POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

OF THE

NEW HAMPSHIRE BASEBALL UMPIRES ASSOCIATION

Policies and Procedures Updated March 2025

INDEX OF SECTIONS

Section I - Ejection Policy and Procedure

Section II - Assignment Process

Section III - Training Policy and Procedures

Section IV - Evaluations Policy and Procedures

Section V – Out of State Transfer Policy

Section VI – Membership Status

Section VII – Classifications

Section VIII – Meetings

Section IX – Duties and Fees

Section X – Uniforms

Section XI – NHBUA Two and Three Person Field Mechanics

Section XII - Disciplinary Penalty Guidance

Section XIII – Continuing Education

1Section XIV - Code of Conduct for NHBUA Officials

Appendix "A" - Standard Evaluation Forms

Appendix "B" – Explanation of Standard Evaluation Forms

Appendix “C” – Role of the Supervisor

Policies and Procedures for the New Hampshire Baseball Umpires Association are promulgated in general terms in its By-

Laws. This Policies and Procedures document is provided to expand upon and explain Policies and Procedures stated

therein. Should a discrepancy exist between statements in this document and statements in the By-Laws and the NHIAA

Policies and Procedures, the By-Laws and the NHIAA Policies and Procedures shall take precedence.

The Policies and Procedures contained within this document shall outline the steps we take to provide a quality product

and our commitment and service to high school baseball in New Hampshire.

Amendments to the Policies and Procedures of this Association shall be made by a simple majority vote of the Executive

Committee. Furthermore, at the next scheduled membership meeting amendments to the Policies and Procedures shall

be made known to the membership at large.

SECTION I - EJECTION POLICY AND PROCEDURE

Section 1.1 - Ejection Policy.

Any umpire who ejects player, coach or operating personnel from ANY game will call the Association Supervisor

immediately upon conclusion of the contest in which the ejection occurred.

SECTION II - GAME ASSIGNMENTS

Section 2.1 - Game Assignment Policy.

It is the policy of the Association to recognize the performance and participation of its members through assignment to

those games and tournaments they are qualified to officiate in baseball. NHIAA tournaments will be restricted to those

members who have completed the Association’s mandatory training and testing.

The NHBUA is under contract with the NHIAA to assign umpires for all varsity games in New Hampshire. All sub-varsity

games are assigned by the assignor/s within that assigning region if requested by the schools within that region.

Members will receive a ranking from their regional assignor with input from the performance review coordinator and

supervisor. Each regional assignor will use the same criteria to determine such ranking. Rankings are listed under the

member’s profile.

Members may request a review of their ranking by contacting their assignor. The review process will be conducted by

the performance review coordinator and may include an on-field assessment.

2The selection of umpires for NHIAA tournaments will be made by the Supervisor and approved by the NHIAA Baseball

Committee. The supervisor shall be guided by the general direction that tournament assignments should be restricted

to the umpires who excelled during the current year and/or previous NHIAA tournaments. Where appropriate,

preference may be given to umpires who have NOT had a recent tournament game assignment.

Participation in a previous year’s tournament does not preclude assignment to an upcoming tournament.

Section 2.2 - NHIAA Tournaments

NHIAA tournament assignments involve state playoffs and state finals for the various high school classifications. The

Supervisor of the NHBUA assigns umpires to the NHIAA tournament games from lists submitted by the NHIAA.

All eligible umpires must have successfully completed all training and testing required by the NHBUA as well as meeting

attendance requirements By-Laws Section and Association Meeting Requirements.

Umpires must have officiated no less than ten (10) high school varsity level games for the Association during the current

season.

Also, said umpires shall have at least three (3) consecutive seasons of service with the Association. Where appropriate,

preference may be given to umpires who have NOT had a recent NHIAA tournament game assignment.

SECTION III - TRAINING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Section 3.1 - Training Policy

Training will be conducted in accordance with the following classification levels:

Certified as one group and Provisional and Apprentice as another group. Training will not be conducted by experience

level, as a given experience level possesses many degrees of ability and maturity. It is the belief of the Association that

training should target a person’s ability level, maturity and ethical standard rather than their experience level.

The BUD Chairman and the Supervisor shall determine the training requirements before the start of training each year.

The Supervisor shall set the mechanics to be used in the training as well as for the entire membership.

All Association members must attend the required training (Section 3-4) to remain certified at their current classification

level and to be eligible for assignments to work ball games.

Umpires who have not completed their training for certification or recertification will not receive varsity assignments

until their training requirements have been met.

Failure to meet the training requirements may result in a demotion of classification for an umpire and require re-testing

for promotion and/or suspension of game assignments until such time as training requirements are met.

Section 3.2 – BUD Chairman

3The Executive Committee will appoint a BUD Chairman, who must be an active member in good standing with this

Association in a classification level of Certified. The BUD Chairman will be appointed to an open-ended term of office

and serve at the discretion of the Executive Committee. The BUD Chairman will be accountable to the Executive

Committee and the Association's membership.

Section 3.3 - Duties of the BUD Chairman

The BUD Chairman’s duties will include:

1. Ensure that administration and conduct of training is in accordance with these policies and procedures.

2. Coordinate with the Executive Committee for the conduct of the training program.

3. Maintain signed attendance rosters for each training session conducted by the Association.

4. Maintain an up-to-date and current training file on each apprentice.

5. Determine the success of apprentices to transition from the Apprentice Program.

6. Recommend to the Executive Committee any changes to the training program

Section 3.4 - Training Program

The Association will have well defined training program. The purpose of the training program will be to provide tailored

educational experiences to meet the needs of the individual members, encourage self-development, provide feedback

to individual umpires and promote the improvement of individual umpires and the Association.

Additionally, the Association’s training program will consist of:

(a) NFHS Rules & Game Management.

(b) NHBUA Base Mechanics.

(c) NHBUA Plate Mechanics.

(d) NHIAA Policies and Procedures for Baseball

The general curriculum for the Rules & Game Management Clinics will be conducted in six separate clinics.

The following general topics can be used as a basis for development of an appropriate curriculum:

1. Plate Umpiring Mechanics (Slot & Scissors Stances)

2. Base Umpiring Mechanics

3. General Rules of Baseball

a. Intangibles of Umpiring (Dressing, Looking and Acting the Part)

b. Game Management (Game Flow and Keeping the Line-Up)

4c. Interpersonal Communications (Dealing with Managers, Coaches, Players, Spectators and League

Representatives)

The Association will continue to evaluate its performance and make changes based on inputs from the membership, to

make the training program the best it can be. The Association wants to emphasize the following points:

1. The Association is committed to ongoing development of each official, in Baseball with the benefits for the

individual, the Association and the NHIAA Schools.

2. The Association understands the need to establish and provide continued improvement in the quality of its

members.

3. It is important to understand that within the training program, testing may be required.

4. Pertinent and mandatory Association training will be separate from the required annual NHIAA training

program.

5. Training activities do not necessarily have to be umpire related.

6. Game assignments will have no bearing on re-certification.

Section 3.5 - Umpire Training Requirements

The following individual umpire training requirements are established:

1. All members must attain Initial Certification and Re-Certification.

Section 3.6 - Initial Certification and Re-Certification

Initial Certification - All members and perspective members must attend each of the required clinics as per Section 13,

which will be conducted as training and will serve as Initial Certification and/or Re-Certification for all umpire levels on a

yearly basis.

Section 3.7 - Classification Requirements

The following experience supplement the requirements for a specific classification

Apprentice – 1 year documented Complete NHBUA Training and at least two satisfactory field evaluations.

Provisional - Having successfully passed the requirements of the BUD program and recommended for advancement by

the BUD Chairman, a Provisional Member will maintain Active status, ‘in good standing’, for two (2) years. Members at

this level of certification are not eligible for tournament assignments.

Certified - Having spent a minimum of two (2) years documented experience as an active member of this association.

Honorary Life - Having spent a minimum of twenty (20) Active status years a Certified Member may be considered for

advancement to the Honorary Life Certified level of membership after the completion of twenty-four years of

5membership. Eligible candidates will be listed for consideration and Executive Committee approval of their years of

service by the Secretary/Treasurer and must currently be inactive.

Affiliate – Umpires working strictly sub-varsity games and not NHBUA members.

Section 3.8 – Instructors

All umpires assigned to be instructors for Association training programs must be classified at the certified level

classification. The BUD Chairman will strive to assign instructors from the group of umpires who have NHIAA tournament

experience. This policy may be amended, as necessary, by the BUD Chairman with concurrence from the Executive

Committee.

SECTION IV - EVALUATIONS POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Section 4.1 – Evaluations Policy

The purpose of the Association's Evaluation program is to define minimum standards of performance, establish criteria

for promotion, provide feedback to individual umpires and promote the improvement of individual umpires and the

Association.

The Association will continue to evaluate its performance and make changes based on inputs from the membership, to

make the evaluation program the best it can be. The Association wants to emphasize the following points:

1. The Association has implemented a formal evaluating system.

2. The Association has set minimum standards for written test scores, field evaluations, years of service and

games worked for each classification.

3. The Association will continue to improve the quality of evaluators based on individuals’ credentials.

4. Only certified umpires and/or those umpires who have attended a special evaluations clinic conducted by the

NHBUA or equivalent will conduct formal evaluations.

5. The Association will hold a special training session for evaluators to strive for consistency in grading practices.

6. Most evaluations will continue to be conducted through the formal evaluation process.

7. Umpires wishing to be evaluated must initiate the request through the Performance Review Coordinator.

8. The BUD Chairman and/or the Performance Review Coordinator may initiate at large evaluations and/or

observations.

Section 4.2 – Performance Review Coordinator

The Executive Committee will appoint a Performance Review Coordinator, who must be an active member in good

standing with this Association in a classification level of certified. The Performance Review Coordinator will be appointed

with an open-ended term of office and serve at the discretion of the Executive Committee.6The Performance Review Coordinator will be accountable to the Executive Committee and the Association's

membership.

Section 4.3 - Duties of the Performance Review Coordinator

The Performance Review Coordinator’s duties will include:

1. Ensure that administration and conduct of the evaluation program is in accordance with these policies and

procedures.

2. Coordinate with the Regional Assigners for the conduct of the evaluation program.

3. Provide a copy to the umpire and Regional Assignor as soon as possible.

4. Recommend to the Executive Committee any changes to the evaluation program.

Section 4.4 - Evaluation Types

There are three types of umpire evaluations. These are:

1. Formal Evaluation - Umpires may receive a formal evaluation and will be informed prior to working the game.

This involves an evaluator sitting in the stands for an entire game, giving a thorough review, and providing a

written report. Formal evaluations are included in the overall post-season assessment and will be restricted to

no more than two per year or one Formal and one Blind evaluation. Evaluation fees will be paid by the

Association; Formal Evaluations will be documented on Standard Evaluation Forms.

(Appendix "A") as appropriate (i.e. Plate or Base).

2. Unannounced Evaluation - At the request of the umpire, an unannounced evaluation may be performed. This

allows an umpire to be observed without knowing they're being evaluated. These are limited to two a year and

are requested through the Performance Review Coordinator. If combined with a formal evaluation, no more

than one requested Blind evaluation will be provided for a total of two. It is also possible an unannounced

evaluation may be given as a result of membership / coach’s feedback or at the discretion of the Performance

Review Coordinator, and/or the Regional Assigner. Unannounced Evaluations will be documented on Standard

Evaluation Forms. The fee for this evaluation shall be paid by the Association.

(Appendix "A") as appropriate (i.e. Plate or Base).

3. Partner Evaluation - Lower-level umpires when working with an umpire who is an evaluator, may request that

umpire to provide them with a partner evaluation. These are not as thorough as formal or blind evaluations.

However, a written evaluation report will be provided to the umpire. Partner Evaluations will be documented on

Standard Evaluation Forms

(Appendix "A") as appropriate (i.e., Plate or Base).

Section 4.5 – Performance Review Coordinator or Regional Assigner Directed Evaluations.

7The Performance Review Coordinator or the Regional Assigner may direct that a special evaluation be performed for a

particular umpire. Most often, this type evaluation will be done when it is believed an umpire may be in an incorrect

classification. The fee for this evaluation shall be paid by the Association.

Section 4.6 - Requesting an Evaluation.

If an umpire wishes to be evaluated, they should phone or otherwise contact the Performance Review Coordinator, as

soon as game schedules are available, and let him know of their wish to be evaluated. The Performance Review

Coordinator will schedule an evaluating umpire to perform an unannounced evaluation during a scheduled game. This

fee shall be collected in advance of the evaluation and sent directly to the Performance Review Coordinator.

Section 4.7 - Performing the Evaluation.

For evaluations during a game, the evaluator will observe the umpire and after the game, spend as much time as

necessary to go over what was observed. The evaluator will give a score in each of the categories on the Plate and/or

Base Evaluations.

Form (Appendix "A-1" and "A-2"), even if the score is Not Applicable (N/A). The results of the evaluation will be shared

with the umpire immediately following the game. The Evaluation Forms will be completed and sent to the Performance

Review Coordinator and the Regional Assigner. A copy is provided to the umpire as soon as possible.

Appeal of Evaluation – An umpire is entitled to an appeal of an unsatisfactory evaluation by first contacting the

Performance Review Coordinator to further review the evaluation. If still dissatisfied the umpire may appeal to the

Executive Committee whose decision is final.

SECTION V - OUT OF STATE TRANSFER PROCESS

Out of state baseball umpires interested in becoming a member of the New Hampshire Baseball Umpire Association

must email the NHBUA treasurer, Mike Santoro. The official must at a minimum, provide and comply with the

following:

▪ A letter or email from the previous state board stating that the official is a member of good standing and what

his/her current official rating is. Letters will be sent to:

Mike Santoro

22 Ginger Drive

Goffstown, NH 03045

Msantoro3@gmail.com

▪ Must attend a rules interpretation and mechanics clinic.

▪ If an NFHS certified official, he/she will be required to take an open book baseball rules test.

▪ If not an NFHS certified official, he/she will be required to take a closed book baseball rules test administered by

a Baseball Umpire Development instructor.

▪ After passing the rules test, dues must be paid in full before he/she is assigned games.

8▪ A Regional Assignor or Baseball Umpire Development instructor will also observe field mechanics to determine

level of assignments.

SECTION VI - MEMBERSHIP STATUS

Membership in this association shall be open to all persons of the age of eighteen years or older who are of good morals

and character. No person shall be denied membership in this association solely on account of race, religion, national

origin or sex. A candidate for membership may only become a member of this association by providing satisfactory

proof of health and character and by successful completion of the association’s Baseball Umpire Development program.

1. Active member: A person who has been duly accepted for membership and who has complied with all the

requirements of membership and is in good standing shall be considered an Active Member. Active-members can work

varsity games.

2. Active-non working member: A member who cannot work varsity games.

3. Inactive member: A member who has represented unavailability to work as a baseball umpire during the high school

season but desires to remain a member of the Association.

4. Apprentice: A candidate for membership who has registered for the NHBUA Baseball Umpire Development program

and is seeking to be evaluated for acceptance as an active member.

5. Affiliate: A person who is not a member of the NHBUA but working sub-varsity games to help our membership cover

games. These members shall not be assigned nor shall they be allowed to “self-assign” until all available NHBUA

members have had an opportunity to cover these games.

SECTION VII - CLASSIFICATIONS

Section 7.1 - Classification System

Umpires of this Association will be classified in accordance with Article V of the Association's By-Laws and as outlined in

the table below. Umpires will meet the minimum tenure, written test score and field evaluation requirements, as

outlined in the following table:

Section 7.2 - Classification Advancement

In order to be considered for promotion to the next higher classification, the following minimum requirements are

established.

(1) All umpires must have passed the state high school test (if applicable)

9(2) Attend the Association’s yearly mandatory training consisting of at least a Rules, Field Mechanic and Plate

Mechanic Clinic

(3) Meet the requirements for total number of games worked for the classification held

(4) Satisfy the time requirement for Association membership and

(5) Satisfy the evaluations requirements, as indicated below. Supplement advancement requirements, if

applicable, will be published by the Association’s Training Program documents.

In the event that circumstances present themselves, such that an umpire has joined the NHBUA ranks with appropriate

qualifications as determined by the BUD Chairman upon review of all relevant information reflecting comparably the

pre-requisites delineated in our Policies and Procedures, that umpire may be evaluated and placed in a classification

commensurate with documented experience.

When presented with this circumstance and upon request by one of the members of the Executive Committee, a

meeting shall take place whose intent is not to by-pass promotion pre-requisites, but to credit an individual and allow

him/her to be placed accordingly. A simple majority vote by the Executive Committee will be required to select or de-

select a classification for any umpire presented for this classification review. This review may take place at any time

before, during or after the season to best utilize our workforce in delivering a product of the highest standards for

NHIAA schools.

A. Apprentice

Tenure - A candidate for membership who has registered for the NHBUA Baseball Umpire Development program and is

seeking to be evaluated for acceptance as an active member.

Field Evaluations – Minimum of one Plate and one Base evaluations with an overall average score of three (3), on a scale

of one (1) to five (5), for this level of classification.

Game Accumulation - Accumulation of a minimum of 15 games worked as an Apprentice for promotion to Provisional.

B. Provisional

Tenure - have a minimum of one (1) year documented experience AND one (1) calendar year as an active member of this

association.

State High School Test – Minimum score of 80%.

Field Evaluations – Minimum of one Plate and one Base evaluation with an overall average score of three (3), on a scale

of one (1) to five (5), for this level of classification.

Game Accumulation - Accumulation of a minimum of 25 games worked as a provisional for promotion to Associate.

Members at this level of certification are not eligible for tournament assignments. Tournament assignments may only be

awarded to members with ratings of 200 or above

D. Certified

Tenure - have a minimum of two (2) years documented experience as an active member of this association.

10State High School Test – Minimum score of 80% (on line test).

Field Evaluation - Minimum of two Plate and two Base evaluations with an overall average score of four (4), on a scale of

one (1) to five (5), for this level of classification on each position evaluation.

Game Accumulation – Accumulation of a minimum of 50 games worked as an Associate for promotion to Certified.

Tournament assignments may only be awarded to members with rating of 200 or above.

E. Life

Tenure - having spent a minimum of twenty (20) Active status years a Certified Member may be considered for

advancement to the Life Certified level of membership after the completion of twenty-four years of membership.

Eligible candidates will be listed for consideration and Executive Committee approval by the Secretary/Treasurer.

Candidates will be active members in good standing with a rating of 300 or above.

Successfully meeting all of the above criteria does not automatically guarantee promotion to the next level.

All promotions must be recommended by the Performance Review Coordinator and approved by a majority vote of the

Executive Committee. If there is a disagreement between an Association member and the Performance Review

Coordinator about a recommendation for or against promotion, that member may petition the Executive Committee

directly. This petition must be in writing.

ARTICLE VIII - MEETINGS

1. The annual meeting shall be held at such time and place that shall be decided by the Executive Committee. The

Executive Committee shall have the authority to change the date, time or place of the annual meeting in the

event circumstances prevent or make impractical the holding of the meeting at the date, time and place.

2. Executive Committee meetings shall be open to the membership and to any guests invited by the Executive

Committee. Members may attend the meetings, but do not have the right to participate in the meetings unless

the Executive Committee allows them to participate by a majority vote.

3. Executive Committee has the right to set its own meeting dates. Meetings are open to NHBUA members.

Meetings are normally held at NHTI and begin at 8:30am. The meetings (typically Sundays) are as scheduled:

● January: The weekend following Martin Luther King Day

● March: The third Sunday prior to the Annual Meeting and Interpretation

● June: The weekend of the Finals

4. The Executive Committee shall make the minutes of Executive Committee meetings available to the

membership at such time as those minutes have been prepared, and approved by the Executive Committee.

5. The Executive Committee may meet in a closed session when discussing the following matters:

116. 7. 8. A. Member Discipline.

B. Evaluations of Officials.

C. Ratings of Officials

D. Charges that members may have made errors that could eventually result in disciplinary proceedings

being brought against them.

To go into a closed session, an Executive Committee member must make a motion. This motion must be

seconded, and a majority of Executive Committee members must vote to go into closed session. This motion

and the vote shall be recorded in the minutes.

When the Executive Committee goes into a closed session, the closed session portion of the meeting shall be

closed to the membership and to any guests invited by the Executive Committee.

All discussions in closed session shall be confidential. Any Executive Committee member who discloses any

aspect of discussions in a closed session shall be subject to discipline in a manner to be determined by the

Executive Committee unless the Executive Committee authorizes the disclosure of the discussions or of

information pertaining to the discussions.

ARTICLE IX - DUTIES AND FEES

Section 9.0 – Duties

Rules Interpreter: The Rules Interpreter shall be the official interpreter of the National Federation rules for the

association and shall be responsible for the conduct of interpretation meetings and training programs for the

members. The Rules Interpreter shall be compensated for his services in such sum as the Executive Committee shall

provide. The Rules Interpreter shall also participate in all grievances by members.

Supervisor of Umpires: The Supervisor of Umpires shall supervise the performance of all contracts with organizations

having agreements with the association. The Supervisor will also be responsible for supervising the conduct of the

members in the performance of such contracts and their grievances. The Supervisor of Umpires shall be

compensated for his services in such sum as the Executive Committee shall provide. The Supervisor shall be

responsible for all tournament assignments in tournaments sanctioned by the NHIAA.

A complete listing of the supervisor’s duties can be found at the end of this manual on Appendix “C”

Performance Review Coordinator: As previously described.

Baseball Umpire Development (BUD) Chairman: As previously described.

Assigning Chairman: The Assigning Chairman shall supervise the collection, allocation and distribution of regular season

game assignments for members, through all phases of this process up to March 1. The Assigning Chairman shall chair

a committee of six regional assignors who shall be responsible for the reassignment of games after March first. The

Assigning Chairman shall be compensated for his services in such sum as the Executive Committee shall provide.

12Regional Assignors: The regional assignors shall be chosen by the Assigning Chairman after asking the NHBUA

membership for interested candidates and approved by the Executive Committee. Regional assignors should reside in

the area that they will be assigning. Regional assignors shall be responsible for assigning all varsity and sub-varsity

high school games in their region. The regions are as described on the NHBUA website.

If a regional assignor vacancy occurs from any cause, the above process shall be repeated to replace such person.

Website/Social Media Supervisor: The Website/Social Media Supervisor shall serve as the liaison between the

Association and the company charged with developing and editing the NHBUA web site. All communications between

the company and the Association shall be handled by the Website/Social Media Supervisor or his designee. Be the

primary person responsible for maintaining the website, making timely updates and proposing changes to the

executive committee for clarity. The supervisor shall also be responsible for maintaining the NHBUA Facebook

page as well as any other social media that the organization shall subscribe to.

Section 9.1 – Dues

A. Members shall be required to pay dues to maintain their membership as follows:

Active Members: the amount of dues to be collected annually from each member shall be equal to one varsity

game fee with base mileage for the following year. Any member, whose dues are not paid by June 30, shall be

subject to a late fee in an amount to be determined by the Executive Committee. As of June 2022, the late fee is

ten dollars ($10). If the dues and late fee are not paid by September 1, the member shall be suspended and shall

be ineligible for work until reinstated by the Executive Committee.

Reinstatement – may be granted by the Executive Committee once dues and late fees have been paid.

B. Inactive Members: Shall pay $10.00 dues.

C. Honorary Life Members: Shall pay no dues.

Section 9.2 - Apprentice Fees

Participants in the Baseball Umpire Development program shall be required to pay an annual fee in a sum to be

recommended by the BUD Chairman and approved by the Executive Committee.

Section 9.3 - Game Fees

Fees shall be set by the NHIAA Sports Officiating Committee and shall be published on the NHBUA website. No member

shall solicit games or fees, other than those set by the NHIAA Sports Officiating Committee, from any organization.

Nothing in this section shall limit the right of any member to work free of charge for any benefit game.

Section 9.4 - Game Mileage

An additional stipend set by the NHIAA shall be paid. Mileage stipends are set by the NHIAA Officiating committee and

run a 2-year cycle before review. The stipend for the current season shall be published on the website of the NHBUA

and be included with all game assignments sent via the Arbiter. The address the official has in The Arbiter will be used to

calculate mileage, and officials that have concerns with mileage payment are to contact their Supervisor of Officials and

not the Athletic Director at the site of a game or event.

13OFFICIALS FEE SCHEDULE FOR POSTPONEMENTS, GAME SUSPENSIONS, NO-SHOWS DURING THE REGULAR SEASON

AND NHIAA TOURNAMENT PLAY:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. If a game is postponed and the official is not notified, the official shall be paid a game fee plus mileage where

applicable.

If a game is postponed, canceled, or changed for any reason and the official is notified, there will be no payment

to the official

If on official does not show up and the official that shows works alone, the working official shall be paid one- and

one-half usual game fee and a report of the incident shall be sent to the Supervisor of Officials with copies sent

to the Executive Director of the NHIAA and the assignor of that sport.

If an official doesn't show and someone works with hired official both people should be paid a full fee and a

report of the incident shall be sent to the Supervisor of Officials through the NHIAA Office.

Once the game starts a full fee will be paid.

If there is a continued game at the same site or a continued game at opponent's site in addition to another

game the officials will be paid one half the game fee plus mileage.

If a game is postponed just prior to the scheduled start an offer will be made to the original official for the make-

up game and the official will receive a game fee.

An official must have an avenue of contact up to {two hours} before game time. The official should contact the

school {or the NHIAA during tournament play} to check if the game will be played. If an official does not check

and travels to the site of the postponed event a game fee shall not be paid.

If both officials do not show for the game the assigner must pay bus transportation costs for the rescheduled

game.

MILEAGE: Mileage is from the center of town where the official resides to the center of town where the event is

played according to the New Hampshire Department of Transportation mileage guidelines. Mileage payment

shall be for round trip. {where applicable}

10. If a team fails to arrive at a contest at its scheduled start time the officials shall not wait longer than forty-five

{45} minutes. After the forty-five {45} minute wait the game will be called as a "no game"

In the event the traveling school calls ahead to inform the home school they are experiencing difficulties arriving for

the start of the contest the officials shall remain in order to start the contest.

SECTION X - UNIFORMS

Section 10.1 – General Policy

All umpires of the Association, while serving in the capacity as a baseball umpire, as assigned by and under the direction

of this Association, shall adhere to the following uniform policy. The following items may only be purchased by NHBUA

members (Provisional, Associate, Certified) through Purchase Officials https://purchaseofficials.com Please be

sure to use the NH tab under groups/associations and tell them you are a member of the NHBUA.

14JACKET: Major League Style Jacket – Default color is BLACK. Purchase Officials SKU: CW-340 BK or SKU: CW-341 BK

Section 10.2 - Approved Uniform Items

SHIRT: Major League Style Shirt with Association patch – default color is BLACK. Smitty Pro Flex MLB Replica Umpire

Shirts Black ST-314 BK (SS); ST-315 BK (LS).

The alternate shirts are: Carolina ST-314 SB (SS); ST-315 SB (LS). Purchase Officials SKU: ST-5131 Navy, SKU: ST-LSB NY;

short or long sleeve.

PANTS: Purchase Officials - Smitty Charcoal Pants - SKU: PT-SB4E CG 30, SKU: PT-SB4, SKU: PT-SB4F EX CG, or SKU: PT-

SB4F CG

Purchase Officials SKU: CW-3.

The alternate is Navy, – Navy with red/white/blue trim.

NHBUA MLB Replica Convertible Umpire Black Jacket SKU: CW-326 XS

HAT: Major League Style Hat – Default color is BLACK. (Fitted Hats Required) Richardson black SKU: HT-BK.

The alternate is Richardson NAVY to be worn only with Navy shirt or jacket

UNDERSHIRT: T-shirt or Turtleneck shall be Black. All umpires shall match in color. Long sleeved undershirt shall only be

worn with a jacket or long-sleeved shirt, not be worn under a short sleeve shirt with sleeves exposed.

PLATE COAT: BLACK with Association patch or Purchase Officials – Black Fechheimer Flying Cross Authentic Plate Coat

SKU: CW-UPC

BALL BAG: Black or Charcoal Gray (Navy Ball Bags are to be worn with Navy or Carolina shirt only)

GLOVES: Primarily Black

SHOES: Primarily Black (white accents are permitted)

SOCKS: Black

BELT: Black with simple buckle

Section 10.3 - General Guidelines for Uniform Wear

Uniforms shall be kept clean, pressed (where appropriate) and in good condition. Shoes shall be shined and kept clean of

dirt, mud and grass. Hats shall be clean and free of visible sweat stains.

If the PLATE UMPIRE wears a short sleeve shirt, the BASE UMPIRE (S) may wear either a short sleeve shirt or a jacket.

If the PLATE UMPIRE wears a long sleeve shirt, the BASE UMPIRE (S) may wear either a short sleeve shirt or a jacket. The

Plate Umpire is the only Umpire who may wear a long sleeve shirt.

If the PLATE UMPIRE wears a plate coat or jacket, all BASE UMPIRES may wear a jacket.

15At no time shall the PLATE UMPIRE or a BASE UMPIRE wear a long sleeve undershirt or sweatshirt (even if color

matched) under a short sleeve shirt, unless a jacket is worn to cover up the sleeves. The sleeves of long sleeve

undershirts or sweatshirts shall not be visible on the field.

BOTH UMPIRES in a two-umpire crew will dress in like COLORS.

All UMPIRES assigned to a three or four umpire crew will dress in like COLOR and STYLE. They will wear the same color

jackets or short sleeve shirts. The plate umpire may dress differently than the base umpires i.e., plate coat, long sleeve

shirt, etc.

BLACK is the Association default color. All umpires in the crew will wear BLACK/CAROLINA BLUE Navy is the alternate

color.

SECTION XI

NHBUA TWO AND THREE PERSON FIELD MECHANICS

All members should now refer to the CCA Two and Three Person High School Crew Field Mechanics instruction book.

This reference book will now be your only frame of reference for NHBUA high school baseball mechanics. You will

receive this book electronically. For questions, contact Jeff Kleiner Supervisor of Umpires

Section 11.1 – Arrival, Pregame and Dress

All umpires shall enter the field together and will be completely dressed when entering the ball field; this includes the

plate umpire and all of his/her protective equipment.

The umpire crew will enter the ball field and proceed directly to home plate five minutes before the scheduled start time

for the contest and meet with the team managers / coaches for the exchange of batting line-ups and explanation of

ground rules unique to that ball field.

The ball field arrival time may be adjusted for pre-game responsibilities that may exist at certain contests. Conduct of

pre-game responsibilities shall begin early enough so as to allow the umpire crew sufficient time to arrive at home plate

five minutes before the scheduled start time for the contest. When those pre-game responsibilities are complete, the

umpire crew will proceed directly to home plate and meet with the team managers / coaches for the exchange of

batting line-ups and explanation of ground rules unique to that ball field.

Section 11.2 – Leaving and Postgame

All umpires will immediately leave the field of play together avoiding coaches and players and meet at a

previously arranged location where they shall engage in a postgame self-evaluation and partner evaluation.

SECTION XII - DISCIPLINARY PENALTY GUIDANCE POLICY

Section 12.1 – General Policy

16The following penalty guidelines are established for this Association. All are subject to review by and/or appeal to the

Executive Committee on a case-by-case basis.

Section 12.2 - Disciplinary Penalties.

1. First (1st) Occurrence Missed Game Assignment - A fine equal to the game fee for that contest. The

Association's Assigner will charge this fee to the umpire's account.

2. Second (2nd) Occurrence Missed Game Assignment - No further game assignments will be allocated for the

remainder of the season. Official will not be eligible for assignments until the next calendar year. No refund of

dues will be issued.

3. First (1st) Occurrence Late to an Assignment - A fine equal to one-half (1/2) of the game fee for that contest.

The Association's Assigner will charge this fee to the umpire's account.

Note: "Late to an Assignment" is defined as not being at home plate five (5) minutes before the scheduled game

start time in full uniform and protective equipment (as appropriate) ready to start the game and conduct the

contracted work.

4. Second (2nd) Occurrence Late to an Assignment - A fine equal to the game fee for that contest. The

Association's Assigner will charge this fee to the umpire's account. Official will not be eligible for assignments to

post season contest.

5. Third (3rd) Occurrence Late to an Assignment - No further game assignments will be allocated for the

remainder of the season. Official will not be eligible for assignments until the next calendar year. No refund of

dues will be issued.

6. Giving and Trading Assignments - An official may not trade or give away any assignment. An official who

trades or gives away any assignment will have no further game assignments allocated for the remainder of the

season. Official will not be eligible for assignments until the next calendar year. No refund of dues will be issued.

7. Turning Back a Game to the Assignor - If the game is one that the official has ALREADY ACCEPTED, there will

be a $10.00 charge assessed to that official for any game turned back in and a full game fee penalty for any

game turned back without justifiable cause. This fee will be charged to the umpire's account with the

Association's Assigner. The Assignor may waive this penalty for extenuating circumstances.

SECTION XIII - CONTINUING EDUCATION

Section 13.1 – Interpretation/Test

1. The minimum continuing education requirements for maintaining membership in ‘good standing’ shall be

attendance at one interpretation/mechanics clinic organized by the Rules Interpreter and timely submission of

answers to the on line NFHS Baseball Rules Test. Tests must be completed by the announced deadline set by the

Supervisor. The attendance requirement may always be satisfied by attending clinic held in conjunction with the

annual meeting, but any alternative meeting shall require the prior approval of the Executive Committee.

172. Any member who fails to transmit the on-line open book exam and pass with a score of 80% or better by the

date set by the Executive Committee shall be subject to disciplinary actions set forth in Article II

Section 13.2 – Three-Person Training.

The Association’s training program is intended to familiarize and train members using the three-man umpire system and

is open to all members in good standing. Membership participation in Training Program is mandatory for all NHIAA

Tournament umpires working quarter final games and above. They must attend this training at least once every 2 years.

The Supervisor and/or his designee will administer the Training Program.

While participation in the training program is not required for advancement, a member’s participation is encouraged.

SECTION XIV - CODE OF CONDUCT FOR NHBUA OFFICIALS

Section 14.1 - Code of Conduct for Sports Officials.

This Association adopts the following "Code of Conduct for Officials". All Association members are encouraged to be

bound by this code.

Code of Conduct for Officials

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Officials shall bear a great responsibility for engendering public confidence in sports.

Officials shall be free of obligation to any interest other than the impartial and fair judging of sports

competitions.

Officials shall hold and maintain the basic tenets of officiating which include history, integrity, neutrality,

respect, sensitivity, professionalism, discretion and tactfulness.

Officials shall master both rules of the game and mechanics necessary to enforce the rules, and shall

exercise authority in an impartial, firm and controlled manner.

Officials shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession in all interactions with student-athletes,

coaches, school administrators, colleagues, and the public.

Officials shall display and execute superior communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal.

Officials shall recognize that anything that may lead to a conflict of interest, either real or apparent, must be

avoided. Gifts, favors, special treatment, privileges, employment or a personal relationship with a school or

team that can compromise the perceived impartiality of officiating must be avoided. See 14.2 Conflict of

Interest

8. Officials shall prepare themselves both physically and mentally; shall dress neatly and appropriately to,

during and from a contest; and shall comport themselves in a manner consistent with the high standards of

the profession.

9. Officials shall not be party to actions designed to unfairly limit or restrain access to officiating, officiating

assignments or to association membership. This includes selection for positions of leadership based upon

economic factors, race, creed, color, age, sex, physical handicap, country or national origin.

10. Officials shall be punctual and professional in the fulfillment of all contractual obligations.

11. Officials shall work with each other and their governing bodies in a constructive and cooperative manner.

1812. Officials shall resist every temptation and outside pressure to use one’s position as an official to benefit

oneself.

13. Officials shall never participate in any form of illegal gambling on sports contest, may never gamble on any

sporting event in which they have either a direct or indirect involvement, and may never gamble on events

involving high school athletics.

14. Officials shall not make false or misleading statements regarding their qualifications, rating, credentials,

experience, training or competence.

15. Officials shall accept responsibility for all actions taken.

Section 14.2 – Conflict of Interest Policy for Sports Officials.

A conflict of interest is defined as a situation where loyalties are divided, perceived as divided or could be

potentially divided in the future. Examples of conflicts are listed below. Conflicts of interest, either direct or

indirect, particularly need to be avoided in games where standings are kept and in tournament games.

• Conflict of Interest – A real or seeming incompatibility between one’s private interests and one’s

public or fiduciary duties.

• Pecuniary Interest - An interest that an individual may have in a matter because of the reasonable

likelihood or expectation of financial gain or loss for that individual, or another person with whom that

individual is associated.

• Non-Pecuniary Interest - Family relationships, friendships, volunteer positions in associations or other

interests that do not involve the potential for financial gain or loss.

• Perceived Conflict of Interest – A perception by an informed person that a conflict of interest exists or

may exist.

It shall be assumed that all NHBUA members are professional and impartial in their judgment. If the umpire

has any question that a conflict of interest exists then it shall be deemed to be so.

It shall be the responsibility of the individual umpire to recognize potential conflicts and make the assignor

aware of them by “blocking” schools and by e-mail. The assignor can then make assignments minimizing

conflicts.

Unless the athletic directors of the schools involved in the contest and the assignor agree, no official shall

accept an assignment of a varsity contest if any of the following conditions exist:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. If the official is not a Member in Good Standing.

If the official or official’s spouse is employed by any school fielding a team involved in the contest.

If the official is related by blood or marriage (parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother, sister, in-

laws, etc.) to a person affiliated with a team involved in the contest.

If the official and any person affiliated with a team involved in a contest are former or present

teammates, roommates, classmates, business associates or close personal friends.

If the official or official’s spouse attended, worked or volunteered at either of the involved schools

within the last five years.

196. 7. If the official has a child attending school at one of the involved schools or a child who graduated from

one of the schools within the previous five years.

If there are other factors or relationships between the official and a participating school that, in the

judgment of the Assignor or the official, might give rise to the appearance of a conflict of interest.

An official must notify the Assignor of any actual, perceived or potential conflicts of interest prior to receipt of

game assignments. An official must notify the Assignor if he or she receives a schedule and determines a

conflict of interest exists. Additionally, every member of the NHBUA has a continuing obligation to notify the

association of any conflicts of interest that occur after the season has started.

In the event that no notice could be given due to unforeseen circumstances, the umpire involved shall not

umpire the plate, and will at the conclusion of the game, inform the Supervisor of the conflict.

APPENDIX “A’

EVALUATION FORMS

Available on-line www.nhbua.org - FORMS

APPENDIX "B"

EXPLANATION OF EVALUATION FORM

PLATE WORK

Stability of Head and Body Position

Establishes "locked in" position, does not drift (side/side, up/down). Does not flinch. Feet remain stable, providing solid

base. Maintains proper spacing from catcher. Eyes remain at horizontal with ground and do not dip as game wears on.

Head at proper height. Works in the "slot".

Timing

Does not anticipate pitch; Allows everything that can happen, to happen, before making DECISION, then makes a call.

Does not make a call as the ball is approaching the plate or crossing but after the catcher has caught the ball.

Style / Mechanics of Call

Gives clear authoritative signals; possesses smooth, relaxed styles that project confidence; coordinates voice and signals

to give a professional appearance. Does not showboat or change the mechanics of his call during the course of a game.

Voice is loud enough to be heard, but does not draw undue attention.

20Consistency of Strike Zone Throughout the Game

Maintains the same zone throughout the game and is the same for both teams.

Judgment and Interpretation of Strike Zone

Interprets and calls the zone to its written limits. Does not call "unhittable” pitches a strike nor does he have a zone that

is too small.

Crew Mechanics

Has a good knowledge of proper mechanics, rotates in the proper situations and is alert enough to adjust if his partner

should miss coverage.

Crew Communications

Proper use of verbal and non-verbal communications. Good eye contact with partner during developing plays.

BASE WORK

Style / Mechanics of Call

Gives clear authoritative signals; possesses smooth, relaxed styles that project confidence; coordinates voice and signals

to give a professional appearance. Does not showboat or change the mechanics of his call during the course of a game.

Voice is loud enough to be heard, but does not draw undue attention

Timing

Does not anticipate the play; allows everything that can happen, to happen, before making a DECISION.

Judgment of Calls

Is correct the vast majority of calls.

Mechanics

Has a good knowledge of proper mechanics and rotates in the proper situations and is alert enough to adjust if one of

his partner(s) misses coverage.

Crew Communications

Uses proper verbal and nonverbal communications. Establishes eye contact with partners between hitters and during

developing plays.

Reaction to Developing Plays

Exhibits knowledge and perception of how play will develop through correctly anticipating where, how and the speed at

which the play will occur.

GAME AND SITUATION MANAGEMENT

21Policies and Procedures

Adheres to all policies and procedures as outlined in the Association's Instructions to Umpires Guidebook.

Playing Rules

Adheres to and applies rules, accepted practices and interpretations detailed in the Baseball Rules Book.

Situation Management

Adheres to provisions of the Association's Instructions to Umpires Guidebook.

EFFORT AND PROFESSIONALISM

Focus

Consistent concentration on the crucial elements throughout the entire game. Includes being prepared for every pitch

and play, and attention to developing plays and situations. Must possess an awareness of all that is going on within a

game.

Hustle

Movement with a purpose during a play to get into proper position. The distance to be covered by the umpire will often

dictate the speed or method the umpire uses to get into position (i.e., running vs. jogging). Walking on the field is not an

acceptable technique unless the distance is so short that running is not practical (e.g., moving into position for a force

play or steal play; going out on a short fly ball or line drive; etc.).

Demeanor

Displays a conscientious and earnest desire to carry out on-field duties. Exhibits posture that reflects interest in the

game. It is taken for granted that during certain times in the game (between innings, pitching change, etc.) an umpire's

posture can be more relaxed, but not to the extent that a complete disinterest in the game is exhibited.

Appearance

Proper display of uniform and fit or athletic appearance within the uniform.

Mobility

Possesses physical ability to move into proper position on field.

Fraternization

Avoids excessive, casual and/or unnecessary conversation with uniformed personnel or spectators during the game.

22APPENDIX “C”

SUPERVISOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES

Member of the NHIAA Baseball Committee

• Three (3) required meetings a year

• Additional meetings maybe required, ex: classification of schools

• Act as the liaison between the NHBUA and the NHIAA

• Available to the Executive Director of the NHIAA for consultation on baseball related

situations

2. Member of the NHBUA Executive Board

• Three (3) required meeting a year

• Additional meetings maybe required

• Plan and conduct Mechanics Clinics in 2-man mechanics in coordination with the

Rules Interpreter during the pre-season

• Plan and conduct Mechanics Clinics in 3-man mechanics for the post-season

• Communicate periodically – sometimes daily- with membership on mechanics issues,

game management and other related matters

• A year-round responsibility

3. Disciplinary Responsibilities

• If NHBUA umpires do not conduct themselves in accordance with the standards of

the association

• Disqualifications involving players or coaches

• Protests

• Game incidents involving fans

4. Assignments – NHIAA Tournament

• Responsible for assigning games for all rounds of the tournament

• Make changes in personnel when necessary

• Consult with Regional Assignors when making tournament assignments235. Evaluations – Assist Performance Evaluator

• Identify umpires that need evaluation

• Perform evaluations when available statewide

• Coordinate with Performance Evaluator when making tournament assignments

6. Website Responsibility

• Assist Website Coordinator to maintain accurate information on the website

• Be proficient in using the Arbiter, email, and word processing programs

7. BUD Program

• Attend first meeting of new recruits and review with candidates the supervisor’s role

• Assist BUD Director when appropriate or needed

• Provide BUD Director with test materials

8. Supervisor/Rules Interpreter Coordination

• Supervisor must maintain a good working relationship with the Rules Interpreter

• Prepare annual test for members

• Coordinate mechanics/rules clinic dates and presentations