Ump or Ref? A Fan's Guide to Officiating Titles in Sports

National Championships across all sports tend to bring out greater media coverage, higher energy with charged atmospheres and casual fans, many of whom may not be familiar with the game.

Twitter fans question the existence of a football umpire.

Of course, this has the unintended—yet completely expected—consequence of creating a situation in which fringe fans, for lack of a better term, become confused. I've noticed this trend finds its way into those winner-take-all games at a significantly higher rate than during the less overtly meaningful regular season affairs. (Compare the intensity of fans' reactions to: 2012 NL Wild Card infield fly rule play vs. this 2013 infield fly call that also benefitted the away team.)

At present, we consider the case of NCAA Football's final BCS Championship Game at the Rose Bowl. When ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit benignly commented on the actions of the umpire, some fans took issue with the concept of an umpire ever existing in football.

Close Call of the Week section: Herbstreit mentioned the umpire standing over the ball, effectively preventing a snap by the offense. NCAA rules state that the defense shall have a reasonable opportunity to set itself for the next play. For instance, a Rule 3 approved rule interpretation states the defense is not only allowed to match up, it is "allowed to substitute in response to Team A's" personnel moves if A has committed a late or on-the-fly substitution. A ruling added for the 2013-14 season additionally states that if Team B must hurry to respond to Team A's move, "the umpire moves to the ball to prevent the snap until Team B has had a reasonable opportunity to [respond]...The umpire will step away when he judges that the defense has had enough time."

To help the misguided and put misconceptions to rest, Close Call Sports presents "Ump or Ref? A Fan's Guide to Officiating Titles in Sports"

The following lists the positions/titles of officials present in each of the following sports:

Australian Rules Football - officials are not differentiated from each other by uniform marking
Field umpire, goal umpire (equipment: flags), boundary umpire, emergency umpire, interchange stewards.

Baseball/Softball - officials are not differentiated by uniform marking (see HP Umpire equipment below)
Umpire in Chief (Home Plate Umpire; equipment: protectors, mask, ball bags, etc.), Base (Field) Umpires.

Basketball - officials are not differentiated by uniform marking
Referee and Umpire(s) (FIBA, NCAA, NFHS), Crew Chief and Referees (NBA). [Lead/Center (Slot)/Trail]

Cricket - officials are not differentiated from each other by uniform marking
Match Referee (off-field official), Umpires (Bowler's end and Striker's end [optional Third Umpire]).

Field Hockey - on-field officials are not differentiated from each other by uniform marking
Field Umpire(s), Reserve Umpire, Video Umpire.

Football - officials are differentiated and identified by the jersey placard/marking (NFL/NCAA)
Referee (R, white hat), Umpire (U), Head Linesman (H or HL), Line Judge (L or LJ), Field Judge (F or FJ), Side Judge (S or SJ), Back Judge (B or BJ). NCAA Big 12 also adopted the Alternate (A) official.

Hockey (Ice) - officials are differentiated and identified by jersey marking/accessory
Referee(s) (uniform: orange or red arm bands), Linesmen, Off-Ice officials (e.g., goal judge, scorer).

Lacrosse - on-field officials are not differentiated from each other by uniform marking
Head Referee, Referee, Chief Bench Official, Bench Manager.

Rugby - on-field officials are not differentiated from each other by uniform marking (see flag equipment)
Referee, Touch Judges (equipment: flag), Video Referee or In-Goal Judge, Timekeeper, Interchange.

Soccer (Association Football) - officials are not differentiated by uniform marking (ARs have flags)
Referee, Assistant Referees ("Goal Judge" in UEFA play are two added Assistant Referees), Fourth Official.

Other Sports with One/Two Classes of Official - Impress friends with knowledge of titles in these sports!
Billiards (Cue Sports), Boxing - Referee.
Cycling - Commissaire (occasionally referred to as judge or referee or time-board ardoisier in road cycling).
Figure Skating - Referee (separate and distinct from panel of judges), Assistant Referee - Ice.
Motor Sports - Marshals (corner captain in charge, communicator, flaggers, 1st and 2ndary responders).
Sumo - Gyōji (Referee), Shimpan (Judges, including shimpan located in a video room).
Tennis - Chair Umpire, Line Umpire(s); Off-court officials are Referee and Chief Umpire.
Volleyball - First Referee ("up referee" or "go-up"), Second Referee ("down referee").
Water Racing - Umpire (during), Judge (finish line), Protest Committee (sailing's post-event panel).
Wrestling - Referee, Judge, Mat Chairman [international]; Referee, Assistant [collegiate].

Venezuelan Postseason Ejections: Edward Pacheco (Fight)

Imperfect game pitcher Armando Galarraga & Alex Cabrera were ejected for fighting in Venezuela Sunday.

Umpires are shoved aside early on.

HP Umpire Edward Pacheco ejected Tiburones de la Guaira 1B Alex Cabrera and Leones del Caracas P Armando Galarraga for fighting (Unsportsmanlike-NEC) in the top of the 3rd inning of the Tiburones (Sharks)-Leones (Lions) game. With two out and one on and following a Joe Thurston RBI double to right field, Cabrera took a 1-0 fastball inside for a hit by pitch. Replays indicate the inside pitch that struck Cabrera's thigh followed a previous inside pitch near Cabrera's waist; the bench clearing incident began after a verbal dispute while Cabrera was on first base, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejections, the score was tied, 1-1. The Lions (Caracas) ultimately won the contest, 11-1.

Wrap: Tiburones de la Guaira vs. Leones del Caracas (Venezuela Winter Baseball Playoffs), 1/5/13
Video: After two inside pitches, Cabrera thinks he's being thrown at and a fight breaks out on the infield

In a related story, "Nobody's Perfect," the book co-authored by Galarraga and umpire Jim Joyce, is presently selling on Amazon.com for the price of $0.01.

In an unrelated story, a different feline team—the Dominican Winter League's Tigres del Licey—hired "cat" Jose Offerman over the weekend as former manager Mike Guerrero's replacement, the announcement made by General Manager Manny Acta.

Offerman previously was arrested for charging and striking Bluefish pitcher Matt Beech and catcher John Nathans with a bat during a bench clearing fight on August 14, 2007. After his ejection and arrest, the independent Atlantic League suspended Offerman indefinitely while Nathans filed a $4.8 million civil suit against Offerman, claiming post-concussion syndrome and a premature end to his baseball career thanks to the injurious actions of Offerman. Criminally, Offerman initially pleaded not guilty to multiple second degree assault charges before receiving two years of special probation known as "Accelerated Rehabilitation," the Bridgeport, CT Superior Court reasoning that Offerman was unlikely to reoffend.

Less than three months removed from probation, however, Offerman threw a punch at first base umpire D.J. Reyburn in the Dominican Winter League on January 16, 2010. Following the on-field assault, Reyburn and fellow American umpires working the 2009-10 Dominican League resigned and returned to the United States while the League issued a lifetime ban to Offerman. In February 2013, Lidom rescinded its lifetime ban of Offerman, paving the way for his return to Licey. Offerman had been serving as interim manager, replacing Dave Jauss, also suspended for bumping an umpire during the playoffs.

Australian Baseball Ejection: Paul Hyham (Bench Clearing)

Video of the Australian Baseball League's bench clearing brawl & ejection from late December is now available.

HP Umpire Paul Hyham ejected Brisbane Bandits RF Joshua Roberts for fighting (unsportsmanlike-NEC) in the top of the 4th inning of the Bandits-Blue Sox game. With two out and three on, Bandits batter Steven Greer hit a

Hyham observes the fight at home plate.

0-0 fastball from Blue Sox pitcher Todd Van Steensel on the ground to left fielder Trent Schmutter who threw home to catcher Daniel Arribas as baserunner R2 Patrick Leonard attempted to score, the collision occurring as Arribas attempted to field the throw, knocking the ball loose and allowing Leonard access to home plate. Following the play, Arribas approached Leonard as the benches cleared while Roberts ran out of the first base dugout and appeared to punch Arribas. At the time of the ejection, the Bandits were leading, 5-2. The Bandits ultimately won the contest, 9-2.

Wrap: Brisbane Bandits vs. Sydney Blue Sox (Australian Baseball League), 12/28/13
Video: During confrontation between catcher & baserunner, benches clear as Roberts throws haymaker (SYD)

Winter Baseball Ejection Update, December 2013

Here is baseball's December 2013 Winter Leagues ejections update, includes Caribbean & Australian Leagues:

HP Umpire Fernando Rodriguez: 7 (Pena/Fermin/Rodriguez/Vicente/Lara/Perez/Perez) for fighting (D, 12/30)
HP Umpire Jorge Davilla: Cangrejeros de Santurce Manager Carlos Lezcano; arguing a strike call (RC, 12/28)
HP Umpire Paul Hyham: Brisbane Bandits RF Joshua Roberts for fighting/bench clearing brawl (ABL, 12/28)
HP Umpire Carlos Cotto: Cangrejeros de Santruce pitcher David Harden for arguing a ball call (RC, 12/21)
^HP Umpire Jonathan Bailey^: Tigres del Licey CF Engel Beltre; 14th inning strike three call (D, 12/21)
^HP Umpire Jon Saphire^: Tigres de Aragua catcher Guillermo Rodriguez; strike three call (V, 12/21)
HP Umpire Fernando Rodriguez: Leones del Escogido CF Gregory Polanco; strike three call (D, 12/20)
^HP Umpire Brian de Brauwere^: Toros del Este Manager Orlando Merced; ball call (D, 12/18)
1B Umpire Oscar Marin: Caneros de los Mochis DH Sandy Madera for arguing an out call (M, 12/17)
3B Umpire Paul Hyham: Sydney Blue Sox 1B Joshua Dean for arguing an out/double play call (ABL, 12/16)
1B Umpire Carlos Rey: Criollos de Caguas Manager Pedro Lopez for arguing an out call (RC, 12/14)
^HP Umpire Carlos Torres^: Caribes de Anzoategui SS Luis Nunez for arguing a strike three call (V, 12/13)
^HP Umpire Carlos Torres^: Navagantes del Magallenes Manager Luis Sojo; unsportsmanlike-NEC (V, 12/13)
1B Umpire Domingo Polanco: Tigres del Licey CF Leonys Martin for arguing an out call (D, 12/13)
^HP Umpire Jonathan Bailey^: Tigres del Licey 1B Yamaico Navarro; strike three call (D, 12/13)
HP Umpire Paul Latta: Brisbane Bandits pitcher Alex Kaminsky for arguing a ball call (ABL, 12/12)
1B Umpire Gabrial Alfonzo: Leones del Caracas Manager Dave Hudgens, Ch Yunir Garcia; out call (V, 12/6)
^HP Umpire Brian de Brauwere^: Leones del Escogido P Armando Rodriguez for arguing a ball call (D, 12/6)
HP Umpire Manuel Rivera: Gigantes de Carolina Manager Pat Kelly for arguing a ball call (RC, 12/6)
3B Umpire Greg Kent: Sydney Blue Sox Manager Jason Pospishil for unsportsmanlike-NEC (ABL, 12/5)
HP Umpire Jairo Martinez: Leones del Caracas Manager Dave Hudgens for arguing a ball four call (V, 12/5)
HP Umpire Jorge Davilla: Indios de Mayaguez P Dereck Rodriguez, Mgr Carlos Baerga; intent HBP (RC, 12/4)
HP Umpire Fernando Rodriguez: Estrellas de Oriente CF Felix Pie for arguing a strike three call (D, 12/2)
HP Umpire Carlos Cotto: Criollos de Caguas Manager Pedro Lopez for arguing a ball four/walk call (RC, 12/1)
1B Umpire Roberto La Madrid: Algodoneros de Guasave 1B Mark Hamilton; check swing strike call (M, 12/1)
HP Umpire Vicente Madero: Mayos de Navojoa Manager Lorenzo Bundy for arguing an out call (M, 12/1)

*AFL = Arizona Fall (Finished), ABL = Australian, CS = Caribbean Series (Begins February 2014), D = Dominican, M = Mexicana del Pacifico, RC = Roberto Clemente (Puerto Rico), V = Venezuelan*

^Signifies MiLB (Rookie, A [+/-], AA or AAA) umpire.
^2013 Leagues: Bailey (PCL-AAA), de Brauwere (Eastern-AA), Saphire (IL-AAA), Torres (IL-AAA).

Winter League Ejections: Fernando Rodriguez (7 Ejected)

7 Ejections in the Dominican Winter League Baseball postseason tournament: HP Umpire Fernando Rodriguez ejected Aguilas Cibaenas (Eagles) pitcher Ramon Pena and Manager Felix Fermin for throwing at Leones del Escogido (Lions) batter Pedro Ciriaco in the bottom of the 4th inning, Lions pitcher Armando Rodriguez and Manager Audo Vicente for throwing at Eagles batter Juan Perez, Lions pitcher Alexis Lara for throwing at Perez and Eagles center fielder Perez and catcher Audry Perez for fighting in the top of the 9th inning of the Eagles-Lions game. With none out and none on in the bottom of the 4th inning, Pena threw inside to Ciriaco, resulting in the ejection of the pitcher and manager; warnings had previously been issued. At the time of the 4th inning ejections, the Lions were leading, 5-3. With none out and none on in the top of the 9th inning, Rodriguez threw inside to Perez, resulting in the ejection of the pitcher and manager. Subsequent pitcher Lara also violated the rule, preceding a fighting incident and the ejection of the remaining two players. At the time of the 9th inning ejections, the Eagles were leading, 7-5. The Eagles ultimately won the contest, 7-5.

Wrap: Aguilas Cibaenas vs. Leones del Escogido (Dominican Winter Baseball Playoffs), 12/29/13
Umpires (6-man crew [Liga de Beisbol Dominicano postseason tournament]): HP: Fernando Rodriguez. 1B: Tom Honec. 2B: Juan Diaz. 3B: Jonathan Bailey. LF: Vladmir Mojica. RF: Mariano Vizcaino.

Close Call of the Week: NFL Unsporting Contact Ejection

This edition of Close Call of the Week considers unsporting behavior on the part of players that results in inappropriate contact with an official. The rule referred to herein is NFL Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1(g).

With 3:50 remaining in the 3rd quarter of the Rams-Seahawks game, Seahawks running back Robert Turbin ran for no gain, followed in short order by a confrontation between the teams, resulting in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Rams linebacker Alec Ogletree. While arguing the call, Rams defensive tackle Kendall Langford made contact with Back Judge Steve Freeman, resulting in an additional unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and disqualification. At the time of the ejection, the Seahawks were leading, 13-3. The Seahawks ultimately won the contest, 27-9.

Animated GIF: Langford's backswing hits Freeman; on second shove, Triplette throws the USC flag

12-3-1(g): "Unnecessary Physical Contact."

Replays indicate that during the course of argument with Line Judge Jeff Bergman and Referee Jeff Triplette, Langford swung his arm and (what appears to be) accidentally made contact with BJ Freeman's hat and face, followed seconds later by Langford (what appears to be) not accidentally pushing Freeman's outstretched left arm down. Unnecessary physical contact with an official => ejection. Ho-hum.

Nonetheless, this didn't deter Fox Sports' social media outlet from questioning the decision, fatuously determining that "an official's head got in the way of [Langford's] hand...Seems like a bit of an overreaction, right?"

Wrong. Especially considering Langford's actions in contacting the official a second time after the initial strike.

Rule 12-3-1(g) states unsportsmanlike conduct specifically includes "unnecessary physical contact with a game official." Note 1 states "under no condition is an official to allow a player to shove, push, or strike him in an offensive, disrespectful or unsportsmanlike manner."

An example of acceptable (e.g., not "unnecessary") physical contact includes incidental contact with the official during a live ball while attempting to complete a football play (run, pass, catch, etc.).

An example of unacceptable (e.g., "unnecessary") physical contact with a game official includes any contact—whether intentional/purposeful or inadvertent—that occurs during the course of argument or confrontation. This could include contact with a game official who might not be party to the initial argument, if this contact is unnecessary as in Rule 12-3-1(g). This most certainly includes conscious contact with this same game official for a second distinct time after an accidental wrist to the head.

Accordingly, Triplette's crew ejection of Langford was proper and the correct call according to a rule that all but requires officials disqualify a player who contacts an official in an unsportsmanlike manner.

Close Call of the Week: Butt-Goal - Should it Have Counted?

Monday's Coyotes-Sabres game ended in bizarre fashion 3:47 into the overtime period when Sabres defenseman Mark Pysyk's wrist shot, assists to Matt Moulson and Christian Ehrhoff, appeared to come to rest in the back of Coyotes goalie Mike Smith's uniform jersey, just above the pads of the pants, as Smith's rear end drifted into the net, the puck physically crossing the plane of the goal line. The game-ending buttgoal was ultimately confirmed after a (1) conference between referees Greg Kimmerly and Chris Rooney and linesmen Greg Devorski and Brad Kovachik and (2) instant replay review from Toronto's video "war room," allowing Buffalo the 2-1 final. But should the goal have counted?

Puck stays in Referee's sight as butt-goal ends game.

NHL Rule 31.4 grants Referees the authority to "give the final decision in matters of disputed goals" while Rule 38.2 unequivocally states that "every goal is to be reviewed by the Video Goal Judge," who, working in concert with the off-ice official at ice level, will relay the result of the replay review to the referee for final decision. As is generally the case, this review process was correctly executed.

At issue is game flow and the question of when shall the officials rule the puck out of bounds. Rule 85.2 states that a puck is considered unplayable if it becomes lodged in the netting outside of either goal, is frozen between opposing players or if it enters a goal from behind or the side. Rule 85.3 states that "should scramble take place or a player accidentally fall on the puck and the puck be out of sight of the Referee, he shall immediately blow his whistle and stop the play." As the attached image demonstrates, the puck did not fully enter goalie Smith's shirt/pants cradle prior to crossing the goal line; accordingly, play was properly kept alive. Good goal.

Video: Buffalo defeats Phoenix on walk-off #buttgoal win as referee Kimmerly announces the good goal

Top 20 Ejections of 2013: An MLB Network Retrospective

Happy Holidays! The UEFL reviews the Top 20 Ejections of 2013, as selected by MLB Network and aired during their offseason "MLB Network Countdown" series, a countdown of baseball history. Included in MLB Network's list are several bench clearing brawls and throwing at ejections, the walk to break up Yu Darvish's perfect game, Big Papi's dugout phone meltdown in Baltimore and the final two ejections of the late Wally Bell's career. Enjoy and have a joyous Christmas/(Much belated) Chanukah/Kwanzaa and to all a Happy New Year!

*Note: Qualities of Correctness are provided in the following format: Y=Correct, N=Incorrect, U=Irrecusable.

MLB Network Countdown: Top 20 Most Unforgettable Ejections of 2013
Note: Click each umpire's name & ejection # to be taken to the associated ejection report from the season.
20: E 172: Andy Fletcher (5); Dodgers 1B Adrian Gonzalez (Safe Call [Crewmate], QOC = N).
19: E 067: Gary Darling (2); Blue Jays RF Jose Bautista (Strike One Call [Eventual K], QOC = Y).
18: E 068, 069: Wally Bell (1, 2); Giants P George Kontos & Mgr Bruce Bochy (Throwing At, QOC = U).
17: E 146: Paul Nauert (2); Braves LF Justin Upton (Strike One Call [Eventual GO], QOC = Y).
16: E 129: Ron Kulpa (1); Rangers C AJ Pierzynski (Ball Two Call [Eventual BB], QOC = Y).
15: E 091, 092: Chad Fairchild (3, 4); Tigers P Luke Putkonen & Mgr Jim Leyland (Throwing At, QOC = U).
14: E 134/5: Marvin Hudson (2, 3); Nationals P Stephen Strasburg/M Davey Johnson (Throwing At, QOC = U).
13: E 062: Tony Randazzo (1); Indians SS Mike Aviles (Strike One [Foul] Call [Eventual AO], QOC = U).
12: E 051: Hunter Wendelstedt (2); Orioles P Jason Hammel (Throwing At, QOC = U).
11: E 057/8: Clint Fagan (1, 2); Cardinals C Yadier Molina & Manager Mike Matheny (Out Call, QOC = Y).
10: E 139: Brian O'Nora (1); Yankees Manager Joe Girardi (Warnings/Intent HBP Non-Ejection, QOC = U).
#9: E 059/60: Dan Iassogna (2, 3); Pirates C Russell Martin & Mgr Clint Hurdle (Ball Two Call, QOC = Y).
#8: E 081: Angel Hernandez (2); Orioles Manager Buck Showalter (Reversed Foul-to-Out Call, QOC = Y).
#7: E 020/21: Tim Timmons (1, 2); Pirates P Jonathan Sanchez & Mgr Clint Hurdle (Throwing At, QOC = U).
#6: E 170/71: CB Bucknor (3, 4); Braves Mgr Fredi Gonzalez & P Alex Wood (Ball Four Call, QOC = Y).
#5: E 071-76: Clint Fagan (3-8); Diamondbacks-Dodgers Brawl (Throwing At & Fighting, QOC = U).
#4: E 003-6: Sam Holbrook (1-4); Dodgers-Padres Brawl (Fighting, QOC = U).
#3: E 105: Tim Timmons (5); Red Sox DH David Ortiz (Strike One Call [Eventual K], QOC = Y).
#2: E 177-79: Doug Eddings/Paul Nauert (3, 4; 3); Brewers [Carlos Gomez]-Braves Brawl (Fighting, QOC = U).
#1: E 030: Angel Hernandez (1); A's Manager Bob Melvin (Replay Reviewed and Upheld 2B Call, QOC = N).

Not Mentioned: UEFL Ejection of the Year, Ejection 110: Jerry Layne (1; Mike Scioscia), QOC = Y.
Not Mentioned: UEFL Ejection of the Year #2, Ejection 055: Joe West (1; Dale Sveum), QOC = N [Crewmate].

Total Correct: 8 / Total Incorrect: 2 / Total Irrecusable: 10 = 80.0% Accuracy (Compare to 72.2% in 2012)
Click here for the 2012 edition, featuring the Top 25 Most Unforgettable Ejections of 2012.

Close Call of the Week: Illegal Bat on Blocked FG

In the 3rd quarter of Sunday's Steelers-Packers game, Green Bay attempted a field goal to tie on 4th and goal. After Packers kicker Mason Crosby's attempt was blocked by Steelers nose tackle Steve McLendon, the football bounced towards Steelers safety Ryan Clark who attempted to lateral the ball to William Gay before Steelers defensive end Ziggy Hood ultimately contacted the loose ball by batting it out of bounds—and in a forward direction.

Citing Hood's action as illegal batting, referee Carl Cheffers' crew awarded Green Bay a first down, allowing them to retain possession at the Steelers' two-yard line. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin's challenge was denied on the grounds that possession is ineligible for review.

Relevant to this play is NFL Rule 12, Section 4, Article 1, which states an illegal bat has occurred when "a player of either team bats or punches a loose ball in the field of play toward his opponent's goal line," or forward, the prescribed penalty for which is a loss of 10 yards and automatic first down (since the foul was committed by the defense and prior to any deemed change of possession).

As for that issue of possession which Tomlin challenged, Rule 15-5 states that "recovery of a loose ball that does not involve a boundary line or the end zone" is specifically non-reviewable. Accordingly, officials properly denied Tomlin's request for instant replay review.

Rule 3-2-3 states that "a loose ball (either during or after flight) is considered in possession of team (offense) whose player kicked, passed or fumbled. [Prior possession] ends when a player secures possession or when the down ends if that is before such possession." Article 7 of Rule 3 states that a player is in possession of a ball when "he is inbounds and has a firm grip and control of the ball with his hands or arms."

As for gaining possession of a loose ball, a player must not only have (1) complete control of the ball, he must additionally (2) "have both feet or any other part of his body, other than his hands, completely on the ground inbounds, and maintain control of the ball long enough to perform any act common to the game. If the player loses the ball while simultaneously touching both feet or any other part of his body to the ground, there is no possession. This rule applies in the field of play and in the end zone." Note 1 states that "a player who goes to the ground in the process of attempting to secure possession of a loose ball (with or without contact by an opponent) must maintain control of the ball throughout the process of contacting the ground." Note 1, however, generally is applied during a pass situation.

Replays are inconclusive as to whether Pittsburgh's Clark had possession of the loose ball, although it is clear he attempted to perform an action common to the game in the form of a lateral—again, though, it is unclear whether he gained a firm grip and control of the ball prior to the pitch. The penalty for illegal batting was properly enforced—half the distance (recall the original line of scrimmage) and first down to the offense as the defense was ruled not to have gained possession.

Video: Steelers block Green Bay's game-tying FG attempt, lose the ball out of bounds as penalty flags fly

Japan's First NPB Umpire School Follows The MLB Model

Japan's first ever NPB Umpire School is underway at the Nippon Professional Baseball League's Lotte Urawa Stadium in Saitama City, with a familiar face providing guidance to Japanese umpiring chief Osamu Ino.

Rinko Shinozaki (age 19) is the only
female student in the inaugural class.
Photo: hochi.yomiuri.co.jp

Former MLB umpire and current PBUC Executive Director Justin Klemm, himself a graduate of the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring, forged a partnership with the new NPB Umpire School, helping to draft a new curriculum and establish a comprehensive training program required for all future NPB umpiring hopefuls, similar to MLB's model with the PBUC's own The Umpire School and the approved Wendelstedt Umpire School.

Similar to the post-school PBUC evaluation course, NPB will invite its highest-rated graduates to participate in that league's honor course, a 12-team Spring Training and associated independent baseball leagues.

The NPB Umpire School follows a pair of Winter 2013 (Jan/Feb) camps in Tokyo and Osaka, each held over the course of a weekend. The School began December 18 and concludes on the 23rd, with an inaugural class of 52; tuition and expenses for the first five-day class totaled approximately $775 (or $155 daily), compared to nearly $3-$4,000 (or $120-160 daily) for a five-week course plus expenses for the two Florida schools, including tuition, materials (albeit more course materials & apparel/accessories in the US), room & board or meal plan.