Mike
It does state in the rule book when using 2 man mechanics 90% of the situations that will ordinarily arise may be adequately covered. In your play maybe one of those 10% that cant.
Now missing a touch by home and missing some extra activity that might happen before or after the runner touches home I believe is two different things but I did state in my post I did catch the lead runner touching home what I did miss is what ever extra activity that happen after the runner touched when I had a catcher and a pitcher in the vicinity but not in the runners path. I would agree with you that since the 1st time this runner came in, there was noted extra activity if possible I should of let my attention stay there for a second or two longer to see if anything happen this time but even if I saw the activity I dont think I would of handled it any different unless I ruled it malicious and by the pitcher reaction after the play I didnt believe it was malicious but there was contact, something like I had seen the 1st time but this time there was noone in the basepath which I believe warranted at least the warning.
As for the way we work the 2 man mechinacs which is real close to the rule book I believe it works really well do not ever remember a situation on this. The PU covers 3rd except BU responibility on BR. I know I will say this in next game will bite me in the butt but I believe it takes away any of those both umps making different call on the same play.
Also like to say I work very hard on my mechinacs and being in the right place at the right time to make the proper call which I believe is a rarity in slow-pitch I see to many umps that their feet are stuck and say it doesnt matter it just slow-pitch so I did take a little offense when you said I screwed up the mechanics on the play but will take your suggestion to heart and try to remember the suggestions next time I find myself in this situation.
As for the book being very clear on ALL TRAIL RUNNER into 3rd being the BU job. I think it also VERY CLEAR that it is the PU is responible in slow-pitch for all calls at 3rd except for the BR or when a play happens at home 1st on a lead runner then a play goes to third. That were I believe there is a conflict in the rule book and you will have 2 umpires making the call!!
JMHO
Don
[Edited by oppool on May 13th, 2001 at 07:44 PM]
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