for crews of four umpires...with four umpires on the field, there is a greater potential for two...

FOR CREWSOF

FOUR UMPIRES

Revision Summary

1

Date Revision History

Comments

1/4/2019 0 Released the new document

Four-Umpire System

Basic Principles

– Better coverage on the bases.

– Whenever possible, an umpire remains ahead of the play. There is a focus to keep the plate umpire at home as much as possible.

– Completely understand the Three‐Umpire System. Frequently, if an umpire decides to go out on a trouble ball, the crew reverts to the concepts of the Three‐Umpire System.

– On batted balls, all four umpires should have eyes on the catch/no‐catch. Although one umpire is responsible for the call, they should be able to make eye contact with another umpire for visual confirmation.

– All umpires should actively watch all plays. Call in your area. Observe all areas. Always be ready to assist. Pre‐game with your partners: “Have an opinion on all plays.”

– The illustrations shown in this supplemental manual do not depict actual positions for umpires as plays develop. Due to the numerous complex possibilities of plays at each base and the plate, umpires are given flexibility to take plays from a position that they deem to be most advantageous without taking themselves out of position for a possible next play.

– This system requires constant crew awareness. Be vigilant as you read, process, and re‐read your partners. With four umpires on the field, there is a greater potential for two umpires to be in close proximity. Maintain good eye contact and communication.

Similarities to Three‐Umpire System

– Check swing appeals go to the open side umpire on the line.

– Distances on tag plays and force outs remains the same as Three‐Umpire System.

– Point‐and‐stay continues to be in effect for U1 and U3.

– U1 and U3 have fair/foul from their feet to the fence.

– Plate umpire has fair/foul from home to U1/U3.

– U1 or U3 handle sweeping the pitchers plate when completely covered between innings.

– Interferences and obstructions should be handled by the closest umpire. However, if that umpire does not make a call, another umpire with a clear view should make the call.

– All umpires must work to get good angles on run down plays and not get straight lined on the tag. Umpires on each end of a run down should communicate “I’ve got this half.” However, on questionable tag/no‐tags, the umpire that has the clearest view of the tag should take the initiative on making the call. Good eye contact between partners is essential.

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Four-Umpire System

Unique Differences of the Four‐Umpire System

– U2 must actively watch the batter in/out of the box on every pitch. U2 and the plate umpire share responsibility on this call.

– U2 must actively watch the pitcher staying within the 24” of the pitching lane. U2 and the plate umpire share responsibility on this call.

– U2 is responsible for policing the rosin bags.

– U2 is responsible for between‐inning timing/stopwatches.

– Each base umpire is responsible for their runner leaving early.

– When faced with one of the scenarios in which the plate umpire will stay home regardless of the developing play, the plate umpire should use a pre‐pitch signal to remind the crew. Point to yourself, then point down to the plate/ground. This signal reminds the base umpires that if one of them chases, the other umpires must cover all plays on the bases.

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Pre‐Pitch signal to remind the crew that you are staying home on the

play.

Commentary onChase Decisions

The Four‐Umpire system is most effective when there is an umpire at each base, ready for any play. There are times, however, that going out on the batted ball is the right decision. This mechanics supplement provides a set of guidelines for how the other umpires should react when that happens.

Turn and GoUmpires should turn and go on trouble balls that are pushing outfielders toward the walls and away from the calling umpire. On these trouble balls, umpires will run into the outfield in order to maintain a reasonable distance and angle from the catch/no‐catch. The umpire must come to a complete stop before the play.

Turn and SetUmpires should turn and come to an immediate set on trouble balls that are pulling outfielders toward the infield or side‐to‐side.

NOTE: When an umpire turns and goes, or turns and sets, that umpire has been removed from infield responsibilities and other umpires will rotate/react accordingly.

Coming BackIt is important that we never waste umpires. When an umpire turns and goes, or turns and sets, they should observe play and look for opportunities to return to the infield and resume base responsibilities whenever appropriate.

U1

U2

P

U3

U3Example Play: No runners on. Trouble ball low liner to LF. U3 turns and sets. U3 judges no‐catch and signals safe. U3 has time to come back to 3B well ahead of the runner. U3 calls off P.P goes back home

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U2

P

P: Face the team coming to bat. Stand 8‐

10 feet from home plate on first or third baseline extended.

U2: Face the plate area. Stand in the grass in shallow centerfield. When applicable, monitor the game clock or timer.

U1: Face the plate area. Stand in the grass near the baseline extended.

U3: Face the plate area. Stand in the grass near the baseline extended.

P

U3 U1

Position Between Innings

P P

NOTE: These positions between innings are not exact. The objective is to move away

from the foul lines to allow teams to warm up while observing anything that might develop.

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P: Takes all fly balls not called by base umpires.

U2: Has first rights on all outfield fly balls to the center fielder and when LF/RF/SS/2B are clearly moving into the coverage area.

NOTE: If LF/RF/SS/2B are not clearly moving into U2’s coverage area, U1 or U3 will have first rights on trouble balls at the edges.

U1: Has first rights on all outfield fly balls

to the right fielder (straight back, straight in, and toward the line) also infielders moving into this area.

U3: Has first rights on all outfield fly balls to the left fielder (straight back, straight in, and toward the line) and also infielders moving into this area.

Catch/No-Catch Areas of Coverage

U1

LF

CF

RF

2B

1B

SS

3B

U2’s AREA

P’s AREAU3

P

6

U2

P: Takes all line drives not taken by base umpires. If 1B, 3B, or pitcher is making the catch toward home plate (or pitcher left/right), then the plate umpire has first rights.

U2: If 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, or pitcher is making

the catch toward U2, then U2 has first rights.

U1: If 1B or 2B is making the catch toward

U1 (or 2B straight in), then U1 has first rights.

U3: If 3B or SS is making the catch

toward U3 (or SS straight in), then U3 has first rights.

Infield Line Drive Catch Coverage

U1

U2

3B

SS 2B

1BU3

P

Pitcher

NOTE: Good eye contact between partners is essential. On line drives in gray areas of coverage, look to each other before one umpire taking the call. Default to the umpire with the most credible view. 7

Starting Positions of U1

No Runner on 1B: On the line in foul territory behind first base no closer than 18 feet from the bag (and at least 2‐4 steps behind the first baseman). U1 has fair/foul beyond their position.

Runner on 1B: Start in a set position, slightly angled towards the infield (opposite baseline between home and 3B), completely in foul territory, between 6” and 24” off the line, 10‐12 feet beyond the base. U1 has fair/foul beyond their position.

U1

“A” Position

Close “A” Position

“A” Position

Close “A” PositionU1

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No Runner on 1B or 2B: Start in a standing set position squared to home

plate 10‐12 feet beyond 2B several strides toward CF as long as U2 has a clear view of the batter’s box and the pitcher’s lane. Choose the 1B or 3B side of 2B based on responsibilities.


U2

OR

U2

Runner on 1B or 2B: Start in a set position squared to home plate 10‐12 feet

beyond 2B several strides toward CF as long as U2 has a clear view of the batter’s box and the pitcher’s lane. Choose the 1B or 3B side of 2B based on responsibilities.

Unique to the Four‐Umpire system is U2’s responsibility to actively watch the batter remaining in the box and the pitcher remaining in the 24” pitching lane. U2 must choose a position that allows an unimpeded view while not interfering with the sight lines of the players. NOTE: The drawings in this supplemental manual only show one starting position for U2. It is understood that U2 could start from the “B” or “C” position.

“B” Position“C” Position

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U3

U3

No Runner on 2B or 3B: On the line in foul territory behind third base no closer than 18 feet from the bag (and at least 2‐4 steps behind the third baseman). U3 has fair/foul beyond their position.

Runner on 2B or 3B: Start in a set position, slightly angled towards the infield (opposite baseline between home and 1B), completely in foul territory, between 6” and 24” off the line, 10‐12 feet beyond the base. U3 has fair/foul beyond their position.

“D” Position

Close “D” Position

“D” Position

Close “D” Position

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P: Take fair/foul straddling the line (or baseline extended if the play warrants). Then, with no runners on, or with R1 only, trail the batter runner no more than 15 feet. Take primary responsibility for a running lane violation.

Base Umpires: On force plays, achieve calling depth and angle. Base umpires not involved with the immediate play should work ahead – move toward the next likely calling position on runners while getting a focused look at each play.

Infield Batted Balls

U1

U2

U3

P

U1

U2

U3

P

P

Example Play: No runners on, ground ball to the shortstop, force play at 1B.

The same principles of the Three‐Umpire system apply to the Four‐Umpire system when handling infield batted balls. The exception being that no umpire is required to rotate or move

to another base or holding area.

Base Touch Responsibility

Tag‐UpResponsibility

1B U1 U1

2B U2 U2

3B U3 U3

Home P ‐

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U2

U3

P

U1

P: With no runners, or with R1 only,

move away from home plate following the path of the batted ball. With other runners, use foul territory to get the best look at fair/foul and the resulting play. Return to the point of plate and prepare for plays at the plate.

U2: Move toward second base to a primary

calling position. Choose a location based on the location of the ball and the path of the runner.

U1: Prepare for plays at first base.

U3: Move toward third base. Be

prepared to move to a primary position for a play at third base.

Clean Hits to the Outfield

U3

P

U3

P



1B U1 ‐

2B U2 ‐

3B U3 ‐

Home P ‐

P

Example Play: R1 only. Clean base hit to the right center field. Throw to 3B.

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U3

U2

P

P: With no runners, or R1 only, move

away from home plate with the path of the ball. With other runner scenarios, move to a position near home plate to take fair/foul and catch/no‐catch. Return to the point of plate and prepare for plays at the plate.

U2: Have eyes on the batted ball. Move

quickly to a position to line up the tag‐up. Then based on the play, move to a primary calling position.


to a position to watch tag‐ups at 1B. Take plays at first base.


to a position to watch the tag‐ups at 3B. Be prepared to move to a primary position for a play at third base.

Routine Fly Balls to the OutfieldNo Umpire Chases



1B U1 U1

2B U2 U2

3B U3 U3

Home P ‐

PP

P

U3U1

Example Play: Bases Loaded. Routine Fly Ball to right center field. Catch and tag‐up. Throw to 3B.

CATCH

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U2

P

P: Move to a position between dead ball

area and the catch/no‐catch. Be prepared to quickly move back to home if a runner advances to the plate.

U2: Have eyes on the batted ball. Read your partners. If U1 or U3 hard‐commits on a fly ball , move quickly to a position between 2B and 1B (or 3B). Then based on the play, move to a primary calling position.

U1: When bracketing infield fly balls

between 1B and home, move to a position staying outside first‐second‐baseline extended. Remain near the foul line in the event that a fair/foul decision develops. Be aware of any tag‐up potential and return to 1B for any subsequent play. NOTE: In the rare event that U1 must hard‐commit to a fly ball in foul territory near the dugout, U2 will back fill and cover 1B and 2B.

U3: When bracketing infield fly balls

between 3B and home, move to a position staying outside third‐second‐baseline extended. Remain near the foul line in the event that a fair/foul decision develops. Be aware of any tag‐up potential and return to 3B for any subsequent play. NOTE: In the rare event that U3 must hard‐commit to a fly ball in foul territory near the dugout, U2 will back fill and cover 3B and 2B.

PP

U3U1

Infield Fly Balls in Foul Territory

(Bracketing)

14

BASES EMPTY

No Runners on Base

15

P: Move to a primary calling position for

plays at 1B. Return home when BR has reached 2B. Take plays at home.


position for a play at second base.

U1: Move down the line and come to a

complete stop for fair/foul and catch/no‐catch.



Trouble Ball with U1 Going Out

U1

U2

U3

P

U2

U3P

P

U1



1B P ‐

2B U2 ‐

3B U3 ‐

Home P ‐

Runners

BASES EMPTY

16

P: Move away from home plate

following the flight of the ball. Be prepared to move to a primary calling position at 3B if the BR advances.

U2: Come to a complete stop for catch/no‐

catch.

U1: Move in foul territory toward 1B. Be

prepared to run to a primary position at home if the BR advances beyond 2B.

U3: Move to a primary calling position at

2B.


U1

U2

U3

P

U2

U3

P

U1



1B U1 ‐

2B U3 ‐

3B P ‐

Home U1 ‐

Runners

BASES EMPTY

17

P: Move down the third baseline. Be

prepared to move to a primary calling position at 3B if the BR advances.

U2: Move toward a primary calling position

at 2B.

U1: Move in foul territory toward 1B. Be

prepared to run to a primary position at home if the BR advances beyond 2B.




U1

U2

U3

P

U2U3

P

U1



1B U1 ‐

2B U2 ‐

3B P ‐

Home U1 ‐

Runners

BASES EMPTY

18

R1 Only

19

Runners

P

P: Move to a primary calling position for

plays at 1B. Return home when R1 is headed to 3B. Take plays at home.


position for a play at second base. If P retreats to home, move between 1B and 2B and take plays at those bases.





Trouble Ball with U1 Going OutLess Than 2 Outs

U1

U2

U3

P

U2

U3

P

P

U1

U2



1B P (then U2) P

2B U2 ‐

3B U3 ‐

Home P ‐

20

Runners

P

P: Move back to the point of the plate.

Be prepared to move to a primary calling position for a play at the plate.

U2: Move inside the diamond to a position

between 1B and 2B. Take plays at 1B and 2B.





Trouble Ball with U1 Going Out2 Outs

U1

U2

U3

P

U3

P

U1

U2



1B U2 ‐

2B U2 ‐

3B U3 ‐

Home P ‐

21

Runners

U1

P: Move away from home plate

following the flight of the ball. Be prepared to move to a primary calling position at 3B if R1 advances.

U2: Move to a calling position for the

catch/no‐catch.

U1: Move in foul territory to line up the

tag‐up. Be prepared to run to a primary position at home if R1 advances beyond 2B.

U3: Move to a primary calling position at

2B. If U1 rotates home, move to a position to take plays at 2B and 1B.

U2

U3

P

U2

U3

P

U1


Less Than2 Outs

U3



1B U1 (then U3) U1

2B U3 ‐

3B P ‐

Home U1 ‐

22

Runners

U1




catch/no‐catch.

U1: Move quickly to a position between

1B and 2B. Take plays at 1B and 2B.



U2

U3

P

U2

U3

P


2 Outs



1B U1 U1

2B U1 ‐

3B U3 ‐

Home P ‐

U1

U1

23

Runners

U1

P: Move down the third baseline. Be

prepared to move to a primary calling position at 3B if the R1 advances.

U2: Move toward a primary calling position

at 2B. If U1 rotates home, move to a position to take plays at 2B and 1B.

U1: Move in foul territory toward 1B to

line‐up a tag‐up. Be prepared to run to a primary position at home if R1 advances beyond 2B.


complete stop to call the fair/foul and catch/no‐catch.


U2

U3

P

U3

P

U1

U2



1B U1 (then U2) U1

2B U2 ‐

3B P ‐

Home U1 ‐

24

R2 Only

25

P

P: Move to first baseline extended. As

R2 approaches 3B, move to point of plate and prepare for plays at home.

U2: Move quickly inside the diamond and

take the tag‐up at 2B. Slide between 1B and 2B to take all calls between them.






U1

U2

P

P

U1

U2



1B U2 ‐

2B U2 U2

3B U3 ‐

Home P ‐

Runners

U3

U3

26

U1




catch/no‐catch.


1B and 2B (inside or outside based on the location of the ball). Take plays at 1B and 2B.


prepared to move to a primary position for a play at 3B.

U2

P

U2

P




1B U1 ‐

2B U1 U1

3B U3 ‐

Home P ‐

U1

Runners

U3

U3

U1

27

P: Move quickly to a primary position at

3B.

U2: Move to a position to line up a tag‐up at

2B, and then take a position between 1B and 2B to prepare for possible plays between those bases.

U1: As soon as U3 goes out, move

immediately to a primary calling position at home. Watch BR touch 1B over your shoulder on your way home.




U2

P

U3



1B U1 ‐

2B U2 U2

3B P ‐

Home U1 ‐

Runners

U3U1

U2

P

P

U1

U2

28

R3 Only

29

P

P: Move to first baseline extended.

Move to point of plate and prepare for plays at home.

U2: Based on the read of the batted ball, move quickly inside or outside the diamond between 1B and 2B. Take all calls at both bases.



U3: Be prepared to move to a primary

position for a play at third base. NOTE: If R3 scores, communicate and move quickly to 2B if the BR rounds and returns to 1B.


U1

U2

P

P

U1

U2



1B U2 ‐

2B U2 ‐

3B U3 U3

Home P ‐

U3

U3

Runners

U2

30

U1




catch/no‐catch.

U1: Read the batted ball and the BR. Move quickly to a primary calling position at 2B or 1B ahead of the BR. Take plays at 1B and 2B.

U3: Move toward third base and line up

a tag‐up. Be prepared to move to a primary position for a play at third base. NOTE: If R3 scores, communicate and move quickly to 2B if the BR rounds and returns to 1B.

U2

P

U2

P




1B U1 ‐

2B U1 ‐

3B U3 U3

Home P ‐

U3

U3

Runners

U1

U1

31

U1

P: Move to a position to observe R3’s

tag‐up. Move to the point of plate and be prepared to move to a primary calling position for a play at the plate. Take the tag‐up appeal play on R3.

U2: Move immediately toward 3B into a

position to cover any plays at 3B. (Plate umpire will handle tag‐up appeals from their position at home.)

U1: Take all calls on BR at 1B or 2B.




Less than 2 Outs

U2

P

U3

P

U1



1B U1 ‐

2B U1

3B U2 P

Home P ‐

U3

Runners

32

P: Move toward the holding area

between home and 3B. Watch R3 score. Be prepared to move to a primary position at 3B if the BR advances.

U2: Take all plays at 2B.

U1: Take plays at 1B on the BR. If P goes to 3B, move quickly to home as the BR advances past 2B.




2 Outs(or R3 Scoring Easily)

U2

P

U3



1B U1 ‐

2B U2

3B P P

Home P (then U1) ‐

U3

Runners

U1

U2

P

U2

P

U1NOTE: With R3 not tagging up and no

initial play at the plate, this essentially becomes that same scenario as “No runners on base.”

33

R1 and R2 Only

34

P



U2: Move quickly between 1B and 2B (inside

or outside depending on the play) to take all calls between them.




position for a play at third base.


U1

U2

P

P

U1

U2



1B U2 U2

2B U2 U2

3B U3 ‐

Home P ‐

U3

U3

Runners

35

U1




catch/no‐catch.





P

U2

P


U1

U3

U3

U1

Runners

U2



1B U1 U1

2B U1 U1

3B U3 ‐

Home P ‐

36

P: Move immediately to a primary

position at 3B.

U2: Move to a position to line up a tag‐up at

2B, and then take a position between 1B and 2B to prepare for possible plays between those bases.

U1: As soon as U3 goes out, move

immediately to a primary calling position at home. NOTE: If R1 and R2 are clearly not attempting to advance, it is acceptable for U1 to remain at 1B.




U2

P

U3



1B U2 U1

2B U2 U2

3B P ‐

Home U1 ‐

U3U1

U2

P

P

U1

U2

Runners

37

R1 and R3 Only

38

Runners

P








position for a play at 3B.

U1

U2

P

P

U1

U2



1B U2 U2

2B U2 ‐

3B U3 U3

Home P ‐

U3


39

Trouble Ball with U2 Going OutRunners

U2

U3 U1U1




catch/no‐catch.





P

U2

P



1B U1 U1

2B U1 ‐

3B U3 U3

Home P ‐

U1

U1

40


U2

U3

P

U1





U1: Move quickly between 1B and 2B to

take all calls between them.



U2

P

U3

P



1B U1 U1

2B U1

3B U2 P

Home P ‐

U1U1

U1

41

R2 and R3 Only

42

Runners

U3

P

U1

P









U2

P

P

U1

U2



1B U2 ‐

2B U2 U2

3B U3 U3

Home P ‐


43


U3

U1

U2




catch/no‐catch.





P

U2



1B U1 ‐

2B U1 U1

3B U3 U3

Home P ‐

U1

P

44


U2

U3

U1

U2

P









U2

P

U3

P



1B U1 ‐

2B U1 U1

3B U2 P

Home P ‐

U1

45

Bases Loaded

46

Runners

U3 U1

PP

P: Move to first baseline extended

observe the batted ball. Move to point of plate and prepare for plays at home.







U2

P

P

U1

U2



1B U2 U2

2B U2 U2

3B U3 U3

Home P ‐


47


U3

U2




catch/no‐catch.





P

U2



1B U1 U1

2B U1 U1

3B U3 U3

Home P ‐

U1

P

U1

48


U2

U3 U1

U2U2

P

U1









U2

P

U3

P



1B U1 U1

2B U1 U1

3B U2 P

Home P ‐

U1

49

Study Guides

Scenarios Sorted by Runner Starting

Locations

50

51

No Runners On

U1 Chases

U2 Chases

U3 Chases

BASES EMPTY

52

R1 Only

Less than 2 Outs 2 Outs

Less than 2 Outs 2 Outs

U1 Chases

U2 Chases

U3 Chases

53

R2 Only

U1 Chases

U2 Chases

U3 Chases

54

R3 Only

2 OutsLess than 2 Outs

U1 Chases

U2 Chases

U3 Chases

55

R1, R2

U1 Chases

U2 Chases

U3 Chases

56

R1, R3

U1 Chases

U2 Chases

U3 Chases

57

R2, R3

U1 Chases

U2 Chases

U3 Chases

58

Bases Loaded

U1 Chases

U2 Chases

U3 Chases

Study Guides

Scenarios Sorted by Umpire that Chases

59

60

U1Goes Out on

Trouble Ball

Less than 2 Outs

2 Outs

61

U2Goes Out on

Trouble Ball

Less than 2 Outs

2 Outs

62

U3Goes Out on

Trouble Ball

Less than 2 Outs

2 Outs

for crews of four umpires...with four umpires on the field, there is a greater potential for two...

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