NCAA mechanics for 2016

shipwreck

Did NCAA change any positioning for base umpires this year? I was looking at a couple of questions from the quiz for this year and two questions asked this. Any help? Dave

CecilOne

shipwreck wrote
Did NCAA change any positioning for base umpires this year? I was looking at a couple of questions from the quiz for this year and two questions asked this. Any help? Dave

I think there was something about positioning at 2nd in 3 ump.

shipwreck

I haven't received my CCA book yet, that would address this question.

CecilOne

CecilOne wrote
I think there was something about positioning at 2nd in 3 ump.

Second thought. It is about between innings, both BU in CF I think. 🙄

Big Slick

shipwreck wrote
Did NCAA change any positioning for base umpires this year? I was looking at a couple of questions from the quiz for this year and two questions asked this. Any help? Dave

Between inning mechanics changed (U1 is in line with 3rd/2nd base; U3 in line with 1st/2nd base) and calling distance for a tag play (now 8 to 12 feet).

CecilOne

Big Slick wrote
Between inning mechanics changed (U1 is in line with 3rd/2nd base; U3 in line with 1st/2nd base) and calling distance for a tag play (now 8 to 12 feet).

I was close.
BTW, did this in a game or two last fall and all it does is take time and make BU run farther to position. 🙄

IRISHMAFIA

Big Slick wrote
Between inning mechanics changed (U1 is in line with 3rd/2nd base; U3 in line with 1st/2nd base)

I find it ridiculously amusing that any association has ever bothered with this.

IMO, off the lines in the IF worked well for everyone.

teebob21

IRISHMAFIA wrote
I find it ridiculously amusing that any association has ever bothered with this.

IMO, off the lines in the IF worked well for everyone.

The rationale given was that increasing the distance between umpires and coaches between innings is supposed to reduce unnecessary interaction. I'm neither in support nor opposition for this line of thought, but I will comment that it works.

NCAA also changed the preferred distance for force play depth to 18-21 feet (previously 15-18).

IRISHMAFIA

teebob21 wrote
The rationale given was that increasing the distance between umpires and coaches between innings is supposed to reduce unnecessary interaction. I'm neither in support nor opposition for this line of thought, but I will comment that it works

I find that such a worry isn't worth the toothpick on which a coach is chewing compared to the possible benefit available to a crew of umpires who can routinely communicate during a game.

Umpire@1

The NCAA just seems to have to change something all the time. I agree with Irishmafia, this make no difference. I have been umpiring for over 20 years, and cannot hardly ever remember having an issue between innings. And yes, it added 8-10 more step to your game every half inning.

KJUmp

teebob21 wrote
NCAA also changed the preferred distance for force play depth to 18-21 feet (previously 15-18).

This did not change.....calling distance for force play is still 15-18ft.

IRISHMAFIA

KJUmp wrote
This did not change.....calling distance for force play is still 15-18ft.

Never a big fan of a "calling distance" being specific, but more of guide to keep one from getting too close to a play

teebob21

KJUmp wrote
This did not change.....calling distance for force play is still 15-18ft.

You are correct. I think the 18-20 ft change is the depth in A. I tried to find my notes what that applied to, but can't. Maybe I dreamed it.

Edit: This was communicated at the NCAA clinics as 18-20 ft. NCAA Central Hub Link: http://sup.arbitersports.com/Groups/104484/Library/files/2016%20NCAA%20Softball%20Clinic%20%233.pdf It is not in the CCA manual, though.