Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve
There's a middle ground that doesn't (necessarily) contradict; at least not obviously. One of the finest softball minds regularly states that our mechanics stress umpiring by priorities, and that is where those telling you your priority is the pulled foot are missing it.
The BU has the primary for the play at first; every part of it. PU is secondary, providing a back up angle. So, what is the PU's PRIMARY??
The lead runner, as soon as it is determined the initial infield play isn't on her!! PU can take a few step trail, but has to keep the lead in (at least!!) peripheral vision. We cannot allow that lead runner to cut the corner unobserved and never touch the base, we cannot allow her to be obstructed unobserved, and we canot ignore any other possible play. And, we have to know if we will have a follow-up play at third, and we can only know that if we see the runner take a turn.
So, we shouldn't head to third "too" soon; that doesn't mean the play at first becomes our priority, it means we don't head to third too soon!! See what happens at second, and momentarily divert our attention to the play at first while we are at the best angle to help, but not focusing solely on that secondary responsibility. We keep that timing in our head all the time when seeing multiple runners touch bases, and we are ONLY HELPING with pulled foot or swipe tag; we can try to sense the timing, and pick up the throw to see/know if the play we might need to help with is developing. Clean throw, covering defensive player looks solid, we can give more attention to the lead; bad throw, F3 or F4 still trying to get there, maybe we need to give MORE attention there, but certainly NOT ALL of our attention. Play at first is over, give full attention back to the lead, and get to third if a play develops there.
All that said, sometimes you just miss what happens when you have multiple responsibilities. Know your priorities, see what you can; and tell the coach honestly what you did or didn't see happen. In this case, "Coach, with so many different things happening at the same time, I just didn't see what you are referring to. I can only call what I see; I'm giving you my best effort." And, "Two umpires is a system with holes; we umpire by looking at many things at one time. Even the MLB umpires with 4 and 6 umpires (during postseason) on the field, plus instant replay available in some cases, miss things. We are doing everything we can to see as much of the critical issues as we can."
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