BCSA - Broward County Softball Association

DOCUMENT DOWNLOADS AND VIDEO LINKS FOR 3-UMPIRE MECHANICS (UPDATED MAY 3, 2021)

Below are links to NFHS mechanics, FHSAA Webinar, and FHSAA-approved modification documents for 3-Umpire Mechanics. This includes new handouts posted May 2, 2021 from the FHSAA. There are documents (PDF), PowerPoint presentations (PPT) and links to videos (VIDEO). PDFs and PPTs should be downloaded. Videos and Page Links need to be watched online. Please download them and watch the videos. Every BCSA member can benefit reading the handouts and watching the videos.

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3-UMPIRE MECHANICS HANDOUT

The 3-Umpire Mechanics Handout is the best quick reference you will find on 3-Umpire Mechanics. The Pre-Pitch Preparation Handout is a great one-page guide to an umpire's thought process before each pitch. Every BCSA umpire should download these documents, internalize the information, and bring a copy with them in their car as a handy reference during pre-game conference and post-game analysis.

3-UMPIRE MECHANICS HANDOUT [PDF] - Updated Revised Version May 2, 2021)

FHSAA THREE-UMPIRE TIPS [PDF] - New Document Posted May 2, 2021

PRE-PITCH PREPARATION HANDOUT [PDF]

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FHSAA WEBINAR AND 3-UMPIRE MODIFICATIONS

A BCSA umpire must know the FHSAA Modifications to work Regional and State games, just as we must know FHSAA rule modifications (i.e. pitching). This document should be printed out, memorized and left in the umpire's vehicle as a reference tool before and after a game.

FHSAA 3-UMPIRE WEBINAR (VIDEO MAR 2021)

FHSAA 3-UMPIRE WEBINAR SLIDES (PPT MAR 2021)

FHSAA 3-UMPIRE MODIFICATION DOCUMENT (PDF) 

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FHSAA 3-UMPIRE MECHANICS PRESENTATIONS

The two FHSAA-produced PowerPoint documents are excellent overviews of 3-Umpire Mechanics movement theory and FHSAA-specific modifications. If you don't have PowerPoint you can usually find a free viewer online or download a free viewer from the Microsoft website. Each presentation is only 16 slides but has important moving graphics to illustrate the points made in the presentations.

FHSAA 3-UMPIRE INSIDE-OUTSIDE-ROTATION-FLY BALL COVERAGE PRESENTATION (PPT)

FHSAA 3-UMPIRE MECHANICS KEYS TO REMEMBER PRESENTATION (PPT)

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NFHS VIDEOS

The link below connects to the BCSAOfficials.org Google Drive. The folders each contain brief (20-45 second) NFHS videos showing the proper mechanics for different situations. Once you are on the Google Drive, you can move into different folders to find the videos you are looking for. It is recommended to watch in order as listed on the Google Drive. Folder 1-Starting Positions, 2-No Runner On Base, etc.

The total running time of every video is about 2 hours 15 minutes. If you do not have the 3-umpire system completely memorized it is worth watching every minute of the videos. The videos can be viewed on any computer, tablet or smart phone that can play .WMV (Windows Media) files. For now, you can also download them although they are quite large-total space for all the videos is about 1GB. You do NOT have to download the videos to watch them streaming.

Important Note: The position described by the NFHS for the Plate Umpire when a runner is coming home, sometimes referred to a 1st-Base Extended, is not the preferred mechanics position currently taught by the FHSAA. The FHSAA prefers 3rd-Base Extended and movement following "wedge" position with the catcher. Please watch the FHSAA Webinar for further details. In addition, the FHSAA allows Base Umpires to remain outside rather than button-hook in certain situations. Please read the FHSAA 3-Umpire Mechanics Modifications for details.

3-UMPIRE STARTING POSITIONS, MECHANICS VIDEOS (WMV on GOOGLE DRIVE)

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OTHER RESOURCES

The NFHS Umpires Manual is no longer available online to FHSAA members. However, the NFHS mechanics are exactly the same as USA Softball. The USA Softball Umpires Manual is word-for-word identical to the NFHS Umpires Manual, but keeps some important information that was removed from the NFHS printed manual for space reasons. It can be downloaded for free. The link is below. The 3-Umpire information is on pages 83-97 in the USA Softball manual.

USA SOFTBALL UMPIRES MANUAL (PDF 15MB)

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ASK AN EXPERIENCED BCSA MEMBER

Every crew will have at least one veteran umpire who should be able to answer your question when you're at the field. Before you get to the field, email or call the Rules Interpreter Alan Freedman or any other veteran BCSA umpire you feel comfortable contacting if you have questions. Don't use those sources as a substitute for the information you can link to/download above, but ask questions after reviewing the materials. 

It's a learning experience. Occasionally its stressful but mostly its an enjoyable way to officiate a softball game. Learn and enjoy from your experience.