Between Inning Mechanics

[whiskers_ump]

During a FED tournament this weekend and just happend that
most of the Blues were College umpires. In the bottom of
first, I as PU go to the foul line that is on the side of
the field as the team coming off the field. I was informed
this was not correct, that I should now be on the side
of the team going to the field. Anyone of you'ens know of a
change on this. He stated that it was because I would be
more out of the way.



,

glen

[WestMichiganBlue]

That is SOP in the FED Umpires Manual. On the side of the field of the team that is going ON defense. Why, I don't know. It may have originally been installed to stay clear of the conference with their coach that most teams have when they come off the field. Eliminating that conference, however, was a POE in 2000 so (supposedly) that should not be happening anymore. (But I'll bet that still happens somewhere every game. Right?)
WMB

[whiskers_ump]

WMB,

Constantly,



glen

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by whiskers_ump
During a FED tournament this weekend and just happend that
most of the Blues were College umpires. In the bottom of
first, I as PU go to the foul line that is on the side of
the field as the team coming off the field. I was informed
this was not correct, that I should now be on the side
of the team going to the field. Anyone of you'ens know of a
change on this. He stated that it was because I would be
more out of the way.


glen

Glen,

Don't know about Fed, but ASA has the PU always on the side of the team leaving the field. One reason, if not THE reason, is to have the umpire facing on-coming traffic. We don't need any incidents from the rear between half innings, if you know what I mean.

[whiskers_ump]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by IRISHMAFIA
[QUOTE]Originally posted by whiskers_ump
During a FED tournament this weekend and just happend that
most of the Blues were College umpires. In the bottom of
first, I as PU go to the foul line that is on the side of
the field as the team coming off the field. I was informed
this was not correct, that I should now be on the side
of the team going to the field. Anyone of you'ens know of a
change on this. He stated that it was because I would be
more out of the way.


glen

Glen,

Don't know about Fed, but ASA has the PU always on the side of the team leaving the field. One reason, if not THE reason, is to have the umpire facing on-coming traffic. We don't need any incidents from the rear between half innings, if you know what I mean.


Mike,

That is the way I thought it was...However, I did find A
FED umpires manual and they do require PU to be on the side
of the team going to the field. Even for FED I had always
refered to the ASA Umpires Manual for guidance. Just another
difference between the two of em's. Your right a guy/gal could
get run over with his back to the departing team.

glen

[shipwreck]

My Fed. book says "Take a position on the foul line that is on the side of the field the team coming off the field crosses to enter the bench area." Dave

[WestMichiganBlue]

I'm looking at 2002/2003 NFHS Umpire Manual page 56 "Between Inning Mechanics." It says "Take a position on the foul line that is on the side of the field that is going on defense."

Personally, I like to use the same line of reasoning that you use to exit the field at the end of the game - on the side that is likely to provide the least resistance. If I have had any issue with a team during the inning I prefer to go to the opposite side between innings. To me it seem confrontational if you stand anywhere near the coach you just had problems with.
WMB

[whiskers_ump]

Dave,

You are looking at the wrong book. I already lost this
argument. Will say however, only after WMB pointed it
out. I was using ASA mechanics.

glen

[Buck912]

I've always operated under the following understanding as far as between inning mechanics:
The PU will stand facing the offensive team and observes the offensive team. The BU would be observing the defensive team and if he's standing in shallow right field, he shouldn't be in anyone's way.

[shipwreck]

Sorry about that. At the time, I had a 2 year old book that stated what I said. The change came since then. Dave

[kellerumps]

The NCAA made the change officially last spring. When you think about it, it makes some sense. Between innings you need to watch the team warming up to make sure they are not breaking any rules. I personally hated it at first, now it just comes naturally.