I wouldn't use coaches reactions either... but when you're working 1-man, you can occasionally take cues from player reactions. (OCCASIONALLY). (Coaches will often yell "Good job, good job!" whether the kid got around the tag or not, or was safe at first or not, etc).
Like in the play you mention, if the runner kept running hard and the fielder looked dejected (or fielder made a second jab behind him at a tag), you probably have a safe call - absent actual sight of a tag on your part.
But if the runner slowed down after the Tag/Near-Tag as if to give up and/or the fielder immediately started looking for another play, you probably have a tag.
Working 1-man is tough. Use ALL of your information.
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