When to ask for help
 

NFHS rules. I'm the BU in "C" slot, with R1 on 2nd. Batter hits a shot on the ground to F6 who checks the runner at 2nd and throws to 1rst. I manage to get inside and it was obvious to me the ball beat the batter-runner but it appeared F1 pulled her foot. 1rst base coach is pointing and yelling that she pulled her foot.Obviously I'm not in the habit of using a coaches opinion to make my calls:-)) I ruled she pulled her foot, but my question is if I had wanted to get my partners imput do I do this before making the call? What's the proper protocol in this situation?

Clinicians I have trained under have said make your call, and then if the coach requests that you check with your partner, that's when you do so.

The easiest answer to this is to discuss with your partner how you will handle this as a team. When BR is the only runner, you can reasonably assume PU is watching the same player as you. My normal partners and I will do the following. If I, as BU, have the batter out on timing, but I'm not sure about a pulled foot, I'll yell my partner's name and "Pulled Foot?" He'll then give me a yes or a no, and I'll make my call. With runners on, however, make sure that you're clear that if PU is looking elsewhere, he is aware enough to give you a "NO!" if he hears you.

Many similar mechanics will work. just make sure you're communicating BEFORE using any of them.

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?"

Not sure about Fed, but ASA put it in their manual this year. Make the call. If the ball beat the runner and there is no other information available to you at the time to make you doubt the out, call it.