Originally posted by jumpmaster
After the game my partner tells me that he thinks I blew the call, the kid looked out by a mile. I told him what I had seen, and he backed off and changed his tune. He said that I need to "sell the call...call 'safe, he dropped the ball', that way every one knows why you called the kid safe".
I don't have a problem with selling the call on a "ringer" but IMO, there is no need to go explaining a close call. If the coach has an issue, he can come talk to me. I am also aware and understand the "expected call" theory. (I learned this one the hard way during FED ball) 
)
So, what is the proper way to "sell a call"?
I agree with Garth. If it appears to everyone that a player was out / safe by a mile and you rule
that which is unexpected then you should sell the call.
This is why we are taught to give that
sweeping motion with our hands when a player's foot is off the bag at first. The more information we can give about a call
that goes against the grain the better.
In your example if you had signalled and verbalized SAFE! BALL IS ON THE GROUND!, there's no need for the coach to come out and question you. It also speeds up the game, because you do not have to take time and explain it to the coach.
Anytime you rule something which is unexpected it's best to sell it or at least verbalize what you saw.
Pete Booth