Stanford-Washington
 

Watching today's game.

Observations:

Plate umpire has a good look at the zone, at least with these catchers, but if his hand ever catches a pitch or foul ball, I think it is likely he will suffer a broken bone.

Apparently this crew likes to bend over. The common "set" position other for PU and BU was bent at the waist with hands just above knees even when there was no imminent play. That has got to be tough on the back.

The mechanics for the base umpires for NCAA has the BU's in a set position prior to every pitch. The only time you are not in a set position prior to the pitch is when you are on the line with no runner responsibility and then you are walking the line.

Then I guess it just depends on what your "set" position is. Mine and ASA's does not involve bending or placing your hands on you legs.

NCAA has adopted either set position. The traditional baseball hands on the knees set position or the softball/ASA traditional position.

Whichever is the most comfortable. I prefer the traditional softball/ASA for a set position.

I just cannot imagine the stress on the back. I wouldn't last a game like that. Of course, having a sciatica issue doesn't help.

hands on the top portion of the thigh (in crease of waist and legs... sounds weird)... light support of weight by arms and barely bent... was the preferred set. as of last years camp.

I looked up the box score...the PU was my JC assigner...he worked the WCWS last year.

One of the other umpires was from the Metro Phoenix area...you will probably see her at the WCWS in the next few years.