In this episode, we cover an article in the 2024 OHSAA White Book called Base Umpires: What's the Rush? We talk about how important timing is in making sure you see what happened and how that factors into communicating to the players, coaches, and spectators.

If you have any comments or topics for future shows, feel free to reach out to us over at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com.

In this episode, we conclude the Mechanics Miscues to Avoid section of the 2024 OHSAA White Book by covering the segment on the Plate. We talk about topics like pregame conference suggestions, in-between innings positioning, trailing the runner, announcing (or not!) pitch location, and many more.

Check it out and if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, you can leave them over at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com and we'll respond or address them on the podcast.

In this episode, we continue to dig into the section of the OHSAA White Book titled Mechanics Miscues to Avoid. We cover the Base Umpires section and talk about things like hustling, behavior on the field, signals, and proper positioning. Check it out and if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, you can leave them over at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com and we'll respond or address them on the podcast.

In this episode, we dig into the section of the OHSAA White Book titled Mechanics Miscues to Avoid. We cover the Crew Suggestions and talk about things like coverage at 3rd, indicators, behavior between plays and innings, and more. Check it out and if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, you can leave them over at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com and we'll respond or address them on the podcast.

In this episode, we dig into the Reminders section of the OHSAA White Book. This is published by Ohio High School Athletic Association, but it isn't just for Ohio, there is quality information for all NFHS umpires.

We talk about Noisemakers, Sweatshirts/Jackets, Set it Right, Head Decorations/Headwear/Religious Apparel, Dugout Personnel, Game Management, and Professionalism.

Check out the comments on this episode at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com for the rule citation to back up David's point about the cheer crescendo during the pitching motion.

In this episode, we cover the remaining rule changes for NCAA softball for 2024. We cover the changes to obstruction, step/stride (the pitching rule change around "leaping"), Time Allowed Between Pitches, Visible Action Clock, Warmup Pitches, Ball Specifications, and fences. If you have any questions or comments, be sure to go to UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com and leave us a comment!

In this episode, we start off addressing some feedback that we got about episode 21. After that, we start to take a look at some of the changes for 2024. They include the double first base, fences, bats, assistant coaches, electronic equipment, video review, and postgame review of suspensions. Stay tuned for part 2! If you have any questions or comments, be sure to go to UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com and leave us a comment!

In this episode, we continue looking at the information put out by NFHS for the 2024 season, this time considering their points of emphasis. We cover what the NFHS says about Game Management, Unacceptable Conditions, Unreported vs. Illegal Substitutions, and Pitching Mechanics: Replant.

In this episode, we cover the official rule changes for NFHS for 2024. This includes changes around electronic communication, wristband play systems, pitching mechanics, and more!

In this episode, we finish the USA Base Umpire Mechanics from the Umpire Manual. This is episode 5 of 5 in the Base Umpire Mechanics miniseries. We dig in and cover Difficult Situations (Chapter 5, Section B6 in the Manual). If you want a free electronic copy of the manual courtesy of USA Softball, go to UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com and click on the "More" button for this episode to get the link from the comments! Stay tuned after the main topic for a quick update on the show at the conclusion of the episode.