Saw something on TV that Made Me Think!

[MNBlue]

Originally Posted by Dakota

You keep insisting there is no need for any communication with the umpire, yet you refuse to address any of the situations where communication is required.

No one here said communication is always required, but as near as I can tell, you are the only one who keeps insisting that communication is never required, only intent.

I have heard this adage at most of the umpire clinics I have attended: "NEVER guess an out!" If I don't know what they want, I don't want to guess.

While I agree that I can 'understand' what a fielder is attempting to communicate without speaking, I may consider asking a clarifying question (if there is time, IF I believe that an appeal is taking place, and if they players are generally younger than 16U - I expect more from older players)in order to understand completely what the fielder is trying to communicate.

If I don't know that the fielder is trying to communicate an appeal to me, I don't have a call. They are going to have to 'sell' to me that they want something. This will mean vocalization.

Maybe right. Maybe wrong. But it is what I'm doing now. I'm always open to change if there is a better mousetrap.