Folgen

  • Episode 76 - NCAA 2 Umpire Mechanics Changes pt 1

    Episode 76 - NCAA 2 Umpire Mechanics Changes pt 1
    Jan 21 2026
    After last season concluded, Cody Little (the director of training and video review for the NCAA Softball Umpire Program) published these updates for the 2 person umpire system mechanics.

    In this first of three episodes, we start by covering the changes for plate and base umpires for between innings. Next we talk about the emphasis placed on positioning to receive the pitch as the plate umpire. Lastly, we cover the guidance for the starting position of the base umpire with runners on.

    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
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    16 Min.
  • Episode 75 - Clearing the Cleats

    Episode 75 - Clearing the Cleats
    Jan 14 2026
    In NCAA Fastpitch rules, the pitcher may not step off of the pitcher's plate and back on again during the pitch... or may they?

    We take a look NCAA Rule 10.5.3.3 and at Approved Ruling (AR) 10-8 applying to that rule and have a discussion as to whether this contradicts AR 10-7 and a (only minutely serious) discussion as to whether or not it is David's fault that AR 10-8 was issued at all.

    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
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    15 Min.
  • Episode 74 - Mining the Socials

    Episode 74 - Mining the Socials
    Jul 16 2025
    We start off by talking about an umpire, Mitchell Huggins (known as "Uncle Mitch" or "Mr. Mitch" to the players), who unfortunately passed away from heat stroke while working a game in South Carolina.

    We then move to talking about a question from an umpire about starting in the "C" position and being blocked by the pitcher from seeing the play at first base when making a call.

    Next, we talk about a question where an umpire asked what he should do when coaches use profanity. And to finish off the episode, we wrap up with some show updates.

    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
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    26 Min.
  • Episode 73 - Situational Mechanics: CCA Section 7.7 (NCAA Mechanics)

    Episode 73 - Situational Mechanics: CCA Section 7.7 (NCAA Mechanics)
    Jul 9 2025
    It might seem like talking about "situational mechanics" and then giving scenarios is doing "planned deviations", but that isn't the case. What we're looking for and talking about are situations that the manual just doesn't cover, not breaking and "doing your own thing" for situations that are covered.

    Almost every day across the softball world, something happens in a game that hasn't happened before. As smart as the umpire manual writers were, they couldn't predict and scheme out every possible scenario. So what we're talking about - with some manual-driven examples - is what to look for and how to think in order to be prepared and in position no matter what happens.

    In addition, we've given you all homework, so tune in and help us out. Many hands make light work and you can help us figure out a particular point of confusion.

    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
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    17 Min.
  • Episode 72 - Polishing the Craft: CCA 7.2 Wrap-Up (NCAA Mechanics)

    Episode 72 - Polishing the Craft: CCA 7.2 Wrap-Up (NCAA Mechanics)
    Jul 2 2025
    We tackle the finer points of covering rundowns, how to handle a dropped third strike as a plate umpire and from the bases, infield fly, home runs, and the power of the point.

    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
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    22 Min.
  • Episode 71 - The Look Back Rule

    Episode 71 - The Look Back Rule
    Jun 25 2025
    Listener Nick from NY wanted to understand more about the look back rule. He had heard us talk about it before, but as someone new to the sport, he was a little confused. So, we dropped what we were doing and recorded a "remote" episode, away from the friendly confines of the palatial UFS Studios in beautiful Central Ohio, where we attempted to really dig in and explain the rule.

    Next, Nick had another question about a play that happened in a game where a runner was coming home, was deemed safe, then declared out on a coach's argument, then safe again after another discussion. What was going on? What should have gone on? Umpiring Fastpitch Softball Podcast to the rescue!

    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
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    24 Min.
  • Episode 70 - Point of Plate, Classic 90, and the Wedge (NCAA Mechanics)

    Episode 70 - Point of Plate, Classic 90, and the Wedge (NCAA Mechanics)
    Jun 18 2025
    One of the best ways to start an aggressive discussion online is to talk about calling positions, especially around home plate. A number of times in recent memory, we've seen videos of plays offered for consideration only to have the discussion invariably end up in a criticism that that umpire should have "worked the wedge", or some other critique of his position.

    So, what are the correct calling positions (at least according to the guidance for NCAA Umpires)? Where do you start? Where do you go? Is "classic 90" ever okay? What exactly is the wedge? And what does a sextant have to do with any of it?

    Check us out this week and we'll try to get into all of it and explain the mechanics in our own special way... a way that uses celestial navigation? Should you start bringing a marine chronometer to games? Tune in and find out.

    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
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    16 Min.
  • Episode 69 - Section 7 of the CCA Manual pt 2 (NCAA Mechanics)

    Episode 69 - Section 7 of the CCA Manual pt 2 (NCAA Mechanics)
    Jun 11 2025
    The remainder of section 7 talks about calling distance and mechanics for tag plays at the bases/plage, correct position for watching for swipe or tag plays between bases, what to watch for on check swings, not calling or echoing obvious fouls, where to be for watching tag-up plays, preparing for your next responsibility, the official guidance on when to offer assistance, and a discussion about "over-hustling".

    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
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    22 Min.