Dealing with close calls

[umpire_scott]

I'm in "B" and take position to watch the rundown.

Comments such as "get a better angle", "you aren't in cement", etc.

I selected the above quotes to say this...

I don't care what coaches/fans say about positioning. However, taking those comments and adding to it your statement of "take position to watch the rundown" would indicate you didn't stay moving with the rundown. If you have a run down, you must move with the play. Staying in one spot and observing the entire play will cause you to get straight lined.

I did move with the run down. When I said "take position" I just meant I moved a little closer. It wasn't meant literally that I took a position and stayed there. I can see how that what I said could have been taken that way though. I was at an angle when I made the call. The problem with rundowns is that you have to stay enough of a distance away from the path so as to not become a distraction to the players. In doing this there is always the potential to get straightlined to a degree.

[UmpTTS43]

I did move with the run down. When I said "take position" I just meant I moved a little closer. It wasn't meant literally that I took a position and stayed there. I can see how that what I said could have been taken that way though. I was at an angle when I made the call. The problem with rundowns is that you have to stay enough of a distance away from the path so as to not become a distraction to the players. In doing this there is always the potential to get straightlined to a degree.

You don't keep your distance as to not be a distraction to the players, you keep your distance so that your field of vision is wider and you have as much of the play as possible in front of you. You want to try to stay ahead of the runner. Keeping your distance makes that easier. Too often we will get sucked into the play and end up on top of it.

[RC@54OUTS]

i would say that most umpires need to slow down. myself included. it ws said watch the players reaction and put it all together. great advice but you have to slow down with the call. i myself usually do not get into a long conversation with a manager on a call. after that it's over. no way am i going to talk with aa coach calmly or otherwise on a play that just turned into a sh tstorm. you know you need the angle. get it make the call. done. if you make a mistake or question your call learn from it. we are humàn.