It might seem like talking about "situational mechanics" and then giving scenarios is doing "planned deviations", but that isn't the case. What we're looking for and talking about are situations that the manual just doesn't cover, not breaking and "doing your own thing" for situations that are covered.

Almost every day across the softball world, something happens in a game that hasn't happened before. As smart as the umpire manual writers were, they couldn't predict and scheme out every possible scenario. So what we're talking about - with some manual-driven examples - is what to look for and how to think in order to be prepared and in position no matter what happens.

In addition, we've given you all homework, so tune in and help us out. Many hands make light work and you can help us figure out a particular point of confusion.

As always, if you want to weigh in with your opinions, you can email us at [email protected], leave a comment at UmpiringFastpitchSoftball.com, or comment on this episode on Facebook - just search for Umpiring Fastpitch Softball