Question of the Day!

The batter's follow through from his swing contacts the catcher as R1 was standing on first base, making no attempt to advance. Interference should be declared on the batter. A: True. B: False. C: D: E:

   Training Topic of the Day!

Rule #: 1 Topic: Uniforms & Equipment Sub: Bats - Non-Wood NFHS: 1-3 OBR: Available Attachments: WSU - Certified Bat List Want access to many more topics? Click here to learn more about becoming a Member! Baseball bats may be made from wood, aluminum or composite material. Bats may not exceed a given length; 36" in FHSAA games and 42" in OBR games. Some youth leagues restrict lengths significantly further. Most youth league games comprised of players below 16-years of age, now require non-wood or multi-part baseball bats be permanently marked with the "USA Baseball Approved Youth Bat" marking to be legal. There will be no "drop" marking on these bats. BESR and BBCOR bats are not legal in games requiring USA Baseball Approved Youth Bat games. FHSAA rules require aluminum and composite bats to weigh not more than 3 ounces less than the bat's length. This is often designated on the bat as "-3". This means 34" bats must weigh at least 31 ounces; 33" bats must weigh at least 30 ounces, 32" bats must weigh at least 29 ounces, etc. Aluminum and composite bats must have a BBCOR marking of less than .50 silk-screened onto or stamped into them. Bats bearing post-manufacture BBCOR stickers are not to be permitted in the game. Most amateur leagues played under OBR-based rules allow metal and composite bats consistent with the FHSAA requirements described above. Some youth baseball organizations remove the -3 limitation allowing lighter bat weight to length ratios. Refer to specific rule books for details. Composite bats must have a fixed knob and a rubber, synthetic or taped handle extending at least 10", but not more than 18" from the knob toward the barrel. If pine tar, rosin or other drying material, is applied to the handle, it may not extend more than 18" from the knob and be so thick as to mark the baseball. Any aluminum or composite bat that is (1) dented, bent or makes any kind of "rattle" when swung; or (2) has a barrel end cap that is loose or missing, or (3) has any screws, pins or other fastening device exposed is defective and must be removed from the game. Aluminum or composite bats with holes in the taper between the handle and barrel are legal.

   Got what it takes? Become a Member!

Hover your cursor over any image to pause the conveyor and read its caption.

PBUmpires is always looking for people interested in learning how to umpire above the youth baseball level and join the premier umpire assocation in the Tampa Bay area. We form New Umpire Clinics each Fall and Spring.  New Member training sessions have been held at Spectrum Field (formerly Brighthouse Field) in St. Petersburg and regular meetings and field clinics are generally held in Pasco County.

New Member training sessions consist a day (or series of week nights) of presentations and discussions learning baseball rules and how to apply them. You'll learn that most TV commentators are wrong about the rules quite often.  A second day (or series of week nights) will be dedicated to learning on the field, the 60', 70' and standard baseball field mechanics and the subtle differences between them. A third day will be spent umpiring games being mentored by highly experienced high school, collegiate and professionally experienced umpires dedicated to passing on the best information and skills of the craft to the next generation. Upon demonstrating a sound aptitude for the game and officiating it, you'll be invited to attend the New Member Orientation where you'll assume the mantle of PBUmpire!

Umpires certified by the FHSAA or another similar state high school certification organization, may be invited to attend the "Try Out Day", based on their level of certification and documented experience.

What we provide our members:

• Superior rules, contemporary field mechanics and professional game management training.
• Continuing Professional Education via:
  
  • Professional quality online member portal:
  • Rules and association resources.
  • Rules and mechanics presentations, quizzes, games and videos.
  • Association News, Event Schedule, Photo Roster, Photo Gallery, Video Gallery, Blog and Online Store.
• Minimum of 10 member meetings and clinics led by collegiate & professional level umpires.
  
• Objective online evaluation program with guidance to improve to the next level.
• Game Assignment Opportunities (based on evaluated ability):
  • Select youth and adult league and travel baseball in Pasco, Pinellas and Hernando Counties;
  • High School Baseball in Pasco and Hernando Counties;
  • High School Baseball District, Regional and State Playoffs;
  • MiLB Spring Training Baseball in Pasco, Hillsboro and Pinellas Counties;

We welcome all who have an interest joining PBUmpires and: are at least 16 years of age; own or can obtain necessary equipment and uniforms; own or have access to reliable transportation; have the desire to learn how and effectively umpire to superior standards. 1. Click the Become a Member image (left) and submit an online application. 2. Attend all the new member training, clinics and evaluation sessions. 3. Pass the baseball rules exam and field evaluation and you're on the field!

---

Upcoming 6 Meeting/Training Events:

Day/Date/Time: Event: Location/Notes:

   Coaches' Meeting Presentation Downloads!

2019 FHSAA Coaches Meeting Presentation (msPowerPoint Show)