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Dixie 15U (Belles) District All-Stars - Bases loaded 1 out (3 man mechanics). I'm the plate umpire with one BU on the 3rd base line and the other BU in B position. The batter hits a hard grounder just past the pitcher toward the third base side. After initially seeing the ball on the ground, I glanced toward the runner coming home and get in position to make a potential call at home. I glanced back to find the ball and see R2 and the SS untangling, I look at my partners for any reaction (no dead ball or delay dead ball signal). The defensive team is going crazy and two runs score. The defensive manager requested time to discuss the play. I told him I did not see the whole play, he asked to talk to the BUs. The 3rd BU told the coach that there was contact but the SS did not have a play on the ball. The manager wanted to protest the call but I told him that it was not a protestable call (judgement). In the future, should I watch the ground ball and action around it until the play is over. If so, should I call interference even though the play is just 10 to 20 feet in front of my partner. I have made this call in the past (2 man mechanics) when working with a rookie umpire who didn't know or understand the rule, but the results is usually an ejection or firestorm from the offensive because the BU, who was closer to the play, didn't make the call. As a basketball official, I am trained to trust my partner. How do you handle this situation?
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