1. FHSAA Field Clinic- 3 man PowerPoint
BLUE/ Florida West
FHSAA Field Clinic- 3 man PowerPoint

2. Terminology
PU/U1/U3
Rotation: Clockwise movement of the three umpires (or two if a guy goes out) to cover responsibilities. Only occurs on a batted ball through the infield
Slide: “Reverse Rotation”; counter-clock wise movement; U1 initiates the slide and assumes responsibility for the BR all the way to second base.

3. General Theories and Basic Principles
The 3 man system is designed to keep an umpire in front of and behind the play as often as possible.
With two exceptions, the base umpire will only go out on trouble balls in his coverage area.
Go out on all catchable or trouble fly balls in coverage area with no runners on or R3 only

4. General Theories and Basic Principles
When an umpire goes out with runners on base, coverage simply reverts back to the two man system
Communication is essential both before the pitch and during the play
More umpires on the field requires more communication as there are many variables in the 3 man system.

5. “Working the bag”
Working the bag is a positioning technique used when a tag attempt will be made where the throw will be coming into a base.
Executed by positioning yourself where the base is in a direct line with the baseball and the umpire
Keep in mind this is a starting position and a read step or two may need to be taken depending on where the tag attempt is.
ONLY utilized when the 3 man system is still in tact and there is back side and front side coverage.
Ball, Bag, and umpire all lined up

7. Starting positions
“A” and “D” Position: 8-10 feet behind fielder with foot up against foul line. Adjusting with fielder
“Shallow A”: Whenever R1 is being held on; 5-6 feet behind first base with shoulders square the front slope of mound; Hands on Knees Set
“Deep B”: Heels 1-3 feet off G/D line with shoulders square to plate; approximately 15 feet away from second base.
“C”: Third base side of middle infield; 50/50 between mound and second base; square to plate

8. Miscellaneous
Fair/Foul- PU responsible for F/F up to front edge of the bag
Check Swings- Always send to “open” umpire (RHB- U1; LHB-U3)
U1 does not need to pivot when entering infield
Post Pitch Read Step: With U1 or U3 on the line and runners there.
Once ball is not hit, take one to two steps down the line towards the bag in foul territory to prepare for back pick from catcher.

9. No Runners on Starting Positions Fly Ball/ Line Drive responsibilities
U3 goes out
U1 goes out
Base hit
Ground ball to infield
No Runners on

10. R3 ONLY Starting Positions Fly Ball responsibilities U3 goes out
Base hit
Ground ball to infield
R3 ONLY

11. R1 ONLY Starting Positions Base hit (rotation) Fly Ball Coverage
U1 goes out
Trouble ball for U3
Ground ball to infield (double play)
R1 ONLY

12. R1 and R3 Starting Positions Base hit (rotation) Fly Ball Coverage
U1 goes out
Trouble ball for U3
Tag up responsibilities
Ground ball to infield (double play)
R1 and R3

13. R1 and R2 Starting Positions Fly Ball Responsibilities U1 goes out
Fly ball- U3’s responsibility (U1 slides)
Fly Ball- no one goes out
Base hit (U1 slides)
Ground ball to infield (potential double play)
R1 and R2

14. Bases Loaded Starting Positions Fly Ball Responsibilities U1 goes out
Fly ball- U3’s responsibility (U1 slides)
Fly Ball- no one goes out
Base hit (U1 slides)
Ground ball to infield (potential double play)
Bases Loaded

15. R2 and R3 Starting Positions Fly Ball responsibilities
Tag up responsibilities (R3 & R2)
Base hit
Ground balls to infield
R2 and R3

16. R2 and R3 2 OUTS Starting Positions Fly Ball responsibilities
Tag up responsibilities (R3 & R2)
Base hit
Ground balls to infield
R2 and R3
2 OUTS

17. R2 ONLY Starting Positions Fly Ball coverage
F/F; C/NC by PU down line (taking the play in front of plate, not extended)
Base hit
Ground Ball to infield
R2 ONLY

18. R2 ONLY 2 OUTS Starting Positions Fly Ball coverage Base hit
Ground Ball to infield
R2 ONLY
2 OUTS

19. Questions?

20. Tomorrow:
Sarasota Babe Ruth starting at 8am