touching bases

Touching Bases The Official Newsletter for Arizona ASA Umpires

Volume I - Issue 1 January 2014

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

Geri Magwire, AZ ASA Umpires Webmaster says: Visit our Web Site www.azasa.org Obtain information for 2014 Umpire Registration, the 2014 Rule Changes, ASA Umpire Insurance by Bollinger, the Organization of the AZ ASA Umpire Staff and contact information and much much more! We want your ideas and opinions too. Please e-mail me at [email protected] with suggestions.

Joe Coates of Tucson, AZ Selected as an ASA/USA “ELITE” Umpire

Congratulations Joe! See complete story on Page 2

2014 National Umpire School Coming to Peoria, AZ 21-23 Feb The ASA/USA Softball National Umpire School (NUS) will be held at the Rio Vista Recreation Center and Softball Complex 2123 February. The purpose of the ASA National Umpire School (NUS) is to develop each student's individual talents and skills as an umpire. Because of umpire’s interest, it is realized that umpires have the pride and attitude it takes to become one of the best softball umpires in the nation. The goal of ASA is to bring out the best in individual umpire talent and ability. The NUS helps prepare umpires to go back to their Local Associations and home areas and pass on to fellow umpires the mechanics, positioning and procedures learned at the NUS. The goals of the NUS is to maximize uniformity in umpiring mechanics throughout the U. S. and this CAN be attained by participants attending the NUS and sharing the knowledge and experience with other umpires. The National Umpire School in Peoria, Arizona will consist of a staff of four (4) Instructors from the ASA/USA Softball National Umpire Staff. The instructors for this NUS are: Malcolm Boyles, Deputy Director of Umpires, Western Territory, Gene Harrison, Southwestern Region 6 UIC, Richard Crocker, Texas Region 7 UIC and Joe Robinson, Rocky Mountain Region 13. With a ratio of approximately one National Umpire Staff Instructor and his two Staff Assistants per 25 students, each participant will be receiving handson personal instruction throughout the school. Attendance at the NUS will improve umpire organization, knowledge umpiring, mechanics and rules knowledge. For more information on the NUS please visit www.azasa.org, click on Umpire Information to learn more and to register. Questions may also be addressed to the State UIC/School Coordinator, Wally Latall at [email protected] or at (602) 9999392. Space is filling up fast and is limited so sign up now!

Share what’s new, see photos and updates. Follow Arizona ASA Umpires on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/AzASAUmpires

Commissioner Fishel Announces Umpire Game Fee Increase AZ ASA State Commissioner Don Fishel recently approved a $2.00 Increase in Umpire Game Fees. Invitational Tournament Fees will go from $33.00 per umpire per game to $35.00 per umpire per game. State Association Hosted Championship Play (other than National Championships) game fees will increase from $35.00 per umpire per game to $37.00 per umpire.

Feature Article in the next edition of Touching Bases meet Andy Williams, AZ ASA Deputy Umpire‐in‐Chief

and enjoy a candid interview in a Q & A format. Until then please contact Andy for opportunities to travel and work in Las Vegas, NV, Seattle, WA and Portland Oregon.

Have ASA/USA Softball Information at your Fingertips!

From the Plate of the State UIC, Wally Latall – Mechanics Tip and Empasizing Rules MECHANICS TIP IS:

Movement from the plate in Slow Pitch and Fast Pitch on a batted ball with no runners on and one runner on should be exiting to the left of the catcher to trail the batter runner. Trail the batter‐runner slightly inside the fould line about one‐thrid the way to first base to help the Base umpire with a puled foot, swipe tag or bobbled ball.

Continued on Page 3

Joe Coates Newest Addition to List of AZ ASA/USA Softball “ELITE” Umpires

At the 2013 ASA Council Meeting 9‐14 November in Oklahoma City, OK, the National Umpire Staff selected Joe Coates as an “Elite” Umpire. Joe has joined an "ELITE" group of Men and Women with his selection as an Amateur Softball Association "ELITE" Umpire. Please join the AZ ASA Umpire Staff in congratulating this outstanding Arizona ASA Umpire for his significant accomplishments and great achievement. The Arizona ASA Umpire Staff as well as State Commissioner Don Fishel takes great pride in the success of others and we could not be more pleased and proud of Joe. His selection as Elite Umpire is a tremendous accomplishment considering ASA has over 30,000 registered umpires and now, after the selection of the 2013 Group of Elite Umpires, there are only a few over 400 Elite Umpires in ASA. Without a doubt, Joe Coates is now among the Best of the Best!

This reward program is the highest honor an ASA umpire can obtain other than selection to the ASA Hall of Fame. The program was launched in 2003, with 153 umpires approved in February of that year.

With the selection of Joe Coates, Arizona ASA now has 23 ASA/USA Elite Umpires 13 of which remains Active. Inactive AZ ASA Elite Umpires in Slow Pitch are: Charles Lundquist, Darrell McRae, Dick Petragallo, Harold Gilbert, Jr., and Michael Valdez. Inactive Fast Pitch Elite Umpires are: Dale Wilson, Len Friedlund, Marty Makar and Michael Gump. Active AZ ASA Elite Umpires in Slow Pitch are: Dan Peterson, Jim Bronson, Richard Eddings and Steve Gibbs. Active Elite Umpires are: Aaron Burns, Andy Williams, Don McCombs, Emily Alexander, Geri Magwire, Joe Robinson, Joe Coates and originally AZ, but now Ohio, Tim Cooper. AZ ASA has the distinction of having two Umpires who became Elite in both the Slow Pitch and Fast Pitch Category; Jeff Kersch (Inactive) and Wally Latall (Active).

Full information about the ASA/USA Softball Elite Umpire Program including Qualifying Tournaments and Application Procedures visit the ASA/USA Softball National Web Site at http://www.softball.org.

First Championship Tournament Huge Success at Fields at Papago Park – Other Opportunities for many Umpires Six (6) AZ ASA “Certified” Umpires were selected and worked the First AZ ASA National Qualifying Tournament of the year on 25‐26 January 2014. Representing the West District was Mike Sabo and representing the South District was Joe Porter. Umpires from the Central District included Richard Beals, Kasey Burns, Tom Manzo and Matt Orlando. The Tournament Umpire‐in‐Chief was the State Deputy Umpire‐in‐Chief, Andy Williams. There will a total of six (6) Championship Events hosted by Arizona ASA in 2014 providing excellent opportunities for our umpires. They are:

18U Gold FP Regional Qualifier – June 07‐08 – Phoenix 16U “A” FP National Qualifier – May 24‐25 – Phoenix 16U Gold National Qualifier – June 07‐08 – Phoenix 16U FP Regional Hall of Fame Qualifier – May 24‐25 – Phoenix AZ ASA “A” & “B” State Championships – Kingman, AZ ASA 18U “A” FP Western National Championship – Jul 30‐Aug 03 – Tucson

In additional to these events there will be several other Tournaments around the State throughout the year including the ever popular annual “Beat the Heat” Open Invitational in Prescott 21‐22 June and the “Best of the West” Open Invitational in Prescott 18‐20 July. For a complete Tournament listing for AZ ASA Hosted Tournaments visit both the azasa.org and Tournament ASA Web Sites.

Meet Your AZ ASA District Umpire-in-Chief’s

Ken Stoll Tim Jackson North District UIC South District UIC

Rich Eddings John Vecs Central District UIC West District UIC

Continued from Page 2

From the Plate of the State UIC, Wally Latall – Mechanics Tip and Empasizing a Rule

RULES TIPS ARE:

Extra Play (EP) Slow Pitch: If a Team uses an EP in must be indicated on the line‐up card at the start of the game. The Team must end the game with 11 players of play the using the short handed rule. All 11 palyers bat, but only 10 can play defense. Defensive changes may be made at anytime, but the batting order may not be changed.

Designated Player (DP) and Flex Fast Pitch: Always remember that the DP and the FLEX may NEVER be on offense at the same time.

Delayed Dead Ball: There are five situations in which a violation of a rule, the umpire recognizes the violation , but the ball remains alive until the conclusion of the paly. Those situations are: An Illegal Pitch, Catcher’s Obstruction, Plate Umpire Interferrence, Obstruction and when a batted or thrown ball contacts detached equipment.

YOU Make the Call! Legal or Illegal

AZ ASA Establishes a Fourth District – Western District and John Vecs Appointed as District UIC – Ken Stoll Appointed District UIC of the Northern District with New boundries To better serve our Umpires, Tournament Directors, Teams and Parks and Recreation Departments a fourth District has been established. This District, which many will refer to as the “River District” will serve the Arizona Counties of Mohave, La Paz and Yuma. The District UIC and the Counties in Arizona that they are responsible for are listed below. West District – UIC John Vecs – Includes the Counties of Mohave, La Paz and Yuma; North District – UIC Ken Stoll – Includes the Counties of Yavapai, Coconino, Navajo and Apache; Central District – UIC Rich Eddings – Includes the Counties of Maricopa and Gila; South District – UIC Tim Jackson – Includes the Counties of Pinal, Pima, Santa Cruz, Greenlee, Graham and Cochise

2014 Umpire Registration NOW On-Line and Features On-Line Payment

AZ ASA Umpire Web Master Geri Magwire has announced that the long awaited Pay‐Pal and Credit Card Payment methods for Umpire Registrations is finally available for the convenience of our Umpires. This is a “no cost” feature to our umpires and the 2014 Umpire Registration Fees have remained the same; $55.00 for “Certified”, $45.00 for “Registered” and $30.00 for Youth. State UIC Wally Latall said “Umpire Registration Fees for AZ ASA are among the lowest in the Rocky Mountain Region 13 and the bordering Associations around our State from Region 14, Nevada ASA and Southern California ASA.” The ASA is using a new Company for the Background Checks so when registering it is very important to the complete the Form accurately and completely and PRINTING legibly. Also, If you are a new Umpire, an Umpire who DID NOT register last year, OR if you have had a change in your Drivers License Information, such as a change of address or a new expiration date, you must submit a photo copy of your drivers license. With the Form. Umpires and Parks and Recreation Departments who pay for their umpire registration fees are encouraged to register early. The only method of Registration this year is on‐line. Hand written Registrations Forms will not be accepted. The on‐line process is vital to capture information required to submit to the National Office as well as to maintain information in the AZ ASA Umpire’s Data Base that assists AZ ASA to manage and administer the Umpire Program in and efficient and effective manner. If an Umpire, a Parks and Recreation Department or a Local Association Umpire Group needs assistance with the On‐Line Umpire Registration Process, please contact Andy Williams, via [email protected] or by phone at (602) 292‐0176.

UMPIRE ASA! Several ASA JO Tournaments other than Championship Play are planned for 2014 and provided an excellent opportunity to UMPIRE ASA! For a complete Tournament listing for AZ ASA Hosted Tournaments visit both the azasa.org and Tournament ASA Web Sites. Save these dates and UMPIRE ASA: March 8‐9 (Tucson), April 5‐6 (Phoenix), May 17‐18 (Florence), May 31 – June 1 (Pinetop), June 13‐14 (Show Low), June 21‐22 (Prescott), July 4‐6 (Pinetop), July 19‐20 (Prescott), August 23‐24 (Prescott), September 13‐14 (Payson) and October 25‐26 (Cottonwood). In addition to these dates, the AZ Umpires are planning two charity events benefitting Cancer Awareness and The Wounded Warrior Project.

Umpires and the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team (WWAST) at the God and Country Softball Event at Peoria Sports Complex, Peoria, AZ 14 Dec 2013. Umpires pictured are Top Row Left: Rich Eddings, Top Row Center Mike Alexander, Top Right Row Tim Jackson, Center Row Right Wally Latall, Bottom Row Left Wayne Fulton and Bottom Row Right Shem Smalls seen holding his Grand Daughter, Payton.

How Well Do You Know the Rocky Mountain Region 13 UIC – Joseph N. Robinson (“Papa Joe”) Our Rocky Mountain Region 13 Umpire‐in‐Chief, Joe Robinson has been an ASA Registered Umpire for over 47 years. He served as the Arizona ASA Association Umpire‐in‐Chef from 1981 until 2007. In 2007 he was appointed as Rocky Mountain Region 13 Umpire‐in‐Chief and as such became a member of the National Umpire Staff. He is an ASA/USA Softball “Elite” Umpire in Slow Pitch, is a member of the National Indicator Fraternity and has attained the Gold Level of Excellence in the Medals Program. His practical experience at the ASA National Championship level has included umpiring in 19 National Championship Tournaments and severing as UIC at over 16 National Championships. Joe has umpired at all levels of Men’s ,Women’s, Co‐Ed and Junior Olympic Fast and Slow Pitch softball and types of play including leagues and tournaments and military varsity and intramural leagues. Joe has umpired High School (NFHS‐AIA) and College, including Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) State Championship Playoffs and NCAA Division 1 and NJCAA Regional Championships. Joe umpired the Women’s College World Series in 1978, Major Men’s Fast Pitch at the National Sports Festival in 1982 and Gay World Series in 1993 in Atlanta, GA. He served the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and Pacific Coast Conference (PAC‐10) as a Conference Softball Umpire during the period of 1977 to 1983. Joe is always available for rule interpretations and questions regarding mechanics and may be contacted by e‐mail at [email protected] or on his mobile phone at (520) 991‐3494.

ARIZONA ASA UMPIRES WORK DOUBLE HEADER FEATURING WOUNDED WARRIOR AMPUTEE SOFTBALL TEAM (WWAST) AND FCA ALL-STARS On Saturday, 14 December 2013, six (6) Arizona ASA Umpires participated in the 2013 God and Country Softball Event at the Peoria Sports Complex, Spring Training Facility for the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners. This event featured the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team (WWAST) playing a Double Header against the Fellowship Christian Athletes (FCA) All‐Star Team. Members of the FCA All‐Stars included National Softball Hall of Fame Players and Olympic Gold Medalists Dot Richardson (UCLA) and Leah O’Brien (University of Arizona) and Olympic Gold Medalist Shelly Stokes (Fresno State). The Umpires were ALL Veterans of the Armed Forces with the exception of one who is an Employee with a Department of Defense Contractor, General Dynamics and works closely with the Navy and Coast Guard. He also has a brother who is proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps. Between these men they have over 100 years of dedicated Military Service to their Country and over 140 years of umpiring experience. These umpires proudly wore caps of the branch of service in which they served or represented and wore the ASA Red Shirt that signifies ASA Softball Honors Veterans for their Service. The Umpires were: Mike Alexander, U. S. Air Force; Rich Eddings, representing on behalf of his brother the U. S. Marine Corps, Wayne Fulton, U. S. Army, Tim Jackson, U. S. Air Force; Wally Latall, U. S. Navy and Shem Smalls, U. S. Marine Corps. The FCA mission is to present to coaches and athletes, and all whom they influence, the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church.

The mission of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team (WWAST) is to raise awareness, through exhibition and celebrity softball games, of the sacrifices and resilience of our military, and highlight their ability to rise above any challenge. Our goal is to show other amputees and the general population, that these athletes through extensive rehabilitation and training are able to express their desires and perform the sport they loved.

The WWAST is comprised of young, competitive, athletic veterans and active duty soldiers who have lost limbs post‐9/11, while serving their country in the military/war. The team includes individuals with a variety of amputations of the arm, above knee, below knee, bilateral below knee, and foot. Some are still in the service; others are attending college thanks to the Post‐9/11 GI Bill while others have moved on to new careers. The vision of WWAST states that athletes are examples of amputees who continue to push the limits of modern prosthetic technology with more and more applications. Of course, our dream would be the return of our soldiers from harms way without the resulting loss of life and limb. Until such a time, our vision is to support and honor our soldiers and veterans sacrifices, and to show other amputees and everyone who sees or hears about us that life without a limb is limitless. The national Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team (WWAST) represents some of our nation’s bravest and most determined heroes, soldiers and veterans. These young extremely athletic men have sustained severe injuries resulting in amputation while serving in the military/war, and through extensive rehabilitation, they have become competitive athletes again. Their armor now includes prosthetic legs and arms, along with extreme perseverance and attitude. Together they comprise the NATIONAL WOUNDED WARRIOR AMPUTEE SOFTBALL TEAM.

W E B

SITE

LINKS

STAY INFORMED

INSURANCE INFO

VIEW PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

LEARN ABOUT

EQUIPMENT STANDARDS

VIEW NON-

APPROVED BAT LISTS

RULE DIFFERENCES

RULE CLARIFICATION AND PLAYS

UMPIRE UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT

www.azasa.org

www.arizonasoftballfoundation.org

www.bollingerasa.com

www.asasoftball.com/umpires

www.azblueump.com (Ump Uniforms & Equipment)

www.nfhssoftball.arbitersports.com

www.ahssug.org

www.cactusumpires.com

www.naso.org

Rocky Mountain Region 13 – Other Association’s

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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