Balks

[Richard_Siegel]

It's late and I don't have the patience to write a long response. But to sum it up, I would take the piece of paper you printed that balk explanation on and tear it up and throw it away.

Start over.

I found the discussion to be overly simplistic in some cases, and inaccurate in others. It does not describe the proper mechanics of calling balks. It does not discuss the way to deal with coaches properly. i.e The man who called the balk intercepts the coach if the coach come out and is headed to the wrong guy. I would never say "I blinked."

Finally, if the speech was meant for new umpires, the most confusing thing you can say is "It is all about deception." Bringing up deception is a slippery slope because most deceptions are LEGAL. As soon as you equate deception with balks you are openning yourself up to defending all the other legal decpetions.

[SAump]

Throw your hands up like your calling time. Make a loud and decisive call.
"Time, that's a balk," followed by short explanation and award of base(s).
Some prefer to point and yell, "That's a Balk," followed by a short {2-3 word} explanation, followed by "Time," and award of base(s).

Short explanations: Start and stop, indirect step, dropped the ball, removed hand, no throw, etc.
{please add to list or improve above descriptions}

Don't coach pitcher during a game and don't begin discussion with coach.
If coach request explanation, repeat short 2-3 word description for pitcher and coach.
If coach continues onto field, prepare to dump him for PPP delay of game and arguing a proper judgment call with official.
Warm up coach with "What do you need coach?" and listen to coach.
Repeat short explantion and keep your mouth shut.
Let coach decide and do whatever he needs to do.
Good luck.