3-umpire mechanics

3-umpire mechanics

The objectives of 3-umpire mechanics

• Try to keep one umpire AHEAD of the lead runner

• If possible, “box” the runner between the three umpires

D AC B

Field UmpirePositions

AD

C B

Umpire PositionsNO Runners

Umpire PositionsRunner on

1st

Umpire PositionsRunner on

1st & 2nd

Umpire PositionsRunner on

1st & 3rd

Umpire PositionsRunner on 1st, 2nd & 3rd

Anytime there is a RUNNER on 1st

U3 will be in “C”

Umpire PositionsRunner on

2nd

Umpire PositionsRunner on

2nd & 3rd

Anytime there is a RUNNER on 2nd, butNO RUNNER on 1st

U2 will be in “B”

Umpire PositionsRunner on

3rd

Anytime there is a RUNNER on 2nd, butNO RUNNER on 1st

U1 will be in “B”

OTHERWISE

U1 will always be in “A”

Anytime there is a RUNNER on 1st

U3 will be in “C”

OTHERWISE

U3 will always be in “D”

Quick Guide for knowing when to be

“inside” versus “outside”

CHECK SWINGS

• Go to the “Open” umpire

– U1 for RIGHT handed batters

– U3 for LEFT handed batters

Fly Ball CoverageU2 & U3

On the corners

Fly Ball CoverageU3 IN

Fly Ball CoverageU1 IN

INFIELDCatch / No Catch

U2 & U3On the corners

INFIELDCatch / No Catch

U3 In

INFIELDCatch / No Catch

U1 In

Fair / FoulU2 & U3

On the corners

Fair / FoulU3 In

Fair / FoulU2 In

U3 is the “KEY”for rotation when U2 and U3 are on

the corners

Think of it like all umpires are connected

by a “string”

If you GO OUT

You STAY OUT

If U1 or U3 “goes out”Coverage in infield reverts to

2-Umpire Mechanics

Rotations in 3-Umpire Mechanics

• Rotations are generally to your LEFT as you face the mound

• EXCEPTION:– The “Slide” Rotation

The SLIDE RotationRunners in scoring position and U1 is

staying home

NO RUNNERSON BASE

NO RUNNERSU1 Goes Out

NO RUNNERSU3 Goes Out

NO RUNNERSBase Hit

NO RUNNERSInfield Hit

Runner on 1st

Runner on 1st

Fly BallU1’s Responsibility

Runner on 1st

Fly BallU3’s Responsibility

Runner on 1st

Fly BallPL’s Responsibility

Runner on 1st

Base Hit

Runner on 1st

Infield HitPossible

double play

Runner on 1st

Pickoff at First

Runner on 1st

Steal of 2nd

Runner on 2nd

Runner on 2nd Fly Ball

U1’s Responsibility

Runner on 2nd Fly Ball

U3’s Responsibility

Runner on 2nd Fly Ball

PL’s Responsibility

Runner on 2nd Base Hit

Runner on 2nd Infield Hit

Runner on 2nd Pickoff at Second

Runner on 3rd

Runner on 3rd Fly Ball

U1’s Responsibility

This is the MOST OFTEN

MISSED ROTATION in 3-umpire mechanics

Runner on 3rd Fly Ball

U3’s Responsibility

Runner on 3rd Base Hit

Runner on 3rd Hit to Infield

Runner on 3rd Pickoff at Third

Runners on 1st & 2nd

Runners on 1st & 2nd

Fly Ball U1’s Responsibility

Runners on 1st & 2nd

Fly BallU3’s Responsibility

Runners on 1st & 2nd

Fly BallPL’s Responsibility

Runners on1st & 2ndBase hit

Runner on 1st & 2nd

Hit to Infield

Runners on1st and 3rd

Runners on1st and 3rd

Fly BallU1’s Responsibility

Runners on1st and 3rd

Fly BallU3’s Responsibility

Runners on1st and 3rd

Fly BallPL’s Responsibility

Runners on 1st and 3rd

Base Hit

Runners on 1st and 3rd Infield Hit

Runners on 1st and 3rd

Steal & Rundown

Runners on 2nd & 3rd

Runners on 2nd & 3rd Fly ball

U1’s Responsibility

Runners on 2nd & 3rd Fly ball

U3’s Responsibility

Runners on 2nd & 3rd Fly ball

PL’s Responsibility

Runners on 2nd & 3rd Base Hit

Runners on 2nd & 3rd Infield Hit

Bases Loaded

Bases LoadedFly Ball

U1’s Responsibility

Bases LoadedFly Ball

U3’s Responsibility

Bases LoadedFly Ball

PL’s Responsibility

Bases LoadedBase Hit

Bases LoadedInfield Hit

Possible Double Play

No Matter What Happens…..or Who misses a rotation

FILL THE HOLE !!!We can talk about missed coverage later……….but

SOMEONE has to be there toMAKE THE CALL