How to "Call" a ball not caught

[UmpTTS43]

Originally Posted by jwwashburn

What a terrible attitude. I have heard this so many times throughout the years from some of my partners and it really bothers me. A lot of things become your problem(and your partner's problem, as well) A much better philosophy is to be as clear and concise as possible.

I am not hear to say that a safe signal and NO (without using the word catch) is the only way to call it. I simply said that it might alleviate confusion. That is a good thing for an umpire to do.

Why point fair? If you did not call it foul, it is obviously fair. If the players, managers or coaches are confused, it is not your problem.

Why verbalize a swing(or no swing) on an attempted check swing? A strike is a strike. If the players, managers or coaches are confused, it is not your problem.

When I work games, I give the appropriate signals, verbal and non-verbal. These appropriate signals are as clear and concise as they can be. If on a check swing D3K and I say "Yes he went, no catch" and the batter stands there confused, not my problem. If I call "Infield fly" and the runners take off, not my problem. If I call "That's obstruction" and the runner is still out due to his poor judgement running the bases, not my problem. My job is to officiate the game. In my opinion, simply saying "No" on a short hop can cause more confusion. "No" what? No catch, no it didn't hit the ground? There is a reason that "No catch" and "That's a catch" are taught by those that not only know more than me, but teach the game to professional umpires. If all umpires would adopt the correct and to date mechanics, you and your partners might not find yourselves in problem situations and, therefore, not bothered at all.