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Physical Appearance and
Condition
Looks good in uniform &
equipment. Is in good physical condition. Looks athletic like
he/she belongs on the field. Hair, including beard & mustache,
is trimmed, neat & controlled. Good posture.
Uniform and Equipment
Proper uniform. Uniform is
clean & pressed. Shoes are clean & polished. Hat is clean &
blocked. Equipment fits inconspicuously under uniform. Little
or no visible advertising on equipment. No part of uniform is
sufficiently different from partners to be noticeable or make
the umpire stand out.
Presence
Projects an aura of
confidence, not arrogance. Commands respect through stature
and demeanor rather than demands respect. Comfortable, fluid
mannerisms. Positive body language. Movement is brisk and
purposeful - not overly deliberate. Keeps head up. Composed.
Game Management
Establishes a tone for the
game and maintains it throughout. Ability to be assertive yet
not overbearing. Takes charge when necessary. Alert to
potential problems and addresses them in a timely, efficient
and professional manner.
Difficult Situations
Handles touchy situations
with poise and diplomacy. Resolves conflict correctly and
quickly. Uses techniques of body language, voice and
deportment to defuse potential or existing trouble. Remains
calm and under control.
Professionalism
Pleasant and courteous to
coaches, players and game personnel. Does not encourage,
initiate or invite non-job related conversations with coaches
or players. Is respectful, receptive and politely efficient
when approached by a coach. Conveys loyalty to partners. Does
nothing outside of duty to draw attention to self. Does not
offer opinion on partner or non-job related topics. Removes
self from suspect or compromising situations.
Rule Knowledge
Applies rules correctly and decisively.
Hustle
Brisk, purposeful and appropriate movement at
all times - during plays, between plays and between innings.
Signals
Consistent use, throughout the game, of
correct, strong, clear, dignified, distinct and complete
signals with appropriate emphasis of voice and mechanic. Does
not overuse, use unnecessarily or use inappropriately.
Alertness/Awareness
Reads the game. Anticipates plays
appropriately. Is alert to potential problems. Sustains
concentration and focus throughout the game.
Judgment
Is correct on all or nearly all calls because
of reaction to play, choice of positioning and timing of the
call.
Works to Get Best Angle (primary position)
Demonstrates an understanding of the 90º-angle
concept and its relationship to distance. Chooses a position
as the play is developing from which he/she makes appropriate
adjustments, as the play becomes imminent.
Adjust as Plays Changes
(secondary position)
As the play changes or concludes, the umpire is
cognizant of their next responsibility or required positioning
and adjusts accordingly.
Crew Mechanics
Has a good knowledge of proper mechanics. Is
continually aware of the movement and position of his/her
partners and responds/reacts appropriately. Uses proper verbal
and non-verbal communications with partners. Establishes eye
contact with partners between hitters and during developing
plays. Is cooperative and supportive of partners in all areas.
Off Field Conduct
Conducts him or herself in a manner that
reflects positively and favorably on umpires and the NCAA.
Does nothing to diminish the integrity or tarnish the
perception of umpires. Is tastefully attired. Uses good
judgment with voice, mannerisms and comments. Removes self
from potentially compromising situations.
Receptiveness to Suggestion
Listens attentively. Shows a willingness to
learn and improve. Displays a non-defensive attitude and a
genuine interest. Does not feign interest, give lip service or
become overly defensive.
PLATE
Stance/Set
Establishes a solid, wide heel/toe or box
foundation reasonably close to the catcher and relatively
squared to the plate. Drops to set by at the bending knees
rather than the waist. Head is at proper height to allow
unobstructed view of entire plate. Is completely set when the
pitch is released and remains motionless as pitch is
delivered. The position must be mirrored on both sides of the
plate. The position must be balanced and comfortable but not
relaxed. Relaxes between pitches.
Slot
The slot is the area between the catcher and
batter. The chin is approximately even with the top of the
catcher’s head, eyes at the top of the strike zone and the
inside ear lined up with the inside edge of home plate
allowing an unobstructed view of entire zone. Follows flight
of pitch with eyes or nose with minimum head movement.
Timing
Takes time to accurately assess the merits of
each pitch by ensuring the ball has completely passed over the
plate and into the catcher glove before making a decision.
Makes the decision first then makes call. The verbal call is
in the down position and signal is in the "up" or "going to
the up" position. The hammer is strong with angles 90º or
greater and the signal is held long enough to convey the
decision with conviction. The feet do not move until signal is
complete.
Rhythm
Consistent timing that sets the tempo and
reflects control of the game. Works the game pitch by pitch -
ready, focus, relax, and repeat. Consistently uses the same
stance and set position for every pitch. Verbal and tone are
constant and emphasis changes as required by the call. The
impact of the call determines the emphasis, not the location
of the pitch.
Accurate Strike Zone
Interprets and calls a zone as defined in the
NCAA rules book.
Consistent Strike Zone
The same pitch must be ruled a ball or strike
from either side of the plate. Zone is the same for both teams
from the first until the last inning. Calls strikes
aggressively. If an umpire ‘misses’ a pitch that pitch should
not be missed again intentionally in the name of consistency.
Movement away from plate
Recognizes required initial movement on any
batted ball as dictated by the situation. Choices of movement
may be: trail, front of the circle or a holding area. Umpire
may not get to initial position before he/she has
responsibilities elsewhere. The holding zone is never a
calling zone.
BASES
Distance
Starting position is at
desired calling depth - 15 to 18 feet on force, 8 to 12 on
tag. Understands the value of angle over distance. Moves in on
play when best angle is not achievable.
Set to Render Decision
The umpire should be set to
see the play and make the call. If, as the play develops,
adjustment from the primary position to a calling position is
necessary, the umpire should be stopped and set when signaling
the decision.
Timing
Reads the play, chooses a
primary position, allows the play to be completed (adjusting
if needed), locates the ball, makes a decision and only then
signals the decision. The signal is held long enough to
communicate complete understanding and strength of the
message. |
