WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS

This is the last update of the year! Thank you to the coaches and the umpires that have chosen to work together for the students on the field.

SCORES AND SCHEDULES
Be sure to double check your scores and schedules on the KSHSAA website. When your record is done for seeding, indicate as such on your win/loss report. For classes 3A and 2-1A your seeding date is Wednesday, May 10th. Tuesday, May 9th will be the last day to play for your seeding record for regionals. You may play after Tuesday - the record will count if you qualify for state. Classes 4A-6A your seeding date is Saturday, May 13th.

FOUL TIP IS NOT A FOUL BALL
NFHS Rule 2-25-2: A foul tip is a batted ball that goes sharply and directly from the bat to the catcher’s mitt or hand and is legally caught by the catcher. It is a strike. In fast pitch, the ball remains live.

So what does that mean? Is it a foul tip if the catcher bobbles the ball? No, that would be a foul ball. The ball must go directly into the catcher’s glove. If a foul tip occurs, can a runner still steal second base? Yes, the ball is in play.

It is important that the mechanic is done correctly from the home plate umpire. A foul tip is not an audible “foul ball” with a dead ball signal.

CREW OF THREE VIDEO
Umpires are encouraged to watch the “Crew of Three” video under the education tab after signing in to the KSHSAA website as an official. An email was sent out about this. It will be key to making sure we are in the correct positions for the calls coming up next week.

PREGAME DISCUSSIONS
Umpires NEED to have a proper pregame discussion with their crew members before regional games start. Being on the same page is critical. Do not walk on the field without talking. No one is above working as a team.

TEAM PHOTO
Team photos of regional winners will be needed by 12:00 p.m. the day after qualifying.

COVERING THE RULES OF SOFTBALL
Situation: R1 is on third base with no outs. B2 has a 3 ball and 2 strike count, the next pitch is ball 4. As B2 starts slowly jogging to first base F2 returns the ball to F1 who is standing in the pitcher’s circle.

Situation A: R1 is standing 3-4 feet from third base not moving, just watching F1 and B2. Situation B: R1 is “dancing”, alternating between taking a step toward home then a step back toward third base. In both instances, B2 has not reached first base yet and the pitcher is not making a play on either runner.

In both cases, the umpire rules a dead ball and R1 out for violating the look-back rule. RULING: Incorrect ruling. In both of these situations, although the pitcher does have possession of the ball within the pitcher’s circle the look-back rule is not in effect until the batter-runner has touched first base. (2-45; 8-7-1)