Mechanic Updates
Plate Stances
When working the plate, you may use the Box Stance, Gerry Davis, Modified Gerry
Davis or Heel/Toe. With all of these stances you need to be in the slot. It is
imperative that you are able to see the outside corner of the plate with an
unobstructed line of vision of the entire ball from the pitcher’s release point through
the strike zone to the catcher’s glove.
The height of the set position is determined by the height of the batter. Plate
umpires should set their head height no higher than the top of the strike zone as the
batter takes her normal batting position and no lower than the catcher’s helmet.
Box Stance
Your feet are apart slightly wider than shoulder width. Your non-slot foot is
placed on the ground about a foot behind the middle of the catcher’s back when she
is directly behind the plate. Your slot foot is in line or even with the catcher’s foot to
obtain a heel-toe-relationship. Your chin should at or over your knee with your
weight on the balls of your feet. This will allow you to set in the slot. You must be
able to see the release of the ball through to the catcher’s glove.
Gerry Davis
Start with your hands on your knees base set. Your feet are apart wider than
shoulder width, feet approximately parallel to and generally even with each other or
your slot foot should be in line with the catcher’s foot with your hands gripping your
thighs above your knees. Your upper body weight rests on your knees with your
elbows straight, which provides consistent head height. Adjust your head height and
width of your feet to the top of the zone on each new batter. Begin about an arm’s
length behind the catcher with your nose in the slot. As the pitcher commits to
deliver, drop your butt slightly about two to three inches to bring your line of sight
parallel to the ground and to eliminate neck strain.
Modified Gerry Davis
Start with your hands on your knees base set. Your feet are wider than shoulder
width, feet approximately parallel to and generally even with each other or your slot
foot should be in line with the catcher’s foot with your hands gripping your thighs
above your knees. Your upper body weight rests on your knees with your elbows
straight which provides consistent head height. Adjust your head height to the width
of your feet. Begin about an arm’s length behind the catcher with your nose in the
slot.
Heel-Toe Stance
Your feet are apart wider than shoulders width. Your shoulders and body
are
nearly square to the plate so that a line drawn down the middle of the umpires’
waist it would bisect the plate. Your slot foot should be in the slot pointing directly
at the pitcher’s plate and in line with or slightly in front of an imaginary line drawn
from the catcher’s heels to the toe of the slot foot. Your non-slot foot is angled no
more than 45 degrees. You should be no deeper than a closed fist between your nonslot foot and the catcher’s back when you drop set. Drop set by bending your knees
(like sitting in a chair).
All of the stances require you to position your head in the slot in order to see
the outside corner. It is imperative that you are able to see the outside corner
of the plate with an unobstructed line of vision of the ball from the pitcher’s
release point through the strike zone to the catcher’s glove.
In Between Inning Mechanics (Three Umpires Only)
P: Face the team that is coming to bat. Stand about 8-10 feet from the line on a
perpendicular line from where the foul line meets home plate.
U1: Face the plate area. Stand to third base line extended at second base on the
grass
U3: Face the plate area. Stand to first base line extended at second base on the
grass.
Situational Mechanics
Situations could arise in any game that would cause an umpire to deviate from the
standard mechanics. Every mechanic cannot be covered in this manual, and an
umpire you need to read the play and adjust to the changing situations as they arise.
This is the part of umpiring that allows you to adapt to each individual play situation
as necessary.
The following are approved situational mechanics.

U3 is on the line. The batter hits the ball, which is a line drive that moves
quickly through the infield near the line. U3 can make a call then move
toward second base to the next calling position.

With a 3-2 count and two outs, all umpires may move to force play calling
depth, as all potential tag plays have been eliminated.

U1 is counter-rotated. The batter hits a fly ball that is near the line. U1 should
chase on a possible trap near the line. The plate umpire has the fair or foul
responsibility and U1 determines catch/no catch.