by Brent McLaren

Why have more umpires on the field? The answer is simply better coverage, however if all the umpires are not fully aware of their responsibility and positioning errors happen quickly. There are classic breakdowns of coverage at second and third base, fly balls that are not covered by any umpire in the field, even missed plays at first base. Miscommunication and poor mechanics result in maximizing the potential for error.

This article can only be considered a primer on handling four umpire, and the extended six umpire mechanic. It is written for use on the larger diamonds however umpires working on 60' base paths can adapt the techniques by simply working outside of second base. The article will use standard position notations: PU=plate umpire, U1,U2 and U3 represent the respective base umpires. Similarly the fielders are assigned according to their scoring numbers: F1 is the pitcher, to F9, the right fielder.

If hustle is the hallmark of a quality umpire, over-hustle is the hallmark of an overactive rookie. It is critical that each umpire read each play and each other before moving on the rotation. As we add more umpires to the field the key is to move in coordination and control.

The Working Premise: We shall always send an umpire to cover any ball hit to the outfield which is not bounding out of the infield or is a clear base hit.

No Runners On Base

U1 and U3 shall handle all fly balls when F7 or F9 are moving towards their respective foul lines. U2 shall be responsible for all coverage in the V' at or between F7 and F9.

If U1 goes U2 shall move aggressively to the infield. U3 holds position, moving in foul territory. The PU shall follow BR up the first base line should a play develop. PU maintains responsibility for a play a the plate.

If U2 goes U3 shall move aggressively to 2nd base, the PU shall handle plays developing at third. U1 would rotate home.

If U3 goes U2 shall move aggressively to the infield. PU reads the play and prepares for all plays at 3rd base. U1 watches the rounding of first from foul territory and would then move to take plays at home.

Who Has The Retouch?

OPTION ONE

You have responsibility for retouch on the base to your left if that umpire goes. So, if U3 goes the PU positions himself to handle the retouch at third. If U1 goes, U2 positions himself to handle the retouch. In this rotation it is important to note that with a runner on third and U2 going out on the flyball, U3 will move to second base. The PU always will handle the retouch at third.

OPTION TWO

This coverage is common on small diamonds and less experienced crews. The PU will always handle the retouch at the bag of the missing umpire. This may seem straightforward since if U1 goes the line of vision is easy to attain. If U3 goes the situation is similar to option one. It can cause problems when the plate umpire has other coverage responsibilities such as moving to cover third base on a rotation. It will result in errors on the larger diamond.

With A Runner On First

If U1 goes U2 shall slide back towards the mound, U3 holds. The PU slides up the first base line and has the responsibility for all plays at first and subsequently at the plate.

If U3 goes U2 holds. The PU reads the play and if needed moves aggressively to third base. U1 remains in foul territory and takes any plays that develop at the plate.

A Note About Positions: The second base umpires choice of working position B or C, even working close behind the base, is personal. Some umpires are very comfortable anywhere within the diamond. Some prefer the third base or first base side. Some umpires switch sides, using position C when a runner is on first base and position B when a runner is on second. Regardless of your personal choice remember that as U2 you are responsible for the runner at second and coming to second and will not leave your position to chase a fly ball.

Positions B and C are slightly closer to the cutout then you would play with a two umpire rotation. Since it is unlikely that you will have any other base responsibility other than second you can gain a step or two towards the base and not interfere with the throw and play at the bag.

If the batter or defensive player does not like your positioning consider moving to the left or right slightly, or move in or out slightly before you elect to change sides. Unless you are comfortable with opening the gate in either direction, seeing and making the play from the other side, stay with what you know will maximize your potential to get the call right. Remember: See the ball before you make the call!

With A Runner At Second Or Second And Third

If U1 goes U2 shall move towards the mound and would handle all plays at first or second base.

If U3 goes U1 would move aggressively to the infield, pivot and lead BR to second. U2 will lead R2 to third base.

With A Runner On Third

PU must remain at home to cover any scoring attempts. U2 should be in the outfield on the third base side in position 'c'. This starting position is in the outfield, a position similar to no runners on base.

If U1 goes the coverage is similar to the no one on scenario except the PU stays closer to home.

If U3 goes then U1 will pivot and follow the BR to second. U2 will move aggressively towards the mid point of the line between second and third base. The PU has the tag up and should prepare to follow the runner back to third should a play develop. If R3 tags up and moves home U2 must cover any developing plays at third.

What is the most frequently blown coverage? R3 and a fly hit to U2's outfield. PU has R3's tag up and U3 must be ready to meet the batter-runner at second base.

Line Drives or Base Hits

Coverage Myths

1. When the ball is outside, everyone is inside. More accurately often only one umpire is inside. U1 and U3 usually watch the tags at their bases from foul territory. As a play develops at third U3 often aligns himself with the base and the throw adjusting to gain the best angle to make the call.

2. We don't have to send anyone after fly balls. Why have four umpires anyway? The answer is better coverage both infield and outfield. With four umpires every play should be covered by an umpire: all the way from the fly ball, to the tag up, to the close play at third.

3. As PU I will always stay at home and the others rotate inside to cover the umpire who has gone out. The purpose of four umpire rotations is to always have an umpire at the base for every play. The idea that when U3 goes U1 takes the batter from first to second, U2 then takes him from second to third, and the PU has any play at the plate is an invitation to eventual error. For example, With a runner on first the ball is hit to deep right field, U1 goes and U2 shifts to take both the runner to second and the batter at first. In comes U3 who will take R1 to third. Works great until F4 cuts the ball and throws to F5. Because U2 and U3 are inside they first must avoid being hit by the ball and end up only marginally able to see the close play at third.

   In proper rotation the PU would have moved up the first base line, still aware of his responsibility for any plays at the plate. U2 would have the runners at second and U3 would align himself in foul territory with the third base bag and the potential throws, in perfect position for any developing plays. Instead of four umpires running full out, one umpire (PU) follows the BR up the line part way while U1 goes.

4. U1 and U3 are better if they stand in fair territory. We have all seen crews straddling the foul lines or standing several paces in fair territory. The straddle practice is crew defendant. Standing in fair territory will lead to many breakdowns and missed fair / foul calls. Generally U1 and U3 stand in foul territory 12-15 feet behind the fielder, and never closer than 15 feet to the bag unless a runner is on their base.

   When the ball is hit over your head then you pivot, place your belt buckle over the line and move out along the foul line. Let the fielder guide you to the ball.

5. When I'm at second base I like to stand sideways. Works great until a ball is coming at your head. Standing square to the plate allows you to "open the gate" left or right avoiding injury and seeing the play. Too many umpires have been hit because their sideways stance decreased their mobility. Try using a hands on knees set parallel to the front edge of the plate, or learn the rules for umpire interference and keep an ice pack handy.

The Left Field Umpire (LFU) and Right Field Umpire (RFU) have starting positions about midway from U1 and U3 and the fence. They stand two or three steps in from the foul line in fair territory.

The Field Umpire has fair / foul decisions after the ball passes the base umpire out to the fence.

With U2 in the outfield LFU handles fly balls to the left of F7 and RFU does the same for balls to the right of F9. With U2 on the infield the coverage is split at F8 with the RFU determining the coverage.

Retouches are easy to deal with since each base umpire handles his own base.

Key rotation : When U2 is playing outside the diamond and goes on a fly ball coverage the U3 must move to cover a play at 2nd base. The LFU must move aggressively to cover plays that could occur at third. The PU always remains close to home.

.... written August 11, 1997
.... revisited August 23, 2000