Delayed Asking For help.......

[NC_Blue]

All discussions between umpires should be held out of earshot ... not just this one.

I remember my FIRST involvement in a situation that had me ask another umpire for help like it was yesterday. I was young and a play occured at first base.....much like the one described.

Coach asks me to ask for help. In that instant I locked eyes with my PU and the look he gave (without tipping his hand) assured me he'd seen the play. I'm walking towards him and point in his direction....He asks me "are you asking me"? YES. He responds with an "out" mechanic while he points to the bag.

This was over 20 years ago......and I've never forgotten it.

I personally felt like nothing was done in that instance that REQUIRED a conversation that the coaches and players weren't privy to. I'd like to keep THOSE conversations to a minimum, also.

If this is poor mechanics.....I need to address it, I guess.....but the "appearance" of private conversations is something I'd like to avoid.

Admittedly......my experiences of late have been one-man (other than state tournaments). I'll follow the follow-ups to this with interest.

Thanks.