View Single Post
  #6 (permalink)  
Old Sun Jun 08, 2003, 08:30am
IRISHMAFIA IRISHMAFIA is offline
Official Forum Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: USA
Posts: 14,565
Quote:
Originally posted by Glen G
On fly balls half way or more between the bags and the fence ( along the foul lines) I always get blocked out at the last minute by runners and more often than not defensive players. I always stayed on the line running slightly toward the play but am I better off going to one side or the other? I lose that straight on look though.

What do you do?

Glen
Unless you have well-defined chalked or painted lines, you need to stay in a position where you can determine the status of the ball.

The defensive players have no need to see that line. If you have time, tell them, "10, give me the line" or "10, I need to see the line". If they don't give you the line, you need to call the ball based on the position you last saw it and if in doubt, give any benefit to the offense.

The runners are another story especially on the right side. As the umpire, you still need to get the best view you can. If that means leanging one way or the other and give it your best shot, that's what you have to do.

__________________
The bat issue in softball is as much about liability, insurance and litigation as it is about competition, inflated egos and softball.
Reply With Quote