BU, Short field play
 

ASA Slow Pitch. As base umpires, we're supposed to move in and buttonhook when the ball goes to the outfield. What if an outfielder is playing short, and has a possible force play? Better to move in or stay put?

I stay out. If the infielders are playing back, they have a pretty good chance at making the play, so I don't want to get in their way.

Once it's past the infielders, I'm buttonhooking inside.

starting position!
 

why cant we just stay "inside the diamond" like baseball positioning?

With these bats?!? Hell no! :eek:

And how are you going to watch the runners on base?

I feel dumb LOL
 

I didn't even think about that.

Great point.

both of them lol

Doesn't or didn't USSSA put the base umpire behind the pitcher? I believe that at least used to be the mechanic.

where I work
 

Even too much verbal petitioning we use a mix of USSSA mechanics we are as follows; no runners on in FT behind 1B, with R's ON 1B or 2B off the right shoulder of F4,R on 3B Only then we are back over behind 1B. If the usssa mechanic is behind the pitcher id be alot more comfortable there. would be in better position to work the field IMHO. then theres the fact that id be the only umpire out there using it. If my boss didnt tell me NO.

Move towards home in foul territory if the ball is hit to shallow RF.......if the ball drops, you can still move inside the diamond. If it is caught, you can still take care of tag up duties and such. Shallow CF and LF you should be able to get inside the diamond.

Joel

Depends on your timing and whether you are spectating or not. I'm moving on contact.

I usually have a good idea (FP or SP) of whether there is a possible play or not because I constantly check the outfielder's position and the conditions prior to the pitch.

If it is apparent a play is coming from the OF and I'm moving inside, I'll worry more about getting inside the fielders and not necessarily the diamond right away.

90 feet square is 2.25 times as large as a 60 foot square. A) There's no room to start there, B) too close to the batter to react, and C) in softball runners can't leave early - how are you going to see all the runners from inside?

I have umpired a few scrimmage games for my daughters from behind the mound when I did not have gear with me.........

IT SUCKS.........

I could never imagine doing that for real.........

Joel

For SP USSSA did use the mechanic of moving the BU closer into the diamond, positioned just off of 2B. I hated it. Not sure if that is the mechanic these days.

Do they even have prescribed mechanics? :p

Ditto. Royally.