KCOA Baseball
Beginning in the 2012 season all bats that are not made of a single piece of wood must have the new BBCOR logo imprinted on it to be legal. This includes laminated wood bats such as bamboo bats. Stickers are NOT allowed. If a non-wood bat is dented, flattened, or rattles it is considered broken and illegal.
New rules for the 2012 Season:
--Umpires will no longer inspect bats and helmets before the game. It is now the responsibility of the head coach to ensure all game participants are legally equipped according to NFHS specifications. This is primarily in regards to helmets and non-wood bats.
--Game participants may be given a post-game ejection after the game has ended up until the point the umpires leave the game site. This is intended to prevent unsportsmanlike conduct by game participants once the umpires have left the field.
--Bat tampering is a major issue that can result in severe injury to game participants. Illegal methods include flattening or rolling bats. These methods could result in a lawsuit against the user, coaches, parents, and entity that provides this illegal service. Also, no artificial or intentional means shall be used to control the temperature of the bat. This includes the use of heat pads or ice. These damage the bat and can result in serious injury.
--Any blood on a player, equipment, or coach must be removed before being allowed back into the game.
--Casts must be padded with 1/2-inch closed-cell, slow-recovery foam padding. Knee and ankle braces that are unaltered from their original manufacturers specifications do not need to be padded.
--Any player who leaves their position or the dugout/bench area during a fight or physical confrontation will be ejected from the game. It is the responsibility of coaches to both break up a confrontation by controlling their own players as well as preventing their team from leaving their areas.
--The acting Head Coach will verify to the Umpire In Chief that his participants are properly equipped in accordance to NFHS rules. This includes that all his team's bats are legal under Rule 1-3-2 and are unaltered, and that all helmets meet the standards of Rule 1-5-1 and are free of any cracks or damage. If an illegal bat is used during the game the Head Coach will be restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game. If the offense occurs again the Head Coach will be ejected from the game. Each subsequent designated Head Coach will be ejected for each continued offense.
--A coach may ask the umpires if any of his equipment is legal for clarification. This should be done at the pre-game meeting.
Anyone interested in umpiring high school baseball in the Bakersfield area need to contact Instructional Chair Rich Vieyra at 661-205-8331. Meetings start in mid-January. The season starts in mid-February and runs to mid-May.
Congratulations to the KCOA crews who worked a Section Finals title game in 2011--
-Division 3 Final: Hanford West vs. Madera South- Rich Vieyra (plate) Bucky Redfern & Ruben Sanchez (bases).
-Division 5 Final: Fresno Christian vs. Corcoran- Jack Queen (plate) Tim Arnold & Jose Flores (bases).
Congratulations to the local 2011 Central Section Valley Champions--
-Division 2: Frontier (defeated Mt. Whitney 14-3)
-Division 4: Bakersfield Christian (defeated Selma 4-3)
--Congratulations to the 2011 local league champions--
-Southwest Yosemite League Co-Champions: Centennial & Frontier
-Southeast Yosemite League: Garces Memorial
-South Yosemite League: West
-South Sequoia League: Taft
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 Chair: Kerry Meyers. E-mail: knmeyers@yahoo.com (term expires June 2012)
At-Large Member: Joe D'Angelo. E-mail: jdangelo5@aol.com (term expires June 2012)
At-Large Member: Brandon Snyder. E-Mail: opielongstroke@gmail.com (term expires June 2013)
At-Large Member: Randy Pigg. Email: wildfire3143@aol.com. (term expires June 2013)
Dues are $70 for baseball. The KCOA has liability insurance coverage that is already part of your dues. It is recommended, however, for your personal coverage that you purchase additional liability coverage such as that offered 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 shows the importance of a helmet free of cracks and why the need to be properly padded. 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
THE KCOA BASEBALL UMPIRE UNIFORM: 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 mandatory.
A CIF/KCOA logoed all black form-fitted hat (call Rhino marketing in Chula Vista at 619-869-8766 and ask for Rick Fernandez) is mandatory and black ball bags only can be used. 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!
Rule Changes for 2010 (There were no major rule changes for the 2011 season)
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 an assistant is ejected for arguing and left his position before or after the ejection, 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.
Using the "Summon the Batter" Procedure at the end of a pitcher's warm up pitches. This speeds up the game and shows everyone that you are in charge.
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.
Contact Information: You must keep your personal contact information updated on your arbitersports.com account. When rookies have paid their dues they will recieve an e-mail invitation to register which must be checked throughout each day!
Current game fees are: Varsity Plate $65, Varsity Base $54, Varsity 3-man Plate $41-Bases $39; 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:
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 option 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 Cloth Ball Bags--At least one must be used, some umpires use two.
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. Armor-All spray can also be used. 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
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 is an independent organization that is contracted to serve 24 high schools in the western half of Kern County in the San Joaquin Valley and is centered around Bakersfield. The KCOA is certified by the California Interscholastic Federation (www.cifstate.org) Central Section (www.cifcs.org) serving its sanctioned schools within the South Yosemite, Southwest Yosemite, Southeast Yosemite, and South Sequoia Leagues. 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)
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.
- 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.bakersfield.com- The Bakersfield Californian's Website with high school coverage.
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.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. The Oregon office serves California sales.
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.ump-attire.com- Offers innovative uniforms and gear based near Louisville, Kentucky.
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.blackandblueumpirecamps.com- Umpire instruction by NCAA umpire Billy Haze. Based in the Sacramento area. Very good quality instruction!
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.