First, we look at a play similar to last week where there is a question as to what to do with a runner who ended up on third. Did they miss the base? Did they score? Can an offensive coach appeal themselves?

Next, we tackle a play from a recent game of David's with runner's lane interference and a speedy runner from third. Lastly, we cover a snapshot that a friend of ours sent to David to see what he could see and what he'd call. Tune in to hear what hijinks ensue on this week's episode.

As always, if you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at [email protected], leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball

In the play, a suicide squeeze was on and the batter popped up the bunt. The runner scored, but erroneously thought the ball was caught and went back to third to tag up and stayed there.

We dissect whether the runner can "un-score", whether replay was allowed to be used to see if she touched the plate, and what else we might have or could have considered calling on the play.

As always, if you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at [email protected], leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball

At the end of our last discussion, we still had a section of reminders about some pitch calling mechanics. We decided to merge the remainder of those things with our discussion around the tips within another article titled, "Get Your Head Right: Using the Slot to Get the Most Accurate Strike Zone".

So this part 2 is really a part 2 in spirit only.

During discussion, we cover topics like correct positioning of your feet, head position and level, torso position, when to drop in, timing of the call, and what to do if we get "crowded out" of our initial or desired position.

As always, if you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at [email protected], leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball

We talk about mechanics for plate umpires including: reporting changes, handling intentional walks, fair/foul position, priorities, and signals - selling tough calls vs making unnecessary calls.

We also talk about some reminders for base umpires including: proper initial position getting set and square to the plate, tighter pivots when coming inside the diamond, chasing balls to the outfield and when to chase, proper angles, and signals. And just generally, we talk about between inning responsibilities, timing, and working the final play of every game.

As always, if you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at [email protected], leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball

We talk about the proper application for rules around: noise makers, sweatshirts/jackets, rule books, headwear, dugout personnel, substitutions and lineup card management, and game management.

As always, if you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at [email protected], leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball

In addition to the points of emphasis that the National Federation had point out, our state association published their own points. Since they are also rules-based, they're valuable for everyone to consider.

First, we talk about several aspects of pitching rules, including timing, replants, taking the sign. Then, we go on to the requirement for the rules to remain the rules with no modifications. Lastly, we talk about some mechanics pointers that the OHSAA had seen in 2024 and wanted to address.

As always, if you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at [email protected], leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball

Since it is that time where NCAA Softball is starting and High School is getting underway across much of the country, we wanted to dig into some of the differences in the rules between the two.

We know a lot of umpires that work both, so we want to make sure you're keeping it all straight in your head as you do. This is also a great episode for those umpires working NFHS who might want to work NCAA one day, or even fans who want to understand why things are different in games that they watch.

As always, if you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at [email protected], leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball

In light of Pat Hoberg's firing in early February 2025, we wanted to talk about the importance of gambling (namely, NOT gambling) as an umpire or official.

Unfortunately, gambling scandals in sports happen and even among officials. But, what all is considered sports gambling? Coming into Final Four tournament time, we wanted to talk the dangers and about how putting money into an office bracket pool is still considered sports gambling and can get you in trouble.

Tune in and get the (legal) insider information.

As always, if you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at [email protected], leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball

In episode 50, David and Pete talked about some offseason preparation from a "Home Plate" publication. One of those points was about setting goals.

In her next article, Sally talked more about goal-setting and David and Pete go over some of the tips and talk about how to make goals, work to achieve them, and be held accountable. Tune in to find out how (and if Pete will *ever* remember what the "R" in SMART goals stands for... he's 0-for-2 so far ;)).

As always, if you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at [email protected], leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball

We talk about the rest of the NFHS guidance for the 2025 season with a little bit of what our local OHSAA has thrown in as well.

First, we go back and touch on some additional situational awareness thoughts from last week. Next, we talk about everyone's favorite topic - the replant. Finally, we finish up discussing "rules deviations".

As always, if you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at [email protected], leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball