Did You Know?

The BLSA has a rule regarding interactions with umpires.

Rule 3.22 – Umpires:

“There shall be no appeal from any decision of any umpire on the grounds that they were not correct in their conclusions as to whether a batted ball was fair or foul, a runner safe or out, a pitched ball a strike or ball, or on any play involving accuracy of judgment.”

In other words, judgment calls are final!

A Little Perspective...

In Major League Baseball, they have FOUR umpires per game:

1 behind the plate (calls balls, strikes, and plays at home) 1 at each base to monitor field plays and base running

That’s many eyes on the field — and guess what? Even with four trained officials, calls still get missed sometimes.

Now imagine our league… with just ONE umpire doing it all — and crushing it most of the time!

Here’s a taste of what goes through an umpire’s mind in just one pitch:

“Alright, runner on first, right-handed batter. Set up on this side. Is she in the box? Bat checked? Catcher in position—will she be safe from the swing? Will I be? Okay, get low, eye on the strike zone. Watch the pitcher... WAIT, someone’s walking across the field again?? ‘TIME! ....OFF THE FIELD!’ ...Okay, reset. Runner still on base? Yes. Is the pitcher standing where they are supposed to watch the pitcher's arm, watch the release, watch that the runners on base don't lead before it crosses the plate ... was that a strike? A ball? A swing? She hit it! Where’d it go? Fair or foul? Did it hit anyone? Who’s covering? Is anyone blocking the runner? Where do I move? …Okay, next batter.”...and that’s just one play.

How to Interact with Umpires:

We know it can get heated in the moment — but here’s how to keep things respectful and productive:

 

BEFORE the Game:

• Be ready for the plate conference: bring up any field issues, clarify rules (line drive, courtesy runners, etc.)
• Have your bats ready. If one gets rejected, don’t argue — safety calls are judgment-based. We all follow the same rules regarding stamps, but things like damage or grips are judgment calls.

 

IF You need to talk to the Ump:

• Wait until the play is dead. Some calls (like Delayed Dead Balls) happen after the play ends.
• Know that if the ump didn’t see it, they can’t call it. They’re one person covering every pitch, base, and runner.
• Know the rule before you challenge it. For example:
• No infield fly without runners on 1st and 2nd (or bases loaded).
• Obstruction is not the same as interference.
• It’s okay to ask, but do so politely and with curiosity, not criticism. And once you get your answer, move on, do not argue. This is not only respecting the Umpires but also your team and the opposing team as this chews into everyones game time. Calls will not be overturned.

 

Tone Matters:

Yelling from the field helps no one. What looks like a strike from 40-100 feet away may look very different from 10 inches.

Ask questions respectfully. Some umps are fine explaining to whoever’s closest (like the catcher); others may want the team captain to approach. Respect their preference.

 

Bottom Line:

Umpires are an integral part of this league.

Let’s continue treating them with the respect they deserve, even when we don’t agree.

Cheer loud, play hard, and if you’re unsure — ask, don’t chirp. Let’s keep the game fun, fair, and full of good vibes.

 

SHOW YOUR UMPIRES SOME LOVE! Now... LET’S PLAY BALL!