Whatcha got - discussion of umpire mechanics

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by shagpal

I like 3blx. that is my preferred default.

Originally Posted by Big Slick

Unfortunately, no softball organization supports that.

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

Wrong.

Originally Posted by shagpal

I work 3blx for college ball.

While you may use 3blx for college ball, the initial statement in this thread was using it as a preferred default. That (as a default) is NOT supported by the NCAA, and Big Slick is correct in his statement.

The NCAA mechanic is point-of-plate as the standard default, and then adjusting to the play to use whatever positioning allows you to see what is necessary.

As others have noted, there are times when 3blx is clearly NOT the place to be, when the catcher is set up to block the plate and the runner slides straight in; you cannot see if the runner reached the plate, and even have a poor position to judge obstruction (if contact occured before about-to-receive). On the other hand, 1blx is a bad place to be when the throw pulls the catcher deep and the runner then slides to the front side; and is weaker than 3blx when the runner slides to back door.

Each play is different; point-of-plate allows the most adjustments as the play develops.