Plate and Base evaluation criteria from the ACCC Umpire Supervisor

This page shows evaluation scores and criteria used to evaluate on field performance of an umpire. The evaluations are used for critique purposes. These evaluations are meant to improve each umpire’s performance and to help bring about talking points and improvements for the staff as a whole.

These evaluations will be logged electronically and statistical analysis will be performed on individual umpires as well as the ACCUA staff combined.

Adjustments will be made using these evaluations mid-season and used as training/improvement information for off season ACCC umpire instructional camps.

5 – Superior – Used only for those considered the best in the league.
4 – Above Standard – A higher standard than average, but not the best in the league.
3 – Meets Standard – Usual quality of work expected of an umpire at this level.
2 – Marginal – Less than the usual quality expected in the league.
1 – Below Standard – Below the minimum quality of work, not an acceptable rating for continuation at this level. 

Plate Work & Base Work Criteria:

1. Positioning: (Head, Body & Feet) – Is the umpires head show solid stability? Is the head drifting during flight of pitch?  Is the umpires head and slot position correct? Does the plate stance allow for endurance and a quick first step? Etc…
2. Timing – Is the umpires timing from the time the pitch hits the catcher’s mitt, until the umpires absolute first voice or physical movement an adequate amount of time to judge the pitched ball?
3. Strike Zone Interpretation – Is the umpire strike zone a teacup, average or too large? Does the umpire call a strike zone size consistent with the standards of college baseball?
4. Strike Zone Consistency – Does the umpire maintain his strike zone throughout the course of the game for both teams?
5. Style / Mechanics of calls – Including gestures, strike call, foul call and etc… Are they appropriate for college baseball?
6. Voice – Is the umpire’s voice loud, confident. Is it appropriate for college baseball?
7. Reaction to development of plays – Does the umpire anticipate and react in real time situations? Does the umpire adjust and get in the best position to rule on a play?
8. Positioning for plays – Does the umpire get to the right position (distance and angle) in an appropriate amount of time to best judge a play?
9. Judgment on plays – Does the umpire simply get calls correct? Safe/out, fair/fouls.
10. Crew Communication – Does the umpire communicate with partner(s) during rotations, missed coverage’s and signaling?
11. Knowledge of 2/3man plate Mechanics – Getting up the 1st base line, clearing home plate, bunt coverage, fair/foul, safe/out, balk coverage, positioning at the plate, over-throws, double plays, etc. 

Game & Situation Management:

1. ACCC League Policies & Procedures – Does the plate umpire manage lineup changes, pitching changes, between innings, substitutions, batters staying in box, pitch time, warm-ups and etc. effectively?
2. Rules application/knowledge – Base awards, over throws, obstruction/interference, etc… Does the umpire enforce rules correctly? Does he speak up when he see’s partner(s) enforcing rules incorrectly?
3. Situation and Ejection Management – Did the plate umpire handle any disputes, arguments, ejections and etc. well? Did he let these consume too much time or mismanage these situations?

Appearance & Professionalism:

1. Focus – Is the umpire constantly paying attention to all details of the game?  Is he in tune with what’s going on not only during pitches and live play scenarios, but is he aware of the “game within the game” situations that veteran umpires follow?
2. Appearance – Does the umpire maximize his appearance with his body type?  Is his uniform clean, sharp and pressed?  This is a head to toe evaluation on the umpires overall look.
3. Physical Fitness – Does the umpire look he is in shape? Does he appear athletic?
4. Mobility – Is the umpire making the most out of his physical capabilities? Can he move around the field of play?
5. Hustle – Is the umpire lazy or sand bagging? Does he run part way, get bad angles and distances vs. great angles and great distance?
6. Attitude – Does the umpire portray he is better than the level he is calling? Does he big time anyone? Look like he is having fun? Does he have a good attitude towards his partners?
7. Professionalism (on and off the field) – Is the umpire respectful to coaches, players, and partners? Is he clean shaven and appear like he belongs at a college baseball game?