Ump29

Better check with your association. They may dictate what color to use. In my association (Nova Scotia, Canada) we can only use the navy blue ones except for members that are nationally certified and working a national championship where they ca use either the black or powder blue and must be matching. My 2 cents but only applies here.

I would love to ump down under but am stuck with a short season in Canada - from early June to mid/late Sept. Sigh .....

I would tend to check on the runner if I was BU and let PU watch the passed ball. If there was a throw from plate area the BU can quickly pick up the ball and be ready for call at whatever base. Just my 2 cents.

Hard shell CP is the way to go for higher levels. Personally I have not used one but am looking at investing in one and the West Vest line has been recommended to me. Also invest in a good mask if doing higher levels. I went with a small mask for many years but changed when I got to higher levels. Saw too many bent masks.

Had a fellow umpire tell me about a similar situation occur with him at a higher level. He went to offending dugout , sat down on bench with the coach and stated "Yes you can see the strike zone better from here." He then called "Play Ball" (still sitting on the bench) and then ordered the mystified pitcher to pitch. He called the pitch from the dugout bench !! He then returned to his regular position behind the catcher. There was't a peep from the coach the rest of the game

I had one (when I was a coach) when the B/R ran toward third !!!