Reality of a Checked Swing

Reality of a Checked Swing

Many umpires would agree that there are very few judgment calls in baseball that are tougher to make than a checked swing. Whether you are the plate umpire having to instantaneously switch your concentration from the pitch’s location to the hitter’s commitment, or a field umpire in the middle of the diamond with absolutely no angle, few situations can be tougher to judge.

Formal Training Makes Umpires Better
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Formal Training Makes Umpires Better

Training is Important: Formal Training Makes Umpires Better Formal training is designed for the betterment of volunteer umpires, which is why attending clinics hosted at a Little League Regional Center, or at Little League International in Williamsport, Pa., are strongly encouraged. Attendance at a clinic or school allows volunteers to become proficient with the rules…

Time Management
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Time Management

Pace of Play: Game Management It’s always important to keep the game moving at a steady pace. To speed the innings along, here are a few tips that are effective from before the first pitch to until the final out is recorded. Remember, there are also several local league “speed up” options to the playing…

Your Decision to Umpire
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Your Decision to Umpire

Making the Call: Your Decision to Umpire The decision to umpire is a testament to your character. Your willingness to work outside of your comfort zone sets a solid example for the league’s children, whose development as players and people depends on their ability to expand their< comfort zones. Here are several suggested steps to…

Coaches Are Responsible for Knowing the Rules
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Coaches Are Responsible for Knowing the Rules

Know the Rules: Managers, Coaches Are Responsible for Knowing the Rules To be a Little League® coach is fun and exhilarating. Being Little League manager can be much more daunting and unnerving, especially if you aren’t comfortable with the program’s rules and regulations. Local leagues that have a Coaching Coordinator on its Board of Directors…

Paying Umpires Results in Worker’s Comp Lawsuit
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Paying Umpires Results in Worker’s Comp Lawsuit

Imagine the base umpire is struck in the head with a ball thrown from the catcher. Due to the severity of the injury, he is unable to continue in the game. The umpire sustains a visible contusion, and in the coming days, experiences headaches and dizziness. After visiting his personal physician, the umpire is diagnosed with a concussion.