Gray area-mechanics
 

Been discussed ad nauseum, but is there a consensus (and official mechanic) for:

BU in "C", F6 fires to 1B, ball beats B/R, but BU is straightlined by a stretching F3.
Does BU always make the call first, then go to partner if asked by OC?
Or do we go to partner first if there's a question in our mind of pulled foot?

Let's make it a 2-out situation, since that's where the choice could have the most effect.

Asa and fed both state make the call based on the information you have and then go for help if the coach requests it.

If you didn't see a pulled foot, why would you consider it? Make the call based on what your eyes tell your brain occurred, not what you don't see.

To answer your question, "NO".

I believe the majority preach what others are saying; make YOUR call.

There remain plenty of other authorities and well known and respected clinicians, members of ASA National Staff and members (or formerly) of the NCAA SUP that tell you to go for help immediately, instead of making the call without that piece of information. If Andy replies, I can assure you a major influence in his career has preached this, which contradicts what he knows he should teach as an ASA UIC.

I am in the first camp. The mere fact that BU is in C means there is a runner on 2nd, or 3rd, or both; and this gives PU other primary responsibilities besides the secondary responsibility for a possible pulled foot at 1st. You may well be pointing at (and throwing under the bus) your partner who wasn't able to see the play cleanly, yet you are dumping your call off on him/her.

Since my name was mentioned, I will chime in.

Yes, one of the most well respected clinicians and fast pitch umpires in the world initially taught to go for help immediately before making the call with the thought that the PU's first responsibility in this situation is the pulled foot/swipe tag at first base.

I have since come around to the other way of thinking and now teach in accordance with the ASA method. Make your call based on what you can see, let the play finish, then go for help if needed. If your PU partner is able to give you any additional information, consider that and rule accordingly, if not, stick with the call.

A good description of lots of calls, if not all. :cool: