[SAZBA]

I was umpiring a high school (NFHS) varsity game. I was behind the plate.

Runners at 1st and 2nd. Two outs. Batter hits one over the left field fence for a home run. His team comes out from the 3rd base dugout and gathers around home plate giving high fives and what not. I am in front of home plate to make sure the plate gets touched.

As the runner, who was on second, trots on toward home, he peels off about 3 feet short of the plate and begins giving high fives to his teammate as they wait for the other two runners. As soon as he did this, I look up and one of his teammates who was standing there looked up. We both look at each other. Just then the runner who was on 1st now crosses home plate. For you seasoned vets, this is probably easy for you. I was like a deer in the headlights. I look over at third base to see the home run kid rounding third with a big smile getting cheers from everyone. For the life of me I didn't know what to do. Never ever seen this before.

The catcher was there but didn't see it and neither did the other team.

My first reaction was to call the 1st runner out - thus the 3rd out of the inning. Then it crossed my mind - is this an appeal deal? As I'm trying to run through the rules in my head, time has passed and the only one who knew what happened was me and one of his teammates.

No harm no foul? Do I just point to the 1st runner and yell "you're out - end of inning?" I don't yell "time" because the ball is already in the parking lot. What do I signal? How do I signal? Do I signal anything? Is it up to the defense to appeal?

I did nothing. Three run homer. The game moved on.

I guess I got confused on the runner passing the other versus a defense appeal - combined with the fact that the ball is dead and that I had no clue what to say or how to say it.

Okay, tear me a new one here.