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This is what was taught at the last umpire clinic I attended in SoCal. I was told that this is the mechanic for FED, NCAA & PBUC (wording directly from the PBUC Manual for the Two-Umpire System), this is the mechanic I use.
Fly Balls and Line Drives to the Outfield – Responsibilities
With a runner on 1st base only, fly balls (or line drives) from F7 straight in all the way to F9 straight in belong to the BU. Fly balls (or line drives) where F7 moves any distance toward his right belong to the PU. Likewise, fly balls (or line drives) where F9 moves any distance towards his left belong to the PU.
Section 3.4 Base Hits to the Outfield; First-to-Third Responsibilities
With a runner on 1st base only, on a clean hit to the outfield the BU will step up, turn with the ball, and back up only two or three steps towards the mound to open up to the playing field. From this area he is in good position for observing his responsibilities and moving into the proper position as the plays develop. When the BU has multiple runner responsibilities, if no play develops after the base hit, the BU should maintain his basic position in this working area and not be drawn unnecessarily towards a base without a potential play developing there.
The BU has the responsibility of the touch at 2nd base by the runner from 1st as well as the touch at 1st base by the batter-runner. The PU will come out from behind home plate in the direction of 3rd base, keeping approximately three to six feet into foul territory as he moves down the 3rd base line. It is suggested that as the PU leaves the cutout area at home plate, if he observes that a possibility exists of a play at 3rd on the runner originally on 1st, that the PU make an initial communication to his partner, “I’ve got 3rd if he comes,” alerting his partner to the possibility of a 1st-to-3rd play.
When the PU sees that there is a good possibility for a play at 3rd, as previously mentioned he will communicate to the BU, “I’ve got 3rd, I’ve got 3rd,” as he moves into the cutout at 3rd. At that point he should immediately get into position for the play at 3rd, obtaining proper distance and angle for the play. He should be completely set at the cutout and waiting for the play (ball and runner), NOT timing his arrival so that he is getting set as the play is about to occur.
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