Touching Bases

The Official Newsletter for Arizona ASA Umpires

Volume I - Issue 2 March 2014

Arizona Amateur Softball Association Umpires - 29834 N. Cave Creek Rd., Suite 118-294 Cave Creek, AZ 85331 602.999.9392

A Record Breaking 107 Students at 2014 National Umpire School Peoria, AZ

TheASA/USASoftballNationalUmpireSchool(NUS)heldattheRio VistaRecreationCenterandSoftballComplex2123Februarywasatremendous successandmadehistoryintheRockyMountainRegion13.Therewereover130 participantsinvolvedwiththeschool;107beingstudents.Thenumberof107 studentssetarecordforallNationalUmpireSchoolspreviouslyheldinRegion13. VisitourWebSitewww.azasa.org ASAPresidentPhilGutierrezservedastheGuestofHonorandinaresponsetoa AndclickonUmpiresInfoandtakethe 2014UmpireExam.Instantresultswillbe thankyousenttoPresidentGutierrezfromtheAZASAStateUICPresidentGutierrez respondedandisquotedfromhisemailsayingThanksomuchforyourverykind providedalongwithinstructionsastothe submissionofthecorrectanswersandrule words,yourhospitalityandforthegreatmementogifts.Firstclass!ThereislittleI canaddtowhatIalreadyexpressedinpersontoyou,yourCommissioner,your referencebacktoyourDistrictUICfor deputyStateUICandtosomeofyourstaff.Yourevent,NUS,waswellplanned, thosequestionsmissed.TheExamisopen bookandconsistsof50or58Questions.If extremelywellattendedandalmostflawlesslyexecuted.Thestudentswere enthusiasticandenergeticallyparticipatedineverythingtheywereaskedtodo. youworkFPonly,answerquestions150. IfyouworkSPonly,answerquestions142 YourstaffwasJohnnyonthespotwithanyquestionorsituationthatarose,taking careofallneedsandrequestswithouthesitation.Youandyourstaffdeserveallthe andquestions5158.IfyouworkbothFP accoladesyouvereceivedandprobablymore.TheArizonaASAUmpireProgramis &SPanswerall58questions. inverygoodshapeforthefuturewithalltheyoungvolunteersyouhaveonstaffor otherwiseassistingwiththeprogram,thatsagreatcredittoyouastheStateUIC. ThepurposeoftheASANationalUmpireSchool(NUS)wastodevelopeachstudent's YOU MAKE THE CALL! individualtalentsandskillsasanumpire.Becauseofumpiresinterest,itisrealized thatumpireshavetheprideandattitudeittakestobecomeoneofthebestsoftball umpiresinthenation.ThegoaloftheNUSwastobringoutthebestinindividual umpiretalentandability.Toachievethatthestudentsweregroupedbyexperience levelsandallslowpitchonlyumpireswereintheirowngroup.Byallindicationsof SP&FP:Withrunnerson1Band2B,the thestudentschoolevaluations,allgoalswereachieved. runneron1Bleavesthebasetoosoon,butthe batterhitsatripleandbothrunsscore.Due TheNationalUmpireSchoolinPeoria,Arizonaconsistedofastaffoffour(4) tothecrowdnoiseandtheintensityofthe InstructorsfromtheASA/USASoftballNationalUmpireStaff.Theinstructorswere: MalcolmBoyles,DeputyDirectorofUmpires,WesternTerritory,GeneHarrison, playersnooneheardtheumpireorsawthe SouthwesternRegion6UIC,RichardCrocker,TexasRegion7UICandJoeRobinson, umpiredeclareadeadball.Now,youmake RockyMountainRegion13UIC.TheNationalStaffInstructorswereassistedbyNUS thecall!AnsweronPage5(Dontpeek). StaffAssistantsfromtheArizonaASAUmpireStaffAaronBurns,KaseyBurns,Rich Eddings,WayneFulton,TimJackson,JustinLauby,LesterMast,DonMcCombs,Geri Magwire,DeWayneNelsen,DonnaShurtz,JohnVecs,AndyWilliamsandtheUtah StateUIC,RalphAndersen.WallyLatall,AZASAStateUICwastheNUSCoordinator. Sharewhatsnew,seephotosandupdates. FollowArizonaASAUmpiresonFacebookat: NUSStorycontinuedonPage5andphotosonPages6and7 Webmaster Geri Magwire says: 2014 Umpire Exam Now On-Line!
http://www.facebook.com/AzASAUmpires Page 1

Six(6)ArizonaASA UmpiresSelectedfor MajorAssignments

KevinRyan,ASADirectorofUmpires recentlyannouncedthatsix(6) ArizonaUmpireshavebeenselected forassignmenttoMajorNational ChampionshipTournaments.Fast pitchselectionsare:AaronBurns, CentralDistrict,MensMajorFastPitch, KaseyBurns,CentralDistrictGirlsFP 18UGoldandMikeSabo,North District,GirlsFP16UGold.SlowPitch Selectionsare:JustinLauby,Central District,WorthChampionshipSeries, RichEddings,CentralDistrict,Mens ClassASPandRobDunn,North District,MensSeniorSPCanadian Championships(Canada/USA ExchangeProgram).

Have ASA/USA Softball Information at your Fingertips! Not Just the Mobile App., but The 2014 Umpire eRulebook Too!

OKLAHOMA CITY The Amateur Softball Association, the National Governing Body of Softball in the United States recently released its 2014 version of the Official Rules of Softball in an online mobile platform. Available for purchase for $4.95 for an annual subscription, the searchable application is available for all iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Androids, Windows phones, and tablet users. This app does not replace the ASA Rulebook. From any of the mobile devices listed above, visit M.ASAsoftball.com and you will be directed to ASAs mobile site where the first table item listed is the OFFICIAL RULES APPLICATION link. Click there to begin the process to purchase.

FeatureArticleinthenexteditionof

Touching BasesmeetDonna Shurtz,AZASADeputyUmpireinChieffor Administration,thenewestadditiontotheAZ ASAUmpireStaff.

Just released, an Android Umpire eRulebook and Participant eRulebook that contain the ASA's Official Playing Rules.

Coming soon on App Store for iPhones and iPads!

Designed using feedback from the ASA community and ASA Umpires, the new mobile rules app provides a searchable engine of the 2013 version of the Official Rules of Softball. Also listed are common key words found in the rulebook to serve as a guide to the user to search the necessary rule or rule reference. On behalf of the ASA, we are thrilled to be launching this new product to all ASA participants and umpires, said ASA Supervisor of Umpires Kevin Ryan. While this does not replace the printed version of the rulebook, it serves as another way to communicate our rules and message to the always evolving mobile user participant of our game. Our

From the Plate of the State UIC, Wally Latall Mechanics Tips and Empasizing Rules MECHANICS TIPS ARE:
DidyouknowthatthePlateUmpirenowcalls timeinthetwoandthreeumpiresystemsaftera baseumpirechasesaflyballtotheoutfieldand allplayhasceased?Theintentofthismechanicis toallowthebaseumpire(s)toreturnbackto theircorrectstartingposition(s)aswellasthe plateumpiretoreturntotheirs. Onaforceplayat1Biftheballiscomingfrom the2Bareayoushouldbeabout3offthefoul line;iftheballiscomingfromtheSSareayou shouldbeabout9feetoffthefoullineandifthe balliscomingformthe3Bareayoushouldbe16 offthefoulline.Yourcallingdepthontheforce at1Bcanvarybasedonyourheightasthe umpire,butisnormally18.Thiskeepsthefour elementsinfrontofyou;thebase,theball,the offenseandthedefenseastheplaydevelops.

designated task force who has been evaluating the service for months feels this will help educate all levels of play and continue to teach all ages the rules of softball. In addition the rules app, the m.asasoftball.com site provides users with easy to access ASA tournament listings, ASA Certified Equipment, top headlines, local association contacts, and an event listing for the ASA Hall of Fame Complex. In addition, the new technology provides a list of ASA preferred business partners and links to SoftballOutlet.com and OfficialGear.com. Visit M.ASAsoftball.com from any web-enabled phone to access the site. The mobile website is intended to keep up with the increase in mobile surfing and meet the publics growing preference for receiving information. The content is targeted to users who are at the softball field and will target relevant material that users may need. M.ASAsoftball.com provides capabilities for users to: Search ASA Tournaments: Users can search for and locate current, future, and past ASA National Championships and Qualifiers View ASA Certified Equipment: This quick-use option allows users to view and search for ASA approved and nonapproved bats and balls Shop: Users can have quick access to specific items they wish to purchase, ranging from hats to ASA Hall of Fame Complex event tickets

ContinuedonPage5

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How Well Do You Know Andy Williams - ARIZONA ASA DEPUTY UMPIRE-IN-CHIEF

Have you registered for the 2014 Season? Umpire Registration NOW Features On-Line Payment!

StateUICWallyLatallandUmpireWebMasterGeriMagwiresaythatthelongawaitedPay PalandCreditCardPaymentmethodsforUmpireRegistrationsisverypopularandthat abouthalfourumpiresarechoosingtopayonline.Thisisanocostfeaturetoourumpires andthe2014UmpireRegistrationFeeshaveremainedthesame;$55.00forCertified, $45.00forRegisteredand$30.00forYouth.AsareminderASAisusinganewCompanyfor theBackgroundCheckssowhenregisteringitisveryimportanttothecompletetheForm Touching Basesdidatelephoneinterview accuratelyandcompletelyandPRINTINGlegibly.Also,IfyouareanewUmpire,anUmpire whoDIDNOTregisterlastyear,ORifyouhavehadachangeinyourDriversLicense withAndytogettoknowhimbetter. Information,suchasachangeofaddressoranewexpirationdate,youmustsubmitaphoto copyofyourdriverslicensewiththeForm.UmpiresandParksandRecreationDepartments Q.Howdidyougetstartedasasoftballumpire? whopayfortheirumpireregistrationfeesareencouragedtoregisterearly.Theonlymethod ofRegistrationthisyearisonline.HandwrittenRegistrationFormswillnotbeaccepted. A.IgrewupinPrescott,AZwatchingMensfast TheonlineprocessisvitaltocaptureinformationrequiredtosubmittotheNationalOffice pitcheverysummer.Itookajobasaslowpitch umpirefortheCityofPrescottonesummerduring aswellastomaintaininformationintheAZASAUmpiresDataBasethatassistsAZASAto college.Ijustlookedatitasaparttimejobtoearn manageandadministertheUmpirePrograminanefficientandeffectivemanner.Ifan afewextrabucks.Marriage,Job,Familytookover Umpire,aParksandRecreationDepartmentoraLocalAssociationUmpireGroupneeds assistancewiththeOnLineUmpireRegistrationProcess,pleasecontactAndyWilliams,via andIjustdroppedthatparttimejob.Ibecamea awilliams@azasaumps.orgorbyphoneat(602)2920176. basketballofficialanddidthatforanumberof years.Ihadaninjuryinthelate90sthatrequired metogiveupbasketball.Irememberedhowmuch funitwastowatchthosefastpitchgamesand decidedtotrymyhandasafastpitchsoftball SeveralASAJOTournamentsotherthanChampionshipPlayareplannedfor2014and umpire.Therestishistory,astheysay. providedanexcellentopportunitytoUMPIREASA.SavethesedatesandUMPIREASA: Q.Whathasbeenyourbestexperienceasan April56(Phoenix),May1718(Florence),May31June1(Pinetop),June1314(Show umpire? Low),June2122(Prescott),July46(Pinetop),July1920(Prescott),August2324 (Prescott),September1314(Payson)andOctober2526(Cottonwood).Inadditionto A.Icanthinkofthreethingsthatareatthetopof thesedates,theAZUmpiresareplanningtwocharityeventsbenefittingCancer thelist.BeingselectedasanumpirefortheASA 18GoldChampionshipin2011UmpiringtheAIA AwarenessandTheWoundedWarriorProjectandotherTournamentsaswell.Fora HSStateChampionshipgamein2010Being completeTournamentlistingforAZASAHostedTournamentsvisitboth the azasa.org selectedasanASAELITEUmpirein2012 and Tournament ASA Web Sites. Q.Whatadvicewouldyougivetoanewumpire? Annual Prescott (North District) Umpire Clinic Slated for April 12 at A.Studytherulesandmechanicsandlearnhowto Grace Sparkes Activity Center applythemonthefield.Neverstoplearningand neverthinkyouhavearrivedasanumpire.Keep workingtobetheverybestumpireyoucanbe. Q.Whatareyourfuturegoalsand/oraspirations? A.Onthefield,IhavetwomorethingsIwouldlike todo.UmpireagameattheASAHallofFame StadiuminOklahomaCity,OKandumpireina SlowPitchNationalTournament.Offthefield,I wanttoserveasUICofaNationalTournament.I 824 E. Gurley Street, Prescott, AZ 86301 alsowanttotrainanddevelopotherumpiresand helpthemattaintheirgoals. ThisClinicisNoChargetoCityofPrescottEmployeeUmpiresandOnly$10.00(atthedoor)forall Q.Anyothercomments? otherumpires.TherewillbeClassroomandOnField(Gym)Instructionby:WallyLatall,ASAState A.Oneofthegreatestthingsaboutthisjourneyhas UIC,KenStoll,AZASANorthDistrictUICandRobDunn,NorthDistrictDeputyUIC.TheClinicwill beenthefriendsIhavemadealongtheway.Ihave feature2014RuleChanges,Classroompresentationsonmechanics,practicalapplicationsof metpeoplefromalloverthecountrythatshare mechanics,lunch,StumptheUmp,anduniformandequipmentraffledrawingsforpurchaseof thispassionforthegameofsoftball.Ialsowantto itemsfromNELCOEnterprises.TheClinicwillbeginat9AMandisanticipatedtoendnolaterthan thankallofthosethathavegonebeforemeand 3:30PM.ThisClinicWILLserveasQualifyingClinicforthoseUmpireswhodidnotattendthe havetaughtandhelpedmetobettermyselfasa NationalUmpireSchool. personandanumpire.Icouldntasktobe associatedwithabettergroupofpeople,theAZ ASAandallofASAacrossthecountry. Page 3 LearnmoreaboutAndyWilliamsonPage5

WE WANT AND NEED YOU TO UMPIRE ASA!

FOUR UMPIRES RECOGNIZED AT NATIONAL UMPIRE SCHOOL AS AZ ASA UMPIRES OF THE YEAR
Inlate2011,theArizonaASAUmpireStaffdevelopedanUmpireRecognition Programtorecognizeumpireswhohavedistinguishedthemselvesthroughtheiron fieldperformanceatthelocallevel,duringStateChampionshipPlayandinmany casesotherChampionshipPlayandduringNationalChampionshipPlay.Alsotaken intoconsiderationduringtheselectionprocessesaretheumpiresoverall cooperation,support,enthusiasmandloyaltytoArizonaASA. AtfirsttheprogramincludedawidevarietyofcategoriesandanoverallUmpireof theYearCategory.In2013theprogramwasfurtherrefinedanditisenvisionedwill remainasitistodayformanyyearstocome.TheUmpireRecognitionProgram includesaDistrictUmpireoftheYear(canbeeitherFastPitchorSlowPitch)andan overallUmpireoftheYear(canbeeitherFastPitchorSlowPitch). TheUmpireoftheYearAwardispresentedtotheUmpiresselectedinfrontoftheir peersattheAnnualDistrictRulesandMechanicsClinicsconductedineachDistrict. EachUmpireofYearreceivesaHomePlatePlaque,appropriatelyinscribed,with theirname,yearandAwardTitle. The2013UmpireoftheYearAwardWinnersare:ArizonaASAUmpireofthe YearRobbDunn(SlowPitchUmpire),PrescottValley,AZ,NorthDistrictUmpireof theYearMikeSabo,LakeHavasuCity,AZ,SouthDistrictUmpireoftheYearRick Padilla,Tucson,AZ,CentralDistrictUmpireoftheYearMattOrlando,Chandler,AZ. The2012UmpireoftheYearAwardWinnersincludeArizonaASAUmpireofthe YearAaronBurns(FastPitchUmpire),Chandler,AZ,NorthDistrictFastPitch UmpireoftheYearRobertE.(Bob)SmithSr.,LakeHavasuCity,AZ,SouthDistrict FastPitchUmpireoftheYearJoelB.(Joey)Alexander,Vail,AZ,SouthDistrictSlow PitchUmpireoftheYearKristenL.Willbrandt,Tucson,AZ,CentralDistrictFast PitchUmpireoftheYearKevinDukes,Phoenix,AZ,CentralDistrictSlowPitch UmpireoftheYearNicole(Cody)Anderegg,Mesa,AZ The2011UmpireoftheYearAwardWinnersincludeArizonaASAUmpireofthe YearTimJackson(FastPitchUmpire),Vail,AZ,NorthDistrictSlowPitchUmpireof theYearRobbDunn,PrescottValley,AZ,NorthDistrictFastPitchUmpireofthe YearKenStoll,Prescott,AZ,NorthDistrictMostImprovedUmpireoftheYearTim Eyer,Kingman,AZ,SouthDistrictSlowPitchUmpireoftheYearBobLutz,Tucson, AZ,SouthDistrictFastPitchUmpireoftheYearLawrenceSanchezTucson,AZ SouthDistrictMostImprovedSlowPitchUmpireoftheYearErickPerez,Tucson, AZ,SouthDistrictMostImprovedFastPitchUmpireoftheYearRickPadilla, Tucson,AZ,CentralDistrictFastPitchUmpireoftheYearJennSchroeder,Phoenix, AZ,CentralDistrictSlowPitchUmpireoftheYearJustinLauby,Chandler,AZ CentralDistrictMostImprovedSlowPitchUmpireoftheYearCharlesDelToro; Phoenix,AZ,CentralDistrictMostImprovedFastPitchUmpireoftheYearKen Fieldhouse,Mesa,AZ.

PicturedaboveLR:CommissionerFishel,RobDunn UmpireoftheYearandPresidentGutierrez

PicturedaboveLR:CommissionerFishel, NorthDistrictUmpireoftheYearMikeSaboand PresidentGutierrez

PicturedaboveLR:CommissionerFishel,SouthDistrict UmpireoftheYear,RickPadillaandPresidentGutierrez

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2013 UMPIRES OF THE YEAR

PicturedaboveLR:CommissionerFishel,CentralDistrict UmpireoftheYear,MattOrlandoandPresidentGutierrez

AND TO ALL PREVIOUS AWARD WINNERS

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The2013UmpireoftheYearAwardswere presentedatthe2014ASA/USASoftballNational UmpireSchool,heldinPeoria,AZ2123February. PresentingtheAwardswereASA/USASoftball President,PhilGutierrezandArizonaASA CommissionerDonFishel.

Answer to You Make the Call

Iftherearelessthattwoouts,calltime,announce thattheplaywasanopitchdeadballforthe runnerleavingtoosoon.Returnallrunnerstothe basethattheypossessedatthetimeofthepitch andthebatterreturnstohitwiththecount remainingthesamepriortothelastpitch.Ifthere weretwoouts,thenitisthethirdoutoftheinning andobvioulsynorunsscore.Pleasenotethatthe batterinthenextinningfortheoffendingteamis thebatterwhowasatbatatthetimeofthe infractionandbecauseitisanewinninghasa00 ora11count.

National Umpire School (Continued from Page 1)

OnFridaynighttheNUSfeaturedregistrationandcheckinandameetandgreetwiththe InstructorStaff.EachstudentreceivedaSchoolBagthatcontainedtwo(2)SchoolTShirts, nametags,TheNUSDrillBook,ahandoutonBodyLanguage,aPostGameSelfEvaluationCheck List,aredpenforusewithlineupmanagement,a2014UmpiresManual,the2014Umpire Exam,BatRing,andaschoolnotebookwithpen.Hospitalityfeaturedanassortmentofnon alcoholicbeverages,lightsnacksandhotwings.Allstudentsweretreatedtoacontinental breakfastbothSaturdayandSunday,ahotlunchthatfeaturedpulledporkandchicken sandwichesandbakedbeansonSaturdayandanotherhotlunchconsistingofspaghettiwith chickenmeatsauceandgarlicbread.Saturdaymorningincludedintroductions,pledgeof allegianceandanaddressfromASAPresidentPhilGutierrezduringwhichPhilrecognizedall veteransfortheirservice.AZASACommissionerDonFisheladdressedtheStudentsand congratulatedthematbeingapartofrecordbreakingattendance.Studentsthenreceived excellentclassroominstructionusingextremelyeffectivepowerpointpresentationson2014 rulechanges,workingthebasesandanglesanddistances.Saturdayafternooninstruction includedbasedrills,basedrillsandmorebasedrills.Thefieldsweremarkedtoprovidethe studentswithatrueandaccuratepictureofwheretheyneedtobefortheforceplaysat1B,for tagplaysatallbasesandhowtouseparallelmovementbetweenthebases.Thedistancefor trailingandthelocationoftheholdingzonewerealsomarkedout.Thestudentswerethen treatedtoaBBQdinnerthatfeaturedhamburgersandhotdogs.AfterdinnerallEliteUmpires intheSchoolwererecognizedduringaceremonythatfeaturedJoeCoates,AZASAUmpirefrom Tucson,AZbeingpresentedhisEliteUmpirePlaqueandMaterials.JoeCoatesisthelatestofAZ ASAUmpireswhohasjoinedtheuniquebrotherhoodofASAEliteUmpires.ASAEliteUmpires attheschoolwere,LVMcCree,SoCalASA,RonWagner,Wyoming,ASA,andAZASAUmpires AaronBurns,RichEddings,GeriMagwire,DonMcCombsandAndyWilliams.TheStudentsthen formedfour(4)breakoutgroupsandtookthe2014ASANUSTestanddiscussedtherules associatedwiththequestions.Then,theInstructorsgavevariousmechanicssituationsandthe studentsdiscussedthemandthendrewonawhiteboardtheappropriatepositioning, movementandmechanicforthegivensituation.OnSundaymorningstudentswerebackinthe classroomforplatemechanicsandthenouttothefieldforasignalsdrill,followedbyplate mechanics.Afterthelunchbreak,studentsworkedtheplatecallingballsandstrikeswiththe aidofpitchingmachinesforthefastpitchumpiresandapitcherfromalocalslowpitchteam providedtheslowpitchumpirestheopportunitytocallballsandstrikesandjudgetheheightof pitchesaslegalorillegal.TheschoolconcludedwithremarksfromtheSchoolCoordinatorand thepresentationofmementoestotheNationalUmpireStaffInstructorsfollowedbythe presentationoftheSchoolCertificates,SchoolCoinandtheSchool8X10Photograph. AccordingtoLeadInstructor,MalcolmBoylesandCoordinator,WallyLatalltheStudent EvaluationFormsindicatedthatstudentgoalsweremetandthosestudentsexpectationsofthe NUSwerefarexceeded.Studentsindicatedthattheinstructionwasoutstandingandthatthe hospitablydisplayedbytheAZASAwassuperb.MalcolmBoyles,inanemailtoWallyLatall, MalcolmwasquotedassayingTheFridayturnoutwasimpressive,moreimpressivewasthe participationofthestudents.Theumpiresestablishedtheirlevelofparticipationforthe weekend,bothphysicallyandmentallyonFridayNight.MalcolmwentontosayASATraining isthefoundationofumpiresuccess.Wally,yousoldthatmessage,theumpiresrespondedand cametoPhoenix.OnSundayafternoonthoseumpiresleftwithnewtoolstotakehomeand share.Thebenefitsfromlastweekendwillbefeltforyearstocome. PleasethankeverymemberofyourStafffromourinstructionstaff.Theirknowledgeablework wasperfect.Theyreinforcedeverythingwewereteachingandwhenweintroducedsomething thatthestudentswerentfamiliarwith,yourstaffwasonehundredpercentsupportive. Speakingofsupport,threepeopleaddedalevelofsupportsecondtonone. ASAPresidentPhilGutierrezwasafabulousambassadorforeverythingthatmakesASAthe Best.Philsumpirebloodlineswereondisplay. DonFishelwaspresentbefore,duringandaftertheSchool,shakinghands,sellingthe program,beamingwithprideintheprogramthatWallyandhisoutstandingstaffhad produced.Donsagreatsupporteroftheumpireprogramandalwayshasbeen. YouworeyourheartonyoursleeveWally.Alwayshonoringyourstaff,recognizingyour umpiresaccomplishments,praisingyourvolunteers,challengingthestudentstomakethe wholeregionbetterbysharingwhattheydlearned,deflectingpersonalpraisewhilecrediting everyoneelse.Thatswhatleadersdo! Wally,onbehalfofJoe,RichardandGene,wethankyoufortheopportunitytodowhatwelove todoandforalltheworkyouputintomakeaverypositiveimpactontheASAUmpire PrograminRegion13. 2014 Region 13 National Umpire School in Pictures Pages 6 and 7 Page 5

Correction from Previous Edition of Touching Bases IntheartilceMeetJoe

Robinson,JoewaslistedasandEliteUmpireinthe SlowPitchcategory.JoeRobinsonisaFastPitch EliteUmpire.

Andy Williams AZ ASA Deputy Umpire-in-Chief

AndyWilliamsisanArizonanative,borninTucson andgrowingupmostlyinPrescott,AZ.Heisa graduateofPrescottHighSchool,attendedYavapai CollegeandgraduatedfromtheUniversityof Phoenixin2004withadueldegreeinBusiness ManagementandEBusiness.Heiscurrently employedbytheStateofArizonaSupremeCourtas aBusinessAnalystintheJuvenileJusticeServices Division.Hehasalsoheldsimilarpositionsat AmericanExpressandBestWesternInternational. Andyisaretiredbasketballofficialandcurrent volleyballofficialandsoftballumpire.Hehas umpiredineightASANationalChampionship TournamentsincludingtheMensMasters40and overFastPitchandtheASA/USAGirls18GOLD Championship.AndyhasalsoservedasanUmpire CoordinatorandAssistantUICforASANational Tournamentevents.Andycurrentlyumpiresinthe ArizonaCommunityCollegeAthleticConference andfortheArizonaInterscholasticAssociationas theHighSchoollevel.Hehasworkedplayoffand championshipgamesatthoselevels.Andyisa memberoftheASAMedalsprogramattheGold Level,andearnedhisASA/USAELITEUmpire statusinFastPitchaswellasmembershipinthe NationalIndicatorFraternityin2012.Andyhas beenmarriedtohiswifeLorieforalmost30years andtheyhavethreebeautifuldaughters.Andy currentlyresidesinGlendale,AZ. EmpasizingRulesContinuedfromPage2 Duringaliveballsituation,whenaplayer becomesinjuredandintheumpires judgementrequiresimmediateattention, theumpireshallcallDEADBALL. EFFECT:Awardanybasethatwould havebeenreached.Rule4Section10 applies. Thebattingordershallshowthenames, firstandlastintheorderinwhichthe playersarescheduledtobat. Rule7,Section2.A.applies.

2014 National Umpire School in Pictures

WelcomeStudentsAZASAStaff,JustinLaubyandGeriMagwireatStudentCheckInLeadInstructor,MalcolmBoyles,withfellowInstructorsandStudent

StudentsenjoyingtheContinentalBreakfastIntroductionsandWelcomebyNUSCoordinator,WallyLatallGuestofHonor,ASAPresidentPhilGutierrez

AZASACommissionerDonFishelAddressingStudentsStudentslistening,watchingandtakingnotesAZASADeputyUICforAdmin,DonnaShurtzservinguplunch!

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2014 National Umpire School in Pictures (Continued)

InstructorGeneHarrisonobservingStudentRichardCrockerprovidingguidancetoStudentspriortoDrillJoeRobinsonbeingassistedbyUtahStateUICRalphAndersen

StudentsinlinefortheBBQDinnerSaturdayNightJoeRobinsonwithhisgroupreviewingtheNUStestRichardCrockerexplainingthesituationtodiagramthemechanic

SowhatfootdowestartwithtothrowtheOverhandOut?SundayPlateDrillsGraduationPresentationofCertificates,CoinsandSchoolPhoto

AsincerethanksgoesouttoalltheInstructorsfromtheNationalUmpireStaff,theSchoolStaffAssistantsfrom ArizonaandUtahASA,butmostofallthestudentsfromthroughouttheStateofArizona.Aspecialshoutout mustgotoSouthernCaliforniaASA,NevadaASA,NewMexicoASA,UtahASAandWyomingASAfortheir StudentsupportoftheNationalUmpireSchool,hostedbyArizonaASARegion13.

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WEB
www.azasa.org

SITE LINKS
STAY INFORMED INSURANCE INFO

www.arizonasoftballfoundation.org www.bollingerasa.com www.asasoftball.com/umpires www.azblueump.com (Ump Uniforms & Equipment) www.nfhs-softball.arbitersports.com www.ahssug.org

VIEW PHOTOS AND VIDEOS LEARN ABOUT EQUIPMENT STANDARDS VIEW NONAPPROVED BAT LISTS RULE DIFFERENCES RULE CLARIFICATION AND PLAYS UMPIRE UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT

www.cactusumpires.com www.naso.org

Rocky Mountain Region 13 Other Associations

www.coloradoasa.org www.nmasa.org www.utahasa.com
For Wyoming ASA Contact Information use Link Below http://www.asasoftball.com/about/getContacts.asp?associd=77.

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Thank You To The Vendors

Arizona ASA State Commissioner, Don Fishel

And Sponsors And to the Persons Named In helping make The 2014 ASA/USA Softball National Umpire School A great success!

Tom Carle, Recreational Services, LLC Scott Nash, HDS John Balzic, M & J Trophies & Apparel Joe Porter, Arizona Imprintables Joanne Tom, Spectrum Facility Services, LLC Elizabeth S. Drewery Latall DeWayne Nelson & Annette Wodark NELCO Enterprise Special Mention goes to the following named employees of the City of Peoria Parks and Recreation Department Marc Brust Jed Roberts Sarah Loerzel Vergil Brown Ashley Smith Dave Stanek Anthony DiDomizio Another Shout Out must go to the Comfort Suites, Peoria, AZ by Choice Hotels Heather Kaiser, Director of Sales and The Tilted Kilt, Peoria, AZ & Dominos Pizza Peoria, AZ
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