ACT 24 clearance for contrators

Guys, In case you didn't see this email from PIAA. This is important. After Dec. 7 (and preferably before we start our meetings) go to the PIAA website to complete this information. It is my understanding that if you don't complete this information, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO UMPIRE this season!

Many of you have been contacted regarding the process to handle Act 24 clearances by registered officials. This Act was passed in June by the legislature and directed the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to have all independent contractors that come onto their schools’ campuses sign this form indicating they have not been arrested or convicted of certain crimes. This email is to inform you of a new process for officials to submit their Act 24 clearances with schools. Please share this process with all of your chapter members. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has graciously decided to allow PIAA to serve as the clearinghouse for these clearances therefore, eliminating an official from sending numerous copies to all the schools in which they have contract for contests. Our process will be as follows:



EFFECTIVE & ONLINE, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011.


All PIAA sports’ officials, as independent contractors, must complete the Act 24 Arrest/Conviction Report and Certification Form for all PIAA member schools by Tuesday, December 27, 2011. This form is to report any arrest, or conviction, of an offense, or offenses, enumerated under 24 P.S. §1-111(e). See offenses detailed below.


To assist PIAA-registered sports’ officials in this process, we have developed an interactive Act 24 form for submission to the PIAA Officials’ database. Please click on this link; www.piaa.org/officials and click on Act 24 (blue box), enter your access code and complete the Act 24 interactive form. PIAA will only accept this procedural electronic submission of this report.


Once completed with your electronic signature, please follow the instructions to submit to PIAA. This form will be saved in the PIAA Officials’ database and will be able to be accessed by all PIAA member schools as they confirm your registration as a PIAA registered sports’ official who is on active status and in good standing.


By completing this form on the PIAA Web site, it will only have to be completed one time for all schools to access at their convenience, therefore, eliminating an official from sending numerous copies to all the schools in which they have contract for contests.


These forms will only be accepted by completion through the PIAA web site by using their unique access code, which is the first four (4) letters of their last name in capitals and the last four (4) numbers of their identification number (social security number). This process and the website will be EFFECTIVE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011. A PIAA registered sports’ official only needs to complete this form one time (one form for each individual official, not by sport).


The crimes they detailed were listed in Section 1-111 (e) of the crimes code and include the following: (1) criminal homicide; (2) aggravated assault; (3) stalking; (4) kidnapping; (5) unlawful restraint; (6) luring a child into a motor vehicle or structure; (7) rape; (8) statutory sexual assault; (9) involuntary deviate sexual intercourse; (10) sexual assault; (11) institutional sexual assault; (12) aggravated indecent assault; (13) indecent assault; (14) indecent exposure; (15) sexual intercourse with an animal; (16) incest; (17) concealing death of a child; (18) endangering the welfare of children; (19) offenses dealing with infant children; (20) prostitution and related offenses; (21) obscene and other sexual materials and performances; (22) corruption of minors; (23) sexual abuse of children; (24) unlawful contact with a minor; (25) solicitation of minors to traffic drugs; and (26) sexual exploitation of children. The list further includes (1) equivalent or similar crimes under federal law or of another state, United States territory, the District of Columbia, a foreign nation, or under a former law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and (2) a felony offense under the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act. This list may be modified, reduced, or expanded by Act of the General Assembly. The list of offenses in effect at the time of violation by the sports official shall be applicable to proceedings to remove or suspend that sports official.

2012 NTL Baseball Meeting Dates and Times

Below are the meeting dates for our NTL Chapter meetings for the next season. Remember you MUST attend a rules interpretation meeting and six chapter meetings each season. The District IV clinic will count as one of the chapter meetings. Our meetings will be held at Troy High School. (guys, if any of you have different dates and times, please let me know!)


February
12   2:00
26   1:00 Interpretation Meeting

March
4     2:00
17   District IV Baseball Umpire Clinic - Danville High School
18   1:00
25   2:00

April
15   1:00
22   2:00
29   1:00

May
6    2:00
19  Banquet Tentative Date. Location TBD

There also appear to be some changes in our schools this coming season as Elkland will be closed and the students will attend either Cowensque or Williamson, depending on where they live. We will see what  transpires!

District IV Baseball Umpire Clinic

The 2012 District IV baseball umpire clinic will be held Saturday, March 17 at Danville High School. Please notice the change to the 3rd Saturday in March instead of the 2nd Saturday in March. This was done to accomodate PIAA basketball playoffs scheduled for the 2nd Saturday. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Lunch will be at 12:30 followed by an additional classroom session. Cost for the clinic will be $32 per person if registrations are to Kurt Reichenbach by Feb. 28, 2012. After the 28th the cost will be $37 each. Information on registration, on-line, will be available in December. Please check back here for registration information. This is a great opportunity to learn new techniques and hone your skills. Attendance at the clinic does qualify for one of your mandatory 6 chapter meetings. I have attended all but one of these clinics since beginning my umpire career. I plan to be at this one, too! Well worth my time and money, I think it will be for you as well.

Non-approved Composite Bats

As we talked about, I will keep an updated list of teams where we have found non-approved composite bats. You need to notify me when you have a team with these bats so I can keep them listed. This will give all of us a heads up. Please check this often as I will be updating it regularly (as I get feedback from you). Also, click here to go to the Washington State University Sports Science Lab for a list of unapproved composite bats. To my knowledge this is a complete list.

Blue Ridge
1 - (DeMarini CF3)

Wyalusing
1 - (Easton) (maybe two more)

Athens
1 - (Easton)

Mansfield
1 - (Easton)

Cowenesque
1 - (Louisville Slugger)

Sullivan County
3 - (Easton)

Northern Potter
3 - (Easton)

Items to Watch for 2011

Kurt Reichenbach has made a few suggestions of things we need to watch more closely or pay special attention to this season. These are listed below (quoted from Kurt). We need to be consistent with these, all of us need to enforce them appropriately!


1.On page 43 of the NFHS Rule Book you will find this rule, 7-3-1
The batter must keep one foot in the box throughout the entire at bat.
Exceptions:  A batter may leave the box when;
A-- batter swings and misses
B-- the batter is forced out by the pitch
C-- the batter attempts a drag bunt
D-- pitcher or catcher feints or plays on a base runner 
E-- the pitcher leaves the dirt area of the mound
F-- Time out is granted
G-- catcher leaves his position for any reason
H-- the catcher does not catch the ball
These are the eight reason that a batter may leave the batters box. 
Here is how I hope the umpires handle this situation. We will tell the batter to keep one foot in the box when needed. If the batter refuses or continues to step out of the box we will them  penalize him with a strike.  In the years that this rule has been in effect I have never called a strike yet. Why, because the batter got right back in the box when I told him to.



2. This is how we are will be handling the plate conference. If you would like print it out and use it. I know I will be because I can't remember everything while I am there talking to the coaches.
1--  Introduce yourself and your partner
2--  Read the Sportsmanship Card 
3--  Remind the captains of the jewelry rule and to relay back to their teammates
4--  Accept the lineup cards from the coaches ( home first)
5--  Remind coaches of the following rules:
         a--  Courtesy runner
         b--  Force play slide rule
         c--  Batters box rule
         d--  Pitchers can blow on their hand ( cold weather)
         e--  Head coaches only on disputed calls
6--  Ground Rules by home coach
Let's make sure you are at home plate at least 5 minutes before game time.

3. On page 64 of the NFHS Rule Book you will find this rule. I shortened it a little but he is the gist of it.

1--  At any time, the team at bat may use a courtesy runner for the pitcher or catcher.
2-- The same individual MAY NOT run for both positions.
3--  This does not mean the pitcher or catcher must leave the game. 
4-- The courtesy runner MUST be a player that has not been in the game.
5-- The player that serves as a courtesy runner may NOT be use as a sub during the same half inning.
6--  The umpire must be informed that the runner is a courtesy runner or he will recorded as a substitute.

4. This rule is a PIAA adopted rule and you will not find it in the NFHS Rule Book.

The rule was adopted 3 years ago and it reads like this:
"If the dugout is not big enough to handle all the players it may be extended to the outfield side of the dugout. No players will be allowed between the dugout and the backstop at anytime unless they are the on
deck batter. It is up to the umpires to decide wheather the dugout should be extended, not the team coaches." 
Coaches, will tell their players to stay in the dugout during ALL LIVE BALLS. No players, except the on deck batter, should be on the field during a live ball. This means when a runner scores. They can greet him
in the dugout.

5. (This is what the PHAC is doing. I think it is a good idea.)

ALL umpires working the PHAC will need to have a stopwatch to time two things during the game.
The first thing is between 1/2 innings. I call it the minute rule. The pitcher has one minute to throw his warm-up  pitches. This time will start once the base umpire reaches his position in RF after the inning is over. After 45 seconds he should signal his plate umpire to let him know they have 15 seconds to finish their warm-ups.
Let's make sure, as the home plate umpire, that there is a catcher ready to go if the regular catcher was on base as the inning ended. If the team taking the field huddles in front of the dugout remember, that is part of the one minute. If they only get three pitches, that's their problem, not yours. Also, stop the huddling on the mound after they throw the ball to second base. Allow them the first inning only. Keep the game moving along. Don't let things slow it down to a crawl.
The second thing is thunder and lightning. Don't let someone else time it for you. It is your responsibility to make sure you have waited the 30 minutes.

Legion BB

Any American Legion Umpires notice that the renewal form for 2011 season does not include either the Bradford or Tioga County leagues? In order to complete the form, you must idenify which leagues you wish to umpire in from a listing provided on the form. Anybody know what the scoop is? Thanx.

Dave S.

Rule Modifications and Updates for 2011 Season

One major change for this year has to do with bats, particularly composite bats. This will require extra diligence for umpires. The specifics will be discussed in the blog. Another major update is the way umpires handle "possible" concussions. There is a renewed (and rightly so) concern about players who have suffered a concussion. Guidelines will also be below.

1-1-2 Clarified the acceptance of the lineup card with substitutes. Head coaches are required to submit a lineup card in duplicate, first the home team and then the visiting team to the umpire-in-chief (UIC). The lineup card must have all of the substitutes listed. There is no penalty. Game is not to be held up by the lack of all substitutes not being on the card but coaches should be strongly encouraged to place all the eligible substitures on the card. Card should have a minimum of nine players to start the game and the listed players must be at the game site. If a designated hitter is used there should be 10 players listed. The designated hitter's name should appear directly under the individual for whom he is hitting. (Some of our coaches still don't get this right).PIAA requires that team Captains also be in attendance at the pre-game conference.
NOTE: The sportsmanship message must be recited or read verbatim at the pregame meeting. This is not an option. Make sure that you get a verbal committment from the head coach that his team is properly uniformed and outfitted!

1-2-3 & 5 Modify the at rule involving composite baseball bats. There has been quite a bit added to the bat rule in 2011 season. Most of this is definition and can be found in your rule book. In a nutshell in 2012 all non-wood bats must have a silk-screened or other permanent certification mark that the bat meets BBCOR specifications. The mark is rectangular and of a contrasting color. Aluminum and composite bats shall also be labeled as "approved tamper evident". In 2011 all bats labeled with the BBCOR label are legal. In 2011 all aluminum bats with the BESR label are legal. However, composite bats with the BESR label ARE ILLEGAL unless they have a waiver. A list of legal composite bats can be found on the NFHS website at http://www.nfhs.org/. If, while inspecting the equipment, you find a composite bat with the BESR label (in 2011) the coach must present you with a waiver that the bat is legal or a copy of the legal bat list. I would suggest that the legal bat list have that bat circled when he gives it to you.
NOTE: This will require that umpires take their equipment inspections very seriously. If you find a questionable bat consult your partner. You should be doing the equipment inspections together!

1-5-8 Clarified the use of hard and unyielding materials for injury padding purposes. Knee and ankle bracelets which are unaltered from the manufacturer's original design/production do not require any additonal padding. Hard and unyielding items (guards, casts, braces, splints, etc.) require padding.

2-16-2 Clarified the definition of a foul tip batted ball. To be a foul tip, a batted ball has to go directly from the bat to the catcher's  hands and is legally caught by the catcher. It is a strike and the ball is in play. It doesn't matter if the pitch hits the ground before the ball is tipped. The key word is directly - meaning no arc (not bouncing off the umpire or hitting the catchers equipment first, etc).

3-1-5 Clarified the importance of identifying the symptoms, signs or behavior of a player who has suffered a concussion. This rule has been added to all NFHS sports. Any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or behavior consistent with a consucssion: headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems must be removed from the contest and shall not return to play before being cleared by an appropriate health-care professional (the trainer is not an appropriate health-care professional)!
Dr. Lombardi of PIAA recommended that umpires closely observe a player who may have been involved in a play that could have caused a concussion. If the umpire observes behavior that in his/her judgment indicates a possible concussion, he/she should request that the coach and athletic trainer take a look at the player and put the responsibility of the decision on their shoulders. If they allow him to continue, the umpire should continue to observe the player for signs/symptoms. If the player continues to exhibit signs and symptoms ask the coach to take a look at him again. Make sure in your game notes that you note that you asked the coach to come out to look and when. If you sit a player out on your decision this should also be placed in your notes. As the umpire you may sit him out, but whenever possible allow the coach and trainer to make that decision. A responsible coach should make the correct decision. Concussions are not to be trifled with.

8-2-6L Defined "last time by". Last time by means that if a runner correctly touches a base that was missed the last time he was by the base, that last touch corrects any previous baserunning infractions.

POE
1. Good sporting behavior outside the confines of the field. (Post game ejections apply only witht the confines of the playing field). If you are approached in a threatening manner by a coach or player after the game, Dr. Lombardi has requested that you send him a report of the incident. He is serious about PIAA and schools controlling these situations.
2. Rolling and altering of bats.
3. Checking bats and other equipment. This is now very important with the bat situation. Do it together and insist that the coaches have the bats and equipment ready for your inspection.
4. Concussion recognition and mangement.
5. Lightning safety

Other Comments
1. If you are charged by a coach or player. Eject first then talk. Also remember that assistants are not allowed to leave the dugout or coaching box to dispute a call. This leads to him and the head coach being restricted to the bench. Further misbehavior leads to an ejection.
2. If you eject an individual (coach or player). Make the report and send it immediately to PIAA. State exactly what happened (as a famous detective once said "just the facts").

3. We will encourage coaches to use the correct NFHS lineup cards. These generally have enough room for substitutes and starters.

4. Look like you know what you are doing. Dress alike, shoes shined (in the early season, clean off the mud), clothes cleaned and pressed and with proper PIAA patch and hat.

5. A number of our coaches and players still find it difficult to stay in the dugout. It is up to umpires to keep them there. If they want to sit outside the dugout, it should be extended and marked up the foul line and not toward home plate or onto the normal field of play.

2011 NTL Baseball Umpire Meetings

Below are the scheduled meetings for the Northern Tier League baseball umpires. Please note change of first meeting! There will not be a meeting before the interpretation meeting. I will post the rule changes and updates on this blog following  the Chapter Interpreters meeting on Feb. 5.

Feb. 20    2:30 p.m.   Troy High School    MANDATORY INTERPRETATION MEETING (Kurt Reichenbach, District IV interpreter will be in attendance)
Mar. 6     1:00 p.m.    Troy High School
Mar. 12   8:00 a.m.    Danville High School   District IV umpire clinic
Mar. 20   2:00 p.m.    Troy High School   Pat Salvage from Purchase Officials Supplies in attendance with gear.
Mar. 27   1:00 p.m.    East Troy Fields     Mechanics Meeting, bring a mask!
Apr. 3     2:00 p.m.    Troy High School
Apr. 10   1:00 p.m.    Troy High School
May 1     2:00 p.m.    Troy High School
May 15   1:00 p.m.    Troy High School
May 21   2:00 p.m.    TBA                         Annual Banquet
Aug. 12 - 13              Holiday Inn - Harrisburg East, PIAA Officials Conference

Remember you must attend six meetings plus the interpretation meeting to remain in good standing! Don't miss the District IV umpire clinic on Mar. 12. Great way to prepare for the upcoming season! Also notice the PIAA 2011 Officials conference dates. Attended my first one last year. It was worth the investment.