Welcome To The Southwestern Oregon Umpires Association (SWUA) Two-Man Mechanics

2-Man Mechanics (Oregon Exceptions Highlighted In Yellow)

PRE GAME

The Plate Umpire (PU) should coordinate the meeting place with a phone call to Base Umpire (BU) the evening prior to the game date. Both umpires should in arrive in sufficient time so as to be fully dressed and ready 30 minutes prior to the game.

Ten minutes before game time, be on the field together to check the equipment. One umpire should check the helmets while his partner checks the bats at each dugout. Do not overly socialize with the coaches and players. Do what you need to do, and leave the dugout. If possible, acquire the game balls at this time so as to make sure they are prepared for use before the game starts.

Start the plate meeting five minutes before game time. The Plate Umpire (UIC) is in charge of the plate meeting. BU does not speak. The UIC should make introductions, accept lineups from each coach; verify the lineups with each coach and declare them to be "official"; ask each coach if all players are legally and properly equipped; verify there is a "blood kit" (first aid kit) on site; ask the home field coach to go over "ground rules" and emphasize "good sportsmanship. Note: Allow the stated ground rules so long as they do note conflict with the rule book. Directly following the plate meeting the base umpire should jog out to position in shallow right field. The UIC should take a position along the baseline adjacent to the dugout of the team on defense.

POST GAME DEBRIEF

Be honest. Level with one another about the validity of tough calls and the possibility of faulty positioning. Ask your partner what he thought of your performance and if he saw anything which could make you more effective. Keep an open mind and avoid being critical; debriefings should be constructive.

BEFORE GAME AND IN BETWEEN INNINGS

Plate Umpire (UIC):

Assume a position on the first or third base line just above the home plate circle. Take the baseline adjacent to the dugout of the team on defense.
Observe and Count the warm-up pitches and be prepared to give F2 another ball when one gets past him
You are the soul judge of the fitness of a baseball in the game. Should a ball become hard to see during the game replace it with an appropriate baseball (this most likely occurs as dusk envelops the field). Do not be timid in this situation as the lawyer for a potential injured player will establish your authority and responsibility in this situation.

PUTTING THE BALL IN PLAY

Three situations must be in place before the UIC makes the ball ready for play: F1 must be on the rubber; F2 in the catcher’s box; B in the batter's box and ready to hit. It never hurts to glace at your partner to make sure he is ready.

Mechanics

UIC

Stands behind F2 and snaps off a pointed index finger toward F1 announcing “PLAY”, loud enough for the infielders to hear.

The ball must be put in play prior to the first batter of each half-inning and after every dead ball situation during an at bat.

Make sure BU is in position and ready.

Since play is not stopped after base hits, fly ball outs, base on balls, etc, it is not necessary to put the ball in play for each new batter.

Once play begins, watching runners actually touch each base you are responsible for is a BASIC PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY. Be prepared to rule on a possible appeal play. Nothing will ruin your credibility as an umpire quicker than not being prepared to rule on an appeal play in a situation where a runner missed a base and you didn't see it. DO NOT GUESS, ALWAYS BE PREPARED TO KNOW IF A RUNNER TOUCHED A BASE OR NOT, THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR NOT KNOWING!

Base Umpire:

Jog out to short right field. Do not worry about the ball unless playing under adverse weather conditions.
Jog to your first base position when the ball is thrown down. Under no circumstances should the BU be near a fence or bench area talking to bench personnel or spectators.
Be aware of the UIC accepting substitutions at this time. If he is busy with a coach/coaches move into the infield dirt and count pitches until he finishes with the paperwork. Inform him of the number of warm-up pitches remaining with a finger gesture when he finishes with the paperwork and return to your position in right field. Although colder temperatures may influence this mechanic, you should not allow more than 5 warm-up pitches for a returning pitcher (8 for a substitute).
Once play begins, watching runners actually touch each base you are responsible for is a BASIC PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY. Be prepared to rule on a possible appeal play. Nothing will ruin your credibility as an umpire quicker than not being prepared to rule on an appeal play in a situation where a runner missed a base and you didn't see it. DO NOT GUESS, ALWAYS BE PREPARED TO KNOW IF A RUNNER TOUCHED A BASE OR NOT, THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR NOT KNOWING!

The diagram to the right identifies the positions for the BU used at various times for specific situations. Pos A is used with no Diagram runners on base and is 10 to 12 feet behind F3 in foul territory. Pos B is used anytime there is a runner on first base only. Pos C is used in any situation with runners occupying any bases other than first base only.

NO RUNNERS ON BASE

GROUND BALL TO INFIELD

Plate Umpire:

On a ground ball to the infield you should get out from behind the catcher and trail the batter-runner up the line, staying inside the foul line, striving to reach the 45 foot line before getting set (See diagram below and to the right). Be prepared to help the base umpire with a swipe tag or pulled foot. If BU requests your "Help", tell him what you saw and let him make the call.
On an overthrow, you have the ball going into dead ball territory so move to a position that will allow you to observe the ball leaving the field of play.
You have fair/foul responsibilities on batted balls to the front edge of 1B and the entire left field line to the fence.

Base Umpire:

Hustle from Pos A to a spot on the infield that will allow you to observe the runner’s progress and the play of the ball (see diagram to the right). Typically, this will be a couple of steps into the infield directly "toward" the infielder who is fielding the ground ball. Watch the release of the ball from the fielder, watch the runner hit the base and listen for the pop of the first baseman’s glove.
On an over throw, move onto the infield grass and be prepared to take the runner all the way to third.
On a ground ball to F4 or F3 in which the play prevents you from entering the infield (pressure), stay out in foul territory to make the call at 1B. On an overthrow, be prepared to move quickly into the infield in so as to not interfere with the BR headed to 2B or back to 1B.
You have fair/foul calls on any bounding ball that is hit beyond the front edge of first base.

FLY BALL TO THE INFIELD

Plate Umpire:

You have the call on all Fly Balls hit to 3rd Baseman regardless of which direct he moves.
You have the call on Fly Balls hit to the Short Stop who moves "LEFT", "IN" or "BACK" in an attempt to make the catch
You have the call on all Fly Balls hit to the 2nd Baseman who moves "LEFT" or "IN" in an attempt to make the catch.
You have the call on Fly Balls hit to the 1st Baseman who moves "LEFT" or "IN" in an attempt to make the catch.
You have the call on Fly Balls hit to the Pitcher or Catcher.

Base Umpire:

You have the call on Fly Balls hit to the Short Stop who moves "RIGHT" in an attempt to make the catch.
You have the call on Fly Balls hit to the 2nd Baseman who moves "RIGHT" in an attempt to make the catch.
You have the call on Fly Balls hit to the 1st Baseman who moves "RIGHT" in an attempt to make the catch.

FLY BALL TO OUTFIELD OR BASE HIT

Plate Umpire:

You have catch/no catch, fair/foul from the left field line to the right field line, when BU does not go out. Get out from behind F2 into to the infield as close to the mound as time allows to develop an advantageous angle on the ball. Always take your mask off to make a call on a ball batted to the outfield. Communicate with your partner as to the status of the play (“That’s an out", or “The ball’s on the ground”). On a fair/foul call, do not get too close to the play so as not to get blocked out.

If your partner goes out, he has the catch/no catch, fair or four call and you have the batter runner all the to 3rd Base. If this batted ball results in a play at the plate, be prepared to follow the play in the event your partner doesn't get back to make the call. The play at the plate is your partner's primary responsibility, but be prepared.

On a base hit where your partner DOESN'T "Go Out", you do not get into position to make a potential call at third on the batter runner. The Base Umpire will take the batter runner all the way to 3rd Base in this situation.

Base Umpire:

Come inside the diamond and pivot. Watch the batter-runner touch first base and be prepared to take BR all the way to third.
You should go out on any trouble ball hit, or ball hit to Center Fielder coming towards right field foul line, or Center field straight in or back. If the play does not result in an out, hustle from your position in the outfield back to home plate for a potential call at Home. It is your responsibility to be in position for a potential play at Home if you "Go Out"!

FLY BALL COVERAGE IN THE ‘CONE':

The ‘Cone’ is the area from F7 to F9 (diagram to the right). BU will make calls on fly balls in this area when he is in the infield in Positions B or C. UIC will call make calls on batted balls that approach the foul lines (from the 3B line to F7 or 1B line to F9).
It is important to communicate who will make a call on balls hit to F7 or F9 that are on the boundary of the “Cone”. Since UIC has the whole field in front of him, he should make the decision and communicate it to his partner in time for BU to react.

ONE RUNNER ON BASE

FIRST BASE ONLY

Plate Umpire:

You have any fly ball hit from the left fielder to the line, and the right fielder to the line. If you are taking the ball communicate that fact to your partner, so you are both not looking at the ball.
On a ground ball to an infielder, get out from behind the catcher and be prepared for the interference call at second base on an attempted double play. If the fielder throws the ball to first the interference call belongs to you.
If R1 is safe at second and they take off for third be prepared to take that runner into third base.
On a base hit, start to rotate to third as a play on R1 at 3B is your responsibility. You should start up the line in foul territory. When both the runner and the ball are going to third enter the diamond, at about the cut out, to make the call.
On an overthrow at 3B, work inside the diamond and take the runner to home plate.

Base Umpire:

You should start in Pos B.
You have any fly ball hit in the “Cone”, Right fielder to the left fielder. Do not leave the infield.
On ground balls to the infield, be prepared for the double play. Move into the ‘sweet spot’ (as shown in diagram immediately below) to observe the first play and fade toward 1B as the ball is released to 1B. In the event there is interference at 2B and the fielder does not throw the ball to 1B, the call belongs to you.
On a base hit, watch runner touch second, and take a glance at BR touching first. Take the BR into 2B & 3B if he attempts to advance past 1B.
If R1 attempts to advance all the way to third that is your call.

SECOND BASE ONLY

Plate Umpire:

You have fly ball coverage from the right fielder and left fielder to the respective foul lines.

Call catch/no catch on all fly balls hit to pitcher or the catcher.
If the Runner at 2nd Base Tags, you stay home for potential play at the plate on an overthrow.

On a ground ball to an infielder, watch R2 touch 3B and be prepared to help BU on a sweep tag or pulled foot at 1B.

On a base hit or error by an infielder observe R2 touching 3B and stay home for a play at HP.

Base Umpire:

You should start in Pos C.
You have fly ball coverage in the “Cone”. Do not leave the infield.
On a fly ball, you line up the catch and the Tag by the Runner at 2nd Base. You have the play at 3rd Base if the Runner goes. The Plate Umpire stays home for a potential play in the event of an overthrow or other misplay situation at 3rd Base.
On a ground ball to an infielder, you have the play at 1B and the return play at 3B should R2 attempt to advance.
On a base hit you have the Batter Runner all the way to 3rd Base and the touches of all bases along the way.

THIRD ONLY

Plate Umpire:

You have fly ball coverage from the right fielder and left fielder to either foul line.

On a fly ball, you have the Runner tagging from 3rd Base. Move to get the most advantageous angle of the runner tagging and for the potential play at home.

On a ground ball to the infield, watch the BR up the line and observe the R3 touching home from 1B extended.

Base hit stay home and observe the runner touch the plate.

Stay home during a run-down of BR. Be aware of the intention of R3 should the defense attempt to play on him.

Base Umpire:

You should be in Pos C.
You have fly ball coverage in the “Cone”.
On a base hit you have the BR all the way to third.
You have responsibility for calling an attempted pick off of the runner at 3rd Base.
You have soul responsibility for a rundown involving Batter Runner between 1st and 2nd.

MULTIPLE RUNNERS

FIRST AND SECOND

Plate Umpire:

Fly ball coverage from the left fielder and right fielder to either foul line. Communicate that you have the ball, so the BU knows he has the runners.
You have the runner on 2nd into third if they tag after a caught ball in the outfield. Move up toward 3B in foul ground and come into the cut out when both the ball and the runner are coming into 3B.
On a ground ball, get out from behind the catcher and be prepared to rule on interference on the front half of a double play.
Observe runners touching third on a base hit and ground ball to an infielder and stay home for a play at the plate.

Base Umpire:

You should be in Pos C.
You have fly ball coverage in the “Cone”.
You have the tag-up of the runner at 2nd and at 1st after catch in the outfield. Get best angle on runner at 2nd then look at runner at 1st. You have the runner coming into 2nd and plays at 3B, including attempted steals of that bag.
On ground balls in the infield, be prepared for double play by moving into the sweet spot.
Observe runners touching first and second bases on a base hit. Keep your eye on the ball and be prepared to rule on runners at any base.
On a ball hit down the right field line that the Plate Umpire must rule fair/foul, catch/no catch he will not be able to come to third. Communicate “I have the ball” In this case move to sweet spot and be aware that you have the call at either second or third.

SECOND AND THIRD

Plate Umpire:

Fly ball coverage from right and left fielder to either foul line.

You have the tag up of the runner at 3rd and the play at the plate. Be prepared to move to an appropriate angle to observe a catch in the OF and R3 tagging.

Watch BR to first on ground ball but observe runner touching home (from 1st base line extended, as shown in the adjacent diagram).

Stay home on a base hit. Observe runners touching third from 3rd base line extended.

You have all potential plays at Home.

Base Umpire:

You should be in Pos C.

You have fly ball coverage in the “Cone”. Do not leave the infield.

You have the tag-up of the runner on 2nd and the play into third if R2 advances after a caught ball in the OF.

Observe runners touching first and second on a base hit. Keep your eye on the ball and be prepared to rule on plays at any base.

You have all potential plays at all the bases.

FIRST AND THIRD

Plate Umpire:

Fly ball coverage from right and left fielder to either foul line.
You have the tag up of R3 and play at the plate.
Get out from behind F2 on a ground ball as you have the interference call at 2nd Base on the front end of a double play. Be aware of the runner coming home as there might be a play there.
On a base hit, start to rotate to 3B but look back to observe R3 touching HP.
Stay home during a run-down between 1B and 2B until R3 crosses HP.
On a play where the runner is safe at you may be able to help with a play at third.

You must communicate with your partner that you are covering third.

Base Umpire:

You should be in Pos C.
You have fly ball coverage in the “Cone”. Do not leave the infield.
You have the tag up and advance of R1 on an out in the outfield.
Be ready for the double play on a ground ball in the infield.
On a base hit, take R1 into 2nd and observe runners touching 1st and 2nd base.
You have soul responsibility for a run-down involving R1 or BR between 1st and 2nd.

BASES LOADED

Plate Umpire:

Fly ball coverage from the right and left fielder to either foul line.
You have the tag up of R3 and the play at the plate.
You have the interference call on the front end of a double play but remain aware of R3 advancing to HP.
Base hit you are staying home. Read the play from behind HP and move into the most advantageous position to see the play (runner and ball).

Base Umpire:

You should be in Pos C.

You have fly ball coverage in the “Cone”. Do not leave the infield.

You have the tag up of R2 and R1 on an advance after a catch in the outfield. If R2 advances to 3B after an out in the outfield, do not forget about the possible advance of R1 during a play on R2. You have to read the play from the third base side of the mound. Do not over commit to 3B before or after a play there as it is a long way to 2B on a snap throw by F5 in an attempt to put out a following runner.
On a ground ball, read the play from the sweet spot and be prepared to rule at any base.

OBSERVING PLAYS AT THE PLATE

Typical positioning for use in most situations;

When time permits use 1st Baseline extended for throws originating from left and center field. This will give you the best view most of the time as it allows for a clear view of the ball, the runner and the catcher in most situations. Setting up in the 1st Baseline extended for throws originating from right field is not recommended as the throw itself could end up in this area.
Use 3rd Baseline extended for quickly developing plays such as infielders fielding ground balls and throwing to the plate. It's also recommended to use the 3rd Baseline extended for throws originating from right field.

Hints;

Watch the play develop from behind the plate and move to the appropriate position based on the above generalities.
Above all, choose a position that will allow you to see the ball and the runner. DO NOT GET BLOCKED BY EITHER PLAYER.
Remain flexible! The play can change instantly as the result of a bad bounce or the runner changing direction. Be prepared to change your angle.
Do not anticipate the call. Allow the play to finish before you make a call. If you lose sight of the ball and you saw an out, wait for F2 to show you the ball.

OTHER SITUATIONS

BATTED BALL FIELDED IN ‘THE BOX’ diagram

The shaded portion of the adjacent diagram is an imaginary section of the field called ‘The Box”. Batted balls fielded in this area require appreciably different mechanics than those specified previously in these instructions. Typically, this batted ball is a bunted ball, a ‘Baltimore chop’ or a ‘dribbler’.

Plate Umpire:

You have responsibility for the fair/foul call.

When BU is in POS A and has to move into foul territory due to pressure from F4, you must follow the play into the IF to cover possible plays at 2B or 3B.

With a runner approaching the plate, stay outside of the box to judge fail or foul and watch the touch of HP (or the play at the plate).

Without runners advancing home, move out from behind the plate to observe the fielding of the ball and the advancing BR. This is the kind of play which requires you to judge interference by the BR running outside the running lane.

Base Umpire:

When starting from Pos A, move quickly into the infield dirt to assume 90 degree angle on the play at 1B. Your best position will allow you to watch the ball enter F3’s glove and see BR touch 1B.
You have concurrent jurisdiction in judging Batter Runner interference but your partner has a better position to observe the play. You also have concurrent jurisdiction in call a foul ball should the ball hit the batter while still in the box.
When the ball is fielded by F3, be careful that your path into the infield does not interfere with F4 covering 1B. If you decide to stay in foul territory to cover this play you must be aware of the movement of the base coach as he urges the BR to hustle to 1B.
When you start in Position B or C, you already have a great angle on the play so you should move into the sweet spot for the call at 1B. This position will not compromise your angle on subsequent plays at other bases. A sweep tag of BR by F3 may require you to request help from your partner. Make the request before you make a call on the play at 1B by asking the UIC if he saw a tag prior to the runner touching 1B. He will say yes or no and you will make the call the corresponding safe or out call.

RUNDOWN COVERAGES

Between Home and 1B

Plate Umpire:

DO NOT get sucked into a rundown between 1B and HP. Call the Batter Runner out if tagged or if he retreats back to home plate.

Between 1B and 2B

Plate Umpire:

As the play is made on the runner, move up the first baseline in foul territory. Shift into the IF (at the 1B cut out) as the play moves toward 2B and announce to BU, “I’ve got this end”.
You make the call on the play if it is moving toward your position at 1B.

Base Umpire:

Stay in the ‘working lane’ and move with the play. DO NOT GET TOO CLOSE TO THE PLAY. You make the call if a play on the runner is made while it is moving toward you or at 2B.
Do not try to stay up with the ball. Instead, strive to get an angle on the play so that neither player involved moves between you and the play on the runner.

Between 2B and 3B

Plate Umpire:

Treat as you would at 1B in the above mechanics.
Be prepared to cover HP from inside the IF on an over throw of 3B.

Base Umpire:

Treat as you would in the mechanics above.
If there are multiple runners you are responsible for all plays on following runners so be careful not to stray too far away from the sweet spot.

Between 3rd Base and Home Plate

Plate Umpire:

Stay in foul territory. Make a call on all plays if BU has not had time to move in to fill his spot from POS B.
Be prepared to cover the play at HP. This will be the play that is hardest for you to get a good angle on as you are out in foul territory and do not have time to move to 3B extended. Be patient and allow the players to help you make the call.

Base Umpire:

From POS B/C or the sweet spot move into position at the 3B cut out as the play moves away from you. Announce to BU “I’ve got this end". Make a call on the play if the tag of the runner is made while the play is moving toward you or is made at 3B.
If there are multiple runners you are responsible for all plays on following runners so be careful not to stray too far away from the sweet spot until another runner reaches 3B.

BUNT COVERAGES

No Runners

Plate Umpire:

Cover as you would on a batted ball in the IF.
You have coverage of fair/foul situations.
Watch for interference by the BR outside of the running lane and obstruction by F1 crossing in front of BR in the running lane.
You make all calls on attempted plays on BR near the HP circle.
Pay attention on sweep tags by F1 and F3 so as to accurately respond to BU if he needs help.

Base Umpire:

When the ball is fielded in ‘the box’, hustle into the IF toward the corner of the cut out up the 2B line to make the call at 1B. Don’t get caught flat footed as you will have to change your angle on a bad throw. If you get caught out of position on a sweep tag, ask UIC if he saw a tag then make the safe or out call.
Be aware of F4 covering 1B if F3 moves in to field the bunt (pressure). Make this call from the foul side of 1B without getting to close to the play.
If the bunt is fielded by F3 just outside the box, F1 will attempt the put out at 1B. Make this call from the same spot you would on a grounder fielded by an infielder (two steps into the IF dirt)

One Runner

Runner On 1B

Plate Umpire:

Be prepared to make a fair/foul call then carry R1 to 3B if the first play is at 1B. Make this call from inside the IF.
In the event of an overthrow at 3B you have the play at HP. Stay inside the IF and make the call at HP from near the HP cut out.

Base Umpire:

You are responsible for all put out attempts of BR (except for those made by UIC near HP circle) and those of R1 at 2B. Be prepared to carry BR to all bases on an overthrow of 1B.

Runner On 2B

Plate Umpire:

• Cover all fair/foul calls and plays at HP

• Stay home with R2 on base.

Base Umpire:

• Your responsibility is the first play in the infield.

• Cover all plays on the BR.

Runner On 3B

Plate Umpire:

Cover all fair/foul calls and plays at HP

Base Umpire:

Your responsibility is the first play in the infield except for the play at HP.
Cover all plays on the BR.

Multiple Runners

Plate Umpire:

You have all fair/foul calls and plays at HP.

With R1 and R3, you cover the touch of HP and the advance of R1 to 3B as you would on a single. Remind BU of your coverage by announcing, “I’ve got 3rd"/

Base Umpire:

Cover any play at any base or tags of runners on base lines away from HP. The best position to read plays of this type is in the sweet spot, in case there are put out attempts at multiple bases.
DO NOT attempt to get too close to the first play with multiple runners.

COMMUNICATIONS WITH PARTNER

Prior to an AB with men on base, UIC should initiate hand signals to specify his responsibilities in the event the ball is put in play. BU should respond in kind to indicate understanding. If the UIC has indicated an inappropriate cover for the situation, the BU should return the proper coverage signals. Do not argue with each other in this situation but discuss it at the next half inning.

PASSED BALL COVERAGE

Plate Umpire:

Cover plays at the plate and the ball leaving the field of play.
Don’t get too far away from HP with R3 on base on a pop up behind HP.

Base Umpire:

You are responsible for plays at all bases.
Respond in kind when UIC announces “Dead Ball!” so advancing runners will be aware.

ONE MAN MECHANICS

KEY TO SUCCESS …. HUSTLE!

Game participants are less likely to be argumentative if you are hustling to the best positions to view plays.

HELPFUL HINTS:

Sacrifice distance for angle. Don’t try to get close to the play. The angle from which you view the play is more important than your proximity to the play. Most of your calls will be made from the front of the pitcher’s mound.
DO NOT remind the coaches at the beginning of the game that you are working by yourself. The situation is a game management handicap. Don’t rub it in. You should not allow much complaining from coaches and players so long as you are hustling. Your best response to a whining coach is to remind him that you are working as hard as you can for him. Then walk back to the plate and continue the game.
Usually when you brush the plate the ball remains alive. In this situation remember to call time when your back is to the IF and runners are on base.
When the ball is put in play in fair territory and there are no runners in scoring position, hustle out from behind the plate toward the front of the mound to observe the play. Remember to stop your momentum before the play is made (angle before distance). In this case, the sweet spot is in front of the mound.
When you have to judge fair/foul, stay on the line to make the judgment, then, hustle into the IF to observe a play by the defense.
Remember this baseball mantra; Ball beats runner and the tag is down, call the out.
DO NOT LOSE TRACK OF THE BALL. Don’t turn your back to the players after calling a play. Chest the ball and follow it back to the mound.
You can’t call everything happening on the field when you’re working alone. Consider the priorities for baseball situations; Fair/foul, catch/no catch, safe/out, runners touching bases, tag ups on fly balls, lead runner/following runners, interference/obstruction.
Get to the game site earlier than usual so as to walk the field, check the equipment, pay attention to outfielder’s arms; don’t let them see you sweat. Behaving professionally prior to game time will help during the game.

Be assertive with all of your calls. There is no one to back you up. SELL’EM ALL!