Slow Pitch Umpire Rules

Due to the many rules of slow pitch softball, umpires are used to execute a game that is fair and accurate. Umpires need to be authoritative and know the rules of the game. Since there is typically only one slow pitch softball umpire per game, he needs to be alert and confident in his decisions.

Equipment

Slow pitch softball umpires must possess polished black athletic shoes. They can be turf shoes or flat bottoms, according to the National Association of Sports Officials. Umpires should wear black socks with gray or navy pants, depending on officiating region. Umpires should also have a powder blue shirt. In some leagues, you may need a navy or red polo shirt. You also need a fitted baseball cap and officiating tools -- pencil, indicator, ball-bag and a coin. Masks, chest protectors, shinguards and protective plate shoes, as well as protective cups for men, are optional for slow pitch umpires.

Positioning

The umpire stands next to home plate. The umpire should be positioned on the opposite side of the batter because the strike zone is determined by a mat located behind home plate. If the ball hits the mat, a pitch is considered to be a strike, unlike baseball, where the strike zone is between a batter's arm pits and knees. From this position, an umpire should be able to see all the bases and determine foul balls.

Role of the Umpire

In slow pitch softball, the umpire is responsible for making all calls on the field. The umpire determines if a ball is foul or fair, if a runner is safe or out, and if a pitch is a ball or strike. Umpires also determine if a pitch is legal, if a runner touched the base, if a fly ball was caught legally and if a ball is live or dead. They also determine if a ball cleared the fence. Weather conditions and lighting conditions are determined by the umpire. Umpires determine all matters that require judgment and accuracy.

Umpire Disputes

All slow pitch softball umpires have to deal with disputes involving coaches and players from time to time. They are not required to explain their calls but can offer a brief explanation if they wish. In the event more than one umpire is present -- which is not likely in slow pitch softball -- they can consult with the other umpires. If a coach or player becomes abusive, the umpire warns or ejects the offender from the game.