[mbyron]

Everything your evaluator told you goes against what I was taught.

Umpires do not wait a pre-determined length of time, whether that's a given number of seconds, or some other benchmark (player returns to dugout, etc.).

You need to wait long enough to see everything relevant. On a routine play at 1B, for example, you need to get in position, hands on knees set, read the throw and adjust if necessary. As F3 fields the throw, watch the base and listen for the ball. Unless the runner beats the ball, look to see whether F3 has secure possession of the ball.

Make the call (in your head), then signal. Proper use of the eyes will determine your timing correctly.

CO: routine pop ups get no signal. The rule of thumb is: if the fielder catches it above his waist with no one else around, no signal.