ASA BU SP mechanics question
 

There's one section in the manual that has had me baffled for a while now on page 216 (SP BU, 2 ump system):

In every clinic I've been to, I've always been told that BU has 1st and 2nd, and takes the trailing runner to 3rd. That's it. Are these clinics wrong/incomplete? If PU calls a play at HP, then calls the subsequent play at 3B, would they get dinged?

I'd hate to incorporate this into how our local umpires call, as this is not what we've been told, and it would only create confusion between players and our crew. However, if I intend to move up, I want to do it right.

(Jury duty gave me a lot of time to focus on nitpicking my mechanics today.)

Apparently Jury Duty also has you overthinking. The statement above IS correct for the Base Umpire as you have cited above.

If there is a play at home, the BU has a subsequent play at 3B, or any other base. If you read E under the PU directly above where you are reading this, you will see the exception noted for when the PU is not responsible for 3B plays in SP. Subparagraph 3 directly addresses your concern.

You are correct, BU has trailing runner. If there is a play at the plate, the runner going into 3B IS a trailing runner.

This may seem silly, but no one ever clarified what a "trailing runner" was. Every umpire I've ever met has always interpreted it as, "the runner farthest from HP," which sounds correct. Think of it as "the caboose." However, doing a search on "trailing" in the rules PDF has me straightened out.

Good morning, my name's Captain Obvious. Nice t'meet ya. :o

Look at it this way. If you are not leading the way, you must be trailing someone.