How to Umpire Men's Softball

Whether it's 12-inch, 16-inch or the rarely played 14-inch variety, softball is a great game. Although it's a lot of fun, it does require an umpire who knows the game to make the correct calls and help things run smoothly. It is not the most difficult game to call, but it does require some basic skills and knowledge of the game. Here is how to umpire a men's softball game.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Basic softball knowledge

Umpiring Men's Softball

1. Set up the field.Many times if you are umpiring a men's softball game, you will need to first set up the field before the game begins. It's not too difficult but, if done incorrectly, the players will definitely complain. So take your time and do it right.First put home plate down where it belongs. It really doesn't have an exact place where it belongs (unless there are foul lines, and then the bottom tip of the plate goes where the lines meet), but as long as you put it down where it should go, that is fine.Then set up first base. Obviously you have to adhere to whatever the league's rules are but, generally speaking, softball bases are placed 60 feet apart. So walk off 60 feet, or measure it, and place first base at that spot. Remember, the entire base should be in fair territory. Next, go back to home plate and measure off the distance to third base. Then go secure that base in its position. Again, the entire base should be in fair territory.Then measure 60 feet from third base toward where second base belongs. Once you have the exact distance, then make sure to line it up with both home plate and first base, and that should be fine.

2. Call the balls and strikes.Balls and strikes calls are much less intense in softball than in baseball. Again, follow your league's rules, but usually you will have a mat that sits right behind home plate that literally marks the strike zone. Many leagues will include the plate as a strike as well. All you have to do is call a strike when the ball lands on the plate or on the mat. Simple.

3. Position yourself in the right spot.For balls and strikes you do not have to, and should not, stand directly behind home plate like a baseball umpire does. For softball, since the ball is coming slowly and the strike zone is marked for you, you should stand in a place that allows you to see the plate/mat readily so you can make the right call.For righties, stand to the right of the catcher (toward where a lefty would bat) and for lefties stand to the left of the catcher (toward where a righty would bat). This positioning will allow you to see the plate/mat easily while still being in the correct position.Make sure to stay out of the way of the catcher. Stand a full step to the side of him and just stay out of the play.

4. Get in position to make a call on the field.Softball, unlike baseball, is a game of contact. There shouldn't be too many walks/strikeouts in the game, so get ready to be on the move and get into position to make a call.For many softball umpires, you will be the only one on the field making the calls, so it is important that you get to where you can see the play to make the right call. This means that you should basically follow the play to wherever the ball takes you.On a standard ground ball, take a few steps out into the field so you can see the play at first. Get out as far as you need to, but, generally, about halfway to the pitcher's mound should be just fine.If there is going to be a play at a base, get as close as you can. If you know there is going to be a play at second, start moving out there as soon as you can. Stay out of the play, but get as close as you can to make an accurate call.

5. Make definite calls.Just like when umpiring/refereeing other sports, it is important to make firm, strong calls. It is less important that you make the right call than that you believe that you made the right call. Of course, you should always do your best to make the correct call in every situation, but you need to sell your call to the players on both sides and stick with it. Never go back on a call or allow a player to persuade you. Make your own call, make it strong and stick to it.

Tips & Warnings

• Many leagues will have a minimum and maximum height requirement for pitching the ball. The minimum means that the ball must reach a certain height (usually about six feet) to be considered a legal pitch. The maximum is when leagues put a cap on how high the ball can be at its peak (often about 12 feet). Any pitch that does not meet the league's requirements, and is not a legal pitch, should be called a ball.
• It takes about 15 minutes to set up a softball field, so factor that time in accordingly when you are making your plans.
• Make sure you know the rules of baseball/softball before getting into umpiring. If you don't, not only will you embarrass yourself, but you'll really annoy all of the players. Many people take the game very seriously.

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