3 Umpire
Rotation System - Infield
3 Umpire Infield Rotation v 1.0 October 2012
Page 1
Conventions
The conventions used to describe the situations in this manual are:
1. The plate umpire is referred to as ‘Plate’ or ‘P’ and 1st and 3rd base umpires are ‘U1’ and ‘U3’
respectively.
2. Runners at 1st, 2nd and 3rd bases are indicated with ‘R1’, ‘R2’ and ‘R3’ respectively.
3. The umpire’s movement is
Movement of the ball is
4. Icons used in this manual:
Plate Umpire
1st Base Umpire
3rd Base Umpire
Runner
Fielder
Three Basic Principles
1. The Infield/Outfield Principle
•
•
When the ball is in the Infield, Base Umpires stay in the Outfield.
When the ball is in the Outfield, Base Umpires are positioned in the Infield.
2. The Leading Runner Principle
There should always be an Umpire in a position ahead of the Lead Runner. As the ball is hit or on a steal
play, the umpire ahead of the lead runner will be in a position ready for the first likely play.
3. Four Essential Elements in making a Call
All of the following must be visible in front of you before a call can be made:
•
•
•
•
•
The fielder
The ball
The runner
The base (or where the tag is applied)
Timing. Stop, Wait, Watch, Call/Signal.
Plate Umpire Starting Position
In all cases, the plate umpire’s starting position and actions are as follows:
Sweeps the home plate and checks that the field is clear and ready for play.
Should take up a position behind the catcher.
After each pitch, you should call Ball or Strike, give signals as required and then relax, while
maintaining good general awareness.
Responsible for calling all Fair and Foul Balls.
Plate movement following a batted ball will be explained for each case.
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No Runners On Base
Starting Positions
Plate Umpire
Starting position as defined at the start of this
manual.
U1
The First Base Umpire will take a position in foul
territory approximately 5-6 metres (16-20 feet)
behind first base, 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) off the
line in foul territory (measured from the outside of the
foot closest to the foul line).
The Third Base Umpire will take a position in foul
territory approximately 5-6 metres (16-20 feet)
behind first base, 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) off the
line in foul territory (measured from the outside of the
foot closest to the foul line).
U3
Runner on 1st Base
Starting Positions
Plate Umpire
Starting position as defined at the start of this
manual.
U1
The First Base Umpire will take a position in foul
territory approximately 4-5 metres (13-16 feet)
behind the base, 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) off the line
in foul territory.
The Third Base Umpire will take a position
approximately 4-5 metres (13-16 feet) from second
base on an extension line from 3rd base to 2nd base.
U3
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Runner on 2nd Base
Starting Positions
Plate Umpire
Starting position as defined at the start of this
manual.
U1
The First Base Umpire is positioned 4-5 metres (1316 feet) back from the base line, no closer than
halfway but not more than two-thirds from 1st base,
between 1st and 2nd bases.
U1 should adjust his position prior to the pitch
dependent on possible play back or steal situations
and the infielder’s position.
U1 must not set-up in a position ahead of any
infielder and must also be in a position to have clear
vision of home plate.
The Third Base Umpire will take a position in foul
territory approximately 4-5 metres (13-16 feet)
behind the base, 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) off the line.
U3
Runner on 3rd Base
Starting Positions
Plate Umpire
Starting position as defined at the start of this
manual.
U1
The First Base Umpire will take a position in foul
territory approximately 5-6 metres (16-20 feet)
behind the base, 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) off the line
in foul territory
The Third Base Umpire will take a position in foul
territory 3-4 metres (10-13 feet) behind 3rd base in
foul territory up to 2 metres (6 feet) off the line.
U3 must not have his vision to home plate blocked by
the runner when leading off so he is able to make
calls on dead ball situations and check swings.
U3
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Runners on 1st and 2nd Base
Starting Positions
Plate Umpire
Starting position as defined at the start of this
manual.
U1
The First Base Umpire is positioned 4-5 metres (1316 feet) back from the base line, no closer than
halfway but not more than two-thirds from 1st base,
between 1st and 2nd bases.
U1 should adjust his position prior to the pitch
dependent on possible play back or steal situations,
and the infielder’s positions.
U1 must not set-up in a position ahead of any
infielder and must also be in a position to have clear
vision of home plate.
The Third Base Umpire will take a position in foul
territory approximately 4-5 metres (13-16 feet)
behind the base, 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) off the line.
U3
Runners on 2nd and 3rd Base
Starting Positions
Plate Umpire
Starting position as defined at the start of this
manual.
U1
The First Base Umpire is positioned 4-5 metres (1316 feet) back from the base line, no closer than
halfway but not more than two-thirds from 1st base,
between 1st and 2nd bases.
U1 should adjust his position prior to the pitch
dependent on possible play back or steal situations,
and the infielder’s positions.
U1 must not set-up in a position ahead of any
infielder and must also be in a position to have clear
vision of home plate
The Third Base Umpire will take a position in foul
territory 3-4 metres (10-13 feet) behind 3rd base in
foul territory up to 2 metres (6 feet) off the line.
U3 must not have his vision to home plate blocked by
the runner when leading off so he is able to make
calls on dead ball situations and check swings.
U3
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Runners on 1st and 3rd Base
Starting Positions
Plate Umpire
Starting position as defined at the start of this
manual.
U1
The First Base Umpire is positioned 4-5 metres (1316 feet) back from the base line, no closer than
halfway but not more than two-thirds from 1st base,
between 1st and 2nd bases.
U1 should adjust his position prior to the pitch
dependent on possible play back or steal situations,
and the infielder’s positions.
U1 must not set-up in a position ahead of any
infielder and must also be in a position to have clear
vision of home plate
The Third Base Umpire will take a position in foul
territory 3-4 metres (10-13 feet) behind 3rd base in
foul territory up to 2 metres (6 feet) off the line.
U3 must not have his vision to home plate blocked by
the runner so he is able to make calls on dead ball
situations and check swings.
U3
Runners on 1st, 2nd and 3rd Base
Starting Positions
Plate Umpire
Starting position as defined at the start of this
manual.
U1
The First Base Umpire is positioned 4-5 metres (1316 feet) back from the base line, no closer than
halfway but not more than two-thirds from 1st base,
between 1st and 2nd bases.
U1 should adjust his position prior to the pitch
dependent on possible play back or steal situations,
and the infielder’s positions.
U1 must not set-up in a position ahead of any
infielder and must also be in a position to have clear
vision of home plate
U3
The Third Base Umpire will take a position in foul
territory 3-4 metres (10-13 feet) behind 3rd base in
foul territory up to 2 metres (6 feet) off the line
U3 must not have his vision to home plate blocked by
the runner so he is able to make calls on dead ball
situations and check swings.
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No Runners On Base
Ball hit to infield
Plate Umpire
Starting position as defined at the start of this
manual.
The Plate Umpire exits to the left of the catcher and
trails the batter-runner about 7 metres (20-25 feet),
down the inside of the base line toward first base.
The Plate Umpire is there to assist U1 with
interference, obstruction, safe/out and pulled foot
situations if required. Hustle is required but must
remain behind the thrown ball.
Ruling on fair/foul balls must take precedence over
trailing the batter-runner.
The First Base Umpire will move into fair territory
approximately 2 metres, 90 degrees to the throw to
get a good angle on the throw, catch and batterrunner and to avoid the batter-runner.
U1 should not move more than 45 degrees from the
base line and a line drawn diagonally through the
base
The Third Base Umpire will rotate to second base
paralleling the batter/runner in preparation for a call
nd
at 2 base if the runner is called safe at first base
and continues to 2nd base.
U1
U3
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Runner on 1st Base
Ball hit to infield – potential double play
Plate Umpire
Starting position as defined at the start of this
manual.
The Plate umpire will exit to the left of the catcher
and parallel R1 to the holding zone between home
and 3rd base (see diagram). The plate umpire will
move to the secondary position as shown should the
runner continue from 2nd to 3rd base.
The First Base Umpire will move into fair territory
approximately 2 metres, 90 degrees to the throw to
get a good angle on the throw, catch and batterrunner and to avoid the batter-runner.
U1 should not move more than 45 degrees from the
base line and a line drawn diagonally through the
base
The Third Base Umpire will usually step forward
towards the leading edge of second base and be
ready for a possible throw to 2nd. However, U3
should move to a position that provides the best
angle.
U1
U3
Runner on 2nd Base
Ball hit to infield
Plate Umpire
Starting position as defined at the start of this
manual.
The Plate umpire exits to the left of the catcher and
remains at the leading edge of home plate,
approximately 3 metres (10 feet) back from home
plate, keeping aware of obstructions, interferences
etc.
The First Base Umpire will move toward the base
where the initial play will be made (in most cases first
base). Calls at both 1st and 2nd base are the
responsibility of U1.
The Third Base Umpire will move into fair territory
about one step in anticipation for a possible play on
the runner progressing from 2nd base.
U1
U3
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Runner on 3rd Base
Ball hit to infield
Plate Umpire
Starting position as defined at the start of this
manual.
The Plate umpire exits to the left of the catcher and
remains at the leading edge of home plate,
approximately 3 metres (10 feet) back from home
plate, keeping aware of obstructions, interferences
etc.
The First Base Umpire will move into fair territory
approximately 2 metres 90 degrees to the throw to
get a good angle on the throw, catch and batterrunner and to avoid the batter-runner.
U1 should not move more than 45 degrees from the
base line and a line drawn diagonally through the
base
If U3 is unable to release the runner at 3rd base (i.e.
they don’t proceed to home), U1 may be required to
take the batter-runner to 2nd base and make a call at
nd
2 base if required.
The Third Base Umpire will walk forward slightly and
be in a position approximately 3 metres back and on
a 45 degree line through 3rd base in foul territory, so
that the ball, base, defensive player and returning
runner are in front of the umpire to make the call.
U1
U3
Runners on 1st, 2nd and 3rd Base
Ball hit to infield
Plate Umpire
Starting position as defined at the start of this
manual.
The Plate umpire exits to the left of the catcher and
remains at the leading edge of home plate,
approximately 3 metres (10 feet) back from home
plate, keeping aware of obstructions, interferences
etc.
The First Base Umpire will move toward the base
where the initial play will be made. Calls at both 1st
and 2nd bases are the responsibility of U1.
The Third Base Umpire will walk forward slightly and
be in a position approximately 3 metres back and on
a 45 degree line through 3rd base in foul territory, so
that the ball, base, defensive player and returning
runner are in front of the umpire to make the call.
U1
U3
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No Runners On Base
Ball hit through the infield
Plate Umpire
Starting position as defined at the start of this
manual.
Hustle in the direction that the ball is hit. Parallel
st
nd
batter/runner going from 1 to 2 to holding zone
position. Release towards 3rd base for possible call.
Glance to home to make sure U1 is there for possible
call.
Come down outside the diamond in foul territory,
watch batter-runner touch 1st base and move inside
nd
for possible playback, or if R1 advances from 2 to
3rd base, release and rotate to home for any calls at
home plate.
The Third Base Umpire rotates to second base for a
possible call on the batter-runner if he advances to
2nd. U3 will usually step forward towards the leading
edge of second base and be ready for a possible
throw to 2nd. However, U3 should move to a position
that provides the best angle.
U1
U3
NOTE: 9-3 play - U1 Positioning
On the hit to right field, where the defence make a play on
the batter runner (force out at first base)
The First Base Umpire will move in foul territory
approximately 90 degrees to the throw to get a good angle on
the throw, catch and batter-runner and to avoid the batterrunner (see diagram)
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Runner on 1st Base
Ball hit through the infield
Plate Umpire
Starting position as defined at the start of this
manual.
Move in the direction of the flight of the ball. When
R1 progresses to 2nd, parallel and rotate to 3rd base
for possible call. Glance to home to make sure U1 is
there for call.
Come down outside the diamond, watch batterrunner touch 1st base. Bounce inside only if there is
nd
a possible playback. If runner advances from 2 to
3rd, release and rotate to home (as runner advances
to 3rd), for any possible calls at home plate.
Rotate inside the diamond for any play at second
base.
Be alert for any possible calls on play back on the
batter/runner at 1st base if runner advances to 3rd
and U1 goes home.
U1
U3
Note: All umpires while in the infield need to be aware of
the throwing lanes home, try to get the best angle on the
play while being aware of the secondary play.
Runner on 2nd Base
Ball hit through the infield
Plate Umpire
Starting position as defined at the start of this
manual.
Simply move to the left from behind the catcher to
see the play, remaining at the Plate.
Come inside and be prepared for plays at 1st and
2nd base.
Come down the line staying in foul territory unless
there is a need to move into the diamond for a play at
third.
Be aware that in this position the runner is coming
toward you in foul territory
U1
U3
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Runner on 3rd Base
Ball hit through the infield
Plate Umpire
Starting position as defined at the start of this
manual.
The Plate umpire will exit to the left of the catcher,
watch the runner touch home plate then move to
rd
holding zone between 3 and home if the batterrunner progresses to 2nd.
The plate umpire will prepare for a call at 3rd if the
batter-runner continues from 2nd to 3rd base.
As the runner goes home come down outside the
diamond, watch the batter-runner touch 1st base and
st
bounce inside for possible playback at 1 base. If the
batter-runner advances toward third, release and
rotate to home for any calls at home plate.
If the runner from 3rd base does not progress to
home immediately, button hook inside the diamond,
be aware of other umpires and be prepared for plays
st
nd
at 1 and 2 base.
If R3 advances to home, release the runner and
rotate to second base for a possible call on the
batter-runner if he advances to 2nd.
If the runner at 3rd does not advance home, remain
at 3rd base for a possible call at 3rd base.
U1
U3
Runners on 1st and 3rd Base
Ball hit through the infield
Plate Umpire
Starting position as defined at the start of this
manual.
The Plate umpire exits to the left of the catcher and
remains at the leading edge of home plate,
approximately 3 metres (10 feet) back from home
plate, keeping aware of obstructions, interferences
etc.
Come inside and be prepared for plays at 1st and
2nd base.
The Third Base Umpire will remain in foul territory
rd
unless a call is to be made at 3 base, move to the
leading edge position depending on the progress and
rd
direction of the runner at 3 base, so that the ball,
base, defensive player and returning runner are in
front of the umpire to make the call.
U1
U3
st
nd
rd
Note: Runners on 1 , 2 and 3 base is the same positioning and movements as the above diagram.
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