The Umpire's List of Lists

[Rich]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

Sorry for straying from the thread, but...

From the 2013-14 NFHS Umpires Manual:

"Audible calls on non-swinging strikes should vary in intensity, tone and length depending on their importance in the game."

"For the foul call, turn your body towards foul territory, extend your arms over your head, and bring them down to waist level in the direction of foul territory. Yell, "Foul!" as emphatically as you gesture. If the call is crucial to the game or is just barely foul, yell, "Foul! Foul! Foul!"

"On a passed ball with a runner at third, a play at home is likely. Remove your mask quickly, if you think you have time. Set yourself at a right angle to the catcher's throw. This gives you a good angle on the play at home."

"One way to be sure the tagging player has retained possession of the ball is to ask to see it. Or you can tell the runner he's out if the tagger has the ball."

"When the ball is batted foul, call out in a loud voice "foul ball" and signal it foul by first putting both hands over your head and then motioning to foul territory."

"Be careful not to kick dirt onto the plate after you have just cleaned it."

"When you start cleaning the plate, face the spectators and the catcher's box. If your pants were to tear, only the infielders would see it."

"Suit your simultaneous verbal call to the emphasis of the physical call and phrase it for, and direct it to, the offensive player. You could say, "He's out!" But if you say, "You're out!" you're getting to the principal one who must be convinced."

"If the [safe call] demands more emphasis or if you want to show your appreciation of a good play, bring your arms in from the extended position, possibly crossing them in an x in front of you and re-extending them. You can repeat this several timed depending on the amount of emphasis you wish to give. Another way of emphasizing the call is to make a couple of quick side steps, either with the arms extended or while making repeated safe signs."

T, I am sure these didn't emanate from you, but they don't do much for FED's credibility, and they certainly detract from the other good stuff found throughout the manual.

I've never read it this close before throwing it in the trash can. I'm glad. It sounds like it was written in 1946.