THREE UMPIRE

SYSTEM

POSITIONING AND MECHANICS

THINGS TO GO OVER IN PRE-GAME UMPIRE’S MEETING

• Down and set with runners on base.• Who goes out if the ball is hit directly to

the center fielder.• Responsibilities with runners on base.• Tag up responsibilities.• Walk the field looking for potential trouble

spots.• No ground rule can supersede the rule

book.

THINGS TO REMEMBER PRE-GAME

• Plate Umpire stands behind home plate. Base Umpires will face the plate umpire positioned just outside the batters box.

• 1st base umpire near left hand batters box and the 3rd base umpire near the right hand batters box.

• HEAD coach MUST be at the pre-game meeting.

TERMS TO REMEMBER

• 90 DEGREE ANGLE (TAG) - the path of the runner into a base or tag not involving a base together with the umpire’s line of vision, form a 90 degree angle.

• 90 DEGREE ANGLE (THROW) - the location on force plays. The path of the ball (throw) to a base together with the umpire’s line of vision form a 90 degree angle.

• ALWAYS WORK FOR A 90 DEGREE ANGLE!

TERMS TO REMEMBER

• PASSING THE BATON – this occurs between plays.

• One umpire MUST always be aware of the situation so runners never leave a base while the ball is in the pitching circle.

• Once the play has ended, the plate umpire will signal for the base umpire to move to their next primary position.

• Once the base umpire reaches their position, they signal to the plate umpire that they have the runners.

• The plate umpire then moves back behind the plate.

TERMS TO REMEMBER

• HOLDING POSITION – an area from which you can choose a position for an impending play or variety of plays– Generally 30’ (1/2 way) between plate / base.

• A holding position is never a calling position.

Things TO REMEMBER

Mechanics of non-batted ball

Pick off attempts

Always

• Be ultra set

• Come out of set position

• Make a slight movement

Pick offs

• Responsible for single runner and

• Defenders defending

• Make a full commitment to primary position

Pick offs

• Responsible for single runner and

• Defenders NOT defending

• Full commitment to primary IS NOT necessary

Pick offs

• Responsible for single runner on 1st

– No closer to 1st than 15 feet– No further from 1st than the midpoint between

1st and 2nd

Pick offs

• Responsible for single runner on 2nd

– No closer to 2nd than 15 ft– No further from 2nd than the midpoint between

1st and 2nd

R

R

Tips

• Watch the ball• Move as much as the defenders

Rewards• Constant alertness• Good habits• Quick reactions• And this won’t happen……

TERMS TO REMEMBER

• PRIMARY POSITION – the initial location assumed by an umpire.

• CALLING POSITION – the subsequent movement or adjustment, usually one or two steps from the primary position.

• SECONDARY POSITION – the subsequent location assumed after the initial play or after a runner has obtained a base.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Keep in mind your secondary responsibilities.• That routine fly ball can always hit the outfielder on

top of her head or just plain be dropped!!!• If you deviate - communicate!!! THIS DOES

NOT MEAN DEVIATE DURING YOUR PRE-GAME WITH YOUR PARTNER.

• While fly ball coverages are set in stone, many secondary responsibilities are not.

• That’s why pre-game and communication are so important!!!

NO ONE ON - MOVEMENT WITH PITCH

• Both 1st and 3rd base umpires start between 15-18 ft behind their bases.

• Watching the pitcher, walk forward one step with the release of the pitch.

MOVEMENT WITH THE PITCH

BETWEEN INNING MECHANICS

• 1st base umpire moves to fair territory in the outfield grass - go graze.

• 3rd bases umpire cleans pitcher’s plate, rear end towards the outfield, then goes grazing.

• Exception - if 3rd bases umpire ends the inning in the outfield, the other base umpire cleans the pitcher’s plate.

• Plate umpire moves to the side of the team taking the field, watching the on-deck batter.

BETWEEN INNING MECHANICS

NO ONE ON - BASE HIT

• 1st base umpire, starting in the primary position, moves to a position OUTSIDE the diamond, glances to 2nd base to make sure there is an umpire there.

• Then releases into foul territory between 1st and home (holding zone). Be prepared to cover the plate.

• 3rd base umpire, starting in the primary position, comes inside the infield towards 2nd base.

• Plate umpire trails batter-runner towards 1st, releases towards 3rd base (holding zone) for a possible play.

NO ONE ON BASE - BASE HIT

NO ONE ON - FLY BALL COVERAGES

NO ONE ON - FLY BALL TO LEFT FIELD

• 3rd base umpire goes out.• 1st base umpires stays outside, takes batter

runner to second, then cuts behind and takes the batter-runner to 3rd base.

• Plate umpire trails the batter-runner to 1st base, assisting in watching the batter-runner for 3’ foot running lane, touch the base, etc.

• Then the plate umpire will return home (on left - 3rd base side) for a possible play at the plate.

NO ONE ON - FLY BALL TO LEFT FIELD

NO ONE ON - FLY BALL TO RIGHT FIELD

• 1st base umpire goes out.• 3rd base umpire comes into the infield,

taking the batter-runner to 3rd base.• Plate umpire trails batter-runner to 1st

base. • Plate umpire has the call at 1st base if the

hit is a shot to the right fielder who comes up firing to 1st base.

• Plate umpire be prepared to retreat to the plate for a possible play at the plate.

NO ONE ON BASE. FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD.

RUNNER ON 1ST - BASE HIT• 1st base umpire, positioned in his / her primary position

6’-8’behind 1st base, stays outside. • 1st base umpire releases to holding zone between 1st

and home. – Be prepared to move to the plate for a possible play

there.• 3rd base umpire positioned 8-10’ behind 2nd base (2nd to

3rd line) extended base line (primary position). • 3rd base may rim the outside or move into the infield for

any play at 2nd base.• Plate umpire trails batter-runner towards 1st base then

moves toward 3rd base for a possible play there.

RUNNER ON 1ST - BASE HIT

RUNNER ON 1ST - FLY BALL COVERAGE

RUNNER ON 1ST- FLY BALL DOWN LEFT FIELD LINE.

• 1st base umpire stays outside and has tag up at 1st base.

• 3rd base umpire comes into infield. Has call at 2nd base. Be prepared to go to 3rd base for a play on the trail runner if the ball is dropped.

• Plate umpire has the ball, catch, no catch, fair, foul. Moves towards 3rd base for a possible play if the ball is dropped. Also has calls at the plate.

.

RUNNER ON 1ST - FLY BALL LEFT FIELD LINE

RUNNER ON 1ST – FLY BALL TO CENTER FIELD

• 3rd base umpire goes out.

• 1st base umpire stays out to watch BR. – Watches tag at 1st. – Has possible play at 2nd base. – Takes batter-runner to 3rd base.

• Plate umpire trails batter-runner to 1st base. – Then moves toward 3rd base (holding zone) for

any possible plays. – Has any plays at the plate.

RUNNER ON 1ST - FLY TO CENTER FIELD

RUNNER ON 1ST –FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD LINE

• 1st base umpire goes out.• 3rd base umpire gets into infield, has tag at 1st

base. – Has possible play at 2nd base. – Has batter-runner into 3rd base.

• Plate umpire trails batter-runner to 1st. – Has call at 1st if necessary. – Moves toward 3rd base (holding zone) for possible

play. – Has any plays at the plate.

RUNNER ON 1ST - FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD LINE

RUNNER ON 2ND - BASE HIT• 1st base umpire positioned one step behind and

to the right of the 2nd base person (primary position).

• Stays outside the diamond, taking any calls at 1st or 2nd base.

• 3rd base umpire, in his / her primary position behind 3rd base, steps into fair territory, taking any calls at 3rd base.

• Plate umpire moves from behind home plate getting into position for any play at home.

RUNNER ON 2ND - BASE HIT

RUNNER ON 2ND - FLY BALL COVERAGE

RUNNER ON 2ND – FLY BALL TO LEFT FIELD LINE

• 1st base umpire is one step behind and to the right of the 2nd base person.

• 3rd base umpire goes out.• 1st base umpire comes into the infield taking the

tag at 2nd base. – Has plays on the batter-runner if the ball is dropped.

• Plate umpire trails the batter-runner to 1st base and then moves to the 3rd base holding zone.

• Has calls at 3rd and home.

RUNNER ON 2ND - FLY BALL - LEFT FIELD LINE

RUNNER ON 2ND - FLY BALL CENTER FIELD

• 1st base umpire is one step behind and to the right of the 2nd base person.

• 1st base umpire goes out.• 3rd base umpire comes into the infield taking the

tag at 2nd base. – Be prepared for calls at 1st and 2nd base. – Take the batter-runner to 3rd base.

• Plate umpire moves to the holding zone at 3rd. • Has calls at 3rd base and the plate.

RUNNER ON 2ND - FLY BALL CENTER FIELD

RUNNER ON 2ND –FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD LINE

• 1st base comes into the infield taking the tag at 2nd base.

• 3rd base umpire comes into the infield taking any play at 3rd base.

• Plate umpire goes up the 1st base line taking the fly ball. – Has call at 1st base if necessary. – Be prepared to move back to the plate if the

ball is dropped.

RUNNER ON 2ND - FLY BALL - RIGHT FIELD LINE

RUNNER ON 3RD - BASE HIT

• 1st base umpire is in primary position behind 1st base. – Button hook into the infield, watch batter-runner touch

first, then move to holding zone between 1st base and home.

– Be prepared to go home for possible play.

• 3rd base umpire is in primary position behind 3rd base, comes into the infield, taking any calls at 2nd base.

• Plate umpire watches runner touch home, then moves holding zone for any potential plays.

RUNNER ON 3RD - BASE HIT

RUNNER ON 3RD - FLY BALL COVERAGE

RUNNER ON 3RD –

FLY BALL LEFT FIELD

• 3rd base umpire goes out.

• 1st base umpire button hooks into infield. – Takes the batter-runner to 3rd base.

• Plate umpire moves to holding zone, watching for the tag.

• Be alert for possible plays at 3rd base or home.

RUNNER ON 3RD - FLY BALL LEFT FIELD

RUNNER ON 3RD – FLY BALL TO RIGHT FIELD

• 1st bases umpire goes out.

• 3rd base umpire comes into the infield, watching the batter-runner touch 1st base.– Has batter-runner all the way to 3rd base.

• Plate umpire moves to holding zone.

– Has tag at 3rd base.

– Be alert for any plays at 3rd base or home.

RUNNER ON 3RD - FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD

RUNNERS ON 1ST AND 2ND - BASE HIT

• 1st base umpire takes position one step behind and to the left of the second base person (primary position). – Stays outside and takes all calls at 1st and 2nd.

• 3rd base umpire, in primary position behind 3rd base, comes into fair territory and takes calls at 3rd base.

• Plate umpire moves from behind home and has any calls at the plate.

RUNNERS ON 1ST AND 2ND - BASE HIT

RUNNERS ON 1ST AND 2ND - FLY BALL COVERAGE

RUNNERS ON 1ST AND 2ND – FLY BALL LEFT FIELD LINE

• 3rd base umpire goes out.

• 1st base umpire button hooks into infield. – Has tag at 1st. – Has possible play at 2nd base.

• Plate umpire moves to holding zone, watching the tag at 2nd base. – Be prepared to take calls at 3rd base and

home.

RUNNERS ON 1ST AND 2ND – FLY BALL LEFT FIELD LINE

RUNNERS ON 1ST AND 2ND – FLY BALL TO RIGHT CENTER FIELD

• 1st base umpire goes out.

• 3rd base umpire comes into the infield and has the tag at 1st base. – Has possible play at 2nd base. – Also has batter-runner to 3rd base.

• Plate umpire moves to holding zone, takes the tag at 2nd base and possible play at 3rd base. – Also has any plays at the plate.

RUNNERS ON 1ST AND 2ND – FLY BALL RIGHT CENTER FIELD.

RUNNERS ON 1ST AND 2ND – FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD LINE

• 1st base umpire comes into the infield, takes the tag at 1st base and any possible play at 2nd base.

• 3rd base umpire steps into fair territory and has possible play at 3rd base.

• Plate umpire has the ball in the outfield. Watch for tag at 2nd base. – Then retreat to the plate for any possible play

there.

RUNNERS ON 1ST AND 2ND –FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD LINE.

RUNNERS ON 1ST AND 3RD - BASE HIT

• 1st base umpire takes position one step behind and to the left of the second base person (primary position). – Stays outside and takes all calls at 1st and 2nd

base.

• 3rd base umpire, in primary position behind 3rd base, comes into fair territory and takes calls at 3rd base.

• Plate umpire moves from behind home and has any calls at the plate.

RUNNERS ON 1ST AND 3RD - BASE HIT

RUNNERS ON 1ST AND 3RD - FLY BALL COVERAGES

RUNNERS ON 1ST AND 3RD -FLY BALL LEFT FIELD LINE

• 3rd base umpire goes out.

• 1st base umpire stays outside. – Has tag up at 1st base. – Has possible play at 2nd base.

• Plate umpire moves to holding zone. – Has tag up at 3rd and possible play at the

plate. – After runner touches home, release towards

3rd base for possible play.

RUNNERS ON 1ST AND 3RD –FLY BALL LEFT FIELD LINE.

RUNNERS ON 1ST AND 3RD –FLY BALL RIGHT CENTER FIELD

• 1st base umpire goes out.

• 3rd base umpire comes into the infield, has the tag at 1st base and possible play at 2nd base. – Has batter-runner to 3rd base.

• Plate umpire move to holding zone between 3rd and home. – Has tag at 3rd base. – Has play at 3rd base on runner coming from 1st.

RUNNERS ON 1ST AND 3RD –

FLY BALL RIGHT CENTER FIELD

RUNNERS ON 1ST AND 3RD –FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD LINE

• 1st base umpire comes inside the diamond, watches tag at 1st base. – Has possible plays at 1st or 2nd base.

• 3rd base umpire outside the diamond and has tag and any possible plays at 3rd base.

• Plate umpire takes the fly ball and returns to the plate possible play.

RUNNERS ON 1ST AND 3RD –FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD LINE

RUNNERS ON 2ND AND 3RD - BASE HIT

• 1st base umpire starts one step behind and to the right of the second base person (primary position). – Come inside the infield and take plays at 1st or

2nd base.

• 3rd base umpire, in primary position behind 3rd base, comes inside the infield and has calls at 3rd base.

• Plate umpire moves from behind home and has any calls at the plate.

RUNNERS ON 2ND AND 3RD - BASE HIT

RUNNERS ON 2ND AND 3RD – FLY BALL COVERAGE

RUNNERS ON 2ND AND 3RD –

FLY BALL LEFT FIELD LINE

• 3rd base umpire goes out.

• 1st base umpire comes inside the infield and has the tag at 2nd base. – Has possible plays at any base depending on

the position of the base runners.

• Plate umpire goes to holding zone, has tag at 3rd and that runner to home. – Could possibly have plays at 3rd base

depending on the position of the runners.

RUNNERS ON 2ND AND 3RD –FLY BALL LEFT FIELD LINE

RUNNERS ON 2ND AND 3RD – FLY BALL CENTER FIELD

• 1st base umpire goes out.• 3rd base umpire comes into the infield and

has tag at 2nd base. – Watch batter-runner touch 1st base.– Responsible for plays at 1st or 2nd base.– Takes batter-runner to 3rd base.

• Plate umpire goes to holding zone and has tag at 3rd and that runner to the plate. – Could possibly have plays at 3rd base

depending on the position of the runners.

RUNNERS ON 2ND AND 3RD.- FLY BALL CENTER FIELD

RUNNERS ON 2ND AND 3RD – FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD LINE

• 1st base umpire comes inside the infield and has the tag at 2nd base. – Has possible plays at 1st or 2nd base.

• 3rd base umpire stays foul to help with tag and has any plays at 3rd base.

• Plate umpire has fly ball call and then the tag at 3rd base. – Has any plays at the plate.

RUNNERS ON 2ND AND 3RD - FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD LINE.

BASES LOADED - BASE HIT

• 1st base umpire is positioned one step behind and to the left of the second base person (primary position). – Stays out and has any call at 1st or 2nd base.

• 3rd base umpire in primary position behind 3rd base, comes into fair territory and has any calls at 3rd base.

• Plate umpire moves out from behind home and has any plays at home.

BASES LOADED - BASE HIT

BASES LOADED - FLY BALL COVERAGE

BASES LOADED – FLY BALL LEFT FIELD LINE.

• 3rd base umpire goes out.

• 1st base umpire comes inside the infield and has tags at 1st and 2nd base. – Has calls at 1st and 2nd base. – Could have calls at 3rd depending on the

position of the runners.

• Plate umpire moves to holding zone, has tag at 3rd and possible play at home. – Could have plays at 3rd base depending on

the position of the runners.

.

BASES LOADED - FLY BALL LEFT FIELD LINE.

BASES LOADED – FLY BALL CENTER FIELD

• 1st base umpire goes out.

• 3rd base umpire comes inside the infield and has tag at 1st and 2nd base. – Has plays at 1st and 2nd base and the batter-

runner to 3rd base.

• Plate umpire goes to holding zone, has tag at 3rd base. – Has plays at home. – Release and take plays at 3rd base.

BASES LOADED - FLY BALL CENTER FIELD

BASES LOADED - FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD LINE

• 1st bases umpire comes inside the infield and has the tags at 1st and 2nd. – Has possible plays at 1st and 2nd base.

• 3rd bases umpire comes into fair territory and has any calls at 3rd base.

• Plate umpire has the call on the fly ball and the tag at 3rd base. – Has any plays at the plate.

BASES LOADED - FLY BALL RIGHT FIELD LINE

Inside/Outside

• Not a default

• Sometimes a good idea

• Sometimes not the best idea

• Can be used both 2-man and 3-man

Things to Consider

• Where ball is hit

• Does partner chase

• Type of hit

• Your area of responsibility

• Runners, inning, score, outs…..