Below are some suggestions from three experienced refs within the KVKL.  Rather than a requirement, this is merely a guide to help becoming a better referee.  Not everyone will agree on these points and that is O.K.  I do know that these guys take officiating seriously and want what is best for the league.  Hopefully, this will provide some insight to nuanced aspects of KVKL reffing (and if this helps ONE person become a better ref, it was worth the post).  So, please read this and continue the dialogue below.  Thanks guys.... From Shawn Miller (Teller's): SCORE KEEPER: this person should be behind the fence, (and/or) behind homeplate.  The homeplate ump and this person should be in constant communication about goings on in the game (for example: how many fouls, outs, how many runs crossed that inning, the score, who is up first, and the current inning). Should a problem arise and a rule needs clarification, this person should be on top of it with a ruling. This person should watch the game for the incidentals: did that runner leave early?  Did they remember to tag?  That way if the field ump didn't catch it at least we had multiple sets of eyes on the play. This person should also be backing up the home plate ref, watching for double kicks and (down the line) foul balls. FIRST BASE UMP: this person has the hardest job and should be the best ump on the field. The key to doing a good job at this spot is movement.  He/She should be positioned on the line and behind first base.  Preferably far enough back not to impede with the kickers run through on the foul line also giving this ref a better angle to view second base.. Once a ball is played, unless you have to stay on the line to watch for a foul ball, your job is to move for bunts and for any kick to an infielder or left field. Further, this ump could easily move 8 to 10 feet off the line towards second for a play at second.  If the ball were to go in the direction of the right fielder, this ump could move into foul territory for a broader view (this allows you to be at an angle from both the runner and the trajectory of the ball).  Umps in a pro baseball game frequently do this.  For a force play (mostly at first base), watch for the foot or the ball. Once a call needs to be made, take a second.  If the play is remotely close- picture what happened, decide on the call, make the appropriate hand gesture, and then yell the call.  Let's say something occurred to change what call would normally be made (for example, someone pulled their foot, the catch was bobbled or the ball was trapped against the ground).  Make the call and then let the players involved know why you've made that call.  If you tell them before they ask about the call, it may help to prevent arguements before they start (for example -"Nope he pulled his foot, SAFE!," or "SAFE! you pulled your foot off.").  This may prove very helpful to the overall flow of the game.  Overall, poor calls come from poor positioning (for example, it's very difficult to make a correct call if the ump is looking at the ball and the runner both coming directly at them). From Adrian Proctor (Love Garden):
There should be more communication about any specifics of umpiring that people are concerned about, especially before a game.  I think the initial positioning should require that foul line umps can make a call while prepared to move towards the action of the play. It would be helpful if people knew their specific responsibilities regarding the little things (d-line, plant foot, tagging runners, etc).  For example, if a potential fly-out is kicked to right-field, the 1st base ump should be watching to make sure a catch was made.  Meanwhile, 3rd base ump, home ump, and scorer should have their eyes on the runners (and the catch in periphery) to make sure a proper tag-up occurred. Possibly even acknowledging verbally, before the kick, which runner they'll be watching. As a regular 1st base ump, I really like the idea of the score-keeper being more involved in watching and constantly vocalizing the outs, fouls, and kickers.  Scorers should definately be watching the plant foot and for double kicks at all times.  The more eyes/angles the better.  This ongoing discussion will keep reminding us all about the importance of details, plus making umpires more polished for the higher-pressure situations starting soon (the second half of the season and tourney).
From Geoff Wright (Blue Collar Press):
In four of the five games I've played, a first base ump has been standing where the base coach should be, and all four of them scoffed at my suggestion to stand along the baseline. I like the idea of the scorekeeper being more involved, and keeping track of the little things that are easy to miss (plant foot, defensive line, etc.). Â The problem is that a typical referee team is two captains who may or may not know the details of the rules, but at least they care. I don't believe that there is a solution for this problem. Â Continue encouraging captains to bring their best/brightest and for the league to hand-pick refs for the later rounds of the tournament.