After the 3rd Out...

[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?

Do you stay until both players separate? Does your approach change if the coach reacts negatively to the play? Is it understood that the PU will keep his eyes on the players so you can remove yourself?

I've always heard the older and highly respected guys in my assn. say to make the call and get out of Dodge. But in the past couple of weeks, I've had a couple of extracurricular issues arise that I didn't see and now I'm thinking that I should stay in there until the sliding runner is back on his feet. It might be worth the risk of the coach coming out to see this stuff a little better.

What do you guys think? What is taught at the higher levels?

[bob jenkins]

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?

Do you stay until both players separate? Does your approach change if the coach reacts negatively to the play? Is it understood that the PU will keep his eyes on the players so you can remove yourself?

I've always heard the older and highly respected guys in my assn. say to make the call and get out of Dodge. But in the past couple of weeks, I've had a couple of extracurricular issues arise that I didn't see and now I'm thinking that I should stay in there until the sliding runner is back on his feet. It might be worth the risk of the coach coming out to see this stuff a little better.

What do you guys think? What is taught at the higher levels?

Stay there until the play is over. The "play" includes any extra-curricular stuff. You can also be watching as you begins to move to your between-innings position. You don't need to put your head down and sprint out to RF.

[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.