Calling the obvious out

[Tru_in_Blu]

I searched but didn't find definitive answers.

I work ASA/NFHS and have a question on the requirement on calls for the pop up in the infield that is caught or a runner thrown out at 1B by 20 feet.

If it's "obvious" to everyone in the park, I usually signal w/ the hammer, hold it for 3-4 seconds and say nothing.

We have a guy new to our association [ASA] whose signal is a closed fist given with a little flip of the elbow/wrist down at belt level.

When I asked him about it, he said:

"In HS/College we are encouraged to NOT call obvious outs--the kind that everyone in the park understands is an out. Just a sign and no verbal is the standard. It fall under the current trend to not embarass or show-up a kid when the play can stand for itself."

Well, he's now working church league ball, not college or even HS. However, I still think the proper mechanic should be given, even if no verbal is made.

Comments?