[Big_Mike]

So after a lengthy discussion with some of the inner circle of my local chapter, I came to find that everyone had their own way of asking for help on a check swing. Some guys/gals would take the mask off, some would not. Some would point with the left hand, some with the right. Everyone would ask (or say nothing) in a different manner.

I officiate High School (ASA/NYSSO) and College (NCAA), so I re-read both manuals. ASA says to remove your mask, step out from behind the catcher, point to your partner and ask, "SWING?" No mention of which hand to point with. NCAA says use either hand.

My personal mechanic is a tad more exaggerated. Because I always pull the mask off with my left hand, I not only clear the catcher, but also the left handed batter's box. I'll step up, point to my partner with my right hand and ask, "Did she swing?" I even cover it in my pre-games that this is the way I will be doing it - so as not to take anyone by surprise.

I've heard some of the old guys claim that using the right hand could look like a strike call.... I don't think what I do can be confused (my opinion). They fancy the point with the left hand. My critiquing of that would be, "do you pull the mask off?" "if so, with your right hand... or do you make a transfer to right?" I suppose pointing with left, with mask in hand wouldn't be the end of the world, just seems a bit awkward.

Any thoughts on what is proper? Please share your own systems.