SOFTBALL
EDITOR: BRAD TITTRINGTON
btittrington@referee.com
RULES, MECHANICS, PHILOSOPHY
KEEP IT BETWEEN US By Joe Alfonse
S
ome unseen things that go on before, during and after a softball game would really surprise the casual or even rabid fan. First is the amount of verbal and non-verbal communication during a game between umpires, whether a two- or three-person crew. Second is the amount of time prior to the games put in by the crews — studying rulebooks, casebooks or the manuals associated with each code. Third is the amount of time spent in pre- and postgame conferencing at higher-
level events. All of this hard work, whether in study, communication or actual in-game officiating, really does make a difference, regardless of level of play. Take bracketing for instance. This frequently unnoticed mechanic is a basic staple of both two- and threeperson crews. Whether a pop-up in foul territory on the first- or thirdbase sides, or on steals or rundowns (often called pickle plays), umpires utilize a great technique to ensure they get all the information they can to get the call correct. Let’s take a look at the “why”
before the “how” on what makes this mechanic work. Bracketing provides a system of coverage that allows at least one umpire the opportunity to get a great look at routine and unusual situations. In cases where foul balls are close to the fence or dugouts, regardless of which way the fielder is facing, either the base or plate umpire will have a view of both the fielder’s glove as well as any fencing or other dead-ball territory. On steals and “pickles,” bracketing enables a sightline to cover both sides of the basepath to watch for any obstruction, swipe tags, dropped balls
DALE GARVEY
Master the Mechanics of Bracketing Playing Action
26 | REFEREE May 2021
May_21.indb 26
3/18/2021 9:05:54 AM
