The "Button Hook" and which way to turn.

The Button Hook
A base umpire cutting into the diamond should track both the ball and the runner(s) by glancing back and forth from one to the other(s). Once the base umpire gets 10-12 feet inside the diamond (beyond the base path), the umpire shall button hook (PIVOT) (either to the left or the right), immediately again watching the ball and the runner(s) by glancing back and forth between the two. This will place the base umpire in position to move quickly to the play, should one occur.

On the bases - In the 3 and 4 umpire systems
Updated Feb., 2006

1st Base Umpire - U1

When a ball is bunted U1 will come down the line in foul territory to a position even with the the leading edge of 1st base closest to home plate. U1 should be located just in front of the coach`s box, i.e., 12 feet off the line. U1 will move into the infield or move towards home plate as the situation dictates.

In the three umpire system, it should be noted that when U1 has possible coverage at 2nd base, e.g. U3 chases a fly ball, U1 should cut into the diamond and not go down the line.

2nd Base Umpire - U2

On infield hits U2 will pick up the leading edge of the base by staying on the outside of the diamond . If U1 chases a fly ball, U2 is responsible for all secondary plays at 1st base and all primary and subsequent plays at 2nd base.

3rd Base Umpire - U3

In the 3 umpire system in FP, with no runners and the ball is hit in the infield U3 moves toward 2nd base on the outfield side of the base path. In SP U3 starts at 2nd. base. Anytime there is a runner on either 2nd or 3rd and U1 goes out, U3 moves inside to a position 10 - 12 feet from 2nd base, however with R3, U3 should be prepared to help out on quick play at 3rd.

In the 4 umpire system, on a hit to the infield U3 moves 2 or 3 steps inside the foul line and remains on the outfield side of the base path from 2nd to 3rd. U3 must be prepared to move if necessary on overthrows. If U2 goes out on a fly ball, U3 always moves inside to a position 10-12 feet from 2nd base.

Three Umpire System
(Updated Nov., 2006)

Continuing our policy of moving towards the ISF mechanics, we used the ISF three umpire system in our mechanics for the 2007 season with one major difference for the Slo-Pitch umpires.

The main difference in this system is that an umpire goes out on all fly balls to the outfield in fast pitch and in the Canadian Slo-Pitch system has the option of going out or remaining in the infield.

Also changed for the Slo-Pitch season was that in the 3 umpire system the 3rd base umpire will start all of their rotations from the 2nd base position. They will still go out on fly balls and will still have the same base coverages as 2006.

The Slo-Pitch umpire will also continue to work the slot when doing the plate.

Plate Mechanics
Updated February 23, 2012
Softball Canada Standard for plate umpire is as follows:

F.P.
1. Set eyes at the top of your strike zone.
2. Feet are to be toe/heel with the foot closest to the batter leading.
3. Work the slot such that your ear closest to the catcher is on the edge of the plate.
4. Feet are to be set with the toes pointing at the center of the front edge of the plate.
5. Face the pitcher with your head.
6. Track the ball with your eyes and just before the ball gets to the catcher turn with the pitch to watch the ball go into the glove.
Optional - You may wish to indicate high/low/inside or outside with a further slight head motion in that direction.
7. Very slight or no delay between verbal and signal on strike call.

S.P.
1. Set eyes at the top of your strike zone.
2. Feet are to be toe/heel with the foot closest to the batter leading.
3. Work the slot such that your ear closest to the catcher is on the edge of the plate.
4. Feet are to be set with the toes pointing at the center of the front edge of plate.
5. Face the pitcher with your head.
6. Standing up, track the ball with your eyes and as the ball gets to the top of the arc, drop to the set position.
7. Just before the ball gets to the strike zone turn with the pitch to watch the ball go through the zone. Optional - You may wish to indicate high/low/inside or outside with a further slight head motion in that direction.
8. Very slight or no delay between verbal and signal on strike call.

Based on feedback the ODC wishes to clarify what was previously stated above with respect to the plate stance.

It is the standard that fast pitch and slo-pitch umpires work the inside slot, using the toe/heel foot position, with the head and body SQUARED TO THE PITCHER. The flat or non-staggered stance with the head and the body square to the pitcher is also acceptable but will no longer be taught at clinics or schools. Regardless of the stance used, it must be the same for left and right handed batters. We only teach the inside slot at clinics and schools.

It is important that the umpire tracks the ball with the eyes. Tracking the ball will result in a slight movement of the head as the umpire follows the ball into the catcher`s glove.