Definitions - January 2005

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Here are some definitions that will help every umpire during their games:

Chest to the ball: Each umpire wants to maintain a position with the ball within his/her field of view. By keeping your chest pointed toward the ball, you’ll keep the play in front of you. Although exceptions exist, when in doubt turn your chest to the ball.

Dead-ball signal: To indicate that time is out and the ball is no longer in play, an umpire will raise both hands slightly above his/her head, arms extended, palms forward, and call, “Time!”

Glance at the runner: Although umpires are advised to “keep your eye everlastingly on the ball,” you will find it necessary to glance at the runner on several occasions, including: as each runner tags up or touches each base, whenever a runner and fielder pass within close proximity (to observe obstruction or interference), and to monitor a runner’s progress as a play develops.

Play: A play is the action that develops as a runner, the ball, and a fielder come together at the same place at approximately the same time. As the play occurs, the responsible umpire must read the throw, the runner, and the fielder, and adjust his/her position to enhance his/her view of the developing play. A play usually occurs at or near a base and normally requires an umpire’s decision.

Point fair: This is the signal an umpire makes on a fair batted ball. It consists of a firm, one-arm thrust perpendicular to the foul line toward fair territory. There is NO verbalization when an umpire points fair.

Point foul: This is the signal an umpire makes on a foul batted ball. It consists of a firm, one-arm thrust perpendicular to the foul line toward foul territory, preceded by the dead-ball signal (but without calling “time”) and accompanied by an often strong verbal declaration of, “Foul ball!”

Read the throw: As a play develops, you must judge the quality of the throw. In general, if a throw is “good” you will maintain your initial position to observe the developing play. If the throw is “bad” you will have to adjust your position according to the throw.

Remember, umpires can get rule updates, interpretations, useful tips like these and much more, by signing up for the Little League Umpire Registry. Click here for more details.