[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by btdt

I have more but am interested in the situation others believe you should/shouldnt go for help.

The aforementioned is subject for many a debate and has come to fruition more in recent years due to the fact that Umpires in the PROS are huddling more so than in the past.

In a 2 person system we need to strive to make our own calls and live and learn as they say. The fact is we will not get every call right. Also whose to say that indeed your partner had the better angle.

Remember coaches are looking for "anything they can get" and if word gets around that you are an umpire who is constantly going to your partner get ready for long games.

One thing to remember on the swipe tag / pulled foot. It's the defense who screwed up meaning they are the ones who made the poor throw etc.

As BU you should "size the diamond out" meaning KNOW where you need to be in order to have the proper angle.

Have I gone to the PU for help on the swipe tag / pulled foot? - YES but it was instances in which I couldn't get to the spot I wanted.

example; R2 less than 2 outs. Ground ball to F6. Now the rule of thumb is when you as a player are on second less than 2 outs and the ball is hit to the left side of the infield, you freeze. However, we are umpires and not players anymore.

If R2 for some uknown reason gives the appearance that he is going to third and F6 appears to make a play on him /her then as the BU in "C" you cannot get to the optimum spot should F6 then fire to first and the throw is bad.

Also, it is best to make certain we are in the optimal spot when in concerns the lead runner. Does that mean the call at first is any less important than the call at third? In a 2 person system the answer is yes.

Let's say the game is close, winning or tying run on second. "kicking the call at third base" IMO is far worse than "kicking the call at first".

I know what you are thinking. Yeah but if there were 2 outs and we kicked the call at first it could prolong the inning. However, in my example I said LESS than 2 OUTS. With 2 outs one's mechanics are different and you can cheat more towards first base because more likely than not that's where the play is going.

The bottom line is umpires should strive to make their own calls. Learn from your mistakes and in rare instances go to your partner.

Pete Booth