You have got me wondering if it something we are taught due to our UIC teaches/allows NCAA mechanics. I know that most I have worked with use it. But I am not sure if all are aware of it.

I had to go get my ASA book and recheck it. It is not there. The two outs to signal IFF off is there but not for timing play.

I find it helpful. Most of the time I remember there are two outs but I have fell asleep a couple of times and the signal brought me back in focus. I was on the bases.

I'll be sure not to use it this weekend.

This is another good point to go over in pre-game --all umps have to be aware when a timing play could affect the scoring of a run or not.

On this one, I like the reminder with two outs. Could happen as Mike says so pre game it. there I straddled the fence.:D

Even if you pre game it, I wouldn't use it in an ASA tourney.

For the record, wiping off the IFF was only added to the book this year. Prior to that, it was never there, and I've heard of umps getting dinged on their evals for using a signal that wasn't ASA, despite the fact that everyone and their cousin knew what it meant.

Like that means something?!?! Where you are, isn't "everyone" your "cousin"?

Hey, I only LIVE in the South! :D

You mean like the double fist pump? ;)

Yeah, but we hate that "signal" for other reasons. :)

I won't use it.

:D
Daaang! Give him the slightest opening and look out!
:D

WOW I remember being told that signal from some of my earliest clinics (which wasn't all that long ago, (~ 1994).

Almost everyone in my area uses the "tap" at least up to the HS level.
At the college level, I've felt a "discouragement" of too much signalling.
For instance, I was told that we don't signal outs (between batters) as many do in HS...

Some times, I loose track of what are "official" instructions and what are just local habits...

That's what she said!