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.