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FOR CREWS OF FOUR UMIRES

Revision Summary Date Revision Comments History 1/4/2019 0 Released the new document 1

Four-Umpire System Basic rinciples 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. re 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 reread 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. oint and stay continues to be in effect for and. and have fair/foul from their feet to the fence. late umpire has fair/foul from home to /. or 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. 2

Four-Umpire System Unique Differences of the Four Umpire System must actively watch the batter in/out of the box on every pitch. and the plate umpire share responsibility on this call. must actively watch the pitcher staying within the 24 of the pitching lane. and the plate umpire share responsibility on this call. is responsible for policing the rosin bags. 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. oint 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. re itch signal to remind the crew that you are staying home on the play. 3

Commentary on Chase 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 Go Umpires 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 Set Umpires 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 Back It 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. Example lay: No runners on. Trouble ball low liner to LF. turns and sets. judges no catch and signals safe. has time to come back to 3B well ahead of the runner. calls off. goes back home 4

osition Between Innings : Face the team coming to bat. Stand 8 10 feet from home plate on first or third baseline extended. : Face the plate area. Stand in the grass near the baseline extended. : Face the plate area. Stand in the grass in shallow centerfield. When applicable, monitor the game clock or timer. : Face the plate area. Stand in the grass near the baseline extended. 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. 5

Catch/No-Catch Areas of Coverage CF LF s AREA RF SS 2B 3B s AREA 1B : Takes all fly balls not called by base umpires. : 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. : 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 s coverage area, or will have first rights on trouble balls at the edges. : 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. 6

Infield Line Drive Catch Coverage SS 2B 3B 1B itcher : 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. : If 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, or pitcher is making the catch toward, then has first rights. : If 1B or 2B is making the catch toward (or 2B straight in), then has first rights. : If 3B or SS is making the catch toward (or SS straight in), then has first rights. 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 ositions of A osition Close A osition A osition 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). has fair/foul beyond their position. Close A osition 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. has fair/foul beyond their position. 8

Starting ositions of Unique to the Four Umpire system is s responsibility to actively watch the batter remaining in the box and the pitcher remaining in the 24 pitching lane. 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. It is understood that could start from the B or C position. C osition OR B osition 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 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. 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 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. 9

Starting ositions of D osition Close D osition D osition 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). has fair/foul beyond their position. Close D osition 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. has fair/foul beyond their position. 10

Infield Batted Balls 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 Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home Example lay: No runners on, ground ball to the shortstop, force play at 1B. : 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. 11

Clean Hits to the Outfield Base Touch Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home Example lay: R1 only. Clean base hit to the right center field. Throw to 3B. : 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. : repare for plays at first base. : 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. : Move toward third base. Be prepared to move to a primary position for a play at third base. 12

Routine Fly Balls to the Outfield No Umpire Chases Base Touch Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home CATCH Example lay: Bases Loaded. Routine Fly Ball to right center field. Catch and tag up. Throw to 3B. : 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. : Have eyes on the batted ball. Move to a position to watch tag ups at 1B. Take plays at first base. : 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. : Have eyes on the batted ball. Move to a position to watch the tag ups at 3B. Be prepared to move to a primary position for a play at third base. 13

Infield Fly Balls in Foul Territory (Bracketing) : 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. : Have eyes on the batted ball. Read your partners. If or 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. : 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 must hard commit to a fly ball in foul territory near the dugout, will back fill and cover 1B and 2B. : 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 must hard commit to a fly ball in foul territory near the dugout, will back fill and cover 3B and 2B. 14

BASES EMTY No Runners on Base 15

Runners BASES EMTY Trouble Ball with Going Out Base Touch Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home : Move to a primary calling position for plays at 1B. Return home when BR has reached 2B. Take plays at home. : Move down the line and come to a complete stop for fair/foul and catch/nocatch. : Move toward second base to a primary position for a play at second base. : Move toward third base. Be prepared to move to a primary position for a play at third base. 16

Runners BASES EMTY Trouble Ball with Going Out Base Touch Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home : 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. : Move in foul territory toward 1B. Be prepared to run to a primary position at home if the BR advances beyond 2B. : Come to a complete stop for catch/nocatch. : Move to a primary calling position at 2B. 17

Runners BASES EMTY Trouble Ball with Going Out Base Touch Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home : Move down the third baseline. Be prepared to move to a primary calling position at 3B if the BR advances. : Move in foul territory toward 1B. Be prepared to run to a primary position at home if the BR advances beyond 2B. : Move toward a primary calling position at 2B. : Move down the line and come to a complete stop for fair/foul and catch/nocatch. 18

R1 Only 19

Runners Trouble Ball with Going Out Less Than 2 Outs Base Touch Tag Up 1B (then ) 2B 3B Home : Move to a primary calling position for plays at 1B. Return home when R1 is headed to 3B. Take plays at home. : Move down the line and come to a complete stop for fair/foul and catch/nocatch. : Move toward second base to a primary position for a play at second base. If retreats to home, move between 1B and 2B and take plays at those bases. : Move toward third base. Be prepared to move to a primary position for a play at third base. 20

Runners Trouble Ball with Going Out 2 Outs Base Touch Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home : Move back to the point of the plate. Be prepared to move to a primary calling position for a play at the plate. : Move down the line and come to a complete stop for fair/foul and catch/nocatch. : Move inside the diamond to a position between 1B and 2B. Take plays at 1B and 2B. : Move toward third base. Be prepared to move to a primary position for a play at third base. 21

Runners Trouble Ball with Going Out Less Than 2 Outs Base Touch Tag Up 1B (then ) 2B 3B Home : 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. : 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. : Move to a calling position for the catch/no catch. : Move to a primary calling position at 2B. If rotates home, move to a position to take plays at 2B and 1B. 22

Runners Trouble Ball with Going Out 2 Outs Base Touch Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home : Move back to the point of the plate. Be prepared to move to a primary calling position for a play at the plate. : Move quickly to a position between 1B and 2B. Take plays at 1B and 2B. : Move to a calling position for the catch/no catch. : Move toward third base. Be prepared to move to a primary position for a play at third base. 23

Runners Trouble Ball with Going Out Base Touch Tag Up 1B (then ) 2B 3B Home : Move down the third baseline. Be prepared to move to a primary calling position at 3B if the R1 advances. : 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. : Move toward a primary calling position at 2B. If rotates home, move to a position to take plays at 2B and 1B. : Move down the line and come to a complete stop to call the fair/foul and catch/no catch. 24

R2 Only 25

Runners Trouble Ball with Going Out Base Touch Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home : Move to first baseline extended. As R2 approaches 3B, move to point of plate and prepare for plays at home. : Move down the line and come to a complete stop for fair/foul and catch/nocatch. : Move quickly inside the diamond and take the tag up at 2B. Slide between 1B and 2B to take all calls between them. : Move toward third base. Be prepared to move to a primary position for a play at third base. 26

Runners Trouble Ball with Going Out Base Touch Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home : Move back to the point of the plate. Be prepared to move to a primary calling position for a play at the plate. : Move quickly to a position between 1B and 2B (inside or outside based on the location of the ball). Take plays at 1B and 2B. : Move to a calling position for the catch/no catch. : Move toward third base. Be prepared to move to a primary position for a play at 3B. 27

Runners Trouble Ball with Going Out Base Touch Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home : Move quickly to a primary position at 3B. : 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. : As soon as goes out, move immediately to a primary calling position at home. Watch BR touch 1B over your shoulder on your way home. : Move down the line and come to a complete stop to call the fair/foul and catch/no catch. 28

R3 Only 29

Runners Trouble Ball with Going Out Base Touch Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home : Move to first baseline extended. Move to point of plate and prepare for plays at home. : Move down the line and come to a complete stop for fair/foul and catch/nocatch. : 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. : 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. 30

Runners Trouble Ball with Going Out Base Touch Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home : Move back to the point of the plate. Be prepared to move to a primary calling position for a play at the plate. : 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. : Move to a calling position for the catch/no catch. : 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. 31

Runners Trouble Ball with Going Out Less than 2 Outs Base Touch Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home : 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. : Move immediately toward 3B into a position to cover any plays at 3B. (late umpire will handle tag up appeals from their position at home.) : Take all calls on BR at 1B or 2B. : Move down the line and come to a complete stop to call the fair/foul and catch/no catch. 32

Runners Trouble Ball with Going Out 2 Outs (or R3 Scoring Easily) Base Touch Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home (then ) NOTE: With R3 not tagging up and no initial play at the plate, this essentially becomes that same scenario as No runners on base. : 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. : Take plays at 1B on the BR. If goes to 3B, move quickly to home as the BR advances past 2B. : Take all plays at 2B. : Move down the line and come to a complete stop to call the fair/foul and catch/no catch. 33

R1 and R2 Only 34

Runners Trouble Ball with Going Out Base Touch Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home : Move to first baseline extended. Move to point of plate and prepare for plays at home. : Move down the line and come to a complete stop for fair/foul and catch/nocatch. : Move quickly between 1B and 2B (inside or outside depending on the play) to take all calls between them. : Be prepared to move to a primary position for a play at third base. 35

Runners Trouble Ball with Going Out Base Touch Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home : Move immediately to a primary position at 3B. : As soon as 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 to remain at 1B. : 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. : Move down the line and come to a complete stop to call the fair/foul and catch/no catch. 37

R1 and R3 Only 38

Runners Trouble Ball with Going Out Base Touch Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home : Move to first baseline extended. Move to point of plate and prepare for plays at home. : Move down the line and come to a complete stop for fair/foul and catch/nocatch. : Move quickly between 1B and 2B (inside or outside depending on the play) to take all calls between them. : Be prepared to move to a primary position for a play at 3B. 39

Runners Trouble Ball with Going Out Base Touch Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home : 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. : Move immediately toward 3B into a position to cover any plays at 3B. (late umpire will handle tag up appeals from their position at home.) : Move quickly between 1B and 2B to take all calls between them. : Move down the line and come to a complete stop to call the fair/foul and catch/no catch. 41

R2 and R3 Only 42

Runners Trouble Ball with Going Out Base Touch Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home : Move to first baseline extended. Move to point of plate and prepare for plays at home. : Move down the line and come to a complete stop for fair/foul and catch/nocatch. : Move quickly between 1B and 2B (inside or outside depending on the play) to take all calls between them. : Be prepared to move to a primary position for a play at 3B. 43

Runners Trouble Ball with Going Out Base Touch Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home : Move back to the point of the plate. Be prepared to move to a primary calling position for a play at the plate. : Move quickly to a position between 1B and 2B (inside or outside based on the location of the ball). Take plays at 1B and 2B. : Move to a calling position for the catch/no catch. : Be prepared to move to a primary position for a play at 3B. 44

Bases Loaded 46

Runners Trouble Ball with Going Out Base Touch Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home : Move to first baseline extended observe the batted ball. Move to point of plate and prepare for plays at home. : Move down the line and come to a complete stop for fair/foul and catch/nocatch. : Move quickly between 1B and 2B (inside or outside depending on the play) to take all calls between them. : Be prepared to move to a primary position for a play at 3B. 47

Runners Trouble Ball with Going Out Base Touch Tag Up 1B 2B 3B Home : Move back to the point of the plate. Be prepared to move to a primary calling position for a play at the plate. : Move quickly to a position between 1B and 2B (inside or outside based on the location of the ball). Take plays at 1B and 2B. : Move to a calling position for the catch/no catch. : Be prepared to move to a primary position for a play at 3B. 48

Study Guides Scenarios Sorted by Runner Starting Locations 50

BASES EMTY No Runners On Chases Chases Chases 51

R1 Only Less than 2 Outs 2 Outs Chases Less than 2 Outs 2 Outs Chases Chases 52

R2 Only Chases Chases Chases 53

R3 Only Chases Chases Chases Less than 2 Outs 2 Outs 54

R1, R2 Chases Chases Chases 55

R1, R3 Chases Chases Chases 56

R2, R3 Chases Chases Chases 57

Bases Loaded Chases Chases Chases 58

Study Guides Scenarios Sorted by Umpire that Chases 59

Goes Out on Trouble Ball Less than 2 Outs 2 Outs 60

Goes Out on Trouble Ball Less than 2 Outs 2 Outs 61

Goes Out on Trouble Ball Less than 2 Outs 2 Outs 62