Slowpitch Plate Umpire - Stance with a mat

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Linknblue

We've got guys standing 7 to 10 feet outside the left handed batter's box on the first base side of the box calling balls & strikes. The claim is they see the plate from there better and their out of the way. Right hander comes to bat and they switch sides. I don't like this at all and it looks dumb putting it in technical terms.

Do you see any inherent problems with my scenario?

Thanks,

Yes - that's a GREAT place to stand if you want to get hit by a foul ball. That's a pretty important inherent problem, especially since you've said your umpires might not be that quick.

Set up behind the catcher, like you're supposed to.

[Linknblue]

Even if the catcher is 6-8 feet behind where a normal catcher would set up? That would put the umpire about 7-8 feet from his normal "slot" if the catcher was where he would play with stealing.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Linknblue

Even if the catcher is 6-8 feet behind where a normal catcher would set up? That would put the umpire about 7-8 feet from his normal "slot" if the catcher was where he would play with stealing.

Yes it would. Are you trying to imply that 7-8 feet away, straight back, is too far to see the mat ... but 7-10 feet away, off to the side, is NOT too far to see the mat?