[NM FP Ump]

Had this happen this weekend.

USSSA 18U

R1 on 2nd, R2 on 1st, no out. I am in position C, over the SS's right shoulder; she's playing behind the base path, about 5 steps.

Ground ball to SS, she moves forward to field ground ball, comes up with ball in bare hand (right hand) and attempts to tag R1. At the point of "supposed" contact with R1 we have a straight line situation (R1, SS, BU). I couldn't see any contact so I made no call. SS throws to 1st, throw is wide, BR moves to 2nd, R2 moves to 3rd. I anticipated a throw to 3rd for the force and may have moved a step that way, which took me into the straight line scenario above.

SS was adamant that a tag was applied, but I told her "I saw no tag". Coaches came out and argued but to no avail. During the break I conferred with PU (who has many years of experience in USSSA and NFHS and 1 year in NCAA, someone I respect) and he said I made the right call, but it was not the most popular call. Drop it and go on.

My question is:

Could I have been in a better position to get a better angle to make this call? I don't think I could have, but I thought I may have been in a better position if I was closed to 3rd and in a step or two, but that would leave me open to get hit by a line drive.