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Originally Posted by rngrck
Working my first game solo tomm(JV). Any words of advice would much be appreciated. How about some short cuts if possible?
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Have in my mind what I call "givens" to be consistent.
Example: you have R1 stealing on the pitch. Since your first priority is to call the pitch, you are not going to get the best of angles on the play. You get a couple of steps to get the best view possible.
If the ball BEATS the runner and the tag is where it is supposed to be = OUT PERIOD. Same holds true for BOTH teams. Conversely if the ball is off line or the fielder has to reach back for a tag etc. the Call is SAFE.
When working SOLO the runners will have the advantage but again the advantage is equal for BOTH teams. On a pick-off attempt at first base you have to be ABSOLUTELY sure you saw a tag to call R1 out therefore, for the most part you will not see too many outs on pick-off plays.
Forget about watching EVERY runner touch the bases. It's virtaully impossible to do when working solo because if the ball is hit in the air, you are watching for the catch / no catch.
You might get a glimpse of the runner touching third base but again I would not worry about appeal plays.
Do not be INFLUENCED on changing calls even if you "kicked it" Example: you have a play at the plate see F2 tag the runner but do not SEE the ball lying on the ground.
You know the offense is going to "go nuts" but you do not have a partner to check with. If you start REVERSING calls based upon reactions of the other team get ready for a very long day.
As Bob says you get into what is known as the "working area" which is around the pitcher's mound. From there you can move in either direction to make the call.
Hustle as best you can
That is all anyone can ask. Most of the time the coaches understand but as in Garth's post every now and then you get a pain in the you know what and if that happens mirror Garth or something along those lines.
NOTE: In HS at least in my area it's not uncommon for umpires to be scheduled SOLO when working modified and even JV games so get used to it.
It works like this
1. Varsity - 2 umpires ALWAYS.
2. JV - The scheduler does try and put 2 umpires on the game but you can work SOLO
3. Modified - Most of the games umpired at this level are SOLO. In fact SOLO for the modified level is becoming the norm at least in the association I work. There is simply not enough umpires to cover all the games at each division.
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