[AtlUmpSteve]

Mike, the minimum standard is that (at least) one have the ball and runners in his/her view at all times. That said, Willie's emphasis of BS (ball status) is that IF a situation arises where the person responsible loses any part of the status, the entire crew will suffer from the result.

Major 5 NCAA assignments are pretty lucrative; and replacing/canceling air travel arrangements can be costly. Willie's words to me, as best as I can quote from memory; "Steve, we're friends, and I respect your game. But I'm NOT going to risk MY future assignments, and potential postseason assignments, to you or any other umpire that might lose sight of all the elements. I will ALWAYS move to my next position keeping my eye on the ball, and every possible runner, no matter who my partners are. I strongly recommend that you, and every other umpire do the same."

TeeBob, how close is that to what he told you??