Umpires Memo #2 - June 8, 2026
June is here and the softball season is in full swing.
Post Season Dates to remember:
Regional - 1A/2A July 6, 8, 10, 13
Regional - 3A/4A/5A July 9, 11, 14
State Tournament – Fort Dodge July 20-24
Registration/test/clinic/post season availability – The clinic/rules meeting and test are closed on Dragonfly. The post season form will be released in the first week of June. The availability form was sent to umpires on June 2. It is available at this link: 2026 IGHSAU Post Season Umpire Availability If you complete the form more than one time – I will use the latest time stamp and DELETE the other completion. I WILL check for your certification before assigning games. My advisors will assist with assignments in other areas of the state – they know you and the schools and distances to each school. I trust their judgment.
Pitching – Pitchers should be reminded about the violation called for stepping onto the pitching plate and immediately placing their hands together. Rule 6-1-b states the pitcher must take or simulate taking a signal from the catcher. This penalty is a delayed dead ball and an illegal pitch. Outcomes depend on the result of the play.
Cameras – I have mentioned several times that many schools now have live streaming. Coaches are sending me video clips of runners leaving early and illegal pitching, etc. I realize we do not have this luxury on the field. We need to determine violations in “real time”. Pre pitching is essential! These are hard and uncomfortable calls to make. Know the rules, what to look for, how to talk to the coach (always talk to the coach, not the player), and you will be more confident.
Post season – Requirements for state tournament are: 1. Register with the IGHSAU for softball; 2. Watch the rule meeting/clinic, and 3. Pass the test with 75% or better. The clinic is incorporated into the rule meeting and has been for two years now. So no in-person clinic is required to go to state. However, it is advantageous to have an advisor, or an evaluator watch your live games. They will provide instant feedback, to enhance your game. Contact me at cathy@ighsau.org or contact your regional advisor to provide us with your schedule. We will do everything possible to see you work.
Double first base – keeping it simple – these rules are in place to prevent collisions as much as possible. On a ball hit to the infield when a play is to be made at first, or the ball is bunted and remains near the plate or rolls down the first base side, the runner must use the running lane and touch the orange bag. The defense must use the white bag. If the ball is a dropped third strike and rolls to the first base side (fair or foul), the defensive player will use the orange bag, and the runner will use the white bag. Lastly, once the runner has passed first base, the orange/white bag turns into – one big white base. The runner may return to either side. Because the runner returns to the orange bag does NOT mean she can be tagged out.
Substitutions – a player who is not listed on the lineup card and enters the game – the penalty is a warning, and you add the player to the lineup card. This is different than what is on TV. Rule 3-1-3 penalty. Keep your lineup cards legible. This is high school softball; coaches will try to play many players. Don’t be mixed up due to a poorly kept lineup card.
Between innings – The time between innings for the defense to leave the field and prepare to bat (and the offense to enter the field) is 60 seconds. The time starts when the last out has been made. Rule 5-2-10 at the beginning of each half inning …..not more than one minute may be used to deliver not more than five pitches to the catcher …… the umpire should use their judgement and be proactive and if the catcher (assuming she does not need time to get into her gear) is not in position to receive the first pitch, award a ball to the batter. Rule 6-2-3 If the pitcher is ready and the batter is not, again, use your judgement, assess a strike to the batter. Rule 7-3-1. These may all be managed by coaches by limiting huddles and umpires by gently reminding them to hustle in and out.
Uniforms – Pink shirts and other uniform items intended for special events are allowed, BUT the school holding the special event must contact Jason Eslinger at the IGHSAU for permission to wear these event uniforms. I cannot give permission. Sliding mitts are allowed, see picture at the top of the memo. Umpires grant time for players to place this safety equipment on the runners’ hands. It is no different than granting time to bring an elbow guard to the base coach.
Talking to players, coaches and fans – At each school, umpires are there to do a job. I know these fans and players are your neighbors and friends. Do not speak at length to them before, during or after the game. The other team’s coaches, players and parents are watching. There are cameras everywhere! Please save your conversations for your backyard cookouts and other events. Try to keep softball out of the personal conversation. Above all, do not joke with the players or parents about the game, they do NOT take it as a joke.
Rule questions, mechanics of the game and such questions should be directed to the IGHSAU Softball Coordinator of Officials: Cathy Creighton at cathy@ighsau.org. I will take phone calls most of the day and emails (preferred method). I will check a couple times per day. 563-940-0164. Remember, I am a part-time independent contractor for IGHSAU. I work from home, and I am not in the IGHSAU office full time so do not call me there. You must identify yourself as an umpire, as I try not to respond to parents (that is the coaches’ responsibility) Please be patient, as I receive a lot of correspondence during the season and I do have personal things to do. Feel free to contact your regional advisor, too (see contact info below).
Regional Advisors and their areas of coverage:
Tom Burger, Northeast, and eastern Iowa, tomburger88@gmail.com.
I have reports from advisors who are watching games online, that umpires are not wearing proper uniforms, etc. If you wish to become better, there are many small ways to improve your game. Focus is the first thing, no phones on the field, hands out of pockets.
Cathy
