Episodes

  • Episode 64 - Is It Preventative Umpiring Or Unfair Coaching?

    Episode 64 - Is It Preventative Umpiring Or Unfair Coaching?
    May 7 2025
    We dive into a variety of situations and discuss where umpires might walk the line between preventative umpiring and outright coaching. We discuss everything from guiding younger players through basic rules to stepping in to prevent violence at the college level. How do you know when to speak up and when to remain silent and let violations occur? We also talk about how context like age level, experience, and sanctions can shift what's acceptable.

    As always, if you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at podcast@umpiringfastpitchsoftball.com, leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball
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    23 mins
  • Episode 63 - Umpiring Morality and Other Tips

    Episode 63 - Umpiring Morality and Other Tips
    Apr 30 2025
    Before we get into the meat of the episode, Pete starts us off with a correction from last episode regarding the running lane interference rules across sanctions prompted by some great listener feedback from Carlos in Hawaii.

    Next, we respond to a question from Jessica in Illinois about how to correctly umpire some player behavior that might be "ethically wrong" and play in the gray area of the rules.

    After that, we talk about a video that made the rounds of an umpire taking a pitch after having forgotten to don his mask. That prompts us to talk about how to try to avoid that and leads us into some other tips for newer umpires.

    Thanks again to all of the listener feedback that helped drive this - and other - episodes. We desire that feedback and are very grateful.

    As always, if you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at podcast@umpiringfastpitchsoftball.com, leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball
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    21 mins
  • Episode 62 - "Appealing" Behavior and Other Scenarios

    Episode 62 - "Appealing" Behavior and Other Scenarios
    Apr 23 2025
    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 podcast@umpiringfastpitchsoftball.com, leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball
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    22 mins
  • Episode 61 - Can a Runner Unscore?

    Episode 61 - Can a Runner Unscore?
    Apr 16 2025
    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 podcast@umpiringfastpitchsoftball.com, leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball
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    16 mins
  • Episode 60 - OHSAA White Book: Mechanics Reminders pt 2

    Episode 60 - OHSAA White Book: Mechanics Reminders pt 2
    Apr 9 2025
    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 podcast@umpiringfastpitchsoftball.com, leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball
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    17 mins
  • Episode 59 - OHSAA White Book: Mechanics Reminders pt 1

    Episode 59 - OHSAA White Book: Mechanics Reminders pt 1
    Apr 2 2025
    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 podcast@umpiringfastpitchsoftball.com, leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball
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    15 mins
  • Episode 58 - OHSAA White Book: Rules Reminders

    Episode 58 - OHSAA White Book: Rules Reminders
    Mar 26 2025
    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 podcast@umpiringfastpitchsoftball.com, leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball
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    15 mins
  • Episode 57 - OHSAA Points of Emphasis for 2025

    Episode 57 - OHSAA Points of Emphasis for 2025
    Mar 19 2025
    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 podcast@umpiringfastpitchsoftball.com, leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball
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    14 mins