California District 25
Little League Umpires

Plate Umpire

Little League plate umpires are encouraged to work "The Slot", the retangular area between the batter and catcher, as this gives the plate umpire the best view of the lower outside corner of the strike zone. The hardest pitch for an umpire to call.  

The two most important factors of working the proper Slot stance are the actual stance itself and your head height.

Stance - The proper Slot Stance is dictated by the position of your feet. There are three factors that govern the feet position.
 
1. Heel - Toe
2. Heel - Toe
3. Heel - Toe

The toes of the umpire's "Slot Foot" (The foot on the same side of homeplate as the batter) should be inline with the heels of the batter. The toes of the umpire's "Slot Foot" should also be inline with the heels of the catcher. Finally, the toes of the umpire's "Drop Foot" should be inline with the heels of the umpires'"Slot Foot."
 
This is called the A Position and is generally assumed when the pitcher is on the rubber and taking signs, or appearing to be taking signs from the catcher.

Head Height - Once the pitcher has come set, the plate umpire will move into the B Position by lowering his backside until the bottom of his chin is no lower than the top of the catcher's head.
 
From this position the plate umpire should have a clear view of the entire stricke zone and should also be able to track the ball from the time it is released by the picther all the way into the catcher's mitt.