Normally there will only be two umpires per game. One will stand behind the home plate (Plate umpire) and the other will be floating around the bases (Base umpire). The plate umpire will provide final decisions where protests are made (in most instances).

In T-ball the plate umpire does not require any protective equipment. 

In fastpitch, it is essential where the umpire stands behind the plate (preferred position). Note - the plate umpire can stand behind the pitcher where no protective equipment is available.

In both formats of the game, the base umpire is to be located where they can observe the lead runner. Where no one is on base, this will be at first base. If a runner is on a base, the base umpire is to be in a position where they can clearly observe them.

Regardless of your experience the plate umpire should clearly outline to the coaches some guidance in regard to expectations. This may reduce protests or complaints. Considerations discussed can include:

• confirmation of game time

• coaches are not to directly talk to junior umpires (children)

• a zero tolerance of any type of abuse against the umpires (if provided, the umpires should notify coaches that the game is cancelled, and a complaint will be raised)

• umpiring determinations may be adjusted to suit the skill level of the pitcher:

  • strike zones may be enlarged to encourage hitting and reduce the number of balls called.

After the game, the team sheet should be confirmed and signed by the plate umpire.

For T-ball, umpiring responsibilities differ in that they are to ensure a safe place of play and that broad adherence to an environment for the players to have fun.

In addition to providing a safe and fun environment, it is important to recognise the majority of the rules (does anyone really know all of them?). If you are inexperienced, tell the coaches that you are unsure of some and ask them to help you - they will.

Some key considerations are:

Strike zone - this is over the edges of home plate and is measured between the batter's knees and armpits when they are standing up (crouching does not make it smaller)

Base running - runners are to touch each base as they run around them

Leaving base early - the runner cannot leave their base until the ball has left the hand of the pitcher

Obstruction - unless the fielder has the ball in their hand, they cannot be in the way of the approaching runner, if this occurs the runner is considered safe for the base they are approaching (including home)

Interference - if the hit ball strikes a runner directly (without influence by a fielder) it is interference and the runner is out

Foul ball - if the ball goes outside of the left or right base lines (directly without being touched by the fielder) in the infield (before first or second base) it is be called foul and the batter must return to home plate to bat again. A foul is called if the ball goes outside of the right or left field lines on the full. If a foul ball is caught by a fielder it is out.

Infield fly - (aka the confusing one) this as an automatic out when the ball goes up in the infield and their is a runner on first and second base and no more than two players are out for that innings. Regardless of whether the ball is caught or not, the call is to be made (the earlier the better).

Dropped third strike - this occurs where the catcher drops or does not catch a third strike. The plate umpire is to called dropped third strike. If there are less than two outs and a runner at first base, it is an automatic out for the batter. If there is two players out or no runner at first base, the batter can run and safely make first if the catcher does not throw the ball to first base or tag the batter.

Forced play - a forced play is where a runner must run to a base (e.g. the batter hits the ball - they must run to first base or a runner on first base must run to second base where the batter hits the ball [excluding where the ball is caught]). In these instances the fielder does not need to tag a player and instead only needs to touch the respective base where they have the ball (held securely}.