1. THREE UMPIRE SYSTEM POSITIONING AND MECHANICS

2. THINGS TO GO OVER IN PRE-GAME UMPIRE’S MEETING Down and set with runners on base. Who goes out if the ball is hit directly to the center fielder. Responsibilities with runners on base. Tag up responsibilities. Walk the field looking for potential trouble spots. No ground rule can supersede the rule book.

3. THINGS TO REMEMBER PRE-GAME Plate Umpire stands behind home plate. Base Umpires will face the plate umpire positioned just outside the batters box. 1 st base umpire near left hand batters box and the 3 rd base umpire near the right hand batters box. HEAD coach MUST be at the pre-game meeting.

4. TERMS TO REMEMBER 90 DEGREE ANGLE (TAG) - the path of the runner into a base or tag not involving a base together with the umpire’s line of vision, form a 90 degree angle. 90 DEGREE ANGLE (THROW) - the location on force plays. The path of the ball (throw) to a base together with the umpire’s line of vision form a 90 degree angle. ALWAYS WORK FOR A 90 DEGREE ANGLE!

5. TERMS TO REMEMBER PASSING THE BATON – this occurs between plays. One umpire MUST always be aware of the situation so runners never leave a base while the ball is in the pitching circle. Once the play has ended, the plate umpire will signal for the base umpire to move to their next primary position. Once the base umpire reaches their position, they signal to the plate umpire that they have the runners. The plate umpire then moves back behind the plate.

6. TERMS TO REMEMBER HOLDING POSITION – an area from which you can choose a position for an impending play or variety of plays –Generally 30’ (1/2 way) between plate / base. A holding position is never a calling position.

7. Things TO REMEMBER Mechanics of non-batted ball Pick off attempts Always Be ultra set Come out of set position Make a slight movement

8. Pick offs Responsible for single runner and Defenders defending Make a full commitment to primary position

9. Pick offs Responsible for single runner and Defenders NOT defending Full commitment to primary IS NOT necessary

10. Pick offs Responsible for single runner on 1 st –No closer to 1 st than 15 feet –No further from 1 st than the midpoint between 1 st and 2nd

11. Pick offs Responsible for single runner on 2 nd –No closer to 2 nd than 15 ft –No further from 2 nd than the midpoint between 1 st and 2nd

12. R R

13. Tips Watch the ball Move as much as the defenders Rewards Constant alertness Good habits Quick reactions And this won’t happen……

14. TERMS TO REMEMBER PRIMARY POSITION – the initial location assumed by an umpire. CALLING POSITION – the subsequent movement or adjustment, usually one or two steps from the primary position. SECONDARY POSITION – the subsequent location assumed after the initial play or after a runner has obtained a base.

15. THINGS TO REMEMBER Keep in mind your secondary responsibilities. That routine fly ball can always hit the outfielder on top of her head or just plain be dropped!!! If you deviate - communicate!!! THIS DOES NOT MEAN DEVIATE DURING YOUR PRE- GAME WITH YOUR PARTNER. While fly ball coverages are set in stone, many secondary responsibilities are not. That’s why pre-game and communication are so important!!!

16. NO ONE ON - MOVEMENT WITH PITCH Both 1 st and 3 rd base umpires start between 15-18 ft behind their bases. Watching the pitcher, walk forward one step with the release of the pitch.

17. MOVEMENT WITH THE PITCH

18. BETWEEN INNING MECHANICS 1 st base umpire moves to fair territory in the outfield grass - go graze. 3 rd bases umpire cleans pitcher’s plate, rear end towards the outfield, then goes grazing. Exception - if 3 rd bases umpire ends the inning in the outfield, the other base umpire cleans the pitcher’s plate. Plate umpire moves to the side of the team taking the field, watching the on-deck batter.

19. BETWEEN INNING MECHANICS

20. NO ONE ON - BASE HIT 1 st base umpire, starting in the primary position, moves to a position OUTSIDE the diamond, glances to 2 nd base to make sure there is an umpire there. Then releases into foul territory between 1 st and home (holding zone). Be prepared to cover the plate. 3 rd base umpire, starting in the primary position, comes inside the infield towards 2 nd base. Plate umpire trails batter-runner towards 1 st, releases towards 3 rd base (holding zone) for a possible play.

21. NO ONE ON BASE - BASE HIT

22. NO ONE ON - FLY BALL COVERAGES

23. NO ONE ON - FLY BALL TO LEFT FIELD 3 rd base umpire goes out. 1 st base umpires stays outside, takes batter runner to second, then cuts behind and takes the batter-runner to 3 rd base. Plate umpire trails the batter-runner to 1 st base, assisting in watching the batter-runner for 3’ foot running lane, touch the base, etc. Then the plate umpire will return home (on left - 3 rd base side) for a possible play at the plate.

24. NO ONE ON - FLY BALL TO LEFT FIELD

25. NO ONE ON - FLY BALL TO RIGHT FIELD 1 st base umpire goes out. 3 rd base umpire comes into the infield, taking the batter-runner to 3 rd base. Plate umpire trails batter-runner to 1 st base. Plate umpire has the call at 1 st base if the hit is a shot to the right fielder who comes up firing to 1 st base. Plate umpire be prepared to retreat to the plate for a possible play at the plate.

26. NO ONE ON BASE. FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD.

27. RUNNER ON 1 ST - BASE HIT 1 st base umpire, positioned in his / her primary position 6’-8’behind 1 st base, stays outside. 1 st base umpire releases to holding zone between 1 st and home. –Be prepared to move to the plate for a possible play there. 3 rd base umpire positioned 8-10’ behind 2 nd base (2 nd to 3 rd line) extended base line (primary position). 3 rd base may rim the outside or move into the infield for any play at 2 nd base. Plate umpire trails batter-runner towards 1 st base then moves toward 3 rd base for a possible play there.

28. RUNNER ON 1 ST - BASE HIT

29. RUNNER ON 1 ST - FLY BALL COVERAGE

30. RUNNER ON 1 ST - FLY BALL DOWN LEFT FIELD LINE. 1 st base umpire stays outside and has tag up at 1 st base. 3rd base umpire comes into infield. Has call at 2 nd base. Be prepared to go to 3 rd base for a play on the trail runner if the ball is dropped. Plate umpire has the ball, catch, no catch, fair, foul. Moves towards 3 rd base for a possible play if the ball is dropped. Also has calls at the plate.

31. . RUNNER ON 1 ST - FLY BALL LEFT FIELD LINE

32. RUNNER ON 1 ST – FLY BALL TO CENTER FIELD 3 rd base umpire goes out. 1 st base umpire stays out to watch BR. –Watches tag at 1 st. –Has possible play at 2 nd base. –Takes batter-runner to 3 rd base. Plate umpire trails batter-runner to 1 st base. –Then moves toward 3 rd base (holding zone) for any possible plays. –Has any plays at the plate.

33. RUNNER ON 1 ST - FLY TO CENTER FIELD

34. RUNNER ON 1 ST – FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD LINE 1 st base umpire goes out. 3 rd base umpire gets into infield, has tag at 1 st base. –Has possible play at 2 nd base. –Has batter-runner into 3 rd base. Plate umpire trails batter-runner to 1 st. –Has call at 1 st if necessary. –Moves toward 3 rd base (holding zone) for possible play. –Has any plays at the plate.

35. RUNNER ON 1 ST - FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD LINE

36. RUNNER ON 2 ND - BASE HIT 1 st base umpire positioned one step behind and to the right of the 2 nd base person (primary position). Stays outside the diamond, taking any calls at 1 st or 2 nd base. 3 rd base umpire, in his / her primary position behind 3 rd base, steps into fair territory, taking any calls at 3 rd base. Plate umpire moves from behind home plate getting into position for any play at home.

37. RUNNER ON 2 ND - BASE HIT

38. RUNNER ON 2 ND - FLY BALL COVERAGE

39. RUNNER ON 2 ND – FLY BALL TO LEFT FIELD LINE 1 st base umpire is one step behind and to the right of the 2 nd base person. 3 rd base umpire goes out. 1 st base umpire comes into the infield taking the tag at 2 nd base. –Has plays on the batter-runner if the ball is dropped. Plate umpire trails the batter-runner to 1 st base and then moves to the 3 rd base holding zone. Has calls at 3 rd and home.

40. RUNNER ON 2 ND - FLY BALL - LEFT FIELD LINE

41. RUNNER ON 2 ND - FLY BALL CENTER FIELD 1 st base umpire is one step behind and to the right of the 2 nd base person. 1 st base umpire goes out. 3 rd base umpire comes into the infield taking the tag at 2 nd base. –Be prepared for calls at 1 st and 2 nd base. –Take the batter-runner to 3 rd base. Plate umpire moves to the holding zone at 3rd. Has calls at 3 rd base and the plate.

42. RUNNER ON 2 ND - FLY BALL CENTER FIELD

43. RUNNER ON 2 ND – FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD LINE 1 st base comes into the infield taking the tag at 2 nd base. 3 rd base umpire comes into the infield taking any play at 3 rd base. Plate umpire goes up the 1 st base line taking the fly ball. –Has call at 1 st base if necessary. –Be prepared to move back to the plate if the ball is dropped.

44. RUNNER ON 2 ND - FLY BALL - RIGHT FIELD LINE

45. RUNNER ON 3 RD - BASE HIT 1 st base umpire is in primary position behind 1 st base. –Button hook into the infield, watch batter-runner touch first, then move to holding zone between 1 st base and home. –Be prepared to go home for possible play. 3 rd base umpire is in primary position behind 3 rd base, comes into the infield, taking any calls at 2 nd base. Plate umpire watches runner touch home, then moves holding zone for any potential plays.

46. RUNNER ON 3 RD - BASE HIT

47. RUNNER ON 3 RD - FLY BALL COVERAGE

48. RUNNER ON 3 RD – FLY BALL LEFT FIELD 3 rd base umpire goes out. 1 st base umpire button hooks into infield. –Takes the batter-runner to 3 rd base. Plate umpire moves to holding zone, watching for the tag. Be alert for possible plays at 3 rd base or home.

49. RUNNER ON 3 RD - FLY BALL LEFT FIELD

50. RUNNER ON 3 RD – FLY BALL TO RIGHT FIELD 1 st bases umpire goes out. 3 rd base umpire comes into the infield, watching the batter-runner touch 1 st base. –Has batter-runner all the way to 3 rd base. Plate umpire moves to holding zone. –Has tag at 3 rd base. –Be alert for any plays at 3 rd base or home.

51. RUNNER ON 3 RD - FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD

52. RUNNERS ON 1 ST AND 2 ND - BASE HIT 1 st base umpire takes position one step behind and to the left of the second base person (primary position). –Stays outside and takes all calls at 1 st and 2 nd. 3rd base umpire, in primary position behind 3 rd base, comes into fair territory and takes calls at 3 rd base. Plate umpire moves from behind home and has any calls at the plate.

53. RUNNERS ON 1 ST AND 2 ND - BASE HIT

54. RUNNERS ON 1 ST AND 2 ND - FLY BALL COVERAGE

55. RUNNERS ON 1 ST AND 2 ND – FLY BALL LEFT FIELD LINE 3rd base umpire goes out. 1 st base umpire button hooks into infield. –Has tag at 1 st. –Has possible play at 2 nd base. Plate umpire moves to holding zone, watching the tag at 2 nd base. –Be prepared to take calls at 3 rd base and home.

56. RUNNERS ON 1 ST AND 2 ND – FLY BALL LEFT FIELD LINE

57. RUNNERS ON 1 ST AND 2 ND – FLY BALL TO RIGHT CENTER FIELD 1st base umpire goes out. 3 rd base umpire comes into the infield and has the tag at 1 st base. –Has possible play at 2 nd base. –Also has batter-runner to 3 rd base. Plate umpire moves to holding zone, takes the tag at 2 nd base and possible play at 3 rd base. –Also has any plays at the plate.

58. RUNNERS ON 1 ST AND 2 ND – FLY BALL RIGHT CENTER FIELD.

59. RUNNERS ON 1 ST AND 2 ND – FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD LINE 1st base umpire comes into the infield, takes the tag at 1 st base and any possible play at 2 nd base. 3 rd base umpire steps into fair territory and has possible play at 3 rd base. Plate umpire has the ball in the outfield. Watch for tag at 2 nd base. –Then retreat to the plate for any possible play there.

60. RUNNERS ON 1 ST AND 2 ND – FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD LINE.

61. RUNNERS ON 1 ST AND 3 RD - BASE HIT 1 st base umpire takes position one step behind and to the left of the second base person (primary position). –Stays outside and takes all calls at 1 st and 2 nd base. 3rd base umpire, in primary position behind 3 rd base, comes into fair territory and takes calls at 3 rd base. Plate umpire moves from behind home and has any calls at the plate.

62. RUNNERS ON 1 ST AND 3 RD - BASE HIT

63. RUNNERS ON 1 ST AND 3 RD - FLY BALL COVERAGES

64. RUNNERS ON 1 ST AND 3 RD - FLY BALL LEFT FIELD LINE 3 rd base umpire goes out. 1 st base umpire stays outside. –Has tag up at 1 st base. –Has possible play at 2 nd base. Plate umpire moves to holding zone. –Has tag up at 3 rd and possible play at the plate. –After runner touches home, release towards 3 rd base for possible play.

65. RUNNERS ON 1 ST AND 3 RD – FLY BALL LEFT FIELD LINE.

66. RUNNERS ON 1 ST AND 3 RD – FLY BALL RIGHT CENTER FIELD 1 st base umpire goes out. 3 rd base umpire comes into the infield, has the tag at 1 st base and possible play at 2 nd base. –Has batter-runner to 3 rd base. Plate umpire move to holding zone between 3 rd and home. –Has tag at 3 rd base. –Has play at 3 rd base on runner coming from 1 st.

67. RUNNERS ON 1 ST AND 3 RD – FLY BALL RIGHT CENTER FIELD

68. RUNNERS ON 1 ST AND 3 RD – FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD LINE 1 st base umpire comes inside the diamond, watches tag at 1 st base. –Has possible plays at 1 st or 2 nd base. 3 rd base umpire outside the diamond and has tag and any possible plays at 3 rd base. Plate umpire takes the fly ball and returns to the plate possible play.

69. RUNNERS ON 1 ST AND 3 RD – FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD LINE

70. RUNNERS ON 2 ND AND 3 RD - BASE HIT 1 st base umpire starts one step behind and to the right of the second base person (primary position). –Come inside the infield and take plays at 1 st or 2 nd base. 3 rd base umpire, in primary position behind 3 rd base, comes inside the infield and has calls at 3 rd base. Plate umpire moves from behind home and has any calls at the plate.

71. RUNNERS ON 2 ND AND 3 RD - BASE HIT

72. RUNNERS ON 2 ND AND 3 RD – FLY BALL COVERAGE

73. RUNNERS ON 2 ND AND 3 RD – FLY BALL LEFT FIELD LINE 3 rd base umpire goes out. 1 st base umpire comes inside the infield and has the tag at 2 nd base. –Has possible plays at any base depending on the position of the base runners. Plate umpire goes to holding zone, has tag at 3 rd and that runner to home. –Could possibly have plays at 3 rd base depending on the position of the runners.

74. RUNNERS ON 2 ND AND 3 RD – FLY BALL LEFT FIELD LINE

75. RUNNERS ON 2 ND AND 3 RD – FLY BALL CENTER FIELD 1 st base umpire goes out. 3 rd base umpire comes into the infield and has tag at 2 nd base. –Watch batter-runner touch 1 st base. –Responsible for plays at 1 st or 2 nd base. –Takes batter-runner to 3 rd base. Plate umpire goes to holding zone and has tag at 3 rd and that runner to the plate. –Could possibly have plays at 3 rd base depending on the position of the runners.

76. RUNNERS ON 2 ND AND 3 RD.- FLY BALL CENTER FIELD

77. RUNNERS ON 2 ND AND 3 RD – FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD LINE 1 st base umpire comes inside the infield and has the tag at 2 nd base. –Has possible plays at 1 st or 2 nd base. 3 rd base umpire stays foul to help with tag and has any plays at 3 rd base. Plate umpire has fly ball call and then the tag at 3 rd base. –Has any plays at the plate.

78. RUNNERS ON 2 ND AND 3 RD - FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD LINE.

79. BASES LOADED - BASE HIT 1 st base umpire is positioned one step behind and to the left of the second base person (primary position). –Stays out and has any call at 1 st or 2 nd base. 3 rd base umpire in primary position behind 3 rd base, comes into fair territory and has any calls at 3 rd base. Plate umpire moves out from behind home and has any plays at home.

80. BASES LOADED - BASE HIT

81. BASES LOADED - FLY BALL COVERAGE

82. BASES LOADED – FLY BALL LEFT FIELD LINE. 3 rd base umpire goes out. 1 st base umpire comes inside the infield and has tags at 1 st and 2 nd base. –Has calls at 1 st and 2 nd base. –Could have calls at 3 rd depending on the position of the runners. Plate umpire moves to holding zone, has tag at 3 rd and possible play at home. –Could have plays at 3 rd base depending on the position of the runners.

83. . BASES LOADED - FLY BALL LEFT FIELD LINE.

84. BASES LOADED – FLY BALL CENTER FIELD 1 st base umpire goes out. 3 rd base umpire comes inside the infield and has tag at 1 st and 2 nd base. –Has plays at 1 st and 2 nd base and the batter- runner to 3 rd base. Plate umpire goes to holding zone, has tag at 3 rd base. –Has plays at home. –Release and take plays at 3 rd base.

85. BASES LOADED - FLY BALL CENTER FIELD

86. BASES LOADED - FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD LINE 1 st bases umpire comes inside the infield and has the tags at 1 st and 2 nd. –Has possible plays at 1 st and 2 nd base. 3 rd bases umpire comes into fair territory and has any calls at 3 rd base. Plate umpire has the call on the fly ball and the tag at 3 rd base. –Has any plays at the plate.

87. BASES LOADED - FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD LINE

88. Inside/Outside Not a default Sometimes a good idea Sometimes not the best idea Can be used both 2-man and 3-man

89. Things to Consider Where ball is hit Does partner chase Type of hit Your area of responsibility Runners, inning, score, outs…..