[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by MNBlue

And of course we pre-game this mechanic. If I have a partner that isn't open to working thisn way, I would have to come in and do the best I can to know when F7 touches the ball.

Let me quote a philosophy from the NCAA Softball Umpire Manual:

Originally Posted by Emily Alexander

Have a pregame with your partners. Review how you will handle tag ups, appeal plays, the tag between home and first , three- foot lane interference, check swings, obstructions and interferences. Do not deviate from standard mechanics in the pregame. Deviation is acceptable only during a play situation. In other words, do not start the game deviating. In order to deviate, the ball must be batted, and there must be a breakdown in a play or rotation. If you deviate, you must communicate.