A couple of questions

[harmbu]

In FED games with a two man crew:

Who has the runner interference call at second base on a potential double play? I have always been told that the PU had that call since the BU had to make the call at 1B. Today the BU made the call himself and told me that it is always his call. The PU just looked at me and shrugged his shoulders.

How is it possible that the BU in the C position can have the tag up at 3B on a fly ball to right center field when he has his back turned to the 3B bag during the entire duration of the play?

[bob jenkins]

1) If the INT is before the ball is thrown (or maybe *immediately* after, if ti was obvious to the umpire that it was going to be there), then BU has the call. If it's after the throw, when BU has to turn, then it's PU's call.

2) Sometimes the runner leaves early enough that even a BU with his back turned can get the call. And, if PU is on the ball, and the only runner is R3, BU can certainly help PU with the call (but not by turning his back)

[jicecone]

The PU should be coming out to make that call at second however, if the BU sees the interference, then there is nothing to look at on first base. Call the runner out and also the batter-runner and move on. A lot of times we have too many officials so hung up about mechanics, that the call is not made because by the book, it wasn't their call. Regardless, if the call is missed, BOTH officials look bad. Sh*t happens on the field when instant decisions are made, partners need to adjust accordingly to cover each other to get the right calls.

As far as the play at 3B, the PU should be getting into position to observe the tag at third and the first touch of the ball for the catch. BU should be moving up towards second to observe and make the call of the catch when secured.