fair ball/foul ball

[AtlUmpSteve]

Both ASA and NCAA mechanics are plain. All fair and foul calls belong to the PU unless a base ump goes out on a fly ball. No "to the bag", "after the bag"; and it is further stated in the NCAA umpire manual that you don't deviate by advance agreement, you only deviate when a play creates a situation when you should deviate. I personally agree with all of that, and it shouldn't be a pregame discussion who has fair and foul calls.

That said, I prefer the BU hesitate and allow the PU to see the ball and make his call; then buttonhook in. No pointing, no indication that might contradict the call made by PU. Only if PU is unsure after indicating "fair", and wishes to ask the BU what he saw, might BU advise otherwise, and the call can be changed. If PU called foul, and unsure, too bad, that bell won't be unrung.