Working as a crew of "one" instead of three umpires working individually will minimize problems that can mess up the game, thus not having bases or situations covered leading to arguments and/or ejections.

When a run down occurs three-umpire mechanics usually allows two umpires to immediately cover the run down as they will have the runner "boxed in".

The two umpires should use a inside/outside coverage of the runner:

• One umpire will be on the inside of the diamond,
• Other umpire on the outside of the diamond.

This allows the umpires a better view of tags, interference and obstruction.

Although on fly ball coverage the umpire that goes out is suppose to stay out, he can (if possible) come back in and help with a run down just like the plate umpire in two-umpire mechanics moving in to help as the runner is going away from him. Communicate to the other umpire, "Fred, I'm in!"

When a pop-up in foul territory occurs between home and the bases, the plate umpire and the "wing" umpire on that side of the field can dual cover the play.

• If the fielder catches the ball facing the plate umpire, the plate umpire will rule on the catch.
• If the fielder catches the ball facing the base umpire, the base umire will rule on the catch.

The umpire not covering the pop-up should be partner aware by covering any tag-up situations and back picks that may occur on the bases.

Foul fly balls down the line the "wing" umpire should look at their respective baseman and let him clear you, then follow him covering the play. If there is no "wing" umpire on that line, then the plate umpire will cover the play. The umpire on that side of the diamond should be partner aware and be ready to assist the plate umpire on the play.

The umpire not covering the foul fly ball down the line should be partner aware by covering any tag-up situations and back picks that may occur on the bases.

Plate Umpire Pop-up Coverage Example

This umpire is doing exactly what he should be doing, which is reading the catcher. Everybody in this picture is looking at the ball, but not the umpire. The reason behind this is that the catcher has to catch the ball not the umpire. The umpire must get out of the catchers way by reading the direction of the catcher and "opening the gate". Opening the gate is term used to allow players to get by and field a baseball.

With having an umpire at 1st base with a runner at 1st base helps with balk coverage, especially those tricky lefties.

Plate Umpire should cover balks by the pitcher:

• Left-handed pitchers stepping to home plate
• Left-handed pitchers coming to a complete stop
• Right-handed pitchers coming to a complete stop
• Right-handed pitcher stopping tot he plate on the 3rd to 1st move
• Right-handed pitchers gaining ground on the jump turn
• Right-handed pitchers closing their front shoulder before the jump turn

1st Base Umpire should cover balks by the pitcher:

• Left-handed pitcher's step, or body movement, to home plate
• Left-handed pitchers coming to a complete stop.
• Left-handed pitchers breaking the back edge of the pitcher's rubber
• Right-handed pitchers breaking their front knee before the jump turn

3rd Base Umpire should cover balks by the pitcher:

• Right handed pitchers coming to a complete stop
• Right -handed pitchers topping to the plate on the 3rd to 1st move
• Right-handed pitchers breaking the back edge of the pitcher's rubber
• Right-handed pitchers stepping to the plate

Remember:

• High School Baseball, balks cause the ball to become dead immediately.
• Official Baseball Rules and College baseball rules the ball becomes dead, if thrown, when a fielder catches the initial throw. Otherwise if the ball is thrown away the ball remains live and the runner(s) are protected to their next base and may advance beyond that base at their own risk.

When a balk is called the other umpires should echo the balk. If there is a question from the defensive manager about the balk, the umpire that made the initial call must step up and explain his ruling.

The other umpire on the side of the field where the ball goes out of play should be ready to assist the plate umpire (or 1st base umpire who has rotated to home) with the overthrow.

Check swing responsibilities and mechanics:

• Plate umpire go to "open side", even if the base umpire is inside the diamond, and use left hand when asking:
  • Left hand batter - go to 3rd base umpire
  • Right hand batter go to 1st base umpire
• Base umpire give him what you got. Remember it is going to be your argument now.
• 2 strikes on batter with a check swing and the pitch is called a "ball" and catcher drops or missed the pitch - plate umpire check IMMEDIATELY!