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I, too, wanna hear what mask you got that has a “too small” strap / harness to it (my guess is either Wilson or Champro). The primary problem with these two brands of standard stock harnesses is how un-elastic their elastic is. Because they don’t expand and contract as much, people they have to keep them rather tight, and then they get really challenging to take off and put on. I favor Honig’s, All-Star and even Diamond stock harnesses over Wilson’s, despite (and especially because) the presence of the MLB logo on the back. If you want a little (or a lot) more luxury, then either All-Star’s delta-flex for umpires, or the UmpLife cam-buckle harness is the way to go. I use an All-Star on my FM4000, and UmpLife harnesses on my other three masks. Both of these have rather long, accommodating straps with the right amount of grab.

Travel game, 12 or 13 year old's, field with no fence. Batter crushes one to right field which of course gets past F9. B/R is rounding 1st when F3 obstructs him (in the way, makes the runner veer around... you know the kind) so I point/call the OBS. Since EVRYONE is watching F9 run after the ball, I kept pointing to the infraction well until the B/R was almost to 3rd. He rounds and is going for home when a great throw and a relay get the ball to F2 for an absolute banger of a play. Partner does his thing and bangs the out. I come up big: TIME TIME TIME. THAT is obstruction, pointing to 1st base. Partner and I awarded home. Could we have just protected him to 2nd? Of course... but the point of the rule is to remove the act of obstruction, not reward the offense for their infraction.

Mr. Richvee, it is written into every rule set that one umpire cannot overrule another. The principle I was taught is that umpires can and should confer but ultimately it is the calling umpire’s decision. Here’s how Hunter Wendelstedt puts it in his 2013 WRIM (p. 148): “When determining where to award runners because of obstruction, it may be necessary for more than one umpire to rule on the play. If one umpire calls the obstruction, and another makes the call of out on a play following the obstruction, the initial umpire may call time and award the runner the base he would have received had the obstruction not occurred.”

This is what I use on one of my mask: https://www.outwestofficials.com/collections/replacement-pads-and-straps-1/products/mask-harness-by-out-west-officials Really enjoy it.

What mask did you buy please? Most standard harnesses are the same size, but some are larger. A lot of guys on here like the UmpLife strap availabe on Ump-Attire.com and the All Star Delta Flex harness is also gaining followers.

@Richveeit WAS meant to be humorous........with me being from PA and all.....

Now THAT was a cheap shot. 😉

If there's a missed tag and a missed base at home, no call is the proper mechanic.

What @MidAmUmpsaid is what I hear at different clinics and training sessions..... Tag = left; obstr = left; balk = right. Of course, when I try and replay in my head what *I've* done on obstruction, I got nothing. I also point even if it's an "That's nothing" deal, just to 'seal the deal.' I tend to use the left hand for that as well, but I throw lefty, so that has an influence. The one thing that ALWAYS happens at camps and clinics, is the "oh, lefty huh?" comment when I give my punch-out. I shoot the right hand forward, and the pull the cord with the left. If that stops any advancement, or keeps me out of a gig, so be it - if I tried that move, or just about any right-centric punch-out, I'd punch myself in the face.

I’ll generally always eat the (heated) coach convo, even if it’s not technically mine - I won’t throw it at the other umpire, especially if he’s less experienced than I am. But here? I’m re-directing that coach to your partner. Let him figure it out.

Sure, but Champro still using that upholstery foam for the vest, why bother? That same price point gets you an Adams XV-HDX or a Champion P2xx. If Champro wants to make a real big splash, they should call me or Ray.

1. you weren't there, Warren was. 2. 99,999% of everyone agrees that this play is "award home" 3. Blow it? Maybe not, ... BAD JUDGEMENT, ... very!

I had a play like this in the state finals. R2 stopped at third. I left him there -- F7 was charging and made a strong throw right to the plate. Change those last two facts and I might have awarded home.

VERY SAD .... this story right here is THE REASON coaches hate us! Warren's partner IS THE REASON! This kind of stuff perpetuates itself, and puts us on the chopping block for no reason!

And that's just it ...... thanks for this @noumpere .... If he stops, we're all good, he's going to get 3rd regardless and makes the job easier. This play is where we make the big bucks! And, the ensuing argument coming from the defensive coach is an easy one to handle .... WAY easier than explaining to the offensive coach why you did NOT award him home (in the OP).

I understand the logic if R2 stopped at third and you had to decide whether to award home -- in your judgement / viewing he would not have reached home. We are allowed to consider post obstruction evidence to help with the decision -- and in the OP we have it.

Not disagreeing with you - but there's lot in the rulebook open to interpretation.... And I think if you look at the video clip they used (granted it was MLB) - U3 asked the plate guy if he declared to him. Finally, I think it makes sense to declare to the plate umpire, as someone has to notify the offensive team, and I'm thinking it makes the most sense for him to just turn to the dugout and tell them... So - I think that's the convention I'm going to use in my games. Pre-game it for sure, and do whatever your UIC wants!

Except this is verbatim from the 2022 clinic - Q10...and they used "plate umpire"

I agree with @Thunderheadslook for safety upgrades first. Nothing worse than sitting in the ER thinking "If I only would have gotten new (pads/harness/plate shoes, etc.) Not sure where home is, but @Thatsnotyouhas an excellent point as well. I HATE being cold and on the field it is just a huge distraction. The fleece Smitty jacket was one of the best investments I have made and last spring upgraded to the Franklin Cold Max gloves. Great products!

Beyond an upgraded CP harness and decent mask pads I would recommend quality inner soles for your plate shoes. Neither NB or Smittys shoes come with good versions. NB are particularly poor. Good inner soles make a big difference IMO. Also, add to my recommendation, a personal protection system that works for you.

If you're not using an updated harness (if your current one has a plastic thingy on the back, for example) do that first. I like the slim, small, Mizuno indicators. They're on eBay and Amazon. I went with elastic shoe laces last season. No more looking down to see if my shoes are tied. I'm wearing a RoadID bracelet on the field now. It has all my basic contact info on it is very light, and obvious to health care workers. (if you're knocked out, then what? Think about it). I use them on my bike rides/races, and in my LE volunteer gig. Just makes sense.