Visual gaze behavior of near-expert and expert fast pitch softball umpires calling a pitch

The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in visual gaze behavior between near expert (NE) and expert (E) umpires in a simulated pitch-hit situation in fast pitch softball. An Applied Science Laboratory mobile eye tracker was worn by 4 NE and 4 E fast pitch umpires and recorded their visual gaze behavior while following pitches (internal view). A digital camera located behind the pitcher recorded the external view of the pitcher, hitter, catcher, and umpire actions for each pitch. The internal and external video clips of 10 representative pitches--5 balls and 5 strikes--were synchronized and displayed in a split screen and were then coded for statistical analyses using Quiet eye solution software. Analysis of variance and multivariate analysis of variance statistical analyses of the umpires' gaze behavior during onset, duration, offset, and frequency (fixation/pursuit tracking, saccades, and blinks) were conducted between and within the 5 stages (pitcher's preparation, delivery and release, ball in flight, and umpire call) by umpire's skill level. Significant differences (p < 0.05) observed for combined gaze behavior frequency, type of gaze by phase, quiet eye duration and onset, and ball duration tracking indicated that E umpires' visual control was more stable and economical than NE umpires. Quiet eye significant results indicated that E umpires had an earlier onset (mean = 50.0 ± 13.9% vs. 56 ± 9.5%) and longer duration (mean = 15.1 ± 11.3% vs. 9.3 ± 6.5%) of the pitcher's release area than NE umpires. These findings suggest that gaze behavior of expert fast pitch umpires was more economical, fixated earlier and for a longer period of time on the area where the ball would be released, and was able to track the ball earlier and for a longer period of time.