1. NFHS Two-Umpire Mechanics

2. 2 Person Umpire Mechanics
DISCLAIMER
There is references to the PIAA within this presentation.
This presentation follows the NFHS 2 Person Umpire Mechanics

3. Two Umpire Mechanics
Emphasis on two umpire mechanics – 90% + of all games will have two umpires
Learning curve with a new partner should be very, very short
The two of you are a crew – but each play an important role

4. Two Umpire Mechanics The purpose of this presentation is to:
Over view of responsibilities
Over view of positioning
Review some General Plays
Review some Specific plays

5. Responsibilities Plate Umpire Pitch Pitcher’s hands Catch / Fair
3’ running lane
Plays at the plate
Some plays at 3B
Tag Up’s
Base umpire
Pitcher’s feet
Runner(s) leaving early
Plays at 1B and 2B
Some plays at 3B
Tag Up’s

6. Responsibilities – Plays at 3B
Plate Umpire
Lead runners
Middle runners
Base umpire
Batter-runner
Steals
Trail runner
First play in infield
Cut off*

7. Responsibilities – Tag Up’s
PU – All runners at 3B
BU – All runners at 1B
Who takes runners at 2B?
If runner at 2B is the lone runner or a “trail” runner – BU
If runner at 2B is a “lead” runner - PU

8. Positioning
Starting positions and calling positions are very important in working as a crew
Likewise, the path you take from when you are required to is also important
Calling position (both PU and BU):
10’-12’ on a tag play (900 from runner)
18’-21’ on a force play (angle to see all elements)

9. Positioning: Pre Pitch
Plate Umpire
Good slot
Heal / toe stance
Working the heel / toe stance.
Base umpire
Based on where runners are positioned.
No runners: 18’-21’ in foul territry on 1B line (walk the line)
With runners on, about 20’ from lead runner, closest to baseline as possible.

10. Positioning - Ball In Play
When the ball is in play, each umpire will move to a position that is either a calling position or “holding” position
Even when a play isn’t being made, both umpires should be aware of the next possible play or plays - P P P
Although you may not have to make a call, there is always a job to do
Movement to / from holding zones / calling position is quick and efficient

11. General Plays
The following general situations comprise about 90% of the game.
Umpires should move in predictable ways in that one should know the responsibilities of your partner.
However, an umpire should never assume the play is covered (Look ahead).
Always make a call if it is your responsibility.
Do not ask your partner without a request from the coach (i.e. pulled foot, swipe tag).

12. No Runners – Infield Hit
Maintain angle and distance
Close to line - BR is your’s for 30’; pulled foot/swipe tag, 3’RL

13. No Runners – Outfield Hit
Make a tight buttonhook
Move to holding zone to observe

14. Runner on First – Infield Hit
Read play at 1B or 2B
Be prepared to watch 2B or 1B, ready for third

15. Runner on First – Outfield Hit
Buttonhook, pick up ball and read the play
2. If overthrow, in foul territory, retreat to plate in fair ground
1. Use Holding zone, take lead into 3B or Home

16. Runner on Second – Infield Hit
Clear runner, work for good angle at 1B (midline)
Trail, then 3B

17. Runner on Second – Outfield Hit
Pick up BR at 1B
Holding zone, take R1 into 3B or home

18. Runner on Second – Fly ball and Tag
Tag, and take the runner to 3B
Call the catch, Stay home

19. Multiple Runners – All situations*
Buttonhook, pick up ball and runners
Holding zone, take runners at 3B or HP
*Time play

20. Home Run Watch runners at 1B and 2B, follow BR to 3B
Move inside, watch 3B and HP

21. Specific Plays
The following are some common plays that require a crew effort.
Run Downs: 1) Have patience, don’t rush the play.
Watch “after the throw” for obstruction.
2) Single runner, bracket when you can – PU “lead” if not between 1B and 2B
Communicate, say “trail” or “lead”

22. Specific Plays
Check Swings: PU – remove mask and ask about an attempt. BU – respond with strong “YES” (strike signal) or “NO” (safe signal)
Batted ball hitting a batter: This is PU’s call BU should only call this if PU misses it
Batted ball hitting runner: This is BU’s call. PU should only call this if BU misses it

23. Specific Plays
The use of foul ground territory by BU is acceptable in limited situations
Ball to extreme left of F4; Throw from F9
If there is an overthrow, it is BU’s responsibility for the BR at 2B
However, PU can help out (communicate), if so, BU DOES NOT ROTATE HOME!!

24. Specific Plays
PASSING THE BATON: both umpires should never have their backs to the runners at the same time
BU moves first, PU “holds” until BU is ready
HUSTLE
Two plays:
1) over run at first by BR and
2) walk by BR with runner at 3B

25. Specific Plays Steals 1) Overthrow at 2B
BU moves inside, PU picks up runner into 3B
2) Pass ball
If runner reached 2B, BU needs to round the 2B (outside) and be ready to take runner into third base

26. Specific Plays Going for help
First, always make the call you are responsible for.
Do not point at your partner for help during the play
Allow the coach-to-coach, let him or her ask
Be approachable
Speak with partner, ask if there is something you missed that would change the call
Calling umpire is responsible for the final call

27. Conclusion Know your responsibilities at all times
Read the play and your partner
Always think ahead of the ball
Think in priorities – what can happen next
There is no “I” in CREW, but there are too many “I’s” in INDIVIDUAL.

28. QUESTIONS