How to "call" a ball not caught?

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by MNBlue

I've made it a practice to signal 'safe' in situations like the one you describe.

And the converse to that is to make a loud and clear "OUT!" call when the ball IS caught on shot that was close to hitting the ground.

[AtlUmpSteve]

"Safe (no catch)" signal, repeat with emphasis; okay (by some) to verbalize "NO CATCH" (but be loud and particularly clear about the "NO!!!"). Maybe even better, just the word "NO!!!" while signaling, so no one can claim they only heard the "catch" part of "no catch". Still better to give them some indication, even if imperfect, than none at all.

Any way you do it, some one will say you didn't tell them soon enough, whatever. At that point, it is their problem, not yours.