Agreed, the umps behind the plate should have a very similar zone at the high school level. When an ump opens the zone in youth league, that's a win-win for everyone. There is a shortage of umps and refs, but if you're umping you must understand the rules. For instance, earlier this year.... A ball hit in the air down the 3rd base line is going foul. The shortstop drives trying to catch the ball and the ball comes out of his glove (in foul territory). Nothing is signaled and time is called. The umps meet and say fair ball, 1 run scores and give the batter 1st base. Coach appeals and the ump said, "it's fair because the fielders' feet were in fair territory when he touched the ball."😐🫣