1. Field Coverages
Inside-Outside Theory
Rotations
Fly Ball Coverage

2. INSIDE OUTSIDE THEORY Ball on INFIELD – Stay OUTSIDE the Diamond
Ball in the OUTFIELD – Move INSIDE the Diamond

3. 3 UMPIRE SYSTEM

4. 3-Umpire Mechanics 4 Basic Rules
Rotation is always clockwise.
Once you turn your back to go out, STAY OUT.
When one umpire goes out, revert to the 2 umpire system.
When counter-rotated, there will be no rotation.
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5. Only Three Starting Positions
Standard
Rotated
Counter-Rotated
NOTE: ALL U1 & U2 starting positions are taken facing the plate.
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6. With runner at 3B only, U2 is positioned feet down 3B line in foul territory in a set position. U1 is positioned as with no base runners
STANDARD
With no base runners U1 and U2 “walk the line” no more than one to two steps ending in a set/ready position.
U1 & U2 positioned feet down their respective foul lines in foul territory.

7. Starting Position-Rotated
Only occurs with a single runner at 1B.
U1 is positioned feet down the 1B line in foul territory in a set position.
U2 is positioned feet behind 2B on the baseline extended between 2B & 3B.
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8. Counter Rotated Position
U2 down 3B line and U1 in the “B” slot
U1 is always positioned in the “middle 30 feet” between 1B & 2B, exact positioning depends on:
~ Positions of F4 & F9
~ Visibility of base runner(s)
~ Visibility of pitcher
~ Visibility of action at the plate
~ Proximity to pickoff(s) and/or steal(s)
~ Response to a batted ball
Rule #4 in effect: there will be no rotations
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9. Fly Ball Coverage
SPLIT THE FIELD
The V
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10. When Do You Go Out??
“A base umpire should go to the outfield on all fly balls within his/her coverage area.”
NFHS Umpires Manual - Three-Umpire System
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11. U1 U3 P
FLY BALL COVERAGE
STARTING POSITION

12. U3 U1 P
STARTING POSITION
RUNNER ON 1B
FLY BALL COVERAGE

13. U1 U3 P
FLY BALL COVERAGE
STARTING POSITION
BASES LOADED

14. Keying on Your Partner’s Moves
~ If you start to “go out” DON’T change your mind (except if you both go out). ~ It will confuse your partner’s initial reads and likely cause umpires to be out of position. ~ When you “go out” don’t yell “going out.” ~ You can yell “two man” or “going” ~ Or use a visual -Tap chest, raise hand
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15. When you do “GO OUT”
~ You might only have time to just turn around. ~ Get a good angle! Chase parallel to the flight of the ball versus directly at the defensive player making the catch. ~ Chase down the line on possible fair/foul balls. ~ Avoid throwing lane(s) after the catch/no catch. ~ Be STOPPED and FACING the play when you make the call. ~ Do NOT come back in to make any calls, BUT… ~ Do turn and face the infield to observe the play, such as: * missed bases * tags/no tags *balls coming loose on tag plays, location of base runner(s) when a thrown ball that goes into dead ball area leaves the fielder’s hand OR the position of runners at the time a ball becomes blocked by loose equipment (offense or defense) .
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