SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA UMPIRING

MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2017 EDITION

www.softball.org.au

Blues News Online

The official Softball Australia National Umpiring Committee Publication.

Published Since 2001

Softball Australia Level 1, Suite 2, 273 Wellington Street,

Collingwood, Vic 3066

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National Umpiring Committee

National UIC - Communications Scott Rindfleish (NSW)

National UIC - Development Debbie Grove (VIC)

National UIC - Operations Kyira Cox (NSW)

National UIC - Technical Leigh Evans (VIC)

National Staff Members

Communications

Richard Barrow (VIC) Jesse Smith (NSW)

Development Ron Houison (NSW)

Operations

Krissi Travers (NSW)

Technical Jason Carter (VIC) Darrell Shephard (NSW)

State Director’s of Umpiring

Mark Gallagher

Scott Rindfleish

Darren Sibraa

Steve Wallace-Yarrow

Wayne Clarke

Trevor Murphy

Roy Cox

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In This Edition

Calendar of Events

NUC Announcement + Acknowledgement of Service

Review of 2017 Softball Australia Rules Exam Tough Questions

WBSC 15th Men's World Championship Umpire Report

70th Anniversary SQI Awards Night

QLD State Report

Victorian Masters Report

2017 U23 National Championships Grand Final Plate Umpire Reports

Review of 2017 Softball Australia Rules Exam Answers to Tough Questions

Calendar of Events

24 Sep 2017 - 25 Sep 2017 - National Umpire Committee Executive Meeting, Melbourne

7 Oct 2017 – 8 Oct 2017 - National Umpire Conference/SDU Meeting, Melbourne

21 Oct 2017 - 28 Oct 2017 - XVI Australian Masters Games, Ulverstone, Tasmania

17 Nov 2017 - 19 Nov 2017 - International Skins Tournament, Hawker, ACT

06 Jan 2018 - 12 Jan 2018 - Open Women’s National Softball Championship, Mirrabooka, WA

06 Jan 2018 - 12 Jan 2018 - U17 Girls’ National Softball Championship, Blacktown, NSW

06 Jan 2018 - 12 Jan 2018 - U17 Boys’ National Softball Championship, Blacktown, NSW

06 Jan 2018 - 12 Jan 2018 - U15 Girls’ Regional Softball Championship, Mirrabooka, WA

14 Jan 2018 - 20 Jan 2018 - Open Men’s National Softball Championship, Hawker, ACT

14 Jan 2018 - 20 Jan 2018 - U15 Boys’ Regional Softball Championship, Hawker, ACT

22 Jan 2018 - 28 Jan 2018 - U19 Men’s National Softball Championship, Blacktown, NSW

22 Jan 2018 - 28 Jan 2018 - U19 Women’s National Softball Championship, Blacktown, NSW

04 May 2018 - 06 May 2018 - 2018 Australia Cup, West Beach, SA

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National Umpiring Committee - Announcement

Softball Australia wishes to announce important personnel and structural changes for the National Umpiring Committee. The positions of National Umpire in Chief – Development and National Umpire in Chief – Operations were recently advertised and following a lengthy appointment process, the following people have been successful: Reappointment of Debbie Grove to the NUIC – Development Appointment of Kyira Cox as the NUIC – Operations. Debbie Grove (Vic) Debbie has held the NUIC - Development position for the past 8 years and is very keen to continue to deliver excellent umpire development initiatives across Australia. Debbie continues to bring a wealth of experience to the committee from leadership and business acumen to an extensive and exemplary umpiring career. Debbie is one of Australia's most experienced umpires with an extremely impressive Umpiring CV. Debbie is a level 8 umpire who has umpired at National Championships since 1991, appointed to 5 World Championships and the 2008 Olympic Games. Kyira Cox (NSW) We are very pleased to welcome Kyira to this exciting NUIC - Operations position, having held Staff Member positions for the past 7 years across both the Communications and Development portfolios, and acting UIC communications for 12 months. Kyira brings to the committee a fresh perspective coupled with years of diverse softball and committee experience. Kyira's softball involvement includes a successful playing and coaching career, 6 years working at Softball NSW, a member of the NSW Umpires Committee. Kyira is a current Level 8 umpire with two World Championships. Professionally, Kyira is well credentialed to take on this role, having worked at the Australian Sports Commission and currently at the Australian Institute of Sport.

National Umpiring Committee Structure Softball Australia has recently restructured the National Umpiring Committee organisational chart. The structure has been condensed by removing the traditional role of the 'National UIC'. The program will be jointly lead by all 4 UICs with equal leadership responsibility. The key portfolios will remain the same and each UIC will be independently accountable for their portfolio: Communications, Development, Operations, and Technical.

The National Umpiring Committee Executive National Umpire In Chief - Communications: Scott Rindfleish

National Umpire In Chief - Development: Debbie Grove

National Umpire In Chief - Operations: Kyira Cox

National Umpire In Chief - Technical: Leigh Evans

Responsibilities relating to strategic planning and partnering with Softball Australia and WBSC will be undertaken by the four UICs in addition to the scope of current portfolios. More information about specific initiatives will be made public in due course.

Softball Australia Acknowledgement

Recognition of Service to Umpiring - Tricia Sibraa

Softball Australia and the National Umpiring Committee

wish to acknowledge Tricia Sibraa's extensive contribution

to umpiring in Australia.

We are proud to showcase Tricia's career highlights and

achievements in recognition of her impressive contributions

to umpiring in Australia.

On behalf of the Softball Australia community, I extend

appreciation to Tricia for many years of service to the

National Umpiring Program.

Congratulations on your wonderful achievements and thank

you.

National Positions

2009 – 2017 National Umpire in Chief - Operations

1995 – 2009 Deputy Director of Umpiring Softball Australia

Umpiring / Officiating

1988 to Present – National Championships: Tournament Chief Umpire, Assessor and umpire

2008 to Present – TCU – Pan Pacific Masters Games, Gold Coast, Queensland

2015 – Tournament Chief Umpire – Pacific Games, Papua New Guinea

2013 – Deputy UIC, ISF Men’s World Championships, Auckland, New Zealand

Softball Awards

Softball Australia Life Member – 2013

Queensland Sport, Official of the Year – 2013

Softball Queensland Service Award – Diamond – for not less than 25 years of service to the game of

Softball in Queensland – 2013

Vivienne Triplett Umpire of the Year – 2013

Australian Sports Award – 2000

Softball Australia Service Award – 1996

Softball Queensland Life Member – 1988

Softball Toowoomba Life Member – 1981

The Softball Queensland Umpire of the Year award is called the “Tricia Bichel Umpire of the Year” award recognising commitment and dedication to umpiring in Queensland.

Review of the 2017 Tough Questions (Part 1)

By your head-in-the-rule-book correspondent

The 2017 Softball Australia Rules Assessment was held in April, again using the online Rules Portal. From a large database of questions, umpires across Australia receive a random set of 100 different questions to test their rules knowledge. Of course, staying sharp from a rules perspective should be a constant goal for all umpires, and the best way to do that is to practice and review throughout the year, not just cram in some pre-assessment study. To that end, we will outline ten of the toughest questions from the 2017 Rules Assessment for your review. Have a crack at them, and we will provide the answers later in this edition of BNOL.

Question Total

Correct Total

Incorrect % Incorrect

A With one out, failure of a preceding runner to touch a base, or to leave a base legally on a caught fly ball, and who is declared out, does not affect the status of a succeeding runner who touches bases in proper order.

2 45 96%

B

R1 on 3rd and R2 on 1st, with F3 playing behind the baseline. B3 hits a line drive ground ball that contacts R2, who is still standing on the base, before it passes a fielder other than the pitcher. F3 picks up the ball and tags R2, who is still standing on 1st, then touches the base to force B3 out. R1 stays at 3rd. RULING: R2 advances to 2nd and B3 is safe at 1st, while R1 remains at 3rd.

6 24 80%

C The batter takes running steps (within the batter’s box) toward the pitcher and hits the ball without driving the ball into the ground with a quick, short swing or punching of the ball over the infield. This is a slap hit.

6 20 77%

D The ball is alive when a fair batted ball strikes an umpire after passing a fielder (other than the pitcher) and another fielder has a chance to make an out.

12 24 67%

E Before commencing the pitch, the pitcher must have his shoulders in line with first and third bases and both feet must be in contact with the pitcher's plate.

11 19 63%

F

R1 on 2nd with none out and a Strike 2 count on B2. R1 breaks for 3rd on the pitch, which B2 swings at and misses. F2 drops the pitch, which slowly rolls toward 1st. R1 rounds 3rd as B2, realising that F2 has dropped the ball, starts to run to 1st. B2, in running toward 1st, accidently contacts the ball, just as F2 is about to recover it in an attempt to retire R1, who by now is advancing toward home plate. RULING: B2 is out on the interference, the ball is dead and R1 must return to 3rd.

10 16 62%

G An umpire being hit by a fair-batted ball before it passes a fielder, excluding the pitcher, is not a form of interference.

13 18 58%

H After taking the signal, the pitcher must come to a full and complete stop with the ball in either hand in front of the body, prior to pitching the ball.

13 17 57%

I A coach uses an Ineligible Team Roster Member and it is brought to the attention of the umpire. RULING: The umpire should declare a forfeit to the team not at fault.

15 17 53%

J The batter’s strike zone is determined by the position he takes in the batter’s box.

15 14 48%

Softball Australia Online Rules Resources Remember, there are resources available to assist you in keeping your rules knowledge fresh. The Softball Australia Rule Book is available in both electronic and printed versions. Both options are accessible via the Merchandise Page on the website, click here. Technical Bulletins contain information relating to Rules and Interpretations of the current playing rules. They are published on our website, click here. The Softball Australia Rules Assessment online facility offers a year-round 30-question practice assessment. Why not schedule that in every couple of months to keep you on your toes. From any of the National Umpiring Program pages of the Softball Australia website, the “Softball Rules” sub-menu has a number of relevant sections to assist you in developing and maintaining your rules knowledge, including a quick-view version of the Rule Book and an “Ask The Umpire” facility.

The 2017 Open Rules Assessment was developed by Leigh Evans, supported by Darrell Shephard and Jason Carter,

with feedback provided and implemented. The NUC would like to acknowledge the work of the Technical Stream in

delivering the rules assessment process for the National Umpiring Program.

The 2017 Basic Rules Assessment was supervised by National Staff Member Darrell Shephard and developed by

Dale Kaimoana QLD, and Richard Dodds VIC, the NUC thanks these people for their time.

WBSC 15th

Men’s World Softball Championship

July 7-16 in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada Leigh Evans and Jason Carter represented

Australia at this World Championship. BNOL

asked each of them for some personal reflection

on this milestone achievement, and following that

we have a joint report of their adventures.

Jason: “It was an honour and privilege to be

selected to umpire at the Men’s Worlds in

Canada. For my previous two international

appointments - the Junior Men’s Worlds in 2014

and European Men’s/Women’s Championships in

2015 - I had been the only Australian umpire.

So I was thrilled when I found out I’d be sharing the experience with Leigh Evans, a good friend for many years. As

fate would have it, the Junior Men’s I’d attended in 2014 had also been held in Whitehorse, so I was in familiar

territory”.

Leigh: “I was genuinely ecstatic to be selected for the 2017 XV WBSC Men’s World Championships. This was my third

Men’s Worlds so I knew the preparation that was required before me, many months of mental psych, concentration

work and physical preparation. I was lucky enough to be able to umpire at the Vancouver Challenge the week prior to

the tournament, great preparation with international and ISC teams playing. To have fellow Australian umpire Jason

Carter attending Worlds as well was fantastic.”

Due to work commitments, we travelled separately. We met at Vancouver airport on 5th July for our flight to

Whitehorse, which is about 2 hours north of Vancouver.

We were picked up by members of the organising committee and taken to our hotel, which was right in the centre of

town. The hotel had been recently refurbished and the rooms were spacious and very comfortable.

Our first meeting was at 8pm in the conference room at the hotel. We received our uniforms, which is always a little

crazy, and exchanged gifts. If you hadn’t provided the correct uniform sizes during the lead-up to the tournament there

was a good chance your hat, shirts or pants wouldn’t fit properly. Luckily ours did - mostly. Japanese clothing is

always a tad smaller than we’re used to!

The UIC’s were Bob Stanton (CAN), Brian Van Os (CAN) and Wayne Saunders (NZ).

The next day we attended the technical meeting and it always hits home how many countries play softball. There were

16 countries competing for the championship - Argentina, Australia, Botswana, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark,

Dominican Republic, Great Britain, Hong Kong, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Turkey, United States and

Venezuela. It was the first time India and Turkey had been at a Men’s Worlds but they made up for their inexperience

with enthusiasm.

Jason helped coordinate the coin tosses to determine home team for each game in the rounds, which was a great

opportunity to meet the coach or manager for each team. Language barriers were overcome with much gesturing,

pointing and the occasional use of an interpreter. Leigh coordinated the bat certification and bat compression testing.

After the technical meeting, we headed to the Pepsi Softball complex to drop off our gear and inspect the diamonds.

The Pepsi complex is a great facility with two diamonds having skinned infields and manicured grass outfields. There’s

no need for lights as the sun doesn’t set until 1am and comes up at 3am in the Yukon during summer. 22 hours of

daylight each day - this is great until you need to go to sleep!

Day 1 of the championships saw fine weather with temperatures in the late teens. The first games each day started at

10am, with games kicking off approximately every 1 to 2 hours. The last game kicked off at 7pm or 8pm each day.

Our crew consisted of the following umpires:

AUSTRALIA CZECH REPUBLIC PUERTO RICO

EVANS, Leigh LISS, Vladimir LOPEZ, William

CARTER, Jason DOSTAL, Jiri SOUTH AFRICA

BOTSWANA GERMANY MMAKOLA, Ashley

MATABOGE, Abel SOENMEZ, Galip UNITED STATES

CANADA JAPAN SONAK, Brian

SKJERVEN, Gary ENDO, Nobuhiro WAITE, Casey

KLUSZCZYNSKI, Peter TABINUKI, Toyomatsu VENEZULA

HELMER, Daryl NEW ZEALAND FALCON, Carlos

MORRISSEY, Mike PORTEOUS, Mark

CUBA KAIARUNA, Tony

RAMIREZ, Enrique

The opening ceremony started at 6pm and was a terrific experience. The organisers did a great job and had obviously

put a lot of effort into preparing for it. Following a welcome by the announcer, the umpires were first on the field. We

entered via 1st base side and walked down the line to home plate, then up to 3

rd base and exited the field. Short and

sweet. All the teams then entered in alphabetical order and stayed on the field for welcoming speeches, a song from a

local country and western star and a dance troupe. The whole ceremony was completed in around 45 minutes.

We won’t go into the detail of our games, except to say that neither of us had any trouble on or off the diamond. If we

weren’t on-diamond, there was a good chance we’d have duties off-diamond. Each game was allocated a crew

consisting of plate and three base umpires, an off-field umpire to take changes from coaches and an umpire to run the

20-second pitch clock. Getting clock duty was a pretty cushy deal - you didn’t need to be in uniform and had the best

seat in the house to watch the game! Of course there is no room for a lapse in concentration either.

Although there was food at the complex, we took the opportunity when we could to head out to a restaurant or pub to

eat something different and rehydrate. Whitehorse has a surprising number of places to eat with great variety.

Unfortunately, the weather turned bad during the middle of the tournament and we needed to rug up. Rain delayed a

number of games for several hours, with two needing to be rescheduled for the next day. During a particularly rainy

game it became difficult to take changes - the line-up was wet and the pencil kept ripping the paper. By the end of the

game, it looked like a tissue that had been through the washing machine.

Other than the weather, there were no major issues during the rounds. The playoffs soon arrived and the intensity of

games increased. We were delighted that the Aussie Steelers were firing and were winning their games. Although we

generally didn’t sit in the stands to watch, we were keeping a hopeful eye on their games and their progress.

We were advised at the start of the tournament that we would not umpire our own teams, so it was no surprise that

with Australia playing in the last 3 major games we would not be on field.

The final day soon arrived and we were keen to see our allocations. There were two sets of allocations, depending on

whether Australia was in the championship game or not. The preliminary final was a brilliant game, with the Steelers

overcoming Canada to book their place in the final. That meant we wouldn’t be on-diamond but it was a thrill to see

our country playing in the final!

As it turned out, we were both involved in the championship game. Leigh was the off-diamond umpire and Jason was

on the clock, the closest you can get to being on the final while your team is participating. As we said before - best

seats in the house! It was great to still be allocated to the game and it was a pleasure to see our colleagues do their

thing at the highest level.

Following a crew dinner that night, we packed up our gear and prepared for our onward travels the next day. We feel

very honoured and fortunate to have been given such an awesome experience. We would like to thank Softball

Australia for the opportunity to represent our country at the championships. It reinforces our opinion that we have one

of the best umpiring programs in the world that prepares us so well for the international stage. We both couldn’t

umpire without the support of our wives and family.

Thank you, Kelly and Sandra, for supporting us over the years and for allowing us to pursue our dreams. Our respect

and thanks is extended to the umpires in Australia who have provided guidance, training, support and a kick up the

backside when needed. To Werribee and Sunshine Softball Association who provided support, encouragement and a

terrific sporting atmosphere – thank you!

(Leigh and Jason in uniform, and out in Whitehorse enjoying the midnight sun)

(Leigh Evans on the plate Venezuela v New Zealand)

(Jason Carter, clearing the counter and on the clock during the Grand Final)

2017 70th

Anniversary SQI Awards Night On Saturday the 15th of July, Softball Queensland held their 70th Anniversary awards dinner which recognises the achievements and services of players and officials. Several Queensland umpires were amongst the award recipients and others recognised for their service to the game within the state. Recipients of their Australian Softball Umpire’s Caps, Umpire of the Year and Junior Umpire of the Year.

Left: Recipients of Australian Softball Umpire’s Caps - Dale Kaimoana, Janelle Hicks and Jamie Harries. Middle: Janelle Hicks awarded The Tricia Bichel Award – Umpire of the Year.

Right: Lochlainn Martin awarded Queensland Junior Umpire of the Year.

L to R: Helen Strauss, Ron Trow, Jamie Harries, Darren Sibraa, Yvonne Kahler Rockhampton and Districts Softball Association was awarded the District Association Contribution to Umpiring Award. Several others were amongst those who were recognised for their incredible service to the game. These included Jamie Harries, Helen Strauss, Ron Trow and Darren Sibraa recognised with Platinum Service Awards (20 years of service), with Yvonne Kahler and Daphne Bickle recognised with Diamond Service Awards (25-year service). Congratulations to all award recipients and to all recognised with service awards.

QLD U15 State Championships This year saw the QLD U15 Boys and Girls State Championships planned to be held on the weekend of the 1

st – 3

rd of

April at Hervey Bay and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland respectively. However, Cyclone Debbie had different ideas

and forced the U15 Boys to be rescheduled to 26th – 28

th of May to be followed with the U15 Girls a week later on the

2nd

– 4th of June at the same respective venues.

U15 Boys State Championships The Boys State Championship final was played between Redlands and Caboolture with Redlands winning 18 to 10. The President’s Cup Final was played between Brisbane and Noosa/Redcliffe with Brisbane winning 16 to 5. The following umpires were appointed to the respective finals: State Championship: Plate: Janelle Hicks, 1st Base: Coady Ramsden, 3rd Base: Brendon Riddell

President’s Cup:

Plate: Breanna O’Connor, 1st Base: Norelle Thomas, 3rd Base:

Rohan Doherty

At this tournament, Katelyn Bell (Left) and Kieran Smith (Right)

were successful in presenting for their Level 2 accreditation.

Congratulations!

U15 Girls State Championships A week later the U15 Girls State Championship got underway. This tournament saw Brisbane Red play Redlands in the State Championship final with Brisbane Red winning 15 to 9. The President’s Cup Final saw Bundaberg/FNQ play Brisbane White with Bundaberg/FNQ winning 16 to 5. The following umpires were appointed to the respective finals: State Championship: Plate – Max Orchard, Base – Cloe Truin President’s Cup: Plate – Maddy Needham, Base – Hayley Walmsley

Left: Grand Final Crew: Cloe Truin (Base), Max Orchard (Plate) Middle: Level 2 Success: L-R Cloe Truin, Caterina Donnelly, Maddy Needham, Max Orchard, Brooke Stewart

Right: President’s Cup Crew: Hayley Walmsley (Base), Maddy Needham (Plate)

QLD U15 Girls State Championships Written by Max Orchard

On the 2nd of June, I travelled to the Sunshine Coast to umpire at the U15 Girls State Championships. As my first

state championship, I didn’t really know what to expect when I first walked out on to the diamond, so I was a bit

nervous. Being a level 2 candidate definitely didn’t help the nerves. After my first game, the nerves went away and I

believed I was ready for what lay ahead.

The constructive debriefs after each game definitely helped me improve over the weekend and it was pleasing to

watch the amount of improvement points decrease after each game. The highlight of the carnival for me was being

appointed the plate umpire of the grand final. I thought that from all the experienced umpires there, I would have no

chance of getting a final, but I proved myself wrong.

After a few issues with the pitching plate and a two and a half hour long game, I was very proud of my achievements. I

was successful on my level 2 and I will continue umpiring for a long time to come. Caterina Donnelly, Cloe Truin,

Brooke Stewart and Maddy Needham were also successful in presenting for their level 2 as well. The camaraderie of

the umpiring crew was amazing and they supported me the whole time. My first state championship experience was a

positive one, and I truly believe that they will continue to be.

2017 Queensland Secondary Schoolboys State Championship Written by Ron Yardley

The 2017 Queensland Secondary Schoolboys State Championship was held at Redcliffe from the 27th to the 30th of

April. This saw a total of 7 regions represented from all over Queensland at high school age level which included

teams from Capricornia, Darling Downs, Met East, Met North, Met West, The President’s Team and the Sunshine

Coast who was the host region this year.

This tournament saw a total of eight umpires of varying experience levels take to the diamond to umpire a total of 25

games over 4 days. The crew featured Ron Yardley, Coady Ramsden, Ross Winn, Brendon Riddell, Lailani Shepherd,

Josh Jansen and Will Brennan with Jamie Harries and Mark Toft as Assessors and Alan Walsh as the TCU for the

tournament.

The 4-day tournament saw some fast and hard softball played which culminated in the Grand final being played

between Met West and Met East. Met West ran away with the game defeating Met East in the final.

The tournament also saw Will Brennan successfully achieve his level 2

accreditation, congratulations. Pictured left.

Ross Winn (1st Base), Coady Ramsden (Plate), Ron Yardley (3

rd Base)

The 2017 Great Barrier Reef Masters’ Games Steven Durr ington

The beautiful and friendly tropical city of Cairns played host to this year’s GBRMG, from May 25th to 28th. Some 1500

mature aged athletes and officials, representing dozens of sports, descended on Cairns, adding extra vibrancy and

energy to the city. Softball made up a sizable percentage of the entire event, with 13 ladies’ teams coming to Cairns

from as far away as New Guinea, Brisbane, Roma, and Sydney. Numbers probably would have been higher if the

Games weren’t held so close to the World Masters Games in Auckland. But whatever they may have lacked in

numbers, the teams made up for in enthusiasm and fun.

FNQ Softball is lucky to have a new home in part of a multi-million dollar sports precinct at Edmonton, a 20 minute

drive south of Cairns city centre. First time visitors were clearly impressed with the lovely fields and facilities.

The Blue Crew was an assortment of characters, from a few highly experienced senior Umpires to a couple of local

junior trainee Umpires who joined us for the weekend, increasing the crew numbers from 10 to 12. The crew was led

by two local Cairns Umpires - Alan filled the role of UIC with Mel in the supporting roles of deputy UIC, Tournament

Convenor, and Chief Problem-Solver. Due to having less Umpires than teams though, both Al and Mel had significant

diamond time, with all Umpires being called on to officiate between 2 and 4 games per day each across the 5 daily

timeslots. While the UICs were occupied during games, or attending to injury incident reports, the coveted role of

Temporary Acting Assistant UIC became a moveable feast, cycling through almost the entire Blue Crew as the mantle

fell to whoever remained free off-diamond.

We all knew that Dale Kaimona was in the crew when a boom box was heard echoing from inside the change rooms.

Dale’s dancing may have distracted him though, as he was later seen to be vainly searching the Umpire’s room for his

cap, only to have it pointed out that it was on his head. He wasn’t the only one that had a “senior moment” though – at

one stage, Alan was complaining that he couldn’t find some score cards when the card box he’d specifically placed

there for that purpose was right next to him. Steve also had a brain scramble when he “lost” his sunglasses, only to

find a lump in his trouser pocket halfway through a game and was sheepishly reunited with his sunnies.

By day two, it was apparent that there were some quirks in the draw and a couple of teams had been placed in

incorrect divisions. Al and Mel bravely faced the wrath of the teams involved and negotiated a re-structure of the draw

with a Div. 1 team swapping places with a Div. 2 team. The tournament essentially restarted halfway through day two,

but the ensuing competitiveness and results showed that the changes were entirely appropriate.

The Blue Crew ended the

tournament tired, but satisfied with a

job well done. There was great

camaraderie within the crew, and the

less experienced crew members

benefitted from the senior Umpires

spending a lot of time dispensing

their wisdom and guidance.

We’d like to thank the GBRMG

Organizers, the FNQ Softball

Association, and the Cairns

Regional Council for hosting us and

putting on a thoroughly enjoyable

tournament.

L to R: Mel Schramm, Thomas Sutomo, Alan Clissold, Steve Durrington, Bill Courtney, Jessica Rooke, Jamie Harries, Brianna Papa, Dale Kaimona, Mackenzie Papa, Kevin Schramm, Jeff Biffin

2017 Victorian Masters Mooroopna, June 10-12th

Deb Keogh

Like many people, I lived, breathed and slept softball and more, since starting my umpiring career in 1987. With

several courses over the following years, all preparing me for international games, I started goal setting. I had a goal

to become a future Olympic umpire. In order to place myself in good stead, I worked closely with Tricia Sibraa at the

Sydney 2000 Olympics in the ‘Field Of Play’ at Blacktown, to work at the forefront of international umpiring with the

best of the best. I got to meet Merle Butler and work closely with the blues throughout the tournament, seeing elite

softball players at their highest standard and all that goes on behind the scenes. One could say that this was an

insight into my Olympic dream up close and personal. The Australian umpires for the Olympics were Kerry Franklin

and John McAuliffe, both of whom had been instrumental in assisting me to get where I wanted to be. I aspired to walk

in their shoes.

At Brisbane in 2004, I gained my ISF accreditation at

the Open Women’s National Championships and

finished ‘dux’ of the class and awarded the role of plate

umpire for the Open Women’s Grand Final in 46

degree heat. In 2007 I travelled to Bangkok, Thailand

for the Summer Universiade. It was here that I was

also selected as the plate umpire on the Grand Final.

Everything seemed to be on track. I was selected to go

to the Canada Cup but had to withdraw due to work

and family commitments. Around this time, my mother

became seriously ill and became more reliant on me to

look after her daily needs. I was trying to fit in a work /

life balance around softball and it was difficult. I had

some awful family tragedies between 2005-2012,

losing loved family members that once had significant

roles at softball. Losing them over the years left a

gaping hole in my heart and the love I had shown for

softball was drifting away.

Above: Deb Keogh in the slot.

I was still passionate about the Victorian Masters. It was like a big family affair and an opportunity to catch up with all

those people that you only see from one year to the next. I held the role of TCU at the Victorian Masters

Championships since about 1999. I had earlier assisted John Larter in this role until his retirement. As I wasn't old

enough to play masters for the first few years, I felt I could contribute in an administrative way by taking on the TCU

role. In 2015, I stood down and handed the reigns over to others as I felt I had ‘done my time’. In 2016, it was

comeback year when I decided to nominate as an umpire – got those blues out of mothballs, put them back on and

braved the cold to have some ‘me’ time. No pressure, no expectations, just time for me. It was just like old times; you

never forget (you might be a little rusty but it all comes back quickly). People still come up to say g ‘day. The players

put their bodies on the line during the last games and play hard in hope that they walk away with that illustrious gold

medal around their neck.

Here we are again, 2017. I nominate to umpire and when I arrive, there are several new faces and many old ones as

well. We all wear the ‘blue uniform’ and are there to support each other whether Level 1 or level higher. When we walk

out on that diamond we are ‘one’. The ‘blues’ gather throughout the tournament in the clubrooms, eating Fiona’s

home-cooked yummy munchies that help to keep the calorie and enthusiasm levels at an all-time high. Hand warmers

are replenished to keep the bodies warmed in preparation for the days’ allocations. It was a glorious weekend, the sun

beamed upon us for the entire three days and the winds were kind and moderate. The fog burnt away very early

causing no disruption to any games. The main issue that presented was that people were mistaking me for Angela

Broadbent and although we look nothing alike, put on a mask, chest plate, blue hat and sunglasses and we all look

the same.

Now another year passes us by and not only do

these players keep on coming back but then I look in

the umpires change room and see those umpires

that keep on coming back from year to year. I have

no plans to pull the pin yet and when the day comes

that it’s no longer fun, will be the day I step away.

Cheers to everyone and thanks for another

successful tournament. Good luck for the season

ahead.

Right: Deb Keogh, Stan Tolmie, Leigh Evans and

Trevor Murphy hit he diamond together.

Below are some more action photos from a wonderful tournament over a sunny long weekend in regional Victoria.

Top Left: Jake Ballestrino in action on the plate.

Top Right: Trevor Murphy and Angela Post have a quick discussion between innings.

Bottom Left: Georgia Reynolds and Jake Ballestrino ready to head off to the diamond.

Bottom Right: Deb Keogh signalling “Strike” (in the batter’s box is umpire Stuart Tyler).

2017 Rules Assessment Review of the tough questions

(Part 2)

Okay, how did you go? Grab your rule book to read the rule references for the ten tough questions below.

Question Answer Rule Reference

A With one out, failure of a preceding runner to touch a base, or to leave a base legally on a caught fly ball, and who is declared out, does not affect the status of a succeeding runner who touches bases in proper order.

FALSE Rule 8 Sec 4e

A See the EXCEPTION to Rule 8 Sec 4e: “If the failure to touch a base in regular order, or to legally tag up on a caught fly ball, is the third out of the inning, no succeeding runners may score a run”. In our scenario above, we have one out. Then for example, imagine a fly ball caught in the outfield for the second out, and the lead runner tagging up but leaving early as the third out. This has impacted the status of the trailing runner, who cannot score.

B R1 on 3rd and R2 on 1st, with F3 playing behind the baseline. B3 hits a line drive ground ball that contacts R2, who is still standing on the base, before it passes a fielder other than the pitcher. F3 picks up the ball and tags R2, who is still standing on 1st, then touches the base to force B3 out. R1 stays at 3rd. RULING: R2 advances to 2nd and B3 is safe at 1st, while R1 remains at 3rd.

TRUE Rule 8 Sec 1e Effect 3

Rule 8 Sec 10m

B Remember that the batter becomes a batter-runner when a fair-batted ball strikes the person, attached equipment or clothing of an umpire, or a runner. And if that happens before the batted ball has passed a fielder, excluding the pitcher, without being touched, the ball is dead. So, the ball has not yet passed a fielder as F3 is playing behind the baseline, so the ball will be dead. R2 is not out as the ball has contacted him while he was on the base; The batter B3 is awarded 1

st base, R2 is thus forced to 2

nd base, and R1,

whether or not he had left 3rd

and tried to score, stays at 3rd

base.

Case play 635

C The batter takes running steps (within the batter’s box) toward the pitcher and hits the ball, without driving the ball into the ground with a quick, short swing or punching of the ball over the infield. This is a slap hit.

FALSE Rule 1 Sec 89 2

C This question is testing our understanding of the definition: Rule1 Sec 89 SLAP HIT. A slap hit is a batted ball that has been struck with a controlled short, chopping motion rather than with a full swing. The two most common types of slap hit are those in which the batter takes: 1. His stance as if to bunt, but then either drives the ball into the ground with a quick, short swing or a punch hit of the ball over the infield. 2. Running steps (within the batter’s box) toward the pitcher before making contact with the pitch with a quick, short swing or a punch hit of the ball over the infield. NOTE to Sec 89: A slap hit is not considered to be a bunt. In the exam question above, the word “without” makes the answer False.

Case play 106

D The ball is alive when a fair batted ball strikes an umpire after passing a fielder (other than the pitcher) and another fielder has a chance to make an out.

FALSE Rule 8 Sec 5f.1 Rule 9 Sec 1g 3

D This question is about the ball being alive or dead, after striking an umpire, but having passed a fielder, not whether there is an out or not. If another fielder does not have a chance to make an out, the ball remains alive – play on, runners run at own risk, etc. If another fielder does have a chance to make an out, the ball is dead. This is umpire interference and the Batter-Runner is awarded 1st base (this is an exception to the statement that someone must be called out on interference).

POE #28

E Before commencing the pitch, the pitcher must have his shoulders in line with first and third bases and both feet must be in contact with the pitcher's plate.

FALSE Rule 6 Sec 1c

E The hips, not the shoulders, shall be in line with first and third bases.

F R1 on 2nd with none out and a Strike 2 count on B2. R1 breaks for 3rd on the pitch, which B2 swings at and misses. F2 drops the pitch, which slowly rolls toward 1st. R1 rounds 3rd as B2, realising that F2 has dropped the ball, starts to run to 1st. B2, in running toward 1st, accidently contacts the ball, just as F2 is about to recover it in an attempt to retire R1, who by now is advancing toward home plate. RULING: B2 is out on the interference, the ball is dead and R1 must return to 3rd.

FALSE Rule 8 Sec 2g 6 & Effect

F On interference by the batter-runner, runners must return to the last base held at the time of the pitch.

Case plays 477-487

G An umpire being hit by a fair-batted ball before it passes a fielder, excluding the pitcher, is not a form of interference.

FALSE Rule 1 Sec 60c

G From the Points Of Emphasis (POE) #28: Umpire interference occurs when 1. An umpire is hit by a fair, untouched batted ball before it passes a fielder, excluding the pitcher, or after it passes a fielder, including the pitcher and another fielder had a chance to make an out.

POE #28

H After taking the signal, the pitcher must come to a full and complete stop with the ball in either hand in front of the body, prior to pitching the ball.

FALSE Rule 6 Sec 1e

H The pitcher must, after taking the signal, bring his whole body to a full and complete stop with the ball held in the hand or glove with both held “together” – not in either hand.

Case play 321

I A coach uses an Ineligible Team Roster Member and it is brought to the attention of the umpire. RULING: The umpire should declare a forfeit to the team not at fault.

FALSE Rule 4 Sec 8b Note

I This question is referring to an Ineligible Team Roster Member, not an Ineligible player, declared ineligible for an infraction of the rules. NOTE to Rule 4 Sec 8b: The use of an Ineligible Team Roster Member is treated as a protest and must be handled in accordance with the provisions of Rule 11 – Protests. It is worth noting that an upheld protest for the use of an ineligible team roster member will result in a forfeit to the team not at fault, however, roster eligibility is not for the umpire to decide, it is for the league, competition or tournament to decide.

POE #35

J The batter’s strike zone is determined by the position he takes in the batter’s box.

FALSE Rule 1 Sec 93a

J The batter’s strike zone is determined when he assumes his natural batting stance and when the ball crosses home plate. So a batter positioned right up the back of the batter’s box, or right up the front of the batter’s box, does not change the position of home plate, and thus does not change the size or location of the strike zone in relation to the plate.

POE #40

Good luck, we’ll review another ‘tough ten’ in the next BNOL. Don’t forget the Case Play section is a fantastic way to use the rule book, and more oriented to, and descriptive of, game situations. The Points Of Emphasis (POE) section is a concise and condensed outline of some key areas of the game, detailing the interpretation and reasoning of rules. Another often overlooked rule is Rule 11 – Protests. Why not refresh yourself on Rule 11 now!

Umpiring the 2017 Under 23 Nationals Final

Krissi Travers U23 Women’s Grand Final P late

The U23s was a great experience this year, working not

only with others on the crew; being able to work with the

International Friendship Series umpires and share

knowledge, experience and laughs was also a highlight of

the week. There is nothing like catching up with my umpire

family.

There are no words that can describe what it's like to read

your name on a finals allocation for a national final. It's the

one game that you always want to aim to do and then,

there it is. What made it even more special for me was

that the game was live streamed and my 88-year-old Nan,

who can't get to softball anymore, was able to watch the

game. She hasn't stopped talking about it!

It was a short and fantabulous week of Softball and I can't

wait to do it again!

Right: Photo of my Nan watching.

Dale Kaimoana U23 Men’s Grand F inal Plate

Honoured and Wow were the first thoughts that entered my mind when I got congratulated from a crew member on my appointment for the Men's grand final…. My first Plate at Nationals. For me my routine for getting ready was pretty much the same as any other game. As I look back on that evening it was all the preparation before the tournament (Men's games, Fitness etc.) that gave me comfort and eased the nerves as I prepared for the game. The experience of calling the game I will treasure forever. It had all the elements of a typical Men's game but with an extra bit of gusto… A big shout out to Ben Horne, David Crowe and Jesse Smith, love your work.