criteria, do not remind coached about interference or obstruction.
If a coach asks a question about a rule it should be answered in a short, concise manor.
Never offer an opinion if a coach asks a question about a ruling from a previous game. Politely inform them that you will properly enforce the rules correctly today.
>>>Rule Interpretations
As officials we are paid and required to correctly assess the situations on the field and rule correctly. If you are unsure of the proper application or enforcement of a rule please get with your partner for assistance. GET IT RIGHT. We cannot simply ignore a coaches request for an explanation by saying “we got it coach” just to save face. No one is perfect but sometimes a quick talk thru with your partner will clarify the situation.
>>>Illegal Bats
We are still finding illegal bats in the dugouts. Please review the rule book, and keep an eye out for dented or cracked bats toward the end of the season.
THE HOME PLATE UMPIRE MUST HAVE THE NON APPROVED BAT LIST WITH THEM.
The certification mark below is not acceptable for high school softball.
These are good marks as long as the bats are not on the non- approved bat list
***Please see the attachment for non-approved bats with the certification mark.***