Calling the obvious out

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

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?

Betting he does baseball. Where the "short hammer" is often used for obvious outs.

The only signals given in softball at belt level or inside the body are those defined as umpire-to-umpire. Any signal given that signifies a strike or an out is intended to be given above shoulder height.