[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by nicshow

I'm a new umpire - working from 9-10 year olds up to to high school age and beyond. Most of my training has come from what I'm able to read on the internet - umpire training manuals from leagues and park districts. I'm confused about when to call fair and foul as the PU.

I got the impression from some of what I read that you only signal for a fair ball and save the verbal call for foul balls. Is that always true or are there exceptions.

I had a game last night with a fly ball down 3rd base line - I signalled fair but didn't verbally call anything. The play kind of came to a stop with them asking whether it was fair or foul. I assumed they would play it until it was called foul. Should one verbally call fair or foul if it's close and questionable?

Thanks,

Nic

Welcome to the Forum Nic.

Verbally and visually signal a Foul Ball because the ball is Dead. Only visually signal a Fair Ball because it is Live. Players are supposed to know that they are to play until they hear Foul, Dead, Balk, or Time from an Umpire. If they don't know that then shame on their coaches.

MTD, Sr.