Positioning Error ?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Sorry, I have to disagree with all. The BU's responsibility is to get inside, watch the runners THEN pick-up the ball.

Experience will teach an umpire the priorities and how to make the most out of every play.

HOWEVER, the last thing you want to tell a relatively inexperienced umpire is to watch the ball. I tell every class I have that the hardest part of becoming an umpire on the bases is not following the ball. If you tell them to watch the ball, they will become a spectator and the PU will be the Lone Ranger out there 'cause Tonto is acting like s/he should have a dog and beer in her/his hands.

Though there are many, MANY different variations on how to cover certain plays with a particular number of umpires, you still need to have everyone start at the same place and work their way up from there.