1. Texas East Volunteer Umpire Association
Big Field 4-Man Mechanics
Class

2. U1 on the right line about 6-8 ft behind 1st baseman - A
Starting Positions
U1 on the right line about 6-8 ft behind 1st baseman - A
U2 in the outfield either in B or C depending on batter
U3 on the left line about 6-8 ft behind 3rd baseman -D C B U2 U2 D A U3 U1 PU

3. U2 moves to the inside and can be either be in B or C
Starting Positions
Runner on 1st
U1 moves forward to a position where they can see the pitcher between the runner and 1st base
U2 moves to the inside and can be either be in B or C
U3 on the left line about 6-8 ft behind 3rd baseman -D U2 U3 R1 U1 PU

4. U1 has the right fielder toward the right field line
Outfield Coverage
U2 Outside
U1 has the right fielder toward the right field line
U2 has the big “V”
U3 has leftfielder toward left field line. U2
U3 Coverage
U1 Coverage U3 U1 PU

5. The outfield is divided in half
Outfield Coverage
U2 inside
The outfield is divided in half
U1 has the centerfielder straight back or forward and toward the right field line
U3 has centerfielder toward left field line.
U3 Coverage
U1 Coverage U2 U3 R1 U1 PU

6. Infield Catch Coverage
U2 Outside U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 SS 2B U3 U3 U1 U1 U3 U3 U2 U1 U3 U1 3B 1B U1 U3 PU PU U1 PU P PU PU PU

7. Infield Catch Coverage
U2 Inside U3 U2 U2 U1 SS 2B U3 U2 U2 U1 U2 U3 U2 U2 U1 U3 U1 3B 1B U2 U3 PU PU U1 PU P PU PU PU

8. Plate has responsibility up to the front of the bag on each line
Fair/Foul Coverage
Plate has responsibility up to the front of the bag on each line
U1 has from the front of the bag down the right field line
U3 has from the front of the bag down the left field line U2 U3 U1 PU

9. This is the area around the pitchers mound.
Working Area
This is the area around the pitchers mound.
It allows the umpire(s) to float between bases to get the better angle over distance
Most umpires would not be able to outrun a baseball teenager
You can take a couple steps and be in proper positioning to make the call
Working Area

10. Coverage with No One On: Clean hit to left field
PU moves forward to watch ball
U1 moves up to watch touch at first and possible throw back
U2 comes inside to 2nd base cut out. U2 has the touch & any plays at 2nd on BR
U3 moves toward 3rd base for possible play, If BR comes to 3rd U3 positions in 2nd base extended. U3 has the touch & any plays at third on BR. If a play develops, U3 moves left or right, letting the throw take him to the side with the best angle for the tag on BR at 3rd U2 U3 U1 BR PU

11. Coverage with No One On: Fly to right field &U1 goes out
PU follows BR toward 1st, but no further than 50%. PU has touch & any throw back to 1st. If BR continues, when BR reaches 2nd PU returns to home at 3rd base extended. PU has any plays on BR at plate
U1 goes out with the fly ball. U1 should seek the best possible angle on the fly. U1 has Fair/foul & Catch/No Catch. Once out, U1 should not return during play.
U2 comes into 2nd base cut out. U2 has touch & any play at 2nd on BR
U3 moves up toward 3rd into second base extended for possible play. If play develops U3 lets the ball take him/her left or right for the best possible view of the tag. U2 U3 U1 BR PU

12. Coverage with No One On: Fly to center field &U2 goes out
PU moves to 3rd base & positions at 2nd base extended. PU has touch & any plays at 3rd on BR
U1 watches touch at first & when BR reaches 2nd U1 should “mirror” BR between 2nd & 3rd. If BR comes home U1 should be set in 3rd base extended, but lets the throw take him/her left or right for the best angle on the tag at home on BR
U2 goes out with the fly ball. U2 should seek the best angle on the fly & be stopped & set for catch. U2 has Catch/No Catch responsibility. Once out, U2 should not return during play.
U3 moves to 2nd base cut out. U3 has the touch & any plays at 2nd U2 U3 U1 BR PU

13. Coverage with No One On: Fly to left field and U3 goes out
PU moves toward 3rd & if BR comes to 3rd PU is positioned at 2nd base extended. PU has touch & any plays at 3rd on BR
U1 move up toward 1st for the touch & any throwbacks to 1st, When BR reaches 2nd U1 “mirrors” the BR between 2nd & 3rd. U1 has any plays at Plate on BR
U2 comes to the cut out at second base. U2 has the touch & any plays at 2nd
U3 moves down the left field line. U3 has fair/foul & catch/no catch responsibility. Once out U3 should stay out until play has ended U2 U3 U1 BR PU

14. Coverage with runner on 1st: Fly to right field & U1 goes out
PU follows BR toward 1st, but no more than 50%. PU has tag by R1 at first. PU has touch & any throw back at 1st. Once BR commits to 2nd PU goes to 3rd base extended at plate. PU has any plays at plate on R1 or BR
U1 goes out with the fly ball. U1 has Fair/Foul & Catch/No Catch. Once out, U1 should not return during play.
U2 moves to working area watches the tag up at 1st base but only assists if asked by PU. If R1 advances to 2nd U2 moves to 2nd base cut out. U2 has touches & any plays at 2nd on R1 & BR
U3 moves toward 3rd Base into 2nd base extended for possible play. If play develops U3 lets the ball take him left or right for the best possible view of the tag. U2 U3 R1 U1 BR PU

15. Coverage with runner on 1st: Fly to left field & U3 goes out
PU move down to 3rd base & positions at 2nd base extended. PU has all touches & plays at 3rd base on R1 & BR
U1 move up toward 1st for the touch. If BR commits to 2nd, U1 moves to the plate in third base extended. U1 has all plays at home on R1 & BR
U2 moves away from the fly ball into the working area to increase his/her field of view. U2 then moves to 2nd base cutout. U2 has all touches and all plays at 2nd
U3 goes out with the fly ball. U3 has Fair/Foul & Catch/No Catch. Once out, U3 should not return during play. U2 U3 U1 R1 BR PU

16. Coverage with runner on 2nd: Fly to right field & U1 goes out
PU stays home, moving to 3rd Base Extended. If there is a play at home PU lets the throw move him left or right for the best angle on the tag.
U1 goes out with the fly ball. U1 has Fair/Foul & Catch/No Catch. Once out, U1 should not return during play.
U2 Moves to the working area between 2nd & 1st. U2 has tag up by R1 at 2nd & any throw back. U2 has touch at 1st base by BR. & takes BR to 2nd for possible play
U3 moves up toward 3rd & positions at 2nd base extended R1 U2 U3 U1 BR PU

17. Coverage with runner on 2nd: Fly to left field & U3 goes out
PU stays home, moving to 3rd Base Extended. PU has all touches or plays at home on R1 & BR
U1 moves to infield & watches the touch at 1st base. If BR starts for 2nd base U1 pivots & stays ahead of the BR, taking any calls at 2nd from the cutout. If BR returns to 1st U1 has any throw back to 1st.
U2 moves into working area between 2nd & 3rd. U2 has responsibility for R1 including tag up at 2nd base & any throw backs. If R1 advances to third U2 moves to 3rd base cutout. U2 has all touches & plays at 3rd by R1 or BR
U3 goes out with the fly ball. U3 has Fair/Foul & Catch/No Catch. Once out, U3 should not return during play. R1 U2 U3 U1 U1 BR PU

18. Coverage with runner on 3rd: Fly to right field & U1 goes out
PU stays home, but moves to 3rd base extended
U1 goes out with the fly ball. U1 has Fair/Foul & Catch/No Catch. Once out, U1 should not return during play.
U2 moves to working area between 2nd & 1st. U2 watches the touch at 1st base & possible throw back. If BR starts for 2nd base U1 stays ahead of the BR, taking any calls at 2nd from the cutout. If BR returns to 1st U1 has any throw back to 1st.
U3 moves up toward 3rd base to get best angle for the tag up by R1. Moves to 2nd base extended for possible play on BR at 3rd U2 U1 U3 R1 BR PU

19. Coverage with runner on 3rd: Fly to center field &U2 goes out
PU moves toward 3rd base, about 20% of the way. If the ball is caught PU has tag-up by R1 at 3rd Base & retreats home to 3rd base extended. PU has any plays at home on R1. If the ball is not caught PU has the touch at the plate by R1. PU then continues toward 3rd. If the BR comes to 3rd, PU can either move to 3rd Base cut-out or to 2nd Base Extended. Plate has touch & any play on BR at 3rd
U1 observes Touch at 1st Base & has any throwbacks to 1st. If BR reaches 2nd U1 “mirrors” BR between 2nd & 3rd. U1 has any plays on BR at Plate
U2 goes out with the fly ball. U2 should seek the best angle on the fly & be stopped & set for catch. U2 has Catch/No Catch responsibility. Once out, U2 should not return during play.
U3 moves to 2nd base cut out. U3 has the touch & any plays at 2nd on BR U2 U1 U3 R1 BR PU

20. Coverage with runner on 3rd: Fly to left field & U3 goes out
PU moves toward 3rd base, about 20% of the way. If the ball is caught Plate Umpire has tag-up by R1 at 3rd Base & retreats home to 3rd base extended. PU has any plays at home on R1. If the ball is not caught PU has the touch at the plate by R1. PU then continues toward 3rd. If the BR comes to 3rd, PU can either move to 3rd Base cut-out or to 2nd Base Extended. Plate has touch & any play on BR at 3rd
U1 observes Touch at 1st Base & has any throwbacks to 1st. If BR reaches 2nd U1 “mirrors” BR between 2nd & 3rd. U1 has any plays on BR at Plate
U2 moves to the 2nd Base cut out. U2 has touch & any play at 2nd on BR
U3 goes out with the fly ball. U3 has Fair/Foul & Catch/No Catch. Once out, U3 should not return during play. U2 U1 U3 R1 BR PU

21. Coverage with runners on 1st and 2nd: Fly to left field & U3 goes out
Plate stays home, moving to 3rd base extended. PU watches touches at 3rd but only assists if asked by U2
U1 moves inside & has the BR at 1st & 2nd. This includes the touch at first & any throw back. If BR heads to 2nd U1 pivots & stays ahead of BR. For play at 2nd moves to cut out. If BR retreats to 1st U1 has any play at 1st
U2 moves to working area between 2nd & 3rd U2 has the tag up by R1 at 2nd & any throw back. U2 should “hold his ground” in the working area until BR commits to 3rd (avoiding getting sucked into a play at 2nd or 3rd) If BR commits to third U2 moves to cutout. U2 has touches & plays on R2 & BR at 2nd. U2 has touches & plays at 3rd on R1, R2 & BR.
U3 goes out along the left field line. U3 has Fair/Foul & Catch/No Catch. Once out U3 should stay out until play is complete R1 U2 U3 R2 U1 BR PU

22. Coverage with runners on 1st and 2nd:
Fly to right field & U1 goes out
PU stays home, moving to 3rd base extended. PU has tag up responsibility on R2 at 1st. PU should watch touch at 1st by BR but assist only if asked by U2. PU has all touches & any plays at plate on R1, R2 or BR
U1 goes out on fly, up the right field line. U1 has Fair/Foul & Catch/No Catch. Once out U1 should stay out until play is complete
U2 moves to working area between 2nd & 1st & has the tag up by R1 at 2nd & any throw backs at 1st or 2nd. If BR moves to 2nd U2 moves to cut out for play at 2nd or follows BR back to 1st for a throw back
U3 moves toward 3rd into 2nd base extended. U3 has all touches & any plays at 3rd on R1, R2 & BR R1 U2 U3 R2 U1 BR PU

23. Coverage with runners on 1st & 3rd: Fly to left field & U3 goes out
PU moves toward 3rd base, about 20% of the way. If the ball is caught PU has tag-up by R1 at 3rd Base & retreats home to 3rd base extended. PU has any plays at home on R1. If the ball is not caught PU has the touch at the plate by R1. PU then continues toward 3rd. If R2 comes to 3rd, PU can either move to 3rd Base cut-out or to 2nd Base Extended. PU has touch & any play on R2 & BR at 3rd
U1 observes Touch at 1st Base & has any throwbacks to 1st. If BR commits to 2nd U1 continue to plate in 3rd Base extended. U1 has any plays on R2 or BR at Plate
U2 moves to the 2nd Base cut out. U2 has touch & any play at 2nd on R2 or BR
U3 goes out with the fly ball. U3 has Fair/Foul & Catch/No Catch. Once out, U3 should not return during play. U2 U3 R2 U1 R1 BR PU

24. Coverage with runners on 1st and 3rd:
Fly to right field & U1 goes out
PU stays home, moving to 3rd base extended. PU should observe tag up at 1st but assist only if asked by U2. PU has all touches & plays at plate on R1, on R2 and on BR
U1 goes out on fly, moving up the right field line. U1 has Fair/Foul & Catch/No Catch. Once out U1 should stay out until play is complete.
U2 moves to working area between 2nd & 1st. U2 has tag up by R2 at 1st & any throw backs on a catch. U2 should “hold his ground” in the working area until BR commits to 2nd avoiding getting sucked into a play at either base. U2 moves to cut out with BR for plays at 2nd.
U3 moves toward 3rd in 2nd Base extended. U3 has tag up on R1 at 3rd & any throw backs. U3 has all touches & plays at 3rd on R2 & BR U2 U3 R2 U1 R1 BR PU

25. Coverage with runners on 2nd and 3rd:
Fly to left field & U3 goes out
PU stays home but clears the plate. PU has tag up by R1 at 3rd . PU moves to 3rd base extended but then moves left or right on any play at plate letting the throw take him to which side has the best angle on the tag. PU has all touches & plays at plate on R1, on R2 & on BR
U1 moves inside & has the BR at 1st & 2nd. This includes the touch at first & any throw back. If BR heads to 2nd U1 pivots & stays ahead of BR. For play at 2nd U1 moves to cut out. If BR retreats to 1st U1 has any play at 1st
U2 moves to working area between 2nd & 3rd. U2 has the tag up on R2 at 2nd & on a catch the throw back to either 2nd or 3rd. If R2 advances to 3rd U2 moves to the cut out & has the touch & has any plays on R2 or BR at 3rd.
U3 goes out along the left field line. U3 has Fair/Foul & Catch/No Catch. Once out U3 should stay out until play is complete R2 U2 U3 U1 R1 BR PU

26. Coverage with runners on 2nd and 3rd:
Fly to right field & U1 goes out
PU stays home, moving to 3rd base extended. PU should observe touch at 1st by BR, but assist only if U2 asks. PU has all touches & plays at plate on R1, on R2 & on BR.
U1 goes out on fly, up the right field line. U1 has Fair/Foul & Catch/No Catch. Once out U1 should stay out until play is complete
U2 moves to working area between 2nd & 1st & has the tag up by R2 at 2nd & any throw backs at 1st or 2nd. If BR moves to 2nd U2 moves to cut out for play at second or follows BR back to 1st for a play at 1st.
U3 moves toward 3rd into 2nd base extended. U3 has the tag up by R1 at third. U3 has touches & any plays at 3rd on R2 & on BR. R2 U2 U3 U1 R1 BR PU

27. Coverage with bases loaded: Fly to left field & U3 goes out
PU stays home but clears the plate. PU has tag up by R1 at third. PU moves to 3rd base extended. PU has all touches & plays at plate on R1, R2 & on BR
U1 moves to the working area between 1st & 2nd. U1 has tag up by R3 at 1st.U1 has the BR at 1st & 2nd. This includes the touch at first. If BR heads to 2nd U1 pivots & stays ahead of BR. For play at 2nd moves to cut out. If BR retreats to 1st U1 has any play at 1st
U2 moves to working area between 2nd & 3rd. U2 has the tag up by R2 at 2nd. U2 should “hold is ground” in the working area until R3 commits to 3rd (avoiding getting sucked into a play at 2nd or 3rd) If R3 commits to third U2 moves to cutout. U2 has touches & plays on R3 at 2nd. U2 has touches & plays at 3rd on R2 & R3.
U3 goes out along the left field line. U3 has Fair/Foul & Catch/No Catch. Once out U3 should stay out until play is complete R2 U2 U3 R3 U1 R1 BR PU

28. Coverage with bases loaded: Fly to right field & U1 goes out
PU stays home, moving to 3rd base extended. PU has tag up by R3 at 1st. PU has all touches & all plays at plate on R1, R2, R3 & BR
U1 goes out on fly, up the right field line. U1 has Fair/Foul & Catch/No Catch. Once out U1 should stay out until play is complete
U2 moves to working area between 2nd & 1st & has the tag up by R2 at 2nd & any throw backs at 1st or 2nd. If BR moves to 2nd U2 moves to cut out for play at second or follows BR back to 1st for a play at 1st.
U3 moves toward 3rd into 2nd base extended. U3 has the tag up by R1 at 3rd. U3 has touches & any plays at 3rd on R2, R3 & BR. R2 U2 U3 R3 U1 R1 BR PU

29. Game Management
There is more to game management than how quickly the game ends
Fellow Umpires
-Communicate throughout the game.
-Anytime there are questions meet as a group
-If there is a controversial call do not meet till an inning later or wait till after the game
-You need to have each others backs. The rule is 1 umpire/1 coach. Do not let your fellow
umpires get overwhelmed by numbers
-If there is a meeting of the manager and umpire during the game have one of the wing umpires move to
within ear shot to make sure that the umpire has back up of what is said
Coaches and Players
-If a coach comes out after granted time wait for him to tell you his case. Do not anticipate what they
are going to ask you.
-Keep the players in their positions after each play. They do not need to meet after each play.
-Try to have the manager give you substitutes as quickly as possible. Don’t wait until throw down
to get the changes
Plate meeting should be short and to the point
Are all your players legally & properly equipped and all of your equipment legal.
If you have a question of a call wait for time to be granted. Go to the
umpire who made the call. If we need to get together our job is to get it right.
Emphasis Sportsmanship. Establish ineligible pitchers.

30. Texas East Volunteer Umpire Association
Index for Big Field Four-Man Mechanics Class
Slide 01) Cover Page
Some Basic Information: Mechanics With a Runner at First Base and Second Base When:
Slide 03) The “Working Area” Slide 22) Fly to Right Field, to Right Center or Directly to Centerfielder and U1 goes out
Slide 04) Initial Starting Positions with U2 on the outside Slide 23) Fly to Left Field or to Left Center and U3 goes out
Slide 05) Initial Starting Positions with U2 on the inside Mechanics With a Runner at First Base and Third Base When:
Slide 06) Outfield Catch Coverage with U2 on the outside Slide 24) Fly to Right Field, to Right Center or Directly to Centerfielder and U1 goes out
Slide 07) Outfield Catch Coverage with U2 on the Inside Slide 25) Fly to Left Field or to Left Center and U3 goes out
Slide 08) Infield Catch Coverage with U2 on the outside Mechanics With a Runner at Second Base and Third Base When:
Slide 09) Infield Catch Coverage with U2 on the Inside Slide 26) Fly to Right Field, to Right Center or Directly to Centerfielder and U1 goes out
Slide 10) Fair Foul Coverage Slide 27) Fly to Left Field or to Left Center and U3 goes out
Mechanics With No One on Base When: Mechanics With the Bases Loaded When:
Slide 11) Clean Hit to the Outfield Slide 28) Fly to Right Field, to Right Center or Directly to Centerfielder and U1 goes out
Slide 12) Fly to Right Field and U1 goes Out Slide 29) Fly to Left Field or to Left Center and U3 goes out
Slide 13) Fly to Center, Left Center or Right Center and U2 goes out
Slide 14) Fly to left Field and U3 goes out
Mechanics With a Runner at First Base (only) When:
Slide 15) Fly to Right Field, to Right Center or Directly to Centerfielder and U1 goes out
Slide 16) Fly to Left Field or to Left Center and U3 goes out
Mechanics With a Runner at Second Base (only) When:
Slide 17) Fly to Right Field, to Right Center or Directly to Centerfielder and U1 goes out
Slide 18) Fly to Left Field or to Left Center and U3 goes out
Mechanics With a Runner at Third Base (only) When:
Slide 19) Fly to Right Field and U1 goes out
Slide 20) Fly to Center, Left Center or Right Center and U2 goes out
Slide 21) Fly to left Field and U3 goes out