FPOA

The three man umpiring system provides better coverage for fly balls, double plays and other situations that make the two-man system difficult.

Working the three man system can be difficult to do if an umpire does not understand the basic concepts of the system.

ConceptsStarting PositionsRotationFly Ball CoverageTag Up Coverage

1. Standard position2. Rotated position3. Counter-rotated position

Starting Positions

Use when there are no runners on base 

P: behind the plate.1U & 3U: 18-20 feet down and close to the line

Use when runner is on third base only 

3U: in a set position 8-10 feet down the line

• Throw backs to third base

Use when there is a runner on first base only 

P: behind the plate.1U: in a set position 8-10 feet down and on the line, completelyin foul territory, facing the plate.3U: facing the plate in a set position 10-12 feet beyond second base

•Check Swings•Steals

Use when there are multiple runners on base or runner on second base only.

 

PU: behind the plate1U: in a set position somewhere in the 30 feet between 15 feet from first base and 15 feet from second base, usually behind the second baseman, and optimally, no more than 15 feet from the baseline and facing the plate.3U: facing the plate in a set position 8-12 feet from third base

The primary purpose of rotation is to have each base covered to make a call. While the players run bases in an counter-clockwise direction, umpire rotation is clockwise. This enables the umpire to arrive at the base ahead of the runner, with a clear view of the play.

Note: No rotation from the Counter-rotated Starting PositionFull RotationPartial Rotation

Use when in the Standard Starting Position with no one on 

P: move out to in front of the pitching circle and as the runner approaches second base, move to a primary position 8-10 feet from third base.1U: pivot inside the diamond 10 feet beyond the baseline and about 10 feet away from the foul line. 3U: move straight into the diamond to a primary position 8-10 feet from second base. When 1U rotates to the plate, 3U is responsible for all plays at first or second.

Use when in the Standard Starting Position with a runner on third only  

P: see R3 touch home, then move out to in front of the pitching circle and as the BR approaches second base, move to a primary position 8-10 feet from third base 

Use when in the Standard Starting Position with a runner on first only  

3U: pivot inside the diamond to a primary position 8-10 feet from second base and see R1 touch second

Chase when:Ball is close to the fenceMore than one fielder is going for the ballTrouble balls: Bloopers, Short hop, back

pedaling, diving

 Chase parallel to the flight (path) of the ball

UNLESS you will need to judge fair/foul

Standard Starting Position

Rotated Starting Position

Counter-rotated Starting Position

Runner on first base only

A. B.

Runner on second base only

A. B.

.

Runner on third base only

A. B.

Runners on first and second

A. B.

Runners on first and third

A. B.

Runners on second and third

A. B.

Bases loaded

A. B.

A.

F. G.

C.

E.

B. D.

Obstruction/InterferenceIf runner is between two umpires, the umpire

ahead of the play should make the call.Observe all areas

Conclusion of PlayAll umpires hold position until ALL runners have

returned to bases and the pitcher has ball in the circle.

When discussing a callAll umpires meet

Pregame and postgame with partners