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3 umpire system discussion
We had a few discussions at a 3 umpire system recently. I'll not comment initially to see what others might think.
1. One guy wanted to know if U1 & U3 could switch runner leaving early responsibility in a first & third situation. (Pre-gamed.) 2. Can/should an umpire who has chased call OBS when it happens (assumes neither of the other umpires saw it)? 3. Should or must an umpire that chases verbalize to his/her partners? |
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1) Is the why because of angle while also watching the pitcher, still makes it more difficult. 2) As said, watch it, know it, say so if asked (other than the extremes provided by Slick). 3) Of course, why wouldn't we communicate with our partners? Is someone too elite to think the PU might be screened from the BU? I prefer "chasing", loudly. |
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#2 Most agree that the chasing ump only turns back to the infield and observes. While OBS is a DDB, and can be potentially remedied after the play is over, can the same be said for INT? INT is an immediate DB, an out, and runners return. Fixing that after the play is over could be a bit more difficult. #3 We had mixed inputs on this, even from our clinicians. After a group discussion, I think everyone came around to the idea that a chasing umpire should say something, even if it might not be heard as his/her back would be to the infield. And PU should communicate "2 man!". Opinions still come into play. |
One other matter I wanted to bring up was communication when no umpire chases.
I thought I made a comment somewhere in this forum that if no umpire chased, the PU would declare "All in!". Someone claimed to have never heard about that and it wasn't an approved mechanic. Well, I picked up on it somewhere be it a NUS or an actual National Tournament. I can't remember exactly where I learned it. I don't have the opportunity to do many 3-ump games, but will make that call on occasion especially when one of the BUs declines to chase when they should have. In any case, it does now appear in this year's Umpire Manual: USA Softball expects umpires to use all three forms of communication throughout the game in the Two and Three Umpire Systems. What umpires specifically verbalize to their partners are up to them if it is clear, concise, direct and loud enough. If a base umpire chases, they would verbalize, “going”, “chase” and or “2 umpire” and the other umpire(s) should verbally confirm. In the three umpire system when no umpire chases, the plate umpire verbally confirms that the crew remains in a three umpire system. Terms such as “3 umpire”, “all in” etc should be used to do this. If a Plate Umpire checks with Base Umpire for a check swing, they may verbally ask “did they go”, “swing”. The ultimate goal is to COMMUNICATE. Umpires need to understand that not rotating to the proper position in a timely manner can be a form of a “breakdown” in the rotation. Umpires that do not commit and move to their position for a play per USA Softball Mechanics could communicate to their partner(s) that they are NOT rotating, creating confusion between umpires. |
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I'm happy to see these codes start to align in their philosophies again. It makes it easier on us, and it does Miss Emily proud (even though she's stepped away from the college game as far as I knew last). To the post: #1 - Don't pregame a deviation. The manual is there for a reason. #2: Yes - if you go out, don't stay out with your back turned. If you see OBS in your general area, and your partners miss it badly, get it. (Get credible angle and distance first.) #3: Always communicate. I'm guilty of this sometimes...I go on a fly ball and don't talk to my partners. My bad: always communicate. |
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