Four Umpire Mechanics Presented by: Brian Sonak District VI Rule Interpreter Centre County Chapter

Four Umpire Mechanics Used in all inter-district games and some district final. Provides coverage for “most” situations Umpires must be on top of their game The four of you are a crew – and each play an important role You must know your responsibility

Four Umpire Mechanics NFHS does include a “four umpire mechanics” in the mechanics guide. However, it isn’t very detailed. There is no “domestic” softball organization with detailed information. This presentation is designed to use “all NFHS/PIAA philosophy” and put umpires in the best position to make the calls.

Four Umpire Mechanics The “Basics” Over view of responsibilities Over view of positioning Fly ball coverage Rotations Unusual Helpful hints

Four Umpire Mechanics The “Basics” Inside/outside theory – when the ball is hit outside, you go inside (base umpires) *When the umpire “in front” of you vacates, you rotate – Not situational (not based on runners) Starting positions – Situational (where runners start)

Responsibilities Pitch Pitcher’s hands 3’ running lane Some plays at home Some plays at third Some tag up’s at third *BE THE CREW LEADER! Plate Umpire

Responsibilities Pitcher’s feet Runner leaving early at fist Plays at 1B and home Tag up’s at first F9-dead ball Pitcher’s feet Runner leaving early at second Plays at 2B and *1B Tag up’s at first and second F7-F9 Pitcher’s feet Runners leaving early at third Plays at 3B and 2B Tag up’s at third and second F7-dead ball U1U2 U3

Responsibilities - Shared At all times, umpires must work together as a crew. The crew must communicate, move efficiently and effectively, read the play and each other. No one wants to witness a breakdown.

Positioning -Staring and Calling Calling position (PU and BU’s): 10’-12’ on a tag play (90 0 from runner) 18’ on a force play (angle to see all elements)

Positioning: Staring Plate Umpire: Good plate mechanics Base umpires: No runners: U1 and U3 will be 18’ -21’ on the line (walking); U2 is 18’ on extended line from 2B to 3B – All BU’s square to the plate/batter Starting positions change with runners on base

No Runners On 18’-21’ 18’ – right foot should be in line with edge of 2B 18’-21’

Runner on First 18’-21’ 10’ – 12’ right foot should be in line with edge of 2B 10’-12’ – on the line, square to plate

Runner on Second 10’-12’ on line – square to pate 10’ – 12’ right foot should be in line with edge of 2B OR same position, in line with 1B and 2B (left foot on outside edge)* 18’-21’

Runner On Third 10’-12’ – square to plate – off the line far enough to see 18’ – right foot should be in line with edge of 2B 18’-21’

Positioning and Movement - Ball In Play When the ball is in play, each umpire will move - either to a calling position or by chasing a fly ball. Movement should quick, efficient and AGGRESSIVE – when one vacates, another one fills. Although you may not have to make a call, there is always a job to do, all umpires should be aware of possible plays

Movement – Chasing a fly ball Base Umpires have the same fly ball coverage at all times (Not Situational) Know the chase areas: – DBT to F7; F7 to F9; F9 to DBT Chase parallel to ball or straddling the foul line (U3/U1 only). Don’t overrun the ball. Stop and make a good call. Chase anything that “can be caught.” When chasing, giving a verbal is suggested. Can be a partner’s name, or “going.” New: try “chase”

Chase Zones F7 to DBT F7 to F9, primary right of refusal F9 to DBT

Positioning and Movement - Rotation Per NFHS manual “when an umpire chases, revert to 3-umpire system” Movement should quick and efficient and AGGRESSIVE. If the base “behind” you is open, you belong there. Not dependent of starting position of runners (Not Situational) Communicate and rotate

Positioning and Movement - Rotation Umpires should move in predictable ways in that one should know the responsibilities of your partner. However, an umpire should never assume the play is covered. “Look Ahead” of the runner Calling time is not always necessary to get back into position after rotation.

Rotation – U3 Chases U1 –When lead runner advances past second, rotate home (foul territory movement is an option). U2 – come inside and pick up first base when U1 vacates. You will then be responsible for first and second U3 - Chased PU – You are primary at third, should have inside position.

U3 Chases

Rotation – U2 Chases U1 – When lead runner advances past second, rotate home (foul territory movement is an option). U2 – Chases U3 – Quick dash to second base (avoid runner), you will have second and first when U1 vacates PU – You are primary at third, should have inside position.

U2 Chases

Rotation – U1 Chases U1 – Chased U2 – come inside and pick up first base. You will then be responsible for first and second U3 – Stay at third, you do not need to move far. Foul territory movement is an option. PU – Stay at the plate. 1BLX position is the default position for tag plays at the plate.

U1 Chases

Responsibilities – Tag Up’s As a basic rule, you cover the runner closest to where you are going. U1: Runner on first at all times U2: Runner on second (U3 chase) or first and second (U1 chase). U3: Runner on third (U1 chase) or runner on second (U2 chase). PU: Runner on third (U3 or U2 chase)

Unusual Plays As presented, this system is rather simple, however, not all plays happen as “drawn up.” Play 1: Ball hit to F9, U1 chases. If there is a play at first, it belongs to U2. Play 2: Runner starting beyond first. U2 or U3 chases. PU and U1 are keys, rotate quickly Play 3: Sac fly. Again, U1 is needed home (optimal).

Helpful Hints - PU You are the leader of the crew. You have the vision to see all rotations, never turning your back on the ball. You must rotate AGGRESSIVELY to third when U3 vacates. Most rotation breakdown occur when third base is left open. Take an “inside” position at third, watch for throws from F7 to the plate.

Helpful Hints – U3 When U2 vacates, you must get to second NOW. Move to calling position at second. There will be times when you also have to cover first base, so your path may be more through the circle than to second. Sometimes you do very little.

Helpful Hints – U2 You will chase more than the other base umpires. Sometimes your chase is just steps. When U1 chases, you have both first and second. Watch starting positions. You can start on third base side when no runner starts at first.

Helpful Hints – U1 When a runner has advanced beyond second, you are needed at home. You can pass the BR while you are in foul territory When you get to the plate, take a 1BLX position as the PU would

Thank you for you attention. Be the best umpire you can be! Any Questions?