3-Man Mechanics

1. 3-Man Mechanics Keys to Remember

2. When Do You Go Out?? • “A base umpire should go to the outfield on all fly balls within his/her coverage area.” Ref. 2012-2013 NFHS Umpires Manual, Three-Umpire Systems, pg. 48.

3. Keying on Your Partner’s Moves • If you start to “go out” DON’T change your mind (except if you both go out). • It will confuse your partner’s initial reads and likely cause umpires to be out of position. • When you “go out” • (1) Turn your back to the infield. • (2) Never yell “going out.” • (3) You can yell “two man.”

4. When you do GO OUT • You might only have time to just turn around. • Get a good angle! Chase parallel to the flight of the ball versus directly at the defensive player making the catch. • Chase down the line on possible fair/foul balls. • Avoid throwing lane(s) after the catch/no catch. • Do NOT come back in to make any calls, BUT • Do turn and face the infield to observe the play, such as (1) missed bases, (2) tags/no tags, (3) balls coming lose on tag plays, (4) location of base runner(s) when a thrown ball that goes into dead ball area leaves the fielder’s hand OR (5) the position of runners at the time a ball becomes blocked by loose equipment (offense or defense) .

5. WORKING AS A CREW There’s a BIG DIFFERENCE between three umpires working as the Plate, U1 & U2 in the same game & three umpires working a gametogether as a crew!!

6. WORKING AS A CREW • Enter/Depart the Field & Walk the Field Together. • Check the Equipment Together. • Plate Conference (No Sunglasses) • As a play nears completion P, U1 & U2 continue to officiate until F1 is in the circle with possession of the ball & the runner(s) have “settled” on their respective base(s). Then, • P continues to monitor all activities while U1 & U2 jog to their respective positions. • When U1 and/or U2 make eye contact with P they assume responsibility for actions on the field while P relocates . • Getting Help: Check swings, missed tags, pulled foot, drop 3rd strike, catch/no catch on infield line drives.

7. Working as A Crew • Officiating Between Pitches • Plate Umpire monitor: (1) 10/20 second count, (2) F1 activity, hand to mouth/wipe, F1 taking her position on the pitching plate with her hands together, double touches, illegal removal from pitching plate, (3) batter illegally removing lines, (4) batter legally in the box, (5) catcher infractions • Base Umpires monitor: (1) F1 activity, (2) maintaining possession of the ball in the circle, (3) F1 “making a play” on a runner (look-back rule), (4) runners leaving early, (5) player/coach activity in dugouts, (6) players in designated dead ball areas without helmets, (7) players in live ball areas w/o helmets, (8) on-deck batter in proper circle, (9) loose equipment, (10) live ball area warm-ups, (11) defensive coaches in live ball areas

8. Plate Umpire Between Innings • Count warm-up pitches • Monitor one minute time limit (from time of 3rd out of previous inning) • Check/reload ball bag • Handle Substitutes • Only one on-deck batter in her team’s on-deck circle • Towel Off • Fluids • Meet with partner(s) • Only if important, i.e. training, discuss player/coach conduct, F1 legal?, verbal warnings, etc. • BUT NEVER immediately after a controversial call…wait, let things settle down • ALWAYS clean the plate—after the final warm-up pitch

9. Base Umpires Between Innings • Always clean the pitcher’s plate (U1 or U2). • Sweep 2B as required (U1 or U2). • Always jog to your outfield positions. • Count Warm-Up Pitches. • Monitor On-Deck Batter. • Move to 1B & 3B together, sweep the bags, then step back to your starting positions. • On a warm day/evening, towel off & drink fluids as time as permits, then sweep your base and move to your position. • If U1 & U2 want/need to meet to discuss training items, F1 legal(?), player/coach conduct, etc. meet immediately behind 2B on the edge of the outfield grass in CF.

10. Plate Umpire--Reminders • HUSTLE! HUSTLE! Everyone sees it when you don’t! AND so do the cameras. • Always handle introductions of umpire(s) to head coaches and team personnel. • Keep the plate clean. When sweeping the plate, turn your back toward CF and face the back stop. • Take the time spentinbrushing off the plate to warn the catcher or batter when necessary. • NEVER say, “Ball four, take your base,” & don’tpoint to 1B. • It’s never a crime to wash your ball bags.

11. Plate Umpire-Reminders (Cont’d) • Emphasize the call when calling a half-swing or if a batter takes a called 3rd strike at a crucial time of the game. • A big 3rd strike call is important but never intimidate/embarrass the batters with the call. • Use a signal & voice that reflects the importance, difficulty, &/or closeness of the play. • DO NOT verbally describe a pitch, or use a hand signal. • SLOW DOWN on the foul ball calls. • Obvious foul balls back to the screen or over the fence should only be signaled. No verbal call is necessary. • Never point foul on a foul ball. Just give the proper foul ball signal.

12. Field Umpires--Reminders • HUSTLE, HUSTLE, HUSTLE! Everyone notices when you don’t and so do the cameras. • Base coaches/players are not accustomed to umpires working in close proximity to the bases/coaches boxes. You may need to remind coaches to remain in the box. You have to be able to see and move from foul ground. • Call your plays in fair territory except when the play dictates that you be in foul territory. • On a double play, take two steps toward 2B then quickly move toward 1B, parallel to 1B-2B line. Be stationary when making call at 1B. • Always know where the ball is!!!! • Four elements of a play: The ball, the base, the offensive player and the defensive player. • NEVER make a call until the catch or play is completed. • Don’t let players or coaches make calls for you.

13. Field Umpire– Reminders (Cont’d) • Always be aware of the players’ position. • Take positions that will keep you out of the players’ way. • DO make your close calls with a lot of voice & enthusiasm. • When in the “B” slot, be aware of who will take the throw for a force out or the tag at 2B. • Do not help/console an injured player. If a player is hurt, step aside & allow a coach/trainer to handle it. Continue to observe an injured player’s conduct/symptoms as best as you can to determine if a concussion may be involved. • DO slow up runners when the ball becomes dead because of foul balls, etc. But don’t “echo” the call. • DON’T touch balls thrown to you by the defensive team, unless you’re sure there are 3 outs.

14. Common Mistakes • Plate umpires not trailing B/R to 1B. • U1 late in rotating home to cover the plate when P rotates to cover a play at 3B.

15. PLEASE DON”T • Clean/sweep the plate, pitching plate and/or base(s) with your shoes • Walk • Forget to carry a brush & indicator

16. KNOW THESE ANSWERS before EACH PITCH!! • When do I go out? • Where do I go if my partner goes out? • Where do I go if my partner doesn’t go out? • Who’s got a checked swing? • Who’s got illegal pitch? • Which runners are mine leaving early on a pitch? • Which pickoff and/or steal plays are my call?