NCAA 3 person mechanics tips..
 

U1 and U3 between innings what are they doing, where are they standing? Should you always be in set position before pitch at both U1 and U3? rule of thumb for going inside at U1 and working the outside? Any other advice or info would be great.

The PU is facing the team coming to bat about 8' either first base line extended or 3rd base line extended. Ed Crane likes to say belt buckle down the line. It feels like you are pretty close but back by the fence is too far away. The BU are 15 ' off the line closer to the outfield. If there are outfielders warming up there. You may move to the line 15' inside the base.

Look confident and athletic. I lake to stand with one foot slightly in front of the other and have my hands at my side. That is also how you should look between pitches before you set. Perception of the coaches should be that you know what your doing and nothing is going to happen on the field that you can't handle.

U1 needs to bust inside if there is a runner on first and the ball gets into left or center. That runner can't beat you home on a double. Reading the play and knowing where the ball is is important.

Indy, might I suggest you just purchase this instead?

Referee / NASO: 2009 CCA Softball Umpires Manual

This is the manual of mechanics that all of us who are umpiring NCAA softball are expected to know. You will find all of the answers to all of your questions here.

Thank you, Scott!

I agree - Quit goofing around and get the manual.

Its $20

And there is some really great stuff in it. IMO, a must read for every official, NCAA or no.

This is all super basic basic ump 101 stuff you are asking, you need real training & learning.

But he says he calls baseball!! Since softball is so much less, how can that be a problem?? (FACETIOUS QUESTION, for those that don't get it).

You know its gonna be a long day when your partners first sentences to you are
"Hi, I'm joe. I'm new to softball but I've been calling baseball for ___ years."

I can almost see him now.. +pos shirt with number on sleeve, 1" wide belt, purplish blank hat, charcoal gray pants, blue shin guards with the metatarsal guard on them over his plate shoes and their metatarsal guards, dirty gray ball bag..

:D

Or was it sorta brown? ;)

Seconded. A great read.