When to ask for help

[AtlUmpSteve]

I have heard clinicians direct it both ways; ask for help immediately, and make your call then go for help. Seeing both sides, here is how I do it when I am in the C slot.

If F3's foot is stationary and appears to be on the bag, I make my call, out, because the ball beat the runner; if base coach properly asks me to ask, I will always give that courtesy. If I suspect a pulled foot, on my own, without paying any attention to the coach's acting job, then I will ask immediately without making my call; loudly, clearly, only the one question, "Do you have a pulled foot?"