After the 3rd Out...

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by billken

(HS or NCAA 2-man) When you make the 3rd out call on a tag play at a base (could be a pick-off at 1st, a runner caught stealing, etc), how long do you stay with the play before trotting out to right/center field?

I've always heard the older and highly respected guys in my assn. say to make the call and get out of Dodge.

I have no respect for an official that does not do what he has to, to control his game. Getting out of Dodge at the end of the game is one thing, not handling business during the game when it is necessary, is another.

I am there for the entire game, and if taking my time to get to right field so I can observe a possible incident is going to make the game smoother for me, then I will do it. It is called pre-emptive(sp?) officiating. And yes it is your job and should be handled as per the rules. Don't assume your partner is always observing the same thing you are at the same time. Also, it is much more effective if the nearest official takes care of it immediately and bad feelings don't carry into the rest of the game.