BU mechanics
 

I was traveling out of state this w/e and dropped in on a HS game in the 5th inning. It was a post season varsity game involving large public schools; good quality of play. Of course I watch the umpires more than the players. On the several occasions when BU was on the line and came into the infield he never looked toward first base to observe a touch or possible obstruction by F3. The PU may have been looking for these things, but I'm not aware of any system that gives those duties to PU. Does any system teach that mechanic, i.e., that BU does not watch the touch and OBS at 1B? I do know that if there was OBS or no touch BU would not have seen it.

You observed a base umpire with poor mechanics; it is the BU responsibility to see these actions, no matter WHAT system he thinks they are working.

Maybe they (in that area) try to use lesser rated umpires in an early round, thinking no big game, reward those that showed commitment when possible. Regardless, poor.

What he said.

Thread over.

Both correct, but just an add-on. As PU, I would watch that runner as well, as if the BU is in A, there are no other runners.

Hijack - Is "rimming" accepted in your area and if so, what technique do you use as BU to observe the above?

In AZ HS ball, we have allowed "rimming" for the last two seasons. The technique I use is to look at first base and see the runner touch and/or potential obstruction. Personally, I prefer to use the rim when appropriate.

We do not teach rimming to our new umpires and instruct them to buttonhook inside on every ball hit to the outfield. For the experienced umpires, using the rim is an option, but not mandatory.

Makes me wonder where some umpires around here get their information. I was working a NCAA game the other day. The BU used rimming for everything, and I mean everything that was hit to the outfield. Any field and even with runners on he stayed out. I hadn't worked with him much so I e-mailed my assignor and asked her to watch him and correct him. It was a royal pain working with him. Dave

Can you guys help me understand exactly what you are calling rimming. I originally read about it in a Pony Manual which said to use it on balls hit to the right of F8 and if BR is going to 3B, take her to 2B on the outside and then cut back into the infield to take her to 3B.

However, in a game I recently did as BU, my partner said that if he saw me start on the rim and the runner was going to 3B, that he would come up the line and cover 3B, implying that I couldn't take her all the way to 3B if I started the play on the rim.

Time was getting short in the pregame, so I just went with that.

So do some rim systems teach BU to not take BR beyond 2B?

What you described is proper 'rimming' technique. I would pay attention to my partner as PU and only take 3b if he couldn't get there. I am not going to pregame the 'I will take 3b'.

Outathm,

I described a technique from the Pony manual and a different one that my partner wanted me to work. Which are you referring to as proper? Thnx.

Rimming really shouldn't be used on a hit that you believe will be more than a double. The reason is that the B-R is your's to 3B and you will cut inside after the B-R passes 2B - this puts you behind the play going into 3B. That's not a good place to make a call from. I use rimming whenever I can on balls that are straight at or to the right of F8 and appear to be a single or double.

Okay, now that you have gotten this deep into the mechanic, you are going to have to pay me to keep my mouth shut (like there is that much money out there :rolleyes:).

Can you somehow work in a diatribe about the LBR?
:p

When I do it, if anything but a single I cut in as soon as the runner passes, shortening the distance to a good position for any play at 2nd or 3rd.

Please describe rimming
 

I've heard the term but never had it thoroughly explained. I'm picking up bits and pieces from this thread, however, I would like more details.

Thanks!
Randall

Randall,

It's diagramed out on page 25 of the Pony Manual: 2010 Girls Fastpitch Softball Umpires Manual

Page 26 shows the button hook we all know and love.

Pony teaches to do one or the other depending upon where the ball is hit with respect to F8.

I'm sure some of the guys here can really bring it to life.

If I saw you working the rim with with no one on at the time of the pitch and the BR advancing to third on a hit, I would move towards third base but only take the call if you were looking up the poop shoot at third base. I would let you know that I had third in that instance.

As the BU in that situation, after watching the BR touch first base, as soon as I know the BR is committing to third base, I cut into the diamond towards third watching the ball and glance at the runner to see her touch second base. When cutting into the diamond I try developing the best angle and distance based on the throw to third and position of the BR works best for me.

:D:D:DDidn't someone, sometime way back try to disabuse us of that term "rimming".:D:D:):eek::p:o;)

Among others, that would be the NCAA SUIP. The politically correct term is "working outside".

Puh-lease! Considering where you are from, your idea of "politically correct" should be 'are you wired?' and 'you got the envelope?' ;)