Question of the Day!

With a runner on third, the batter hits a high pop fly that drifts over foul territory. The third baseman is accidentally prevented from catching the ball by the head coach in the coach's box. A: Foul ball. B: The runner at third is out and a strike is added to the batter's count. C: The batter is out. D: The coach is restricted to the bench and the coaching box must remain unoccupied. E:

   Training Topic of the Day!

Rule #: Topic: PBU Mechanics Sub: "A" Position Basics NFHS: OBR: Available Attachments: "A" Position Presentation download Want access to many more topics? Click here to learn more about becoming a Member! The "A" Position (U1) is the starting positions used when there are no runners on base. This position is located foul territory adjacent to the 1st Base Line 12' or more feet beyond 1st base and 8'-12' behind the First Baseman. If the first baseman is playing very deep, U1 should remain at least two steps behind the fielder so as not to impede his movement toward the foul line to play the ball. The umpire's right foot should be 6" from the line in foul territory. At the time of the pitch the umpire should be in an athletic ready position, either with hands on knees set, or in a forward lean with the left foot forward of the right foot. U1 is the "Quarterback" on batted balls into the outfield and should pause, read and react to fly balls. If reading a "trouble ball" in his coverage area, the Base Umpire will move to the best position available to make a fair/foul or catch/no-catch decision. If the Batter-Runner commits to 2nd base and the ball will return to the infield without further incident, the Base Umpire will retreat to Home Plate and make any calls on overthrows and plays at the plate. If reading an infield ground ball, U1 will move toward the player field the ball and stop. When the fielder releases his throw, he will read the first-baseman and adjust up to one step to best view the contact on the bag and listen for the ball hitting the mitt. Upon determining the location of the baseball, U1 will announce his call. On a base hit, or routine fly ball, U1 will move into the working area keeping the batted ball in view as much as possible and glancing to observe the Batter-Runner touching 1st base. He will take all plays on the Batter-Runner at all bases.

   Got what it takes? Become a Member!

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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!

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Upcoming 6 Meeting/Training Events:

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

   Coaches' Meeting Presentation Downloads!

2019 FHSAA Coaches Meeting Presentation (msPowerPoint Show)