3 umpire situation

[Big Slick]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

1) I recognize you have better knowledge of this than I do, but don't we have to read the ball to see if it really should be chased?

Well, yes and no. You read the ball off the bat, as that gives you indication of location. In the case presented, U3 can read the ball off the bat as "in the air, towards left" and the picked up which fielder.

For another example, ball hit in the air to center. U1 has "first right of refusal" and then let F8 break the tie: does F8 move a step to her right (then U3 should chase) or stay still/move to her left (U1).

Basically, it is not just a "reaction to the hit" (which happened in the OP), but reading what actually is happening.

2) Also, once the U3 turned outward, shouldn't the PU yield to U3 for the call?

If U3 communicated the chase, then yes. If any communication was present, Andy didn't say. But if U1 or U3 communicate the chase, then chase. And I have seen a chase where the ball was blown back into the infield.