2016 UEFL Rules Summit Ballot and Voting

Voting is now open for the 2016 UEFL Rules Summit, following our discussion phase.

The following ballot includes a list of proposals for the 2017 UEFL Rules, including descriptions of each measure and the opportunity to cast a vote. Upon Commissioner approval, all proposals receiving a majority of votes, or a plurality where prescribed by Rule 8-3, will become rules for the 2017 UEFL season.

The Rules Summit ballot will close Tuesday, November 22, at 11:59 pm PT. A run-off ballot and/or election, if necessary will follow.

The 2016 Rules Summit includes 21 Rules proposals, one personnel issue, and six Appeals Board retention polls. Carefully consider the below options before submitting your ballot. You may vote in as many or as few polls as you wish; we will review voting records to determine ballot authenticity and adjust the record accordingly to account for suspicious or fraudulent activity or conduct. Click "read more" to access the ballot.

2015 UEFL Rules Summit Ballot and Voting

Voting for the 2015 UEFL Rules Summit is now underway following last week's discussion phase. It is now time to vote for proposals to amend the UEFL Rules Book in advance of the 2016 baseball season.

The following ballot includes a list of proposals, descriptions of each measure, and an opportunity to cast a vote. Upon Commissioner approval, all passing proposals will become rules for the 2015 UEFL season. The Rules Summit ballot also includes a section for the UEFL Appeals Board pursuant to UEFL Rule 6-4-a-4, which affords Appeals Board members the opportunity to sit for re-election during the annual Summit.

Proposals with two options (Yes/No) will pass upon receiving an absolute majority of votes cast while proposals with more than two options require a plurality, wherein the combination of votes cast for similar options in that specific poll has resulted in a simple majority in favor of the option gaining plurality. For more information on Rules Summit procedure, consult UEFL Rule 8-3.

The Rules Summit ballot will close Saturday, November 21, at 11:59 pm PST. A run-off ballot and/or election, if necessary, will follow.

The 2015 Rules Summit includes 12 polls related to proposals and five Appeals Board re-election polls. Carefully consider the below options before submitting your ballot. You may vote in as many or as few polls as you wish. We will review voting records to determine ballot authenticity and adjust the record accordingly to account for suspicious or fraudulent activity or misconduct. Click "read more" to access the ballot.

Polls: 2014 UEFL Rules Summit Voting

The Umpire Ejection Fantasy League announces 2014 Rules Summit voting, which follows the Summit's discussion phase. It is now time to vote for UEFL rules modifications in advance of the 2014 baseball season.

The following ballot includes a description of proposals and an opportunity to vote on each measure. Upon Commissioner approval, all passing proposals will become rules for the 2014 UEFL season. Pursuant to the terms of UEFL Rule 8-1, a proposal with two options (e.g., Yes/No) is considered passing if it receives an absolute majority.

The Rules Summit ballot will close Saturday, November 22, at 11:59 pm PST. A run-off ballot and/or election will follow, beginning the afternoon or evening of Sunday, November 23.

The 2014 Rules Summit includes 19 polls related to proposals and six Appeals Board re-election polls. Carefully consider the below options before submitting your ballot. As in years past, you may vote in as many or as few polls as you wish. Be advised we will review voting records to determine ballot authenticity, which includes allegations or suspicions of fraudulent activity or misconduct. Click "read more" or click here to access the ballot.

Polls: 2014 MLB Postseason Umpire Speculation Thread

With the 2014 MLB postseason on the horizon, umpire assignments take center stage in the UEFL. As the Wild Card assignment is crafted during this final week of the regular season, we consider assignments for the entire 2014 MLB postseason.

2012 World Series Umpire Brian O'Nora in his First Fall Classic
(Photo: "The Third Team," MLB Network)

Speculation Thread - Predict The Postseason
Wild Card (WC) - 2 Games - 12 Umpires
Division Series (DS) - 4 Series - 24 Umpires
Championship Series (CS) - 2 Series - 12 Umps
World Series (WS) - 1 Series - 6 Umpires

"Choose Your World Series Umpiring Crew" Poll
After a one-year absence, our World Series poll has returned. In the below poll (after the "read more" jump), all umpires eligible for a World Series assignment (e.g., the umpire has previously worked a League Championship Series) are listed. -cc indicates a regular season Crew Chief while an asterisk (*) indicates the umpire has not yet worked a World Series prior to 2014 and would accordingly be a Series rookie. New This Year: In the poll below, the year in parentheses represents the last year this umpire has worked a World Series. For instance, "Barrett, Ted ('11)" signifies that Ted Barrett last worked a World Series in 2011.

The 2013 World Series featured two World Series rookies (Mark Wegner and Paul Emmel), as did the 2012 World Series (Dan Iassogna and Brian O'Nora) and 2011 World Series (Greg Gibson, Ron Kulpa). On a similar note, the 2013 World Series featured three regular season crew chiefs and one who became a crew chief the following year (John Hirschbeck [WS -cc], Dana DeMuth, Jim Joyce; Bill Miller was appointed to Crew Chief for the 2014 season), as did 2012 (Gerry Davis [WS -cc], Brian O'Nora, Joe West; Fieldin Culbreth was made a Crew Chief in 2013).

Per the World Umpires Association's 2009 CBA with MLB, umpires are now eligible to work two, but not three, consecutive World Series. Since this policy came into play, however, no umpire has worked two consecutive World Series. The 2013 World Series crew was John Hirschbeck -cc, Mark Wegner, Dana DeMuth, Paul Emmel, Bill Miller and Jim Joyce.

Final Results: 2013 UEFL Rules Summit

Final results for the 2013 UEFL Rules Summit are in. The Umpire Ejection Fantasy League announces the following rules changes for the 2014 UEFL Season. The results of the Summit have been referred to the UEFL Rules Committee for formal codification and adoption (the 2014 UEFL Rules will be released prior to standard registration, by February 2014):

3-3-a: Incorporation of Instant Replay Challenges (Crew Chiefs), pending MLB adoption of expanded replay.
➤ Points as follows... Upheld/Correct: +1, Overturned/Incorrect: -1 (40%; 35% [+1, +0]; 16% [+.5,-.5])

4-2-b/c: Instant Replay Review (Challenge) ejections will be treated similarly to umpire consultation ejections.
4-7: Incorporation of Instant Replay Challenges (Primary/Secondary Umpires), pending MLB adoption.
➤ Points as follows... Upheld/Correct: +1, Overturned/Incorrect: -1 (44%; 19% [+2, -1]; 16% [+1, -0])

6-1: Filing an appeal will be restricted to UEFL members with no restriction on # of appeals/season 23%).
➤ Points for Original Ruling Upheld (appeal unsuccessful): -1 (65%; vs. 33% [-0] vs. 2% [-2])
➤ Points for Original Ruling Overturned (appeal successful): +1 (56%; vs. 44% [+0])
6-5-b-8: If, after appeal, the Original Ruling is overturned, the post shall be edited to reflect the revised Ruling.
6-5-c: Pitch count descriptors will be assigned to define the "realistic effect" or difference ball/strike QOC.

2014 UEFL Appeals Board: Gil, Jeremy, RichMSN, tmac, BT_Blue, Turducken, [vacancies via '14 election]

Thank you all for participating in the 2013 UEFL Rules Summit and we'll see you in 2014. Now stay tuned for the December feature, "Top 25 Ejections of 2013" as well as quasi-weekly updates on ejections around the sports world, including the Australian Baseball League (ABL) and Caribbean Winter Leagues, featuring MiLB umpires such as Ryan Blakney, Ben May, Jon Saphire (Venezuela); Kelvin Bultron (Roberto Clemente); Jonathan Bailey and Adam Hamari (Dominican). Former MLB fill-in umpire Delfin Colon (Roberto Clemente) and WBC alumns such as Paul Hyham (Australia), Carlos Rey and Jair Fernandez (Mexicana del Pacifico) also work these winter ball leagues.

Results: 2013 Rules Summit

The Umpire Ejection Fantasy League's 2013 Rules Summit has concluded its first round of voting. The following includes a list of proposals and initiatives which have been adopted and those rejected or subject to further review by the UEFL Office of the Commissioner. These proposals are now rules and will take immediate effect.

**The 2013 Summit has resulted in the necessitation of a run-off vote. Click here to jump to this ballot.**

Key: Measures in bold have passed and are now rules. Proposals in italics did not pass and are not adopted.

3-3-a: Crew Chief Points, Incorrect Call (49%). CC QOC points structure will remain at 2013 levels.
3-3-b: Crew Chief Points, Instant Replay Challenge (68%). Points to be determined via run-off ballot.

4-2-b/c: Instant Replay Review and Consultation (98%). IR added to instances of "umpire consultation."
4-4-i: Active Duty Death and the Wally Bell Memorial Award (49%). Addressed on case-by-case basis.
4-7: Instant Replay Challenges (84%). Now tracking IR. Points to be determined via run-off ballot.

6-1: Restriction on Appeal Eligibility (80%). Only UEFL'ers may file appeal. Terms via run-off ballot.
6-1: Refiling or Re-Challenging a Ruling (45%). Appeals may only be filed once per ejection(s) event.
6-2-b-5-c: Throwing of Equipment as Irrecusable (50%). Addressed on case-by-case basis.
6-2-b-5-d: Check Swings as Irrecusable (30%). Check swings assigned QOC status, as previous.
6-5-b-8: Post-Appeal Editing of Original Post (82%). Description must reflect revised QOC.
6-5-c: Defining the Realistic Different Outcome (56%). Pitch count descriptors assigned for QOC.
8-3: Entry Fee (22%). UEFL remains free to join.

Appeals-1: BT_Blue (71%). BT_Blue is elected to the 2014 Appeals Board.
Appeals-2: RichMSN (90%). RichMSN is elected to the 2014 Appeals Board.
Appeals-3: tmac (84%). tmac is elected to the 2014 Appeals Board.
Appeals-4: Turducken (79%). Turducken is elected to the 2014 Appeals Board.

Registration for the 2014 UEFL, Appeals Board nomination and sign up information, including information regarding the Crew, Primary and Secondary Umpires' drafts, will be available by February 2014.

Click the below "Read more" link to access the run-off election ballot. It will close Thursday at 11:59 PM PT.

Polls: 2013 UEFL Rules Summit Voting

The Umpire Ejection Fantasy League announces 2013 Rules Summit voting, which follows the Summit's discussion phase. It is now time to vote for UEFL rules modifications in advance of the 2014 baseball season.

The following ballot includes a description of proposals and an opportunity to vote on each measure. Upon Commissioner approval, all passing proposals will become rules for the 2014 UEFL season. Pursuant to the terms of UEFL Rule 8-1, a proposal with two options (e.g., Yes/No) is considered passing if it receives an absolute majority.

The Rules Summit ballot will close Saturday, November 23, at 11:59 pm PST. A run-off ballot and/or election will follow, beginning the afternoon or evening of Sunday, November 24.

The 2013 Rules Summit includes five proposals with 16 polls. Carefully consider the below options before submitting your ballot. As in years past, you may vote in as many or as few polls as you wish. Be advised we will review voting records to determine ballot authenticity, which includes allegations or suspicions of fraudulent activity or misconduct. Click "read more" or click here to access the ballot.

Results: 2012 Rules Summit

The Umpire Ejection Fantasy League's 2012 Rules Summit has concluded its first round of voting. The following includes a list of proposals and initiatives which have been adopted and those rejected or subject to further review by the UEFL Office of the Commissioner. These proposals are now rules and will take immediate effect. To view the unabridged 2013 UEFL Rules Book, click here or visit the "UEFL Rules Book" tab on the UEFL Portal.

**The 2012 Summit has resulted in the necessitation of a run-off vote. Click here to jump to this ballot.**

Key: Measures in bold have passed and are now rules. Proposals in italics did not pass and are not adopted.

1-3: Addition of Second Primary Umpire (55%). UEFL'ers will draft 1 Chief + 2 Primary + 2 Secondary.
1-4-a: Abolition of Permutation Restriction (56%). UEFL'ers' secondary umpires may now be identical.

4-2-b: Modification to Eliminate Loss of Points (40%). QOC points structure will remain at 2012 levels.

5-3: Tie-Breaker Procedure (72%). The three proposed tie-breaker criteria have been adopted.

6-1: Required Charge of Appeal (82%). The UEFL will now require challengers to post reasons for appeal.
6-2-b-2: Miller Rule Unit Conversion (72%). Units will now appear in feet as opposed to norm_ht.
6-4-a-4: Codification of Voting Systems (73%). UEFL & Board voting procedures will now be codified.
6-5-c: Pitching Change Exemption (72%). The proposed exemption has been adopted.
6-5-c-3: Irrecusable QOC Penalty (45%). QOC points structure will remain at 2012 levels.
6-6-b-5-c: Equipment Throwing QOC (42%). Current format has been preserved.
6-6-b-8: "Scott Rule" (41%). QOC will not be deemed irrecusable by default for applicable ejections.

7-2: Box Score Errors (80%). Clearly erroneous official information may now be corrected.

8-1: Posting Guidelines (93%). Rudimentary guidelines and moderation standards have been established.
8-1: *Posting Anon vs. Username* (28 vs. 56%). Sent to UEFL Rules Committee for further review.

Appeals-1: *Albertaumpire* (50% [Simple]). Run-off sua sponte. All voters may cast one ballot (Y/N).
Appeals-2: RichMSN (69%). RichMSN is elected to the 2013 Appeals Board.
Appeals-3: tmac (73%). tmac is elected to the 2013 Appeals Board.
Appeals-4: yawetag (54%). yawetag is elected to the 2013 Appeals Board.

Please note that preliminary registration for the 2013 UEFL has begun and may be accessed using this form. Standard registration, appeals board nomination and sign up information, including information regarding the Crew, Primary and Secondary Umpires' drafts, will be available in February 2013. If you have filled out a preliminary registration, you will receive an e-mail at that time.

Click the below "Read more" link to access the run-off election ballot. It will close Thursday at 11:59 PM PT.

Polls: 2012 UEFL Rules Summit Voting

The Umpire Ejection Fantasy League announces 2012 Rules Summit voting following the Summit's discussion phase. It is now time to vote for UEFL rules modifications in advance of the 2013 baseball season.

The following includes a description of proposals and includes the option to fill out and submit a ballot. Upon Commissioner approval, all passing proposals (any plurality, wherein more than two options are present, or absolute majority, wherein no more than two options are present) will become rules for the 2013 UEFL season. The Rules Summit ballot will close Monday, November 12, at 12:01 am PST.

The 2012 Rules Summit includes seven proposals with 17 polls. Carefully consider the below options before submitting your ballot. You may vote in as many or as few polls as you wish.

Polls: 2012 World Series Umpire Speculation & Wish List

With just the World Series umpire crew yet to be announced, the UEFL opens the floor for the annual World Series umpire speculation & poll: From the Eligible List, choose your World Series Umpires (Select 6).

Note that the Eligible List includes only the 19 umpires eligible for practical World Series consideration. These umpires have (1) worked the 2012 Division Series and (2) worked a previous League Championship Series, though not a 2012 LCS.

Eligible umpires who worked the 2012 All-Star Game include: Davis (HP), Jim Joyce (1B) and Tony Randazzo (3B). In 2011, All-Star Game plate umpire Dale Scott worked the Division, but not World Series, while 1B Umpire Jerry Layne served as World Series crew chief. In 2010, ASG UIC Mike Reilly did not work the World Series, although 1B Umpire Mike Winters did. In 2009, ASG plate Dana DeMuth did work the Series, as did ASG 1B Brian Gorman. Davis, whose hadn't worked ASG since 2002, served as 2009 WS crew chief.

Spoiler/UEFL Newsbreak below:
*Today's UEFL unconfirmed story (10/13): Gerry Davis has been selected as World Series Crew Chief*
*Confirmed (10/18): Dan Iassogna and Brian O'Nora will umpire their first World Series this year*

In the below poll, -cc indicates a potential World Series crew chief while an asterisk (*) indicates the umpire has not yet worked a World Series prior to 2012 and would accordingly be a Series rookie. The 2011 World Series featured two WS rookies (Greg Gibson, Ron Kulpa) as did 2010 (Sam Holbrook, Bill Miller), though the 2009 crew all had previous World Series experience, breaking MLB's trend of incorporating first-timers (2007 & 2008 had three rookies each while 2004, '05 and '06 featured two newcomers).

Following the 2009 season, major league owners ratified a new CBA with the World Umpires Association that would allow for umpire eligibility to work two, but not three, consecutive World Series. Since 2009, no umpire has worked two conescutive World Series, though Alfonso Marquez, who worked both the 2011 World Series and 2012 Division Series, accordingly remains eligible for 2012 World Series consideration.

Press Box Ejections: MiLB Umpire Mario Seneca Orders DJ Removed From Single-A Cubs Game

"HP Umpire Mario Seneca ejected Daytona Cubs DJ Derek Dye for playing 'Three Blind Mice' after a close call at first base, #MiLB A Advanced," so read the SportEjections twitter feed's most recent (and most favorited + retweeted) tweet at 6:38 PM on August 1.

File: Professional Baseball (MiLB) Umpire Mario Seneca

With none out and none on in the top of the 8th inning of Wednesday's Florida State League contest between the Fort Myers Miracle and Daytona Cubs, Miracle batter Andy Leer hit a ground ball off of Cubs pitcher Scott Weismann to shortstop Tim Saunders, who threw low to first baseman Taylor Davis. After Davis attempted to snare the dirt-bound ball, which at some point fell out of Davis' glove, 1B Umpire Ramon Hernandez ruled Davis had bobbled the ball, resulting in a throwing error charged to Saunders and batter-runner Leer arriving at first base safely.

As Cubs manager Brian Harper visited Hernandez to argue the lack of possession call, Daytona Cubs deejay intern Derek Dye cued up a baseball organ version of "Three Blind Mice" to play over the Jackie Robinson Ballpark P.A. system. While Hernandez was engaged with Harper, his partner, umpire-in-chief Mario Seneca recognized the childhood tune and knew exactly what he had to do. (Video: Inappropriate Song Plays, Dye Tossed)

If only Dye—an intern from the University of Illinois—was a bit more experienced or versed in stadium entertainment audio operations, he would have known that "Three Blind Mice" was a baseball no-no, a discipline-worthy offense backed by nearly three decades of precedent and past practice.

Ejection Temper Tantrum: A Case Study of Joe Mikulik

Asheville Tourists manager Joe Mikulik, famous for his 2006 ejection & temper tantrum, has done it again, this time arguing a call on the basepaths. (Video: Mikulik ejected, throws items, steals third, etc.)

Tourists manager Joe Mikulik during his 2006 ejection.

In the top of the 1st inning of Friday's Tourists-RiverDogs contest at Charleston, Tourists baserunner R2 Cito Culver was caught in a brief rundown, declared safe by 1B Umpire Mike Patterson after avoiding the tag of RiverDogs third baseman Dante Bichette enroute to a stolen base (two umpire mechanics were used for this standard Single-A contest, giving Patterson calling responsibility; Alex Ziegler was the home plate umpire). Though replays are inconclusive as to whether the tag was successfully applied or missed—though replays indicate Culver was at no time out of the basepath—Mikulik vehemently argued the call before being ejected by Patterson.

While Patterson calmy shook his head and repeated the word, "no," Mikulik employed histrionic gesture after verbal onslaught, at several points kicking dirt, throwing his hat and dislodging and picking up third base before handing the bag to a spectator and tipping his cap to the crowd before exiting into the Asheville dugout.

Polls: Best, Worst MLB Umpire; Least/Most Loved Team

"Who's the best umpire in MLB?" This fantasy league is decidedly objective: From Quality of Correctness to video analysis and discussion—not to mention the nine-item UEFL Rules Book—the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League is very much calculated and sterile for a sport an activity that is very much irrational and emotional.

Still, D May wants to know: "Do you have a ranking or tracking of best umpires or most screwed managers/players?"

How objectively subjective.

In our 2011 Poll: All-Star Umpires, the UEFL membership voted more often for Jim Joyce (45%; 2009 Umpire of the Year, 2010 Honorable Umpire of the Year) than for any other umpire. Following Joyce were Jim Wolf (42%; 2010-11 Noteworthy Umpire of the Year), Tim McClelland (35%), Ted Barrett (26%), Tim Tschida (25%), Dale Scott (25%), Jeff Nelson (25%; 2011 Umpire of the Year), Alfonso Marquez (21%; 2011 Honorable Umpire of the Year), Gerry Davis (20%; 2011 Crew Chief of the Year), Dan Iassogna (19%), Mark Wegner (18%) and Tom Hallion (18%).

As for the "most screwed" players and managers, Dodgers skipper Don Mattingly has made the "Ejection QOC = Incorrect" list three times in 2012, though he has also been ejected more than any other player or coach (four times, though 3/4 is a pretty high "Incorrect" rate). Following Mattingly is Mike Matheny (two Incorrect QOCs). In 2011, Joe Maddon and Brad Mills tied with two INC QOCs apiece for "most screwed."

MLB Announces Second Wild Cards, Added Playoff Game: How This Affects Umpire Ejection Fantasy League

Umpire Ejection Fantasy League: Help us decide how MLB's expanded postseason and second wild cards will impact the UEFL in 2012

After several days of speculation, Major League Baseball sent out an official press release, announcing their much-anticipated plan of expanding the postseason to 10 teams in 2012, as opposed to eight, which was the 2011 model. The additional two teams will be comprised of a second Wild Card, one in each league (AL/NL).

The UEFL has long attributed points for postseason umpiring assignments according to the following schedule:

+1 point for a Division Series appearance (+2 for DS Crew Chief)
+2 points for a Championship Series appearance (+3 for CS Crew Chief)
+3 points for a World Series appearance (+4 for WS Crew Chief)

Current Poll: With the new Wild Card playoff game—which is officially and technically part of the postseason, it is not a Game 163 tiebreaker—how should the UEFL attribute postseason points?
Option A: WC = 1 point, DS = 1 point, CS = 2 points, WS = 3 points, -cc = +1 point (any assignment)
Option B: WC = 1, DS = 1, CS = 2, WS = 3, -cc = +1 (DS, CS and WS, but not WC)
Option C: WC = 1, DS = 2, CS = 3, WS = 4, -cc = +1 (any assignment)
Option D: WC = 0 [nothing], DS = 1, CS = 2, WS = 3, -cc +1 (any assignment, including WC)
Option E: WC = 0 [nothing], DS = 1, CS = 2, WS = 3, -cc +1 (DS, CS and WS, but not WC)

In essence, Options A, B, D and E maintain our present DS/CS/WS points structures, Option C adds a point to preserve the sliding scale, Option D only recognizes the WC crew chief and Option E recognizes none of the WC umpires.
*WC = Wild Card, DS = Division Series, CS = Championship Series, WS = World Series, -cc = Crew Chief

How should the UEFL attribute Wild Card postseason play-in assignment points (Rule 4-3)?

Polls: 2011 Rules Summit

The Umpire Ejection Fantasy League has concluded its week-long Rules Summit discussion and now it is time to vote for rules modifications and additions as we continue our preparations for the 2012 baseball season.

The following matters have been proposed during the Rules Summit discussion this past week and are now ready for a membership vote. You will notice several polls within this post, one for each proposed rule modification. Each poll carries its own set of instructions, including whether you may select one or multiple options. Please consider your options and vote prudently: upon Commissioner approval, all passing proposals will become rules for the 2012 UEFL season. The Rules Summit polls will close Monday, November 21, at 12:01 am PST.

Proposal 1: Restructuring the Primary and Secondary Umpires

• Poll 1: Shall the UEFL expand to four drafted umpires? This would result in the drafting of a crew chief, who would receive one point for any non-incorrect ejection by any person on said crew chief's crew (incorrect ejections would receive zero points). The primary umpire would remain and the secondary umpire would be expanded to two secondary umpires.
• Poll 2: Shall the UEFL employ an injury provision? If so, how shall this system function? This would result in the replacement of an umpire mid-season if said umpire becomes injured.
• Poll 3: Shall draft order be pre-assigned? Shall the secondary draft be conducted in a live format? This would result in a preseason process to determine draft order. League signups would need to be completed by the beginning of March in order to create and distribute this draft order.

Proposal 2: Creation of a UEFL Appeals Board

• Poll 4: Shall an Appeals Board be created? This would result in the creation of a 3/5/7 person board which would routinely rule on QOC challenges.

Proposal 3: Elimination of the Post-Inning Exemption, Balls/Strikes Exemptions

• Poll 5: Shall the post-inning exemption be removed from the rules? This would result in all post-inning ejections (other than ejections regarding the third out) to be ruled unsportsmanlike.

Proposal 4: Elimination of QOC for "6.b.ii.e" Unsportsmanlike/Throwing/Fighting and Check Swing Ejections

• Poll 6: Shall QOC be eliminated from "6.b.ii.e" ejections? This would result in only two base points per ejection (three for a AAA umpire), instead of four or five (2+2=4 becomes 2+0=2).
• Poll 7: Shall QOC be eliminated from check swing ejections? This would result in only two base points per ejection and the elimination of determining QOC for check swing calls.

Proposal 5: UEFL Posting Guidelines and Commissioners as League Participants

• Poll 8: Shall posting guidelines be adopted? This would add standard guidelines for acceptable/unacceptable posts and comments.
• Poll 9: Shall Commissioners be permitted to participants in the UEFL? This would allow UEFL Commissioners to draft umpires and participate in the league. Commissioner picks would remain mutually exclusive from one another and commissioners would be prohibited from ruling on their owned umpires' ejections and participating in case play discussions.

Polls 1-9: You may place your vote below using the following polls
If the following polls do not load, you may use the following links to access the polls: Poll 1, Poll 2, Poll 3, Poll 4, Poll 5, Poll 6, Poll 7, Poll 8, Poll 9.

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Polls: Incidental Contact

In most sports, such as baseball, the referee or umpire is considered in play, part of the playing area. Baseball's positioning of an umpire directly behind a catcher, straddling or right next to a foul line, or on the fringe of the infield grass occasionally results in a ball hitting an umpire or a player/umpire collision. Sometimes that results in interference & a base reward; sometimes, it doesn't. Anonymous writes:

Also from last night, the Giants second baseman Fontenot, while attempting to field a ball up the middle, ran full speed into an immovable object named Bruce Dreckman...Fortenot should have been called for clipping.

This isn't the first time Dreckman has found himself in between the defense and a routine ground ball.

Previous Poll (Tribute Uniforms) Results: Our previous poll, Polls: Tribute Uniforms, asked what should be allowed or not allowed in wearing a patch or other item of apparel as a tribute. Combining your votes on the blog and on our Facebook page, we note a preference for national, standardized tributes (Total Votes: 111):

• National tributes allowed, normal size/color/etc restrictions - 31% - The most popular response allows for full-team tributes for national/global reasons, provided proper decorum is maintained.
• Personal tributes only with league approval - 24% - About 1/4 agree that personal, non-national/global tributes need to receive league permission before they would be allowed.
• National tributes only with league approval - 20% - 1/5 think national tributes should be subject to this league permission only requirement.
• Personal tributes allowed, normal size/color/etc restrictions - 17% - Slightly less than half of those who would allow national tributes that maintain proper decorum would allow similar personal tributes.
• They should always be allowed, no restrictions - 15% - This would mean any uniform alteration would be allowed, as long as tribute is cited as the motivation.
• Tributes only allowed via league directive - 12% - On the other hand, this means only the league would authorize tributes by telling their teams what to wear.
• Tributes never allowed - 5% - A clear minority want to preserve standard uniforms, no exceptions.

Current Poll: Have you ever been hit by a ball or player attempting to make a play (select all that apply)? Have you "pulled a Dreckman"? Discussion point: Could Dreckman have done anything differently to avoid this contact while inside at "B" or was he simply unlucky?

Have you ever been hit by a ball or player making a play?

Polls: Tribute Uniforms

All sports' rules books contain provisions on uniforms that a team or individual may wear during play. While at the amateur levels of youth, high school, or even college ball, these rules or guidelines may be varied, uniform rules at the professional level tend to portray amateur uniform rules as lax by comparison. MLB is no different: Rules 1.11-1.17 comprise MLB's uniform and equipment guidelines, such as Rule 1.11(a), which reads, "all players on a team shall wear uniforms identical in color, trim and style." Specific allowances are made for equipment, such as gloves or protective helmets, as well as approved logos or patches.

Previous Poll (Instant Replay) Results: Our previous poll, Polls: Instant Replay, asked what should be reviewable under MLB Instant Replay, and how replay should be conducted. Combining your votes on the blog and on our Facebook page, we see a trend toward limited replay (Total Votes: 221):

• Nothing (No Replay) - 19% - Almost 1/5 of all UEFL'ers want replay out of baseball.
• HR/Boundary (Current Rules) - 68% - About seven of 10 UEFL'ers like being able to review boundary calls.
• Fair/Foul (Field of Play) - 36% - More than one of three of us would like to rectify another Twins-Yankees Cuzzi call.
• HBP/Foul - 33% - A third of the group would like to review close hit batsman or foul ball plays.
• Safe/Out (Catch/Trap) - 30% - Three of 10 people would like to be able to use replay here. However, placing runners on an overturned call may introduce further complications.
• Safe/Out (Force/Time AND Tag) - 25% - A full fourth would like to be able to take a second look at bang-bang plays.
• Interference/Obstruction - 16% - Perhaps this would solve who started what... Makes you wonder what percent of votes "Fighting" would get.
• -- And how to conduct review? --
• No challenges, only officials can elect to use replay (current MLB) - 26% like the way it is now.
• Teams receive a # of challenges (LLWS, NFL >2min) - 25% - Basically, the same number of people would like to offer challenges.
• Replay/5th Umpire buzzes CC to halt play while Replay Booth conducts review (NCAA FB) - 19% would like to visit the college system with a 5th official in the press box.
• Replay/5th Umpire buzzes CC to have CC do the review (NFL <2min) - 11% prefer to keep the decision making with the on field officials.
• -- Recall 19% voted for "No Replay," which accounts for the remainder, up to 100% --
• 5th Umpire added to crew (3B-2B-1B-HP-Replay) - 26% want to add the position.
• Non-Umpire replay judge is hired to conduct reviews (NHL) - 13% want that type of separation.
• CC will continue to leave field to watch replay/no added persons - 13% want to keep current numbers.

Current Poll: What are your thoughts on tribute uniforms as they relate to uniform codes and rules? Consider any level of play you feel is appropriate, select all options that apply. The NFL relaxed its tight hold on uniform restrictions this weekend to accommodate teams' requests to pay tribute to the 10th anniversary of 9/11/01. By contrast, however, MLB sent out a league-wide memo which basically denied a Mets request to wear NYPD, NYFD, and PAPD hats on September 11, 2011. When they wore the hats in 2001, the Mets were fined by MLB for the uniform violation. MLB Executive Vice President for Baseball Operations Joe Torre told the Associated press it was his decision: "Certainly it's not a lack of respect," Torre said. "We just felt all the major leagues are honoring the same way with the American flag on the uniform and the cap. This is a unanimity thing."

Tribute Uniforms and Rules... Your Thoughts?

Polls: Instant Replay

With the Little League World Series underway, we have seen several plays determined via instant replay. Safe/Out (time/tag), Fair/Foul, HBP/Batted Ball: these issues have all been decided this LLWS by coach's challenge and instant replay, the outcome of which is determined solely by a replay official (7th official... LLWS uses a six man crew, which can cause problems when the 3B Umpire calls a ball "foul" and the LF Umpire calls the same ball "fair"). Over the past few years, Little League has certainly expanded replay at the World Series level.

Previous Poll (Toughest Calls) Results: Our previous poll, Polls: Toughest Calls, asked what is the toughest call to make in baseball. Combining your votes on the blog and on our Facebook page, we see a few popular answers. For the purposes of which level of ball these ejections occur in, we refer to Polls: Umpiring Experience, in which most UEFL'ers umpire organized youth (including High School) leagues (Total Votes: 251):

• Balls/Strikes: Check Swing - 26% - With so many different codes calling for so many different interpretations of what it means to attempt to strike a baseball, it's no wonder "check swing" lands in the top spot.
• Balk - 15% - If a double play is a pitcher's best friend, a balk is his rival. From the slightest start-stop-flinch to the failure to step directly towards a base, the balk call is the second toughest to make.
• Safe/Out: Tagging the Runner - 14% - When a fielder has to contort himself to attempt to tag out a runner who himself is trying to avoid this contact, angles often are destroyed. With no surefire way to tell where a tag is coming from, safe/out: tagging the runner is the third toughest call in the game.
• Safe/Out: Lob to Base - 10% - On a routine safe/out throw to first base, umpires generally get into a position with an optimum angle, listen for the glove/base, and render a verdict. Like tagging the runner, a lob to a base has the potential for throwing off the angle, surely takes away any sound clues, and quite often occurs on the opposite side of the fielder, making the lob a tough call to make.
• Interference/Obstruction - 10% - In many other team ball/puck sports (basketball, football, hockey), an official must train to routinely watch off ball activity. In baseball, this is the exception as most calls are made on the ball rather than on the player. Judging who impeded whom is therefore another tough call in baseball.
• Safe/Out: Foot Race, Force Out - 6% - Which foot belongs to which player? Once this is established, this tough call becomes a whole lot easier.
• Balls/Strikes: Pitched Ball - 5% - This most commonly made call in a game is not always an easy one, especially when establishing a new vertical zone for each pitch and keeping track of that outer edge of home plate.
• The Least Difficult Call: HR/No HR - 1% - When MLB introduced instant replay, they confined it to determining HR/Boundary calls. According to this poll, HR/No HR calls are the easiest calls to make in baseball (or more accurately, the HR/No HR call is easier to make than any other on this list). Then again, most of our respondents' stadiums likely don't have sharp angles and spectators sitting within inches of and on top of the outfield fence.

Current Poll: What should be reviewable under MLB Instant Replay? And how? As mentioned above, Little League has expanded replay to encompass many different types of plays. Should MLB follow suit partially or fully, why, and how? Select all options that apply, including options that indicate how instant replay should be handled (procedures, administration, etc.) in MLB. The top options include various types of plays. The bottom options include various procedural and administrative options. Feel free to comment as well if you have more detail to add.

What should be reviewable under MLB Instant Replay? And how should replay be conducted (if applicable)?

Polls: Toughest Calls

The Umpire Ejection Fantasy League routinely rules on Quality of Correctness, and for the majority of ejections we see, the umpire is right & QOC is correct. In today's world of replay technology, pitch f/x, and infinite interpretation, there seems to always be a probable QOC to determine: rarely is the "inconclusive" QOC used. Still, for the umpire on the field, who has one chance in real time, there is no luxury of contemplation: terms such as "impedes the fielder," "voluntary release," or "naturally associated with" must be deeply and completely ingrained; the play must fully be seen the first time. In this poll, we'll ask for the most difficult play to call, but first...

Previous Poll (Most Often Ejection) Results: Our previous poll, Polls: He Gone, asked who you eject most often when you eject a person. Combining your votes on the blog and on our Facebook page, we see a strong trend. For the purposes of which level of ball these ejections occur in, we refer to Polls: Umpiring Experience, in which most UEFL'ers umpire organized youth (including High School) leagues (Total Votes: 231):

• Managers & Coaches - 62% - Especially at the organized youth levels (from Little League to High School), coaches are the unquestionable captains of the ship. As such, coaches tend to be the team representative to have the most interaction with umpires over close calls and tough plays. This simply gives coaches the greatest chance of being ejected. This isn't to say that coaches aren't ejected at the recreational (unorganized), adult, or professional levels, but coach ejections tend to comprise a larger proportion of those ejected most often in organized youth & school sport.
• Players - 31% - On the field, players outnumber coaches anywhere from 5-9:1, yet according to our poll at our levels and in our proportions, their "most often ejected" numbers are only half of their coaches' respective numbers. This reflects the notion above, that players give way to coaches, that players at these levels by and large behave more politely, and that players are still in it to have fun, rather than to win or make money (at the amateur level, let's at least hope that last one is true).
• Spectator: Parent - 6% - Backing the notion that players are well behaved and they leave arguments to the adults, it appears parents at times feel responsibility in speaking for their children. Parents by and large tend to be ejected (or removed) from their younger child's games, wherein the association between parent ejection #s and player's age tends to be inversely proportional.
• Spectator: Other - <1% - Simply put, fans are fans, and by the time fans care who care about the team rather than the team's players (their children) enter into the picture, the stands are probably far enough removed, the number of fans far more significant, and the ambient noise loud enough, that the umpire doesn't notice any particular individual of this variety of fan as much.

Current Poll: In your opinion, of the following what is the most difficult call to make? You may consider any level of ball in which you have worked or have observed/watched and you may place yourself at any position in which you believe you would have primary responsibility for such a call (e.g., HP, 1B, or 3B for Check Swings, 2B for Lob to Base, etc.).

What is the toughest call to make?

Polls: He Gone

Last poll, we created an Umpire Ejection Fantasy League with UEFL'ers as the umpires. This week, we continue the UEFL: You Edition with another ejection question, but first let's review our last poll.

Previous Poll (Average Ejection Rate) Results: Our previous poll, Polls: Ejection Rate, asked what your own personal ejection rate is, on average. Combining your votes on the blog and on our Facebook page, we see that most umpires use the ejection sparingly and after many other means of reasoning and communication have proved fruitless. Here is your average ejection rate, along with some comparative MLB Active, Retired/DL, *AAA Fill-in/Replacement*, and Hall of Fame Umpire rates both past and present (Total Votes: 307):

• Once Every 50+ Games - 28% - Some MLB Umpires who fall into the 50+ range: Emmett Ashford (1 ejection per 90 games worked), Tim Welke (1 per 90), Don Denkinger (1 per 88), Doug Harvey (1 per 85), Jim Wolf (1 per 80), Mike Reilly (1 per 75), CB Bucknor (1 per 74), Jeff Kellogg (1 per 70), Jim Joyce (1 per 65), Al Barlick (1 per 60), Jerry Crawford (1 per 51), Bruce Froemming (1 per 51).
• Once Every 30-50 Games - 16% - Some MLB Umpires who fall into the 30-50 range: Tim Keefe (1 per 49)`, Cal Hubbard (1 per 44), Ted Barrett (1 per 42), Shag Crawford (1 per 41), Tim Tschida (1 per 41), Tom Connolly (1 per 38), Tom Hallion (1 per 35), Dan Iassogna (1 per 34), *Angel Campos (1 per 33)*, Jocko Conlan (1 per 32), Rob Drake (1 per 30), *D.J. Reyburn (1 per 30)*.
• Once Every 25-29 Games - 10% - In 2010, the average umpire ejected a person approximately once every 30 games.* Some MLB Umpires who fall into the 25-30 range: Joe West (1 per 29), Tim Timmons (1 per 28), Hunter Wendelstedt (1 per 27), Angel Hernandez (1 per 27), Bill Hohn (1 per 26), Doug Eddings (1 per 26).
• Once Every 20-24 Games - 8% - Some MLB Umpires who fall into the 20-24 range: Bob Davidson (1 per 23), Cy Rigler (1 per 22), Ray DiMuro (1 per 20)*.
• Once Every 15-19 Games - 7% - Some Umpires who fall into the 15-19 range: Bill Klem (1 per 19), *Casey Moser (1 per 19)*^, *Andy Anderson (1 per 19)*^, Silk O'Loughlin (1 per 18), Ed Andrews (1 per 17), Augie Guglielmo (1 per 17), Bud Lally (1 per 15)^, Chief Zimmer (1 per 15).
• Once Every 10-14 Games - 7% - Bob Davidson, who led the League with 10 ejections last season, averaged one ejection per 13 games in 2010. In 2010, MLB experienced an ejection an average of once every 12.1 games.* Some Umpires who fall into the 10-14 range: Charles Mitchell (1 per 11)^, Lord Byron (1 per 10), Garnet Bush (1 per 10).
• I have never ejected a person - 6% - Some Umpires who fall into this category: Ron Barnes (0 per 352), Mike Walsh (0 per 304), *Darren Spagnardi (0 per 91)*, *Dave Aschwege (0 per 47)*
• N/A - I don't umpire - 6% - Consistent with our previous polling (Polls: Umpiring Experience), a single digit percentage of UEFL'ers have never umpired (we salute you!)
• Once Every 7-9 Games - 2% - Marty Foster, who led the League with 14 ejections in 2005, averaged one ejection per 9 games in 2005. He averaged one ejection per 35 games in 2010. Some Umpires who fall into the 7-9 range: Oyster Burns (1 per 9)^, *Don January (1 per 7)*^&%, *Hank Rountree (1 per 7)*^, *Darrel Mason (1 per 7)*^&%, *Frank Ballina (1 per 7)*^&%.
• Once Every 2-6 Games - 2% - Some Umpires who fall into the 2-6 range: Clarence Eldridge (1 per 6)^%, *Mark Widlowski (1 per 5 [Ejection occurred in his 4th MLB game])*^&%, *Larry Walding (1 per 5 [Ejection occurred in his 4th MLB game])*^&%, Phil Baker (1 per 5 [Ejection occurred in his 5th and final game, 1889])^&, Jack Doyle (1 per 4)^.
• Once a Game - 1% - Really? I wonder if some votes are from some of those who responded "Pro (at least one MLB Game)" in Polls: Umpiring Experience...

^Indicates a sample size less than 100 games.
`Tim Keefe was selected to the Hall of Fame as a player.
&These Umpires worked less than 10 games at the Big League Level and had only one ejection each.
%Ballina, January, Mason, Walding & Widlowski additionally all worked the final week of April through May 2, 1995 during an umpires' lock-out.
*Notice the apparent disparity in average rates of ejection between Umpire and Game. With the average umpire ejecting once per ≈ 30 games & the average ejection occurring once per ≈ 12 games, what accounts for this difference? Here's your clue: "AAA."

Interesting Facts:
Has an umpire ever worked only one AL/NL/MLB game and ejected someone in that game? Yes. In 1907, Boston Doves pitcher (and former postal carrier) Vive Lindaman, working as a field umpire, ejected Superbas shortstop Phil Lewis after "a long wrangle" in the top of the 13th of the Superbas-Doves game (the second of a double-header). The Superbas eventually beat the Doves 4-3 (and swept the series). Lindaman never umpired again.
Fastest 1st Ejection, "Big Name" Umpire: Rick Reed ejected Indians Manager Jeff Torborg in Reed's first ever MLB game.
Most All Time Ejections: Bill Klem called for an ejection 279 times over the course of his storied career.
Fewest All Time Ejections: During the 1890s and 1900s, many players and coaches took turns umpiring a few games each without producing ejections. Since then, many umpires have likewise never ejected a soul.
Most Games Worked with Fewest Ejections: Ron Barnes worked 352 games and recorded zero ejections.
Most Ejections in One Season: Bill Klem racked up 26 ejections - or 1 per 6 games - in his rookie season of 1905. He dropped down to 15 in 1906, but returned to 21 in 1907 (and again in 1911). After dropping to 8 ejections in 1908, Klem received his first World Series assignment. In 1903, rookie ump Augie Moran ejected 24 (losing steam, he would only eject 12 more over three more umpiring seasons). Years later, Frank Dascoli had 22 ejections of his own, claiming third place on the list.
Highest Rate: Joe Hornung, pitcher for Boston at the time, ejected 2 people over 9 games in 1896. At a rate of one ejection per 4.5 games Hornung holds the lead for highest rate of ejection. Former player-manager Jack Doyle ejected nine people over 42 games in 1911. At a rate of one ejection per 4.67 games, Doyle closely trails Hornung for the lead. 

Current Poll: Per our previous poll, around nine out of 10 UEFL'ers have ejected one or multiple persons throughout their careers. Our current poll asks who you tend to eject most often. Selecting only one option, what class of personnel do you eject more than any other? Your choices: player, coach, spectator: parent, spectator: other. And, yes, asking Game Management to remove a spectator counts as an ejection even if you do not dump 'em yourself.

When you eject, who do you most often eject?