Umpiring Fastpitch Softball

Episode 70 - Point of Plate, Classic 90, and the Wedge (NCAA Mechanics)

2025-06-18

In this episode, we dive into the CCA manual's section covering calling tag plays.

One of the best ways to start an aggressive discussion online is to talk about calling positions, especially around home plate. A number of times in recent memory, we've seen videos of plays offered for consideration only to have the discussion invariably end up in a criticism that that umpire should have "worked the wedge", or some other critique of his position.

So, what are the correct calling positions (at least according to the guidance for NCAA Umpires)? Where do you start? Where do you go? Is "classic 90" ever okay? What exactly is the wedge? And what does a sextant have to do with any of it?

Check us out this week and we'll try to get into all of it and explain the mechanics in our own special way... a way that uses celestial navigation? Should you start bringing a marine chronometer to games? Tune in and find out.

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

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Filetype: MP3 - Size: 23 MB - Duration: 16:12m (192 kbps 44100 Hz)