Guessing a runner safe or out

Question
Mark,

Once in awhile, in a one-umpire fastpitch ASA softball game, just as the tag occurs, the fielder steps between me and the play, making it impossible for me to see whether the fielder actually tagged the runner or not.  Yet, I have to make a decision on the play because I am the only umpire in the game.  I make an educated guess, and I can usually tell if my guess was correct by the reaction of the players and crowd.  I'm wondering if there is a better rule-of-thumb than my "Make an educated guess" rule, such as "Always call the runner safe unless I actually see the tag." Any advice?  

Answer
Hi Dan,

1 man is the toughest game out there, you can't see everything.

Just a suggestion as you see the throw and the defensive player move, try rotating your position by a step or two or three to try to get a better angle.  Just like a BU with a swiped tag at 1st you want to move as you watch the throw and the player moves.

That being said IMO we never "guess" an out so in most cases I'll want to see the tag.  However umpiring is also an art and sometimes the player tell us what happened.  ie r1 on 1st and gb to F4 playing somewhat shallow.  F4 turns their back to us to tag R1.  R1 now starts heading to the dugout.  So we delay our call by a few moments to see what the player tells us.  In this case R1 told us they were tagged and an out.

Do the best you can, most players understand 1 Umpire is a tough job.

mark