[AtlUmpSteve]

Good way to put it, Youngump; I guess SRW has taught you a few tricks.

Shagpal, let me expand. You refer to the NFHS Umpire Manual, but have never quoted it. I don't believe it says that umpires must rule anytime a player requests it; my copy says "If the appeal is requested", nothing about wishing or wanting to appeal.

Let's be clear, an appeal is a defined term; included in that definition (Rule 2-1 Art 3) is "Methods by which an appeal may be made". If one of those methods is followed on a situation defined as a possible appeal, then we are certainly required to "make the safe or out call"; that is when it has been requested. We are directed to point to the responsible umpire and point out an appeal has been because the players aren't expected to know our mechanics; not because we rule "safe or out" on anything they ask at anytime.

If someone asks in an appeal situation but has not met the requirements of how an appeal is to be made, then that person is not making an appeal. She may be wanting to make an appeal, but she hasn't; and we cannot tell the player what to do. So, there is no discrepancy in the umpire manual, as nothing has been presented properly for any umpire to "make the safe or out call". Look further at the definition of an appeal; the umpire simply cannot rule unless appealed, and the methods to make that appeal are requirements, not suggestions. Granted the rule does not go further to say "EFFECT: If not made by one of the required methods, this is not an appeal", but wouldn't you think that should undersood already? Remember, we use defined terms by the definitions, not by any common usage. To be an appeal, requirements must be meet; if not met, then, not an appeal.

So, what's an umpire to do? In the strictest of games, you can do nothing. You should not rule when no play or appeal has been made, and you certainly cannot coach them how to make a proper appeal that must be answered. Since you can say "missed tag" or "pulled the foot" without it being coaching, I submit you can say "that's not an appeal" to indicate why you cannot rule.

The player asking without effecting an appeal has no more legal standing than asking you after she swings at a pitch if it would have been a strike. If you want to answer, go ahead; if you want to ignore, you can. Most times, it is best to tell them what they expect to hear, so you can move on.