semperfiguy,

FED actually suggests the left hand held straight out to the side in a fist as a "delayed dead ball" mechanic. Everybody I know does as you do.

JM

FED has a number of silly suggestions in their mechanics book.

I use the international sign for killing the play in which interference occurs. You know, the one where you put both hands in the air and say, "Time".

I'm always afraid that if I yell "That's obstruction", everyone is going to stop and look at me (Waiting for a ruling). What would you do in that situation: (1) Nothing, (2) Quietly tell the catcher and BR that the ball is still live, (3) Other???

Nothing. It's up to the players to know the rules.

We'ev had this discussion before. You need to tell everyone that you umpire in parks with no crown noise and perfect acoustics and that you are a concet stage level orator. :eek:

The fact that you hav never seen this mechanic means you need to seriously get a new set od partners.

See above except reverse, your partners need a new partner.

You're saying we shouldn't say anything when obstruction without a play occurs? I was always taught to point and say "that's obstruction".

No, no, what the Deej is saying, in his slow and duh-duh way :D pertains to the post regarding what to do when such action is taken by an umpire. The poster was concerned that the players would stop, or ask for help, etc. Hence, "the players are required to know the rules" or whatever he said in his near drunk status. :eek:

Kidding, Deej, kidding.

Point shows where the OBS occured, vocalization announces the rule violated, add the appropriate sign (if your rule set requires or suggests) such as the fist clenched to the side.

If "everyone stops", then the play is over. Call time and make the awards.

On the DDB signal -- I point at and announce the obstruction, then make the DDB signal, then drop it after a couple of seconds. I don't run around for the rest of the play with my arm out.

Good suggestion and the way I was taught and have taught for years.

And, it works very well also, has stood the test of time so that's always a good thing.

Thansk
David

I run around with it out and make sure I do a Hulk Hogan clothesline on at least two of the assistant rats (aka rat-lets). Then I do the thing where I cup my hands to my ears and wait for the applause. Good thing I keep my meds in my (leather) ball bag.

If they stop, well, happy day. The awards are easier and nothing weird can happen.

Whynot? Arm too heavy? Keeping the DDB is a good way to do what you say above. It shows that the call was made and held and now is being enforced. It will keep a coach from asking about when or if you made the DDB.