What Value is the "Foul Tip Signal"?

[Panda Bear]

The mechanic of pointing to the upper left chest with just the index finger when you have an infield fly with one out is an alternative I've seen taught to the NFHS & NCAA mechanic where the IF signal is the hand palm open on the chest (see pg. 22 of the NCAA Umpire manual).

The "alternative" I'm referring to is a closed fist (no fingers) if 0 outs, and 1 finger (the index finger) if 1 out, which (IMO) is actually better in that it indicates more info. than just acknowledging the IF possibility. And (again IMO) it is better than pointing at the brim of your cap with 1 finger, an older mechanic still very common, at least in this area.


The "Time[ing] Play" signal is a defined signal in the NCAA Umpire manual (pg. 39), and is fairly commonly used in other sanctions, again, at least around here. It is a tap of the left wrist where a watch is normally worn with 1-2 fingers of the right hand. It is an alert/reminder that the possibility of a timing play exists, usually runner(s) on, in scoring position, with 2 outs.