I'm with Joel.
I'll ask BEFORE I make the call if I'm not sure on a pulled foot or swipe tag if my partner is in position to help.
Dito for caught or uncaught third strike of foul tip near the ground. (This is covered pregame and most coaches are unaware of the help unless they question call.)
I always get help if asked on check swing called a ball; never if called a strike.
I'll ask for help on a batted ball that may have hit a batter near the plate, or batter hit by pitch, if my view is blocked.
I'll always confer with partner if an award or penalty is questioned.
I'll offer help on a play where I see the ball on the ground during a tag if partner doesn't appear to see the ball.
I do not ask for help on my judgement calls. IMO the umpire is hired to exercise his judgement, not defer to his partner.
Offering my opinion as the PU on BU's judgement of out/ safe at first from the PU's position makes about as much sense as the BU responding to a check swing question by responding "NO, she didn't go, but the pitch caught the corner!!!!"
Roger Greene
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