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108-506: Each half-inning formally starts when the umpire calls "Play" or "Play ball". A full inning consists of six outs, three for each team, and, in Major League Baseball and most other adult leagues, a regulation game consists of nine innings. The visiting team bats in the first half-inning, the top of the inning, derived from the position of the visiting team at the top line of a baseball line score . The home team 's half of an inning

216-442: A Major League Baseball umpire requires rigorous training, and very few succeed. Provided the individual makes satisfactory progress throughout, it typically takes from 7–10 years to achieve MLB status. First, a person desiring to become a professional umpire must attend one of two umpiring schools authorized by Major League Baseball: Minor League Baseball Umpire Training Academy or The Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School . The former

324-462: A full swing, he will clench his fist. When four umpires are used (as is the case for all regular season MLB games unless one has to leave due to injury), each umpire is named for the base at which he is stationed. Sometimes a league will provide six umpires; the extra two are stationed along the outfield foul lines and are called the left-field and right-field umpires (or simply outfield umpires ). Outfield umpires are used in major events, such as

432-416: A game, although some states require the home school to pay the umpires' travel expenses if they show up to the game site and the game is called, regardless of whether or not it starts. The amount paid differs, often significantly, from state to state. Most high school games are officiated by a two-umpire crew. However, many states use three-umpire and four-umpire crews to officiate playoff games. Becoming

540-474: A goal respectively, also calling wides and square-balls. An umpire can also advise the referee on off-the-ball incidents, but does not hold as much authority as a linesman. In recent times, technology called 'Hawk-eye' can be used if both the umpires and referee are unsure of whether a point has been scored or not, though this technology is not widely available. In 1892, the International Rugby Board

648-402: A head referee, who oversees the running of the entire game and has final say in any disputes, and who doubles as an inside pack referee, following alongside the main pack of skaters from inside the track and issuing and enforcing penalties for fouls or infringements of the rules; and two jammer referees who follow the two point-scoring players known as jammers. Additional referees fill the roles of

756-508: A high school rulebook, casebook, and umpires' manual. Second, most states require all umpires to attend clinics and meetings. These clinics may focus on rules, umpire mechanics, or a combination of both. Third, most states also require an umpire to pass a rules exam. Finally, most states also require umpires to work a certain number of pre-season scrimmages prior to working regular season games. As an example of these requirements, Georgia has an "officials accountability program" which sets forth

864-515: A large red "N" with the NL logo and "A" with the AL logo respectively. The AL also permitted an optional red polo shirt (an homage to the 1973-79 red blazers) that was not widely used; the notable exceptions were Derryl Cousins , Dale Scott and Durwood Merrill , who frequently wore the red shirts while working home plate, even as their colleagues on the bases wore the navy blue shirts (Scott wore his red shirt behind

972-434: A linesman. At inter-county senior games and other important matches, an eighth official, the "Sideline Official", receive substitution notes and holds up the number of substituted players and the amount of additional time , similar to a soccer fourth official . In recent times, technology called Hawk-Eye can be used if both the umpires and referee are unsure of whether a point has been scored or not, although this technology

1080-477: A new five-year labor agreement running through 2024. Umpires are often referred as "Blue" because of the traditional color of their uniforms. Standardized navy blue suits worn with white shirts and navy ties were adopted as umpire uniforms by the American Association . This semi-formal and business-like attire elevated the appearance of umpires above the clothing worn by players. The National League adopted

1188-593: A promotion to a Rookie professional league as a result of injuries or resignations by umpires at higher levels. Throughout the season, all minor league umpires in Rookie leagues, Class-A, and Class-AA are evaluated by members of the MiLBUD staff. All umpires receive a detailed written evaluation of their performance after every season. In addition, all umpires (except those in the rookie or Short Season Class-A leagues) receive written mid-season evaluations. Generally, an umpire

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1296-490: A provincial organization, and then hired by local municipal associations through an umpire in chief. For the Little League World Series , amateur umpires from around the world participate on a volunteer basis. Prospective Little League World Series umpires must participate at various levels of Little League All-Star tournaments, ranging from district to state to regional tournaments, prior to being accepted to work

1404-451: A referee and an umpire. A commissaire is an official in competitive cycling. Aside the race control who are responsible for the start, running and timekeeping of the race, each section of the circuit is presided by a team of marshals led by an observer, who also report incidents and technical mishap of the race. In practical shooting competitions within the IPSC , Range Officers enforce

1512-588: A result of the 2000 collective bargaining agreement between Major League Baseball and the newly formed World Umpires Association (now known as the Major League Baseball Umpires Association) all umpires were placed on one roster and work in games in both leagues. An amateur umpire officiates non-professional or semi-professional baseball. Many amateur umpires are paid (typically on a per-game basis) and thus might be considered professionals , while some amateur umpires are unpaid. According to

1620-438: A second inside pack ref and up to three outside pack refs, who perform similar duties to the inside pack refs, but from the outside of the track, and who rotate active duty in a relay-race style to avoid fatigue caused by the extra speed needed to keep pace with the pack from the outside. Non-skating officials complete the team by recording and communicating points and penalties and ensuring skaters serve their time accordingly. Only

1728-703: A short-season "A" league (for example, the New York–Penn League ), but most will begin in a rookie league (for example, the Gulf Coast League ). Since 2008, some umpires who attend the evaluation course, but are not offered jobs in professional baseball may be offered jobs in the Coastal Plain League (a summer wood bat league for collegiate players). During the season, umpires in the Coastal Plain League are evaluated by MiLBUD and they may earn

1836-406: A single referee in the center of the mat, or a head referee and an assistant. In professional wrestling , the referee's on-stage purpose is similar to that of referees in combat sports such as boxing or mixed martial arts. However, in reality referees are participants in executing a match in accordance with its pre-determined outcome as well as any other events that are scripted to take place during

1944-534: A sole umpire in the formative years of the sport, since the turn of the 20th century, officiating has been commonly divided among several umpires, who form the umpiring crew . The position is analogous to that of a referee in many other sports. In a game officiated by two or more umpires, the umpire in chief (usually the home plate umpire ) is the umpire who is in charge of the entire game. This umpire calls balls and strikes , calls fair balls , foul balls short of first/third base, and makes most calls concerning

2052-544: A specific game. Instant replay reviews, for example, will be reviewed with the crew chief and one other umpire, with results announced by the crew chief. The crew chief acts analogous to the crew chief in basketball (as referenced in the NBA and FIBA rules) or the referee in American football. Starting with the 2022 season , umpire crew chiefs will be equipped with wireless microphones to be used when announcing replay challenges and

2160-442: A tapout and to pull fighters off an unconscious opponent. The referee is advised by a doctor and assistant referee who sit ringside. The primary concern and job of an MMA referee is the safety of the fighters. The game of roller derby is governed by a team of up to seven skating referees. (Only three are required due to the grass-roots nature of the sport, though the full seven are used whenever possible). The required referees are

2268-419: A uniform of a blue blazer, grey trousers, and short sleeved light blue shirt, with only the logo patch on the shirt and coat and the either "AL" or "NL" monogrammed caps differentiating them; the AL also added numbers to their umpire uniforms like the NL. Both leagues introduced V-neck sweaters for wear on the bases, with those AL umpires still using the outside chest protector also wearing them occasionally behind

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2376-411: Is a less-common term.) When two umpires are used, the second umpire is simply the base umpire . This umpire will make most calls concerning runners on the bases and nearby plays, as well as in the middle of the outfield. When three umpires are used, the second umpire is called the first-base umpire and the third umpire is called the third-base umpire , even though they may move to different positions on

2484-483: Is a short-sleeved turtleneck for use as an undershirt. Outerwear options consist of a black pullover windbreaker with removable lower sleeves and a heavier black dugout coat. Still available, though less commonly seen, is the plate coat , a modern version of the traditional blazer, also in black, which is typically only worn when serving as home plate umpire, where the large lower pockets are used for storing extra baseballs. The following ten umpires have been inducted into

2592-571: Is about 14 per game and 1.6 per inning. In the early years of professional baseball, umpires were not engaged by the league but rather by agreement between the team captains. However, by the start of the modern era in 1901, this had become a league responsibility. There is now a unitary major league umpiring roster, although until the 1999 labor dispute that led to the decertification of the Major League Umpires Association , there were separate National and American League umpires. As

2700-434: Is administered on a state level, almost all state associations use the same unique baseball rulebook (and the associated casebook and umpire manual) written specifically for the high school level. As a result, if an individual umpire moves from one state to another state (s)he would likely be using the same rule set in his/her new state as was used in his/her former state. However, there are significant rule differences between

2808-403: Is assisted by two linesmen, who make decisions on who gains possession when the ball goes out of the field of play, and can also advise the referee on off-the-ball events such as a fight or an illegal tackle. As well as the referee and two linesmen, there are two umpires at each end of the field of play who stand on either side of the goal post and raise a white flag for a point, or a green flag for

2916-524: Is evaluated as no longer being a major-league prospect, he will be released, ending his professional career. In all, MiLBUD estimates that it will take an umpire seven to eight years of professional umpiring before he will be considered for a major league position. As of 2018 , major league umpires earn $ 150,000 to $ 450,000 per year depending on their experience, with a $ 340 per diem for hotel and meals, plus first-class commercial airline tickets. Minor league umpires earn from $ 2,000 to $ 3,900 per month during

3024-405: Is interrupted by rain (or other bad weather). Such a game is said to be rained out , and is often preceded by a rain delay, a pause in the game during which the umpires will try to determine if the weather will allow the game to continue. If so, the game will simply be delayed until the rain stops, and then play will resume. If not, the umpires will announce a rainout and play will be suspended for

3132-467: Is not to be confused with the crew chief , who is usually the most experienced umpire in a crew. At the major-league and high minor-league (Class AAA and AA) levels, the crew chief acts as a liaison between the league office and the crew and has a supervisory role over other members of the crew. For example, on the Major League level, "The Crew Chief shall coordinate and direct his crew's compliance with

3240-473: Is not widely available. Ice hockey games are presided over by on-ice referees, who are generally assisted by on-ice linesmen. The combination of referees and linesmen varies from league to league. Some leagues use the title "assistant referee", giving those officials greater powers to call certain penalties. In addition, off-ice officials administer to specific functions such as goal judge, penalty timekeeper, game timekeeper, statistician, official scorer and, at

3348-435: Is oftentimes assisted by two assistant referees , and sometimes by a fourth official . An American football (or Canadian football ) referee is responsible for the general supervision of the game and has the final authority on all rulings. The referee is assisted by up to six other officials on the field. These officials are commonly referred to as "referees" but each has a title based on position and responsibilities during

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3456-433: Is on vacation) were assigned triple-digit numbers (100+). From time to time, Major League Baseball retires those numbers for umpires who have given outstanding service to the game, or in honor of umpires who have died. Since unified umpiring crews were established in 2000, all numbers are available to Major League Baseball umpires, as each retired number was reserved per league. Only one umpire number has been retired since

3564-530: Is one of the most popular levels of baseball in the United States. Unlike college athletics, there is no competitive national championship on the high school level. And, unlike college athletics, umpires on the high school level are not administered by a national organization (such as the NCAA ). Rather, high school baseball is administered at the state level (usually by a statewide high school athletic association) and

3672-703: Is owned and operated by Minor League Baseball while the latter is run by former and current Major League and Minor League umpires. Both are located in Florida . There are no prerequisites for attending these schools; however, there is an Umpire Camp , run by Major League Baseball, that is generally considered a "tool for success" at either of these schools. These camps, offered as two separate one-week sessions, are held in November in Southern California. Top students at these camps are eligible to earn scholarships to either of

3780-430: Is presided over by a crew of either two, three, or in some cases four on-field officials. In two-man crew, a Referee and an Umpire are utilized. In a three-man crew, a Referee, Umpire, and Field Judge are utilized. The Referee shall always have the final ruling on any and all matters. For games of significance a four-man crew can be used which includes a three-man crew plus a Chief Bench Official who has jurisdiction over

3888-403: Is presided over by a first referee, who observes action from a stand, providing a clear view of action above the net and looking down into the court. The second referee, is at floor level on the opposite side of the net—and in front of the scorers' table. They are often referred to informally as the "up referee" and "down referee," respectively. While the first referee watches over actions involving

3996-527: Is regarded as making adequate progress "up the ranks" if he advances up one level of Class "A" ball each year (thus earning promotion to Class AA after three to four years) and promotion to Class AAA after two to three years on the Class AA level. However, this is a very rough estimate and other factors not discussed (such as the number of retirements at higher levels) may dramatically affect these estimates. For example, many umpires saw rapid advancement in 1999 due to

4104-447: Is the bottom of the inning, and the break between halves of an inning is the middle of the inning. If the home team is leading after the top half of the final scheduled inning, or scores to take the lead in the bottom of the final scheduled inning, the game immediately ends in a home victory. In most leagues, if the score is tied after the final scheduled inning, the game goes into extra innings until an inning ends with one team ahead of

4212-502: Is the case in MLB. If the umpire is persistent in his or her interpretation, the matter will be settled at a later time by a league official. An independent study of umpire pitch-call accuracy over 11 seasons (2008–2018) released on April 8, 2019, by Mark T. Williams of Boston University concluded that over 20% of certain pitches were called incorrectly. For the 2018 season, home plate umpires made about 34,000 incorrect ball and strike calls, which

4320-463: The 1982 World Series , but the number was never reassigned. In 2000, the American League and National League umpiring staffs were merged into a unified staff under the auspices of Major League Baseball, and all numbers were made available, including the numbers that had been retired by one of the leagues. (For example, the American League had retired Lou DiMuro 's number 16 after his death, but it

4428-612: The Arizona Fall League where they receive extensive training and evaluation by Major League Baseball staff. Additionally, top minor league prospects will also be sent to umpire in winter leagues (during Major League and Minor League baseball's off-season) usually located in the Caribbean, Central America or South America. In addition, top AAA prospects may also be rewarded with umpiring only Major League preseason games during spring training (in lieu of Class AAA games). Additionally,

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4536-485: The International Olympic Committee ). Referees may be assisted by umpires , linesmen, timekeepers , touch judges , or video assistant referees . Originally team captains would consult each other in order to resolve any dispute on the pitch. Eventually this role was delegated to an umpire . Each team would bring their own partisan umpire allowing the team captains to concentrate on the game. Later,

4644-545: The International Sumo Federation , the roles of referee and judges remain the same as professional sumo, though the religious and traditional elements and tasks for referees have been removed. Referees in amateur sumo wear an all white uniform with black bowtie akin to the appearance of western boxing referees . An umpire is an official in several sports such as baseball and cricket . A few sports such as American and Canadian football (see above) have both

4752-619: The Little League Baseball official website, umpires should be volunteers. There are numerous organizations that test or train anyone interested in umpiring for local leagues, and can help make connections to the leagues in the area. Little League Baseball and the Babe Ruth League are two of the most popular organizations when it comes to youth baseball, and each have their own application, test, and training process for becoming an umpire. In Canada, most umpires are certified through

4860-491: The Major League Baseball All-Star Game , and depending on the level, at parts of post-season playoffs . For Major League Baseball, all playoff levels use six umpires adding a left-field and right-field umpire, while at lower levels, six umpires are used at the championship games (such as NCAA). Rulings on catches of batted balls are usually made by the umpire closest to the play. The term umpire-in-chief

4968-590: The National Baseball Hall of Fame : Conlan and O'Day played in 128 and 232 major league games, respectively, prior to becoming professional umpires. Several player inductees to the Hall of Fame served as substitute umpires for a small number of games during the early years of baseball; these include Hughie Jennings , Willie Keeler , King Kelly , and Chuck Klein . Additionally, Hall of Fame player inductees Tim Keefe and Ed Walsh umpired professionally in

5076-466: The batter or concerning baserunners near home plate. To avoid injury, the home plate umpire wears similar equipment to the catcher, including mask, chest protector, leg guards and shoes with extra protection added over the laces. If another umpire leaves the infield to cover a potential play in foul ground or in the outfield, then the plate umpire may move to cover a potential play near second or third base. (The umpire-in-chief should not be confused with

5184-461: The officials or referees . In boxing a referee is the person who enforces the rules during the fight. He gives instructions to the fighters, starts and stops the count when a competitor is down, and makes the determination to stop a fight when a competitor cannot continue without endangering his health. In cue sports, such as billiards and snooker , matches are presided over by a referee. The referee will determine all matters of fact relating to

5292-421: The umpire is the person charged with officiating the game, including beginning and ending the game, enforcing the rules of the game and the grounds, making judgment calls on plays, and handling disciplinary actions. The term is often shortened to the colloquial form ump . They are also sometimes nicknamed blue due to the traditional color of the uniform worn by umpires. Although games were often officiated by

5400-462: The 2020 and 2021 seasons due to the COVID pandemic, but returned to nine innings in 2022. College games may be shortened to seven innings if one team's score is ahead by a minimum of ten runs, or as part of a doubleheader. Little League games are scheduled for six innings and may be shortened further (auto-forfeit) if a team has an overwhelming scoring lead. Ending a half-inning is referred to as "retiring

5508-416: The American League also adopted the short sleeve variant in 1971. The next season, the AL introduced its current logo and was worn on the pocket of the shirts and blazers. In 1973, the AL switched to a maroon blazer worn with blue pants, which was used until 1979. In 1975, the American League umpire hats added the abbreviation "AL". Beginning with the 1976 World Series , in cold weather umpires could replace

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5616-619: The Jacksonville Umpires Association trains and provides umpires for high school games in the Jacksonville area. The specific requirements for becoming a high school umpire vary from state-to-state. However, generally all states share the same basic minimum requirements. First, a person trying to become an umpire must usually register with both the state high school athletic association and their local umpire association. Upon registering, most states provide their umpires with

5724-518: The Judges as with ordinary competition and operates a touch screen computer, inputting deductions and marking the skaters. The other, known as the Assistant Referee ;— Ice, stands by the barrier where the teams enter the ice. The ARI monitors ice conditions, communicates with the event Referee and supervises teams. A professional sumo match is overseen by a referee ( 行司 , gyōji ) in

5832-467: The National League changed the numbering system and thereafter an umpire's number did not change from year to year. At first, as new umpires, they would be assigned higher numbers (for example, in 1979, Dave Pallone , Steve Fields , Fred Brocklander , and Lanny Harris were assigned numbers 26 to 29 instead of available numbers between 1 and 25). The National League numbering practice changed again in

5940-504: The Office of the Commissioner's rules and policies. Other Crew Chief responsibilities include: leading periodic discussions and reviews of situations, plays and rules with his crew; generally directing the work of the other umpires on the crew, with particular emphasis on uniformity in dealing with unique situations; assigning responsibilities for maintaining time limits during the game; ensuring

6048-645: The Range Master, the athlete may lodge a formal protest to the Arbitration Committee. However, some referee calls may not be challenged by the athlete, particularly those regarding safe firearms handling. A gamemaster acts as an organizer, officiant for regarding rules, arbitrator, and moderator for a multiplayer role-playing game . They are more common in co-operative games in which players work together than in competitive games in which players oppose each other. The Biblical Book of Judges revolves around

6156-518: The Range Officer, and has primary authority over the particular course. The overall authority for all officials in the entire match is held by the Range Master (RM). If an athlete disagree with a call made by a Range Officer, he may consult the Chief Range Officer to challenge the call. If the call is still upheld, the matter may be brought to the Range Master. Finally, if the call is upheld by

6264-562: The United States and Canada." The actual number of students sent on to the evaluation course is determined by MiLBUD using input from the umpire schools. Generally, the top 10 to 20 percent of each school's graduating class will advance to the evaluation course. The evaluation course is conducted by MiLBUD staff, some of whom are also instructors at the Minor League Baseball Umpire Training Academy. The evaluation course generally lasts around 10 days. Depending on

6372-468: The World Series tournament. In the United States, many (if not most) high schools sponsor a baseball team. Many high schools sponsor multiple baseball teams; for instance, "varsity" and "junior varsity" teams. During the 2017–18 academic year there were 16,513 high schools sponsoring at least one baseball team, and 488,859 students participated on a high school baseball team. Thus, high school baseball

6480-416: The ball (and thus the attacking team), the second referee usually judges errors committed by the defending team, like touching the net. The first referee assumes a supervisory control over the match at all times while creating a cooperative environment with the second referee, line judges, and scorers. The second referee's duties are multi-faceted and include on-court responsibilities during play, working with

6588-472: The ball goes out of the field of play, and can also advise the referee on off-the-ball events such as a fight or an illegal tackle. As well as the referee and two linesmen, there are two umpires at each end of the field of play who stand on either side of the goal post and raise a white flag for a point, or a green flag for a goal respectively, also calling wides. Any umpire can also advise the referee on off-the-ball incidents, but does not hold as much authority as

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6696-562: The bench area including the timekeeper. The professional outdoor league in the United States utilizes four on-field officials in order to be able to better keep up with the increased pace of play. Rules in mixed martial arts (MMA) bouts are enforced by a referee who can give warnings and disqualifications should the rules be broken. The referee is also in charge of stopping fights when a fighter "cannot intelligently defend himself" in order to prevent him from incurring further damage, as well as making sure that submissions are released following

6804-410: The caps instead of the league designations. Only navy blue shirts were worn that season. During the 2000 postseason , the uniforms switched to black polo shirts with grey slacks, with the hats and chest patches now bearing the MLB logo. The light blue shirt was replaced by a gray shirt, but the blue returned a year later. Long-sleeve versions of the polo shirts are also available for colder weather, as

6912-451: The crew chief, who is often a different umpire; see below.) In the event that an umpire is injured and only three remain, the second base position will generally be left vacant. In nearly all levels of organized baseball, including the majors, an umpiring crew rotates so that each umpire in the crew works each position, including plate umpire, an equal number of games. In the earliest days of baseball, however, many senior umpires always worked

7020-399: The current format was established, 42, because of the Major League Baseball policy instituted in 1997. Regular-season major league games umpired Careers beginning prior to 1920: Careers beginning from 1920 to 1960: Careers beginning since 1960: Other noteworthy umpires have included: Below are the umpire crews for the 2024 MLB season . Crews frequently change over the course of

7128-557: The day. The game may have to be replayed in its entirety at a later date, but under certain circumstances, a game shortened because of rain can count as an official game, and the team that was ahead at the time the game was called will be awarded the win. Professional baseball games as well as college baseball games are scheduled for nine innings. Softball games and high school baseball games are scheduled for seven innings, as are some minor league baseball doubleheaders. Major League doubleheaders comprised scheduled seven inning games during

7236-455: The federation's rulebook compared to Major League Baseball (MLB) and NCAA rules. Thus, individuals wanting to umpire on the high school level will have to learn a different set of rules than those they may be familiar with had they previously umpired in a youth league using the MLB or NCAA rulebooks. Almost exclusively, high school umpires are paid on a per game basis. As they are not salaried, they are not paid if they do not actually umpire

7344-426: The field as the play demands. These two umpires also call checked swings , if asked by the plate umpire (often requested by catcher or defensive manager; however, only the plate umpire can authorize an appeal to the base umpire): the first base umpire for right-handed batters, and the third base umpire for left-handed batters; to indicate a checked swing, the umpire will make a "safe" gesture with his arms. To indicate

7452-581: The game: referee, head linesman ("down judge" in the NFL ), line judge, umpire, back judge, side judge, and field judge. In the modern XFL , an additional "ball judge", who wears a red hat, is on the field, but does not have the power to call penalties. There are usually 7 officials in Gaelic football . A main referee follows the play around the field and has the final authority on decisions such as fouls, throws and card-issuing, un-disputable by players. The main play referee

7560-416: The highest professional levels, instant replay official. In korfball , it is the referee's responsibility to control the game and its environment, to enforce the rules and to take action against misbehaviour. He is assisted by an assistant referee, who alerts the referee to out balls and fouls and may have other tasks determined by the referee, and where possible by a timekeeper and scorer. A lacrosse match

7668-511: The inning (and the game) is considered complete at that moment regardless of the number of outs. This is commonly referred to as a " walk-off " situation since the last play results in the teams walking off the field because the game is over. However, road teams cannot earn a "walk-off" victory by scoring the go-ahead run in extra innings, unlike in ice hockey where the team (either home or away) scoring first in overtime automatically wins. A baseball game can be shorter than scheduled innings if it

7776-489: The local associations agree to train and provide umpires for high school games in each association's geographic area of the state in return for a "booking fee" being paid to the local associations by either the statewide high school association or by individual high schools. The local associations also promise to train their umpires to meet the state high school association's minimum requirements for umpires. For example, in Florida

7884-594: The major leagues after their playing careers ended. Like players, umpires are identified by numbers on their uniforms. National League umpires began wearing numbers in 1970 (though they were assigned numbers in the 1960s) and American League umpires were assigned and began wearing uniform numbers in 1980. The National League umpires' numbers were initially assigned in alphabetical order ( Al Barlick wearing number 1, Ken Burkhart number 2, etc.) from 1970 to 1978, which meant that an umpire's number could change each year depending on retirements and other staff changes. In 1979,

7992-534: The mass resignation of many Major League umpires as a collective bargaining ploy. When promoted to the Class AAA level, an umpire's evaluation will also be conducted by the umpiring supervisory staff of Major League Baseball. In recent years, top AAA prospects, in addition to umpiring and being evaluated during the regular season (in either the International or Pacific Coast League ), have been required to umpire in

8100-573: The match. They also function as a conduit for communication between the wrestlers and backstage officials during matches. The first regularized fencing competition was held at the inaugural Grand Military Tournament and Assault at Arms in 1880, held at the Royal Agricultural Hall , in Islington in June. The Tournament featured a series of competitions between army officers and soldiers. Each bout

8208-411: The mid-1980s, when new umpires were assigned previously used numbers (for example, in 1982 Gerry Davis was assigned number 12, previously worn by Andy Olsen , and in 1985 Tom Hallion was assigned number 20, previously worn by Ed Vargo .) The American League's number assignments were largely random. Bill Haller , the senior American League umpire in 1980, wore number 1 until his retirement following

8316-494: The middle of the judges panel and manages and has full control over the entire event. The referee represents the International Skating Union at international events. Referees for international events are trained by the International Skating Union. There are two levels of referee, International Referee and ISU Referee, with ISU Referees ranking higher. In Synchronized Ice Skating, there are two Referees. One, sits with

8424-553: The neutral referee appointed by the governing football association if one or both assistant referees are not provided. In this case, the role of the linesmen is limited to indicating out of play and cannot decide off side. An association football (soccer) match is presided over by a referee, whom the Laws of the Game give "full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which he has been appointed" (Law 5). The referee

8532-636: The number of available positions in the various minor leagues, some (but not all) of the evaluation course attendees will be assigned to a low level minor league . Out of approximately 300 original umpire school students, about 30-35 will ultimately be offered jobs in Minor League Baseball after the evaluation course. Professional umpires begin their careers in one of the Rookie or Class "A" Short-Season leagues, with Class-A being divided into three levels (Short-Season, Long-Season and Advanced "A"). Top umpiring prospects will often begin their careers in

8640-506: The other. In Japanese baseball , however, games end if tied after twelve innings (or, in postseason play in Nippon Professional Baseball , fifteen innings). For the 2011 and 2012 NPB season, a game also ended in a tie if a regular-season game has reached its 3-hour, 30-minute time limit, and both teams are tied. As in the case of the ninth inning, a home team which scores to take a lead in any extra inning automatically wins, and

8748-421: The plate in Game 3 of the 1998 World Series ; Cousins followed suit in the clinching Game 4 of the 1999 Series ). The NL added a light blue polo shirt for warm weather in 1997 and was very popular, especially in the humid climates of Atlanta, Miami and St. Louis. Beginning in 2000, after the individual leagues' umpires were consolidated into a single staff, the 1996-99 uniform styles were carried over with "MLB" on

8856-402: The plate, with Hall of Fame umpire Bill Klem being the last umpire to do so. Klem did so for the first 16 years of his career. On the Major League level, an umpiring crew generally rotates positions clockwise each game. For example, the plate umpire in one game would umpire third base in the next. Other umpires are called base umpires and are commonly stationed near the bases. ( Field umpire

8964-413: The plate. Late in the decade, windbreaker-style jackets and heavier coats similar to those worn by players in the dugouts were adopted as alternatives to the blazer when weather appropriate. In 1996, the button-down light blue shirt was replaced with a navy blue polo shirt with red and white trim on the collar and sleeve cuffs and red numbers on the sleeve. The simple monograms on the cap were replaced by

9072-518: The professional umpire schools in Florida. After five weeks of training, each school sends its top students to the Minor League Baseball Umpire Development (MiLBUD) evaluation course also held in Florida. Minor League Baseball Umpire Development, "is the entity which is responsible for the training, evaluation, and recommendation for promotion, retention, or release of all umpires in the Minor League Baseball system throughout

9180-504: The qualifications for becoming and remaining a high school umpire are usually set by the entity overseeing high school baseball in each individual state. For example, the Florida High School Athletic Association sets forth minimum requirements for being a high school umpire in Florida. Many statewide high school athletic associations contract with multiple local umpire associations throughout their state in which

9288-481: The referee is the lead official in a game, and is assisted by either one or two umpires. In the National Basketball Association , the lead official is referred to by the term crew chief and the two other officials are the referee and umpire . All of the officials in a basketball game are generally accepted to have the same authority as the lead official and therefore they are collectively known as

9396-408: The referee, a third "neutral" official was added; this referee would be "referred to" if the umpires could not resolve a dispute. The referee did not take his place on the pitch until 1891, when the umpires became linesmen (now assistant referees ). Today, in many amateur football matches, each side will still supply their own partisan assistant referees (still commonly called club linesmen) to assist

9504-470: The referees by overseeing that rules are followed and the behaviour in the technical area. (Source: International Handball Association, Rules of the Game, 1 August 2005). There are usually 7 officials in hurling. A main referee follows the play around the field and has the final authority on decisions such as fouls, throws and card-issuing, un-disputable by players. The main play referee is assisted by two linesmen, who make decisions on who gains possession when

9612-483: The results of those challenges. An umpire's judgment call used to be final, unless the umpire making the call chose to ask his partner(s) for help and then decided to reverse it after the discussion. Since 2014, MLB allows managers to challenge plays during the game. If the manager successfully has a call overturned, they are rewarded with another challenge. If an umpire seems to make an error in rule interpretation, his call, in some leagues, can be officially protested as

9720-422: The ring and five judges ( 勝負審判 , shōbu shimpan ) seated around the ring. All dress in traditional Japanese clothing, with higher-ranked referees wearing elaborate silk outfits inspired by clothes worn in ancient Japan and judges wearing traditional men's kimono . The referee oversees the pre-match rituals and the bout itself, including ruling on the winner of the bout and the winning technique used. If one of

9828-528: The rules, maintain fair playing conditions, call fouls, and take other action as required by these rules. A floorball game is controlled by two referees with equal power. According to the International Handball Association, team handball games are officiated by two referees with equal authority who are in charge of each match. They are assisted by a timekeeper and a scorekeeper. In professional competitions, one or more delegates assist

9936-452: The rules. The International Range Officers Association is the part of IPSC with the responsibility to train and certify range officials in order to ensure that matches are run safely, fair and according to the rules. The Range Officer (RO) is the lowest ranking referee, and the one issuing range commands and following the competitor during the Course of Fire. The Chief Range Officer (CRO) oversees

10044-587: The same uniform the following year, as did the American League when it became a major league in 1901. Minor leagues likewise followed suit. For many decades there were no difference between the umpire uniforms of the two major leagues except that National League umpires adopted an inside chest protector worn under their suits while American League umpires wore an outside (or "balloon") protector over their suits when calling balls and strikes at home plate. In 1968, American League umpires began to wear grey trousers with their blue coats, while National League umpires retained

10152-415: The scorers, interacting with coaches and bench personnel, and in some collegiate volleyball competitions, handling challenge reviews. The international styles of amateur wrestling use a three-official system in which a referee conducts the action in the center of the mat while a judge and a mat chairman remain seated and evaluate the action from their stationary vantage points. Collegiate wrestling uses

10260-486: The season. Amounts vary based on the umpire's classification and experience. As of March 2018 , there are 19 four-man crews in MLB, for a total of 76 full-time umpires; they are augmented by 16 Class AAA umpires eligible to umpire regular season games, yielding a total roster of 92 MLB umpires. In December 2019, MLB and the Major League Baseball Umpires Association agreed in principle to

10368-525: The shirt and tie with a turtleneck sweater (originally light blue for the NL and beige for the AL). In 1977, the use of the outside (balloon) protector was outlawed for new umpires but grandfathered for existing umpires (the last umpire that used one, Jerry Neudecker , retired in 1985). The wearing of ties was phased out, with the 1979 All-Star Game being the last time they were worn. In 1980, Major League Baseball standardized umpire uniforms for both leagues, adopting

10476-502: The side". A half-inning in which all batters are put out without taking a base is referred to as a "one-two-three inning". The number of innings a pitcher is in a game is measured by the innings pitched statistic. In US English , baseball terminology is sometimes found in non-sports usage in a tense situation: "it's the bottom of the ninth [inning]" (sometimes adding, "with two outs"), meaning "there isn't much time to turn things around here". Umpire (baseball) In baseball ,

10584-438: The solid blue suits. That season, AL umpires were also allowed to work both behind the plate and on the bases wearing a long-sleeved light blue shirt with a tie but without the blazer. In 1970, the National League added a league logo patch to the chest pocket and the umpire's number on the right sleeve of the coat. That same year, the NL also introduced a short-sleeved light blue shirt worn without coat or tie for hot summer games;

10692-564: The specific requirements for its interscholastic officials (including the attendance at clinics and camps and the passing of an examination) which can be reviewed here . Although high school baseball is administered at the state level, the various state high school athletic associations have voluntarily formed the National Federation of State High School Associations . Through the federation, most state athletic associations have agreed to use its rulebook. Thus, while high school baseball

10800-642: The team captains may engage in discussions with the referees by way of the head referee, over calls made. Referees are also responsible for ensuring the skaters are correctly wearing all regulation safety equipment. An Octopush or underwater hockey match is presided over by two or three water referees in the pool, a chief referee on deck, and at least one timekeeper and one scorekeeper. Additional timekeepers can be used to track penalty times in highly contested matches. A tournament referee will arbitrate for chief referees, whilst protests will be adjudicated by at least three independent referees. A volleyball match

10908-504: The timely filing of all required crew reports for incidents such as ejections, brawls and protested games; and reporting to the Office of Commissioner any irregularity in field conditions at any ballpark." Thus, on the professional level, some of the duties assigned to the umpire-in-chief (the plate umpire) in the Official Baseball Rules have been reassigned to the crew chief, regardless of the crew chief's umpiring position during

11016-672: The umpires disagrees, then all the judges confer to determine the winner of the bout. Tradition holds that if one of the two top ranked gyōji has his decision overturned, he is expected to tender his resignation, although the Chairman of the Japan Sumo Association usually rejects the resignation. Additionally, as professional sumo has several religious and traditional elements apart from the sport itself, gyōji have additional tasks in presiding over various ceremonies and functions. In an amateur sumo competition, such as those sanctioned by

11124-399: The very top prospects may umpire Major League regular season games on a limited basis as "fill-in" umpires (where the Class AAA umpire replaces a sick, injured or vacationing Major League umpire). Finally, upon the retirement (or firing) of a Major League umpire, a top Class AAA umpire will be promoted to Major League Baseball's permanent umpire staff. During this entire process, if an umpire

11232-445: The year as umpires are injured or on vacation. Referee A referee is an official , in a variety of sports and competition, responsible for falsely enforcing the rules of the sport , including sportsmanship decisions such as ejection . The official tasked with this job may be known by a variety of other titles depending on the sport, including umpire , judge , arbiter (chess) , commissaire , or technical official (by

11340-485: Was created as a result of a disputed try that the captains could not agree on whether it had been scored. The rugby laws were changed to require one referee and two touch judges at each game to make the arbitration easier and more consistent. A game of bandy is officiated by a referee, the authority and enforcer of the rules , whose decisions are final. The referee may be assisted by one or two assistant referees. In international basketball and in college basketball ,

11448-429: Was fought for five hits and the foils were pointed with black to aid the judges. A fencing match is presided over by a referee. The referee must award a point to the fencer with right of way during the final action in the event of a double touch in foil and saber. A typical bout has one head referee and a video referee and at the request of a fencer can also have two visual referees. A referee in figure skating sits in

11556-403: Was given #6 upon unification of the umpiring staffs since he had worn it longer in the NL than Jim Joyce had worn it in the AL; Joyce subsequently chose #66, unused by any previous umpire. When Froemming retired following the 2007 season, Joyce opted to keep #66, and #6 is now worn by Mark Carlson .) Starting in the 2020 season, umpires (mainly call-up/reserve umpires used when the regular staff

11664-429: Was made available to his son Mike after the staffs were unified.) In the event of duplications, the more senior umpire was given the first choice. (For example, Al Clark in the AL and Jerry Layne in the NL both wore the number 24, but because Clark had more seniority he was assigned 24 and Layne number 26. When Clark was relieved of his duties in 2001, Layne was able to obtain number 24. By comparison, Bruce Froemming

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