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The PBUC Umpire Manual, and the CCA Manual both go over situations where "crew consultation and getting the play right" (PBUC quote) are in order. An example is "deciding whether a batted ball left the playing field for a home run or a ground rule double". They are nearly identical in commentary and in both manuals "the ultimate decision to change a call rests with the umpire who made the call" (PBUC quote again). In the most recent ALCS series there were two calls in the same game where the crew consulted and got the calls right. In both of these the manager came out to ask about the calls.
Clearly, there are calls that the major league umpires will consult and correct, minor league umpires will consult and correct, and college umpires will consult and correct. Given that the highest level of umpires are expected to get the calls right, the lower levels should aspire to do likewise.
I called a youth league game this Spring by myself from behind the plate, because my partner did not show up. On a steal of 2B, the throw was in plenty of time and tag was applied. I asked the SS to show me the ball, and he did, in his glove, so I called an out. The 1B coach complained that he had dropped the ball and picked it up with his glove. I did not see this at all. I asked the SS if he dropped the ball and he said he did. I consulted (with the SS) and changed my call.
[Edited by DG on Oct 24th, 2004 at 10:53 PM]
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