ASA 3-ump - Walk the line?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Personally, I don't like "walking the line." I just don't think it serves much purpose. If you need something prescribed to you like that to keep yourself in the game, then you need to rethink your umpiring goals.

Well, that is not the point of the mechanic. Then again, I don't see why anyone would have an issue with an umpire taking A STEP, two at the most. It WILL keep you on your toes, allow you to avoid being hit and allow you to move into position in a quicker and more efficient manner. But if that doesn't interest the umpire, just stand there

[wadeintothem]

I agree with Steve as to the best way to do it - and Mike on the mirroring. Mirroring is a terrible mechanic that I'm glad is gone. It leads to errors and extra calls by a bu who should not be making those calls. One example of a bad thing I've had happen because my partner was mirroring, was I had a batter out of the box when hit the ball and called dead ball, my partner mirroring me called foul ball so he could be my helper and send the runner back - so mirror and coaching all in one bad call. So when I called the batter out, I had to answer for why I said out and he said foul. This was a 18G coach with a national championship under his belt and he knows what he is doing and it was not fun. You just do your job out there, and mirroring is not your job and it is not a listed mechanic. If you stay quiet and dont make calls that arent yours, you cant get us in trouble.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Well, that is not the point of the mechanic. Then again, I don't see why anyone would have an issue with an umpire taking A STEP, two at the most. It WILL keep you on your toes, allow you to avoid being hit and allow you to move into position in a quicker and more efficient manner. But if that doesn't interest the umpire, just stand there

Then why, in a 2-umpire system, does the BU stay stationary until the ball is hit? You're not really that much further out than if you were in a 3-umpire crew (maybe a couple of feet - unless you're calling SP and getting pushed halfway to the fence).

For me it's simple: I don't want to be moving just for the sake of being moving. If I'm going somewhere, I want it to be for a purpose. Maybe it's because I'm younger than the average umpire that I don't find it difficult to get the ol' turfslappers moving, but I just don't see walking as being all that necessary. Even when I'm "stationary" as the BU, I can do little things to keep my feet at the ready (wiggling toes, flexing the calf or thigh muscles, etc.). I'm moving as soon as I know where I need to be, and in less than a second after the ball is hit (usually a split second). All the while, I'm stationary to see everything I need to see as clearly as I can.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Then why, in a 2-umpire system, does the BU stay stationary until the ball is hit? ...

[MNBlue]

Originally Posted by Dakota

I believe Dave is a predominantly a slow pitch umpire, thus starting in 'B'. I think the discussion is centering on fast pitch umpiring, where the BU's start on the line.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Forgot to remind y'all I'm SP only.

Yes, in FP with no runners on, the BU's walking the line.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Then why, in a 2-umpire system, does the BU stay stationary until the ball is hit? You're not really that much further out than if you were in a 3-umpire crew (maybe a couple of feet - unless you're calling SP and getting pushed halfway to the fence).

What makes you think this is only for 3-umpire mechanics?

For me it's simple: I don't want to be moving just for the sake of being moving. If I'm going somewhere, I want it to be for a purpose.

That is why the umpire is on the outside foot because that is your push-off foot when you need to go somewhere.

Maybe it's because I'm younger than the average umpire that I don't find it difficult to get the ol' turfslappers moving, but I just don't see walking as being all that necessary.

Irrelevant. The mechanic was dropped a few years ago and brought back because umpires felt more comfortable and mobile taking that step as opposed to standing still in a set position.

Even when I'm "stationary" as the BU, I can do little things to keep my feet at the ready (wiggling toes, flexing the calf or thigh muscles, etc.). I'm moving as soon as I know where I need to be, and in less than a second after the ball is hit (usually a split second). All the while, I'm stationary to see everything I need to see as clearly as I can.

And I'm seeing everything I need to see and am moving WHEN the ball is hit. That means I have more time to get to where I need to be, set and see the most important thing, the play.

Personally, I believe you are overthinking this mechanic and wonder if you were ever taught it properly.

[SRW]

I know the OP stated ASA, but I tend to default to the CCA manual on this - pgs 155 - 158.

[KJUmp]

Originally Posted by SRW

I know the OP stated ASA, but I tend to default to the CCA manual on this - pgs 155 - 158.

What do pgs.155-158 of the CCA manual say on this? I'm not a CCA level official, just curious as to their recommeded mechanic...always looking for something that may help my own mechanics and thought process.
Thanks

PS..I'm a walker...it's rare that I ever get the opportunity to work 3 man, and as an umpire who just works lower level local SP, FP, (and yes BB), I'm never under the eyes of an observer. But I am a stickler for good solid mechanics that help you in seeing what you need to see and getting you to where you need to be on the field to get the call right.

[SethPDX]

Originally Posted by KJUmp

What do pgs.155-158 of the CCA manual say on this? I'm not a CCA level official, just curious as to their recommeded mechanic...always looking for something that may help my own mechanics and thought process.
Thanks

PS..I'm a walker...it's rare that I ever get the opportunity to work 3 man, and as an umpire who just works lower level local SP, FP, (and yes BB), I'm never under the eyes of an observer. But I am a stickler for good solid mechanics that help you in seeing what you need to see and getting you to where you need to be on the field to get the call right.

Don't have this year's version, but I think it's:
Bases empty: Both walk
R on 3B only: 1BU walks, 3BU set
R on 1B only: 1BU set
Anytime 1BU is in infield: 3BU set

(2008 version, pp. 152-155)

I don't work college, but the CCA manual is still a good read because it has a lot of great advice on preparation, handling people, various situations, etc. Just remember the rules discussed are NCAA.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Personally, I believe you are overthinking this mechanic and wonder if you were ever taught it properly.

That could totally be, and I'll acknowledge that. My experience with 3-ump mechanics is a little on the limited side. Was hoping to refine it more at the NUS, but, well... damn astroturf!

[ronald]

Was hoping to refine it more at the NUS, but, well... damn astroturf!

Dave, would you like to share the astroturf reference?

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by ronald

Dave, would you like to share the astroturf reference?

Crap... Yeah, apparently the NB 350s and astroturf are extra "adhesive." We were practicing the 3-umpire mechanics, and I was 1BU. I was attempting to pivot while running home when my left foot absolutely STUCK to the ground. It stopped mid-pivot, but the rest of my 230-pound body kept going. From the reports I received afterward, I had apparently been flipped (literally) into the air, feet up over my head, then I came down hard. Now more than a month later, it's still giving me problems. But hey, I've sucked it up and umpired about 9 days after the injury, so... Let me just say that Active Ankles are AWESOME when you have an ankle injury. HIGHLY recommended.

Fortunately, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech were playing a doubleheader about 100 yards away, and they were about to begin when one of the other students at the NUS ran down and grabbed their student trainer, explaining that an umpire was down.

Man, she sure was cute!

[Chess Ref]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Fortunately, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech were playing a doubleheader about 100 yards away, and they were about to begin when one of the other students at the NUS ran down and grabbed their student trainer, explaining that an umpire was down.

Man, she sure was cute!

I was playing in a pretty big tennis tournament. In the first round had a minor hammie pull that required taping and massaging of my lower buttocks. I got a student trainer from San Jose State to tape and massage me all weekend. I was so happy I made it to the semi's before losing.

She was cute, and very friendly.