Covering the tag up on a caught Fly Ball
 

Hey guys/gals I am new to this site and to Umpiring. I live in the Houston area and have been having a great time Umpiring ASA/USFA Softball games. I am curious to how you work the bases in relation to covering the tag up on a caught fly ball. I have been instructed to buttonhook in on all fly ball situations; although it is hard for me to see the catch/no catch and watch the runners tag up. Another Umpire suggested staying outside the diamond and watching the plate umpire for a signal and then watching the tag up. How do you all execute this mechanic? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Suggest you go to page 253 of the 2009 ASA Rule Book.

Do NOT wait for another umpire's signal since that is not part of the rule as to when the runner may leave the base. Watch the ball touch the glove.

I've read the responsibilities and situations.

With a runner on 1B and as BU positioned in "B" I never have the opportunity to get inside the diamond on a liner to LF or LC. Initially, I'll watch the BR and determine if he's even a candidate to try to tag up on such a play. If there's any doubt about the defense making the catch, the runner will likely be playing it half-way. If it's a deep fly to LC, as BU you're basically in a direct line between BR and defender making the catch. There is no chance to get the baserunner lined up with the ball. You just need good swivel skills. If the ball is hit deep enough, I'll try getting inside, but know that you'll just about be in the same position you were from outside the diamond as you are inside the diamond relative to BR and defender. But once inside, you'll have the advantage of having the ball coming right at you should the BR attempt to advance.

Similarly, on a liner to RF you'll have to be doing more swivel mechanics looking back and forth from catch to runner. Here, it's more important to try and get inside the diamond because you might be in the way of F9 or F10 throw to 2B.

Ted