Pro Umpire Plate Mechanic - Hand on the Catcher's Shoulder?

[scarolinablue]

Just a curiousity question, more than anything...went to a Greenville Drive game last week (Greenville, SC BoSox Class A affiliate - fantastic stadium, complete with a "Mini-Monster" in left field). Anyway, the PU was resting his forward hand on the catcher's back...lightly, from the way it appeared, but he was distinctly touching the catcher. Is this a taught mechanic in pro school, or personal preference? I would think a catcher would hate this (I would)...just curious. I wouldn't think this would do much for his career, as I haven't observed any MLU doing this. Other than that, the blue worked a nice game...excellent two-man mechanics being displayed, great hustle all around.