Episodes

  • Episode 81 - Are You that Other Umpire?

    Episode 81 - Are You that Other Umpire?
    Feb 25 2026
    We could chalk it up to it being an "imaginary other umpire" that coaches are appealing to to try to get their way or skirt rules. But we all know that there are definitely umpires that enforce too many (or not enough) rules on the diamond.

    In this episode, we follow along with a great article in this year's OHSAA Whitebook and talk about some points that you need to make sure that you are following. If not... the result? Confused coaches, frustrated players, and partners left trying to clean it up the next night.

    As always, if you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at podcast@umpiringfastpitchsoftball.com, leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball
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    16 mins
  • Episode 80 - 2026 NFHS Rule Changes

    Episode 80 - 2026 NFHS Rule Changes
    Feb 18 2026
    The good news is that only 3 changes are covered: electronic devices that are prohibited (1-9-6), a reorganization of Rule 8, and Rule 10-4-2 about our uniform pants.

    Hang with us as we cover all of that, break it down, and make sure that you're ready to get out on the middle/high school diamond here in only a few weeks!

    As always, if you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at podcast@umpiringfastpitchsoftball.com, leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball
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    14 mins
  • Episode 79 - NFHS Points of Emphasis 2026

    Episode 79 - NFHS Points of Emphasis 2026
    Feb 11 2026
    What better way to kick off the NFHS season that to talk about the points of emphasis the the Federation wants to highlight for 2026?

    Last year, it was Teams' Role in Pace of Play and Situational Awareness. This year, our focus is on Obstruction and Maintaining an Unobstructed View. We chop those up and make sure that you're covered to get 2026 off to a great start.

    As always, if you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at podcast@umpiringfastpitchsoftball.com, leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball
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    17 mins
  • Episode 78 - NCAA 2 Umpire Mechanics Changes pt 3

    Episode 78 - NCAA 2 Umpire Mechanics Changes pt 3
    Feb 4 2026
    Wrapping up our series, we proceed to work through more of the 2-Person Mechanics Updates published for NCAA crews.

    This week we take a look at the following scenarios and what the Plate and Base Umpire should do in each one of them:
    * Runner on Third (Hit to Infield)
    * Runner on Third (Fly Ball/Line Drive to Infield - ball is caught)
    * Runners on first and second, first and third, second and third, or bases loaded (Ball hit to the outfield - ball is caught)
    * Runners on first and second, first and third, second and third, or bases loaded (Ball is not caught)


    As always, if you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at podcast@umpiringfastpitchsoftball.com, leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball
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    15 mins
  • Episode 77 - NCAA 2 Umpire Mechanics Changes pt 2

    Episode 77 - NCAA 2 Umpire Mechanics Changes pt 2
    Jan 28 2026
    Continuing from last time, we proceed to work through more of the 2-Person Mechanics Updates published for NCAA crews.

    This week, we talk about fly ball coverage responsibilities overall. Then, we move onto specific scenarios for Plate and Base like:
    * No Runners On - ball hit to OF and not caught
    * Runner on First - same situation
    * Runner on Second - hit to the infield
    * Runner on Second - fly ball / line drive to the infield, ball is caught
    * Runner on Second - fly ball / line drive to the outfield, ball is caught


    As always, if you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at podcast@umpiringfastpitchsoftball.com, leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball
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    21 mins
  • Episode 76 - NCAA 2 Umpire Mechanics Changes pt 1

    Episode 76 - NCAA 2 Umpire Mechanics Changes pt 1
    Jan 21 2026
    After last season concluded, Cody Little (the director of training and video review for the NCAA Softball Umpire Program) published these updates for the 2 person umpire system mechanics.

    In this first of three episodes, we start by covering the changes for plate and base umpires for between innings. Next we talk about the emphasis placed on positioning to receive the pitch as the plate umpire. Lastly, we cover the guidance for the starting position of the base umpire with runners on.

    As always, if you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at podcast@umpiringfastpitchsoftball.com, leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball
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    16 mins
  • Episode 75 - Clearing the Cleats

    Episode 75 - Clearing the Cleats
    Jan 14 2026
    In NCAA Fastpitch rules, the pitcher may not step off of the pitcher's plate and back on again during the pitch... or may they?

    We take a look NCAA Rule 10.5.3.3 and at Approved Ruling (AR) 10-8 applying to that rule and have a discussion as to whether this contradicts AR 10-7 and a (only minutely serious) discussion as to whether or not it is David's fault that AR 10-8 was issued at all.

    As always, if you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at podcast@umpiringfastpitchsoftball.com, leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball
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    15 mins
  • Episode 74 - Mining the Socials

    Episode 74 - Mining the Socials
    Jul 16 2025
    We start off by talking about an umpire, Mitchell Huggins (known as "Uncle Mitch" or "Mr. Mitch" to the players), who unfortunately passed away from heat stroke while working a game in South Carolina.

    We then move to talking about a question from an umpire about starting in the "C" position and being blocked by the pitcher from seeing the play at first base when making a call.

    Next, we talk about a question where an umpire asked what he should do when coaches use profanity. And to finish off the episode, we wrap up with some show updates.

    As always, if you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at podcast@umpiringfastpitchsoftball.com, leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball
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    26 mins