Received this from a (very) long-time
VB official in my area:
"Years ago, that was the correct mechanic for the R2 ('umpire' at the time). It was a very unsafe position and I nearly lost a leg in a college match because the player came down so fast I couldn't get out of the way.
It was a welcome change when they started having us stand outside the pole. There were also more lines judges when they had them.
Very different than now. Some changes have been an asset where others not so. Most of these were before the NFHS Rules were established and the schools played by the DGWS Rules and in some cases International Rules."