Four Umpire Mechanics
Presented by: Brian Sonak
District VI Rule Interpreter
Centre County Chapter
Four Umpire Mechanics
• Used in all inter-district games and some
district final.
• Provides coverage for “most” situations
• Umpires must be on top of their game
• The four of you are a crew – and each play an
important role
• You must know your responsibility
Four Umpire Mechanics
• NFHS does include a “four umpire mechanics”
in the mechanics guide. However, it isn’t very
detailed.
• There is no “domestic” softball organization
with detailed information.
• This presentation is designed to use “all
NFHS/PIAA philosophy” and put umpires in
the best position to make the calls.
Four Umpire Mechanics
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The “Basics”
Over view of responsibilities
Over view of positioning
Fly ball coverage
Rotations
Unusual
Helpful hints
Four Umpire Mechanics
• The “Basics”
• Inside/outside theory – when the ball is hit
outside, you go inside (base umpires)
• *When the umpire “in front” of you vacates,
you rotate – Not situational (not based on
runners)
• Starting positions – Situational (where runners
start)
Responsibilities
Plate Umpire
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Pitch
Pitcher’s hands
3’ running lane
Some plays at home
Some plays at third
Some tag up’s at third
*BE THE CREW LEADER!
Responsibilities
U1
• Pitcher’s feet
• Runner
leaving early
at fist
• Plays at 1B
and home
• Tag up’s at
first
• F9-dead ball
U2
• Pitcher’s feet
• Runner
leaving early
at second
• Plays at 2B
and *1B
• Tag up’s at
first and
second
• F7-F9
U3
• Pitcher’s feet
• Runners
leaving early
at third
• Plays at 3B
and 2B
• Tag up’s at
third and
second
• F7-dead ball
Responsibilities - Shared
• At all times, umpires must work together as a
crew.
• The crew must communicate, move
efficiently and effectively, read the play and
each other.
• No one wants to witness a breakdown.
Positioning -Staring and Calling
• Calling position (PU and BU’s):
• 10’-12’ on a tag play (900 from runner)
• 18’ on a force play (angle to see all elements)
Positioning: Staring
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Plate Umpire:
Good plate mechanics
Base umpires:
No runners: U1 and U3 will be 18’ -21’ on the
line (walking); U2 is 18’ on extended line from
2B to 3B – All BU’s square to the plate/batter
• Starting positions change with runners on
base
No Runners On
18’-21’
18’ – right foot should be
in line with edge of 2B
18’-21’
Runner on First
18’-21’
10’ – 12’ right foot should
be in line with edge of 2B
10’-12’ – on
the line,
square to
plate
Runner on Second
10’-12’ on line –
square to pate
10’ – 12’ right foot should
be in line with edge of 2B
OR same position, in line
with 1B and 2B (left foot on
outside edge)*
18’-21’
Runner On Third
10’-12’ – square to plate – off the
line far enough to see
18’ – right foot should be
in line with edge of 2B
18’-21’
Positioning and Movement - Ball In Play
• When the ball is in play, each umpire will
move - either to a calling position or by
chasing a fly ball.
• Movement should quick, efficient and
AGGRESSIVE – when one vacates, another
one fills.
• Although you may not have to make a call,
there is always a job to do, all umpires should
be aware of possible plays
Movement – Chasing a fly ball
• Base Umpires have the same fly ball coverage at
all times (Not Situational)
• Know the chase areas:
– DBT to F7; F7 to F9; F9 to DBT
• Chase parallel to ball or straddling the foul line
(U3/U1 only). Don’t overrun the ball. Stop and
make a good call.
• Chase anything that “can be caught.”
• When chasing, giving a verbal is suggested. Can
be a partner’s name, or “going.” New: try “chase”
Chase Zones
F7 to DBT
F7 to F9, primary right of
refusal
F9 to
DBT
Positioning and Movement - Rotation
• Per NFHS manual “when an umpire chases,
revert to 3-umpire system”
• Movement should quick and efficient and
AGGRESSIVE.
• If the base “behind” you is open, you belong
there.
• Not dependent of starting position of runners
(Not Situational)
• Communicate and rotate
Positioning and Movement - Rotation
• Umpires should move in predictable ways in
that one should know the responsibilities of
your partner.
• However, an umpire should never assume the
play is covered.
• “Look Ahead” of the runner
• Calling time is not always necessary to get
back into position after rotation.
Rotation – U3 Chases
• U1 –When lead runner advances past second,
rotate home (foul territory movement is an
option).
• U2 – come inside and pick up first base when
U1 vacates. You will then be responsible for
first and second
• U3 - Chased
• PU – You are primary at third, should have
inside position.
U3 Chases
Rotation – U2 Chases
• U1 – When lead runner advances past
second, rotate home (foul territory
movement is an option).
• U2 – Chases
• U3 – Quick dash to second base (avoid
runner), you will have second and first when
U1 vacates
• PU – You are primary at third, should have
inside position.
U2 Chases
Rotation – U1 Chases
• U1 – Chased
• U2 – come inside and pick up first base. You
will then be responsible for first and second
• U3 – Stay at third, you do not need to move
far. Foul territory movement is an option.
• PU – Stay at the plate. 1BLX position is the
default position for tag plays at the plate.
U1 Chases
Responsibilities – Tag Up’s
• As a basic rule, you cover the runner closest
to where you are going.
• U1: Runner on first at all times
• U2: Runner on second (U3 chase) or first and
second (U1 chase).
• U3: Runner on third (U1 chase) or runner on
second (U2 chase).
• PU: Runner on third (U3 or U2 chase)
Unusual Plays
• As presented, this system is rather simple,
however, not all plays happen as “drawn up.”
• Play 1: Ball hit to F9, U1 chases. If there is a
play at first, it belongs to U2.
• Play 2: Runner starting beyond first. U2 or
U3 chases. PU and U1 are keys, rotate
quickly
• Play 3: Sac fly. Again, U1 is needed home
(optimal).
Helpful Hints - PU
• You are the leader of the crew. You have the
vision to see all rotations, never turning your
back on the ball.
• You must rotate AGGRESSIVELY to third when
U3 vacates. Most rotation breakdown occur
when third base is left open.
• Take an “inside” position at third, watch for
throws from F7 to the plate.
Helpful Hints – U3
• When U2 vacates, you must get to second
NOW.
• Move to calling position at second.
• There will be times when you also have to
cover first base, so your path may be more
through the circle than to second.
• Sometimes you do very little.
Helpful Hints – U2
• You will chase more than the other base
umpires.
• Sometimes your chase is just steps.
• When U1 chases, you have both first and
second.
• Watch starting positions. You can start on
third base side when no runner starts at first.
Helpful Hints – U1
• When a runner has advanced beyond second,
you are needed at home. You can pass the
BR while you are in foul territory
• When you get to the plate, take a 1BLX
position as the PU would
Thank you for you attention.
Be the best umpire you can be!
Any Questions?