In the sporting world of baseball, umpires are the law enforcement. With final say on practically anything and everything, even if it's not written in the rule book, umpires control what does and doesn't happen on the field. With that rule comes strict guidelines on how every call must be made.
Strike Zone
The strike zone is defined as an area covering the width of the plate, and varying heights, the top of which varies from between the shoulders and the waistline, and the bottom marked as just below the knee caps. Due to the vagueness in the rulebook on strikes and balls, umpires have final say on whether a pitched ball is a ball or a strike.
Ejections
Every umpire has the authority to eject any player, coach or manager for unsportsmanlike language or conduct. An umpire may also eject grounds crew, photographers, ushers, journalists and broadcasters if he determines they should not be allowed on the field.
Out or Safe
The umpire determine whether a runner is safe or out at any base. An umpire's ruling on whether a runner is out or safe is final, and any debate from a player, coach or manager resulting from such a ruling can result in that person being ejected.
Fair or Foul
Whether a ball is fair or foul depends on one of many factors. An umpire has full and final say as to whether a ball was fair or foul, with the only exception being home runs. In Major League Baseball, home runs may be reviewed via video to determine whether they were fair or foul.
Chain of Command
The umpire-in-chief stands behind the catcher and is often referred to as the home plate umpire. Appeals on whether a batter attempted a half-swing or full-swing must be done on the spot, and the home plate umpire must appeal to the first or third base umpire on the final decision. If a manager feels there is reasonable doubt that a call was made against the rules, he must appeal to the umpire who made the call, who can then consult with another umpire on the field before making a final ruling.
Final Say and Replacements
An umpire has full and final say on any rules not specifically covered in the rulebook. An umpire may not be replaced or pulled from a game unless he has been injured or fallen ill.
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