This is the ninth in a series of 2018 season weekly softball umpire bulletins. This issue will covers items concerning post season games.
POST SEASON: We are now in the post season. As we stressed all season it is your responsibility to enforce the rules as written not as you would like to see them written. We have witnessed umpires ignoring the requirement to wear uniforms properly, wearing the arm/wrist band in locations other than the arm/wrist, wearing jewelry (the cloth friendship bracelets are jewelry and cannot be worn (no exceptions). We have also seen umpires ignoring/refusing to call illegal pitches. You have no option other than to enforce the rules as written and as you like just to get the game over. THIS IS POST SEASON, ENFORCE THE RULES.
BATS: Just because you are not required to do a bat check before the game does mean you can ignore the use of illegal bats. The biggest issue involves the EASTON GHOST. There are two different models of the Easton Ghost, one is legal and one is not legal. It is easy and simple to distinguish between the two. The Ghost with the blue stencil writing on it is legal and will also bear the USA/ASA certification. The other has Gold stencil lettering and has the USSSA mark and is illegal. When someone comes to bat with the Ghost check to ensure it is legal. Again, ENFORCE THE RULES.
BALLS: DO NOT PUT THE BALL ON THE GROUND AND ROLL IT IN THE DIRT WITH YOUR FOOT. It is unprofessional and makes you look lazy. If you want to rub up the ball pick up a handful of dirt and rub it up. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.
DISTRICT COORDINATORS: This is post season. You are reminded of the following: 1. All scores for Round 1 and Round 2 games MUST be reported to Ernie Yarbrough each night (ery@ghsa.net) and (rhondarawls@scoreatl.com), 2. The dates for Round 1 are Oct. 9, 10, 11, 12 and for Round 2 Oct. 16, 17, 18, 19. Make sure you notify host schools that they may not be able to get the dates they want due umpire availability and they may have to change dates. There is no other option. DO NOT PUT UNQUALIFIED UMPIRES ON THE FIELD JUST TO MEET A COACH”S REQUEST. Remember there is a difference between being post season eligible and being qualified to call that level game.
