KCOA Baseball 

  

 

 

Congratulations to the following KCOA umpires working the 2010 Division III Valley Final: Hanford vs. Clovis North. Plate- Joe D'Angelo 1st Base- Paul Park 3rd Base- Kerry Meyers.

Congratulations to the following 2010 league champions: SSL: Taft. SEYL: Liberty. SWYL: Centennial 

Congratulations to Frontier, the 2010 Division II Valley Champions.

2010 Valley Champions: Division I- Buchanan (Clovis), Division II- Frontier, Division III- Hanford, Division IV-Washington Union (Fresno), Division V- Fowler, Division VI- Farmersville.

 

News about the 2011 season will be posted in December and January. If you want to become a CIF certified high school baseball umpire in the Bakersfield area please contact Rich Vieyra. 

Instructional Chair (Term 2010-12): Rich Vieyra. E-mail: thevcrew@aol.com Phone: 661-205-8331.

Class Instructor and Assignor: Brian Landis. E-mail: blandis@bak.rr.com Phone 661-706-3190

 

Baseball Sports Committee Members:

At-Large Member: Kerry Meyers. E-mail: knmeyers@yahoo.com (term expires June 2012)

At-Large Member: Ernie Cabrera. E-mail: ernicec@bak.rr.com (term expires June 2011)

At-Large Member: Bucky Redfern. E-mail: buckyredfern@hotmail.com (term expires June 2011)

At-Large Member: Joe D'Angelo. E-mail: jdangelo5@aol.com (term expires June 2012)

 

Dues for the 2011 season will continue to be $70 for baseball plus $12.50 for sports liability insurance unless you are already covered by the NASO, ABUA, or another sports officials service insurance provider.

Fox Sports Sports Science episode about the most protective gear you will need, just for fun!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yV831oPwG8M

Fox Sports Sports Science episode about calling balls and strikes behind the plate. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j82GwtwcdPc

Fox Sports Sports Science episode about the importance of the batting helmet. This is why we must inspect helmets! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLxxv0N1OW0&feature=related

UmpireTeacher.com video from the January 1993 Mike Segal Umpire Camp in Kissimmee, Florida. Discussion on swipe tags at 1st base with a much younger and thinner KCOA umpire Brian Landis in the background and doing it this way ever since! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJt94psuOEw&feature=related 

UmpireTeacher.com video from the January 1993 Kissimmee, Florida camp presentation on how to pivot when a batter gets a hit. Again, a younger, thinner Brian Landis is in the background, he listened to his instruction, and has been doing it this way ever since!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh-LKdtD-Ds&NR=1 

   

Effective in 2010: The KCOA Baseball Unit will wear black with white trim jersey tops. Light blue with BLACK and WHITE TRIM (aka Columbia Blue) short sleeve jersey top will be a hot weather option. Windbreakers will be the plate cut MLB style Black with White stripes over the shoulder that tuck into your slacks that can be worn on the plate and the bases (Honigs model K17P Black). (Here is an example of the new uniform shirt styles)

  

 

   Charcoal gray pleated slacks are now mandatory.

   A CIF/KCOA logoed all black form-fitted hat is mandatory and black or gray ball bags can be used. If you are new buy black as the use of gray ball bags will eventually be phased out. A white mock t-neck, turtleneck, or undershirt will be worn under the black tops. A black mock t-neck or undershirt will be worn under the light blue with black trim tops. DO NOT WEAR A LONG SLEEVED UNDERSHIRT UNDER A SHORT SLEEVE UNIFORM TOP!

   U.S. Flag patches will not be used on our uniforms.

   A decision to use the KCOA patch will be debated during the off-season.

Rule Changes for 2010 (2011 rule changes should be made in the Fall):

1) 1-3-2:  Beginning in the 2012 season, all non-wood bats must have dual BBCOR rectangular logos imprinted on it to be a legal bat. 

2) 1-2-4: Dugouts can only be extended to the outfield side of the dugout. They may not be extended towards Home Plate nor extended out directly in front of the dugout.  

3) 3-3-1g 6: Assistant coaches who leave their position to argue, challenge, or charge an umpire over a call/dispute will cause both themsleves and the Head Coach to be confined to the dugout. If severe enough the assistant or both the Head and assistant coaches may be ejected. If an assistant is ejected for arguing, the Head Coach will be confined to the dugout anyway. Coaches are allowed to get clarifications but assistants must do so during a normal stoppage of play and do so in a professional manner. The Head Coach is to be in charge of the behavior of his staff/team.

4) 7-4-1f:  In the instance of interference on a foul ball catch attempt, the batter is out if a coach or non-player team personnel interferes. However, if a runner on base interferes with the foul catch attempt then that runner is out, all other runners return to their bases at the time of the pitch, and the Batter-Runner remains at bat with a foul ball charged to his count regardless if the ball is caught or not. 

5) 6-1-3: The Gorilla Stance, where the Pitcher leans forward and lets his pitching hand dangle in front of him, is now legal but only if the arm is still and not swinging back-and-forth and the Pitcher is leaning forward to get the sign.

6) 8-1-1d: The Batter no longer must make an attempt to get out of the way of a pitch. However, he can not permit the pitch to hit him if he had time to get out of the way. If the Umpire believes that the Batter could have moved out of the way or that he moved into the pitch, the Batter will remain at bat and a ball or strike ruled on the pitch.

Points of Emphasis: Coaching Behavior- Head Coaches are to model good sporting behavior and be in charge of the behavior of their team and team personnel.

Rolling and Altering Bats- There are reports of players sending their bats off to a company to roll/condense their bats to make them more lively. This is illegal and could jeopardize player safety and leave the offending player/people open to a lawsuit.

Umpires Checking Equipment- It is unacceptable for umpires to not check bats and helmets before the pre-game conference. Non-wood bats must have the embossed BESR logo and helmets must have the NOCSAE logo. Bats must be smooth and undamaged and helmets not cracked, have no missing pads, and have no tape on them. 

Concussions- If the umpire believes a player has sustained a concussion he is to remain out of the game until cleared by a licensed MD/OD in writing. 

Lightning- If thunder is heard the field must be cleared. If a cloud-to-ground lightning strike is observed then the field must be cleared. A minimum of 30 minutes must expire from the last lightning strike or thunder clasp.

Putting the Ball in Play- The Plate Umpire must be in the habit of notifying all when the ball becomes live. This is done by pointing at the pitcher and saying, "Play!" This needs to be done to start each inning and after any dead ball time, especially when runners are on base. 

Characteristics of a Great Umpire: Presence: You look the part, your uniform and gear look sharp, shoes are shined, salt stains wiped away on your hat, your uniform isn't wrinkled, you have good posture and demeanor knowing how and where to stand during plays, between plays, while making calls, and between innings, also base umpires be in a ready position before a pitch (not standing straight up).

Being in Position: You hustle and are set, not moving while the play is happenning, you anticipate proper rotations and plays and get the proper angles (45 degrees to the play).

Consistant & Accurate Strike Zone: Your head height is the same, your chin is level with the top of catcher's head, your head and chest is in the slot, you track the pitch from the pitcher's hand into the catcher's glove, your head and body stay still during the entire pitch sequence, you pause then make your call after the ball is caught, see the play then call it. (Hints: The catcher's glove on pitches that might be low or off the plate will generally tell the story of the pitch. If the catcher takes the glove below the knees or off the plate then in almost every case the pitch will be a ball. The catcher should "stick" the frame to get the kind of calls that pitchers want.)

Treating Your Partner With Respect Like a Teammate: When things get heated your only friend in the world is your partner. Communicate with each other before an at bat with signals and during a play by vocalization. When a heated situation happens the partner involved must monitor the other players involved sometimes by standing between individuals. This allows the coach and your partner to have a fair exchange without someone taking potshots. 

Using Discernment: Knowing when to let something go and knowing when to go after something. Basically, it's the difference between letting a player or coach blow off some steam and drawing a line that they've gone too far over. Tone of voice, how the complaint is made, who is making it are all factors. Expect howls when you have a close play but don't expect or put up with someone calling you a name or questioning your ability or integrity. Sometimes a casual call is needed, sometime you got to light it up.

Game Awareness: Heated rivalries, bad blood, pitchers throwing at batters, runners trying to spike fielders, players making gestures or mouthing off after a play, all these call for us to be aware of situations and be on top of them. Bunt situations and knowing what to look for would fall into this category but how we handle players when they can't handle themselves means a world of difference.

Personal Style: We all have our own traits and styles in making calls. However, you don't want to look like a mechanical doll or look sloppy or too-casual when signalling a call. Fists should be at head level on routine out calls. Safe calls with your arms straight out perpindicular to the ground.  Strike signals should be pointed with your finger on a straight line from your face, arm bent, like you're aiming a pistol. Look crisp when making your signals.  

Attention Newcomers: If you are unable to umpire high school baseball due to scheduling or being too young the Northwest or Southwest baseball youth leagues would be a perfect fit. You will umpire games for kids on the smaller diamonds to the regular 90-foot diamond and still be able to get paid and have fun learning how to officiate. These leagues can be contacted at: www.nwbaseball.org and www.bswb.org. The KCOA has a working relationship with, but are not affiliated with, these leagues. Generally, you should be age 18 or older to officiate high school sports, be in good health and decent physical shape, be able to see and mentally discern quick action, and be willing to learn, study, and apply yourself.

Current game fees are: Varsity Plate $65, Varsity Base $54; Sub-Varsity Plate $49, Sub-Varsity Base $42. Solo games are plate pay times a half.

Go to www.nfhs.org to see the rule changes and clarifications for the season.

Game Times & Season

The season starts the last week of February and runs to mid-May. Game times are normally 3:30 p.m. the first two weeks of the season, then normally 4:00 p.m. after the change to Daylight Savings Time. You will need to be on site 20-30 minutes before game time. Some games are scheduled for Saturdays. Youth, summer, and fall leagues are an additional chance for learning and income and are highly recommened to participate in.

Uniform and Equipment

The KCOA Baseball Standard Baseball Uniform (Updated for the 2010 season):

1) Black with white trim short sleeve jersey (white undershirt or mock t-neck worn underneath) and light blue with black trim short sleeve jersey (black undershirt or mock t-neck worn underneath) as a hot weather option. Do not wear a long sleeve undershirt under a short sleeve top! (Black long sleeve jersey top is an optional for the plate umpire or both the plate and base umpires).

2) The KCOA will wear embroidered CIF/KCOA hats that you will have to purchase at our first meetings if you are a new official.  Wash the salt stains out with a damp wash cloth. HATS MUST BE WORN UNDER YOUR MASK WHEN YOU'RE ON THE PLATE!!! DON'T TURN YOUR HAT BACKWARDS, EITHER. PRACTICE TAKING THE MASK ON AND OFF WITH YOUR LEFT HAND WITHOUT TAKING YOUR HAT OFF ON THE PROCESS!!!

3) Charcoal Gray slacks-Plate and base slacks or Combo slacks. Purchase pleated slacks only made of polyester or a polyester-wool blend.

4) Black trainer-type base shoes with rubber cleats, OK with white trim.

5) Black socks.

6) Black Leather Belt.

7) Black Windbreaker (MLB Plate Style that tucks into your slacks) with white stripes over the shoulder. This can be worn both on the plate with your chest protector and on the bases.

Optional Uniform (The entire crew must wear the same colors!):

1) Black Long Sleeve Pullover Jersey with white trim.

2. Black Plate Coat.

Required Equipment and Plate Gear:

1) Mask with attached or built in throat protector--The mask frame can be either black, navy blue, or gray. The padding can either be the same color of the frame, a two-tone color that has the frame color in it with a natural tan leather color. Gray framed masks should have black pads or two-toned black and leather pads. The harness needs to be black or navy blue. Make sure your harness is not too tight and that pads aren't stretched too tightly. The mask should be snug but loose to allow the padding to absorb and deflect the blow of a ball hitting it. Otherwise you open yourself up to being knocked out and/or receiving a concussion. It also needs to be loose enough for you to take it off with your left hand and not take your hat off in the process. Optional-- Hockey Style Umpire Helmet. 

2) Inside-style Chest Protector-- To be worn underneath your jersey or windbreaker. Optional colors are black, navy blue, or gray. Do not use a softball protector, it will not do the job and could endanger your safety/life if used in a baseball game. When sizing measure from the top of the collar bone down. When properly worn and tightened the Chest Protector will cover up your entire collar bone and dig into the throat so that it's a bit uncomfortable. This prevents broken collar bones! Keep in mind that a Chest Protector does not need to cover your stomach.

3) Shin Guards-- Measure from the top of the knee cap to the point wear your shin meets the top of your foot (the instep). It's recommended you use shin guards with an extension over the top of the knee and with hard plastic protection over the ankles. Shin Guards need to be either black or gray.

4) Plate shoes-- Black leather plate shoes OK with white trim.

5) Protective Cup-- A Banana-style cup with a jock strap offers the best protection.

5) Black Ball Bags--At least one must be used, some umpires use two. Gray may be used if already owned but will eventually be phased out of use by the KCOA. 

6) Plate Brush- Plastic or wood frame brush that fits into your ball bag.

7) Ball-Strike-Out Indicator.

8) Line-up Card Holder Wallet with pencil/pen.

9) Shoe shine- Don't use a wax! Leather lotion, silicone spray, or regular shoe polish work best. Always walk on the field with shined shoes!

Optional Equipment:

1) Long johns or leg tights to wear under your shin guards-- This prevents chaffing and your skin being rubbed raw. It also helps insulate and cool you depending on the weather. Many umpires wear these on the bases, too, or wear compression shorts on the bases under their slacks.

2) Athletic style sunglasses-These styles usually have a frame that allows the lenses to be replaced and don't have the frame on the lower half of the lenses. 

3) Ankle length support-style running socks to wear under your black socks to act as an insulator.

4) Cold Weather gloves- Need to be mainly black, OK with white trim.

5) Black pull over hood to be worn under your hat.

6) Inside-Flex Belt--Worn under your slacks to keep your jersey/windbreaker tucked in.

7) Orthotic foot inserts- Have these custom made by a Podiatrist. These help prevent foot injuries and offer support for your feet and helps strengthen them. These are highly recommended!!!

Baseball gear and equipment is part of what makes the look of an umpire. You will need to purchase your own uniform and equipment which can be bought at the websites listed. Feel free to contact us if there are any questions about the KCOA baseball uniform code.  www.honigs.com   www.gerrydavis.com   www.sossports.us  www.ump-attire.com  www.purchaseofficials.com  www.theofficialschoice.com

Availability

KCOA Baseball is a member of the California Baseball Umpires Association (www.cbua.net) that provides uniform mechanics, rulings, and interpretations to local associations throughout Southern California.  

KCOA Baseball serves 24 high schools in the western half of Kern County in the San Joaquin Valley and is centered around Bakersfield serving the California Interscholastic Federation (www.cifstate.org) Central Section (www.cifcs.org) sanctioned schools within the South Yosemite, Southwest Yosemite, Southeast Yosemite, and South Sequoia Leagues. The South Yosemite Leagues will be re-aligned and renamed for the 2010-11 school year. The KCOA also provides officials for McFarland in the East Sierra League and Maricopa High in the Southern Section's Coast Valley League. Games are generally scheduled on Tuesdays through Fridays with an occassional Monday or Saturday game.

Southwest Yosemite League (aka The Power League) (Effective for the 2011 season)

1) Bakersfield Drillers 2) Centennial Golden Hawks 3) Frontier Titans 4) Independence Falcons 5) Liberty Patriots 6) Stockdale Mustangs 

Southeast Yosemite League

1) East Bakersfield Blades 2) Foothill Trojans 3) Garces Memorial Rams 4) Highland Scotsmen 5) North Stars

South Yosemite League

1) Golden Valley Bulldogs 2) Mira Monte Lions 3) Ridgeview Wolfpack 4) South Rebels 5) West Vikings

South Sequoia League

1) Arvin Bears 2) Bakersfield Christian Eagles  3) Shafter Generals 4) Taft Wildcats 5) Tehachapi Warriors 6) Wasco Tigers

East Sierra League

1)  Farmersville Aztecs 2) Kings Christian Crusaders (Lemoore) 3) Laton Mustangs 4) McFarland Cougars 5) Orange Cove Titans

 Coast Valley League (Southern Section)

1) Cuyama Valley Bears (New Cuyama) 2) Maricopa Indians 3) North County Christian Crusaders (Atascadero) 4) Shandon Outlaws 5) Valley Christian Academy Lions (Santa Maria)

Conditioning

While you don't need to be as conditioned as the athletes you will need to get your legs in some kind of shape. Wall squats and jogging are good exercises to get your legs in shape. Exercising your mind by visualizing pitches and plays and exercising your eyes by tracing outlines at near and far distances is also important. You will be expected to hustle and move from position to position.

Wisdom

You will learn the rules of the game, but more importantly,  you will be taught how to apply them. Prior experience as a player or youth official helps, but having prior experience is not a requirement.

Certification

To be certified to officiate CIF sanctioned sporting events, you must:

• Attend 80% of scheduled classes. Rookies must attend all classes. 
• Score at least 80% on your Rules Certification Exam. Rookies score at least 70%.
• Pay KCOA dues currently at $70 for baseball and $12.50 for liability insurance. Insurance through the NASO or the ABUA or any sports organization for officials liability insurance is acceptable.
• Work the games you are assigned and accept.  
• Work a pre-season scrimmage for free.
• Not violate the KCOA Code of Ethics.
• Not be convicted of a serious Felony crime that would put the KCOA in a bad light. All Felony Convictions will be reviewed by the KCOA Board of Directors. Having a Felony Conviction will not necessarily preclude you from officiating in the KCOA. Your honesty and integrity will be expected regardless of your past.

Benefits

The rewards are great.

• Great networking-Meeting new friends.
• Flexible Assignments-We can adjust your schedule to suit your work/college/family demands.
• Extra Income- You gain as much as you can work. 
• Satisfaction when you are on top of your game and know you're leaving a job well done.
• Some umpires go on to umpire Junior College and NCAA level baseball.

Links

www.arbitersports.com- Officials Assigning Website

www.cifcs.org- CIF Central Section Website

www.cifstate.org- California Interscholastic Federation Website

www.maps.google.com- Locate schools using Google Maps

www.fresnobee.com- The Fresno Bee's website. Comprehensive High School Baseball Coverage and Weekly Section Rankings.

www.bakersfield.com- The Bakersfield Californian's Website. Not as good high school coverage as the Fresno Bee but it's local.

www.cbua.net- California Baseball Umpires Association Website

www.nfhs.org- National Federation of State High School Associations Website

http://m-5.eng.uml.edu/umlbrc/ncaa_certified_bats.asp- A listing of all NFHS/NCAA approved non-wood bats that meet BESR (Ball Exit Speed Ratio) criteria. The testing is done at the Baseball Research Center at the University of Massachusetts Lowell Campus. All metallic (non-wood) bats must have a BESR logo embossed on it at the time of manufacture to be legal. Wood bats are still legal as long it is a solid piece of lumber with no grooving. See Rules 1-3-2,4, & 5.

www.nfhs.org/authenticatingmark/-  (Click sport and search Baseball) Lists the manufacturers and models of balls approved for NFHS contests with the proper authenticating mark. All NFHS approved baseballs must have a Coefficient of Restitution that does not exceed .555 and have the NFHS logo stamped on them at the time of manufacture. See Rule 1-3-1.

www.nocsae.org- Approves protective head gear for all NFHS and NCAA competition

www.referee.com- Website for Referee Magazine  

www.naso.org- National Association of Sports Officials Website

www.eofficials.com-  A great website for officials of all sports with links to other officials sites

www.umpire.org- Amateur Baseball Umpires Association

www.maxpreps.com- A wesbite for high school team information

www.kbcsports.com- Online broadcasts of high school athletic competitions

www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov- National Weather Service Lightning Safety Procedures for Sports

www.gatorade.com- Offers a good presentation on dehydration and the importance of proper hydration and the signs of dehydration 

www.honigs.com- Honig's Whistle Stop- The official uniform supplier of Major League Baseball ran by Dick Honig, a former BIG 10 Conference official out of Michigan with satellite stores across the U.S. including in Santa Fe Springs, CA.

www.gerrydavis.com- Supplies CliffKeen Uniforms which is officially endorsed by the NFHS and supplies Major League Baseball endorsed umpire protective gear. Ran by current Major League Baseball Umpire Gerry Davis out of Wisconsin.

www.sossports.us- Supplies quaility gear at a personable level. Ran by a current high school umpire in Canyon Country, CA.

www.ump-attire.com- Offers innovative uniforms and gear based near Louisville, Kentucky.

www.purchseofficials.com- Offers lower cost gear from Akron, Ohio.

www.nuttybuddy.com- You've got to see it to believe it! Watch the video!!! An essential baseball product.

www.shockdoctor.com- Don't get shocked! Get the Doctor! Ultra carbon reflexing cup. Another essential baseball product.

www.underarmour.com- Great performing undergarments for both hot and cold weather

www.mcdavidusa.com- Undergarments and gear for protection and support

www.baseballrubbingmud.com- Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud is the official supplier of rubbing mud for Major League Baseball and numerous NCAA conferences and teams.

www.khsd.k12.ca.us- Kern High School District Website with connections to each KHSD school's website and contact information.

www.bakersfieldchristian.com- Bakersfield Christian High School Website

www.garces.org- Garces Memorial High School Website

www.maricopaschools.org- Maricopa High School Website

www.mcfarlandusd.com- McFarland High School Website

www.taft.k12.ca.us- Taft High School Website

www.teh.k12.ca.us/ths- Tehachapi High School Website

www.wasco.k12.ca.us- Wasco High School Website 

www.nwbaseball.org- Bakersfield Northwest Baseball Association Babe Ruth League and Cal Ripken League

www.bswb.org- Bakersfield Southwest Baseball Association Pony League

www.gorunners.com- California State University Bakersfield Athletics with links to the CSUB Baseball schedule.

www.bakersfieldcollege.edu- Bakersfield College's website with links to the BC Baseball schedule.

www.umpireacademy.com- Academy of Professional Umpiring ran by former Major League Umpire Jim Evans from the Houston Astros Spring Training faciltiy in Kissimmee, Florida.

www.umpireschool.com- The Wendelstedt Umpire School ran by former Major League Umpire Harry Wendelstedt from Daytona Beach, Florida.

2010 KCOA Baseball Meeting Schedule

Meetings will be held at Liberty High School (925 Jewetta Avenue in the Rosedale area of west Bakersfield) starting at 6:30 p.m. on the dates listed below. Classes will be held in Room 906 which is near the 2nd gate to the classroom buildings in the student parking lot across from the football field on the west side of the campus. Here are the meeting dates which are different than in the past. If you make the first 6 meetings then you've met your mandatory minimum that you must attend. There will be one regular meeting each in the months of March and April with one make-up meeting each in the months of March and April. 

Meeting #1: Wednesday, January 20. Pay dues and insurance, Distribute Rule Books, Class Input and Expectations, Mechanics, New Rules, Points of Emphasis, Small groups, Definitions Rules 1-2.

Meeting #2: Wednesday, January 27. Strength in your Mechanics, Small Groups Rules 5, 6, & 7,  and Arbiter Sports emphasis.

Meeting #3: Wednesday, February 3. Honig's and SOS Sports will sell products this night. Review Study Guide. Small groups Rules 3, 4, & 8. Prepare for the Qualification Exam.

Meeting #4: Wednesday, February 10. Qualification Exam prep, small groups Review Points of Emphasis, Game Scenarios.

Meeting #5: Wednesday, February 17. Qualification Test. Small group discussions, Mechanics Review, 1st Game Assignment Period (1st four weeks).

Meeting #6: Wednesday, February 24. Qualification Make-Up Exam. Confirm Terrio and Taft Tournament assignments, Mechanics Review.

Meeting #7: Wednesday, March 24. Confirm Easter Tournament Games. 2nd Game Assignment Period (middle 5 weeks of the season), mid-season quiz, group discussions.

Meeting #8 Final Meeting: Wednesday, April 21. End of game and big play scenarios, Playoff criteria and procedures, 3rd Game Assignment Period (last 3 weeks of the season), Class Evaluation.

Make-up Meetings (Mandatory for all 1st-3rd Year Officials)-

--1st) Wednesday, March 10

--2nd) Wednesday, April 7

Mandatory Field Clinic tentatively set for Saturday, February 7th, site TBA.