1st Playoff Series

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by davelock11

I have my 1st playoff series assignment this weekend. I'm pretty excited about it, but also a little nervous. I've been studying the 3-man mechanics for the past couple of days, but I've never used them on the field.

What are some of the most important things that I need to be aware of (areas most likely to screw up) when going to 3-man for the 1st time? Any advice or tips?

This is a dilemma faced by most HS associations - all games are 2-man mechanics until the playoffs. As a result, most playoff umpires are very inexperienced and/or undertrained. 3-man mechanics takes a while to get down pat. You can't just read a book or a manual and expect everything to go without a hitch.

First of all, an umpire should GO OUT on every fly ball except the most obvious can of corn. You will now revert to much more familiar 2-man mechanics. Consequently, you MUST know who has fly ball responsibilities, especially going out from inside the diamond. Be sure to pre-game this thoroughly.

Secondly, you are right - somebody is going to screw up. When this happens, unscrew it by communicating. If there is a rotation and you (U1) sees the PU standing at the plate, push him to 3rd by yelling at him "BOB - GO TO THIRD!"

Finally, signal rotations/reverse rotations EVERY time a new batter steps in or there is a change on the bases. PU initiates the signal and both field umpires respond to the signal and make eye contact with each other. You have to be on the same page.

You are a team out there. Talk to each other the whole game.

Good luck and have fun!