Softball Little League Question -- Is the home plate umpire supposed to indicate either verbally or by hand signal that a ball is fair either because it has touched a player when the ball is between the foul lines or passed first or third base? Does he have the option to not make any signal or call?

If it's close, like on/near the line or anything questionable, the umpire should point fair. No verbal call for a fair ball. But, if no FOUL call is made, assume it's fair.

Nothing for fair, just point towards fair ground,
Foul that is obviously foul to everyone no call is
necessary, however, if the ball is just foul down
the line [1st/3rd] and player reaches over line and
makes contract, immediately shout "foul". I don't
verbal ball, [foul ball], because everyone knows we
are using a ball. <img src =http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/biggrin3.gif>

glen

Unless there are runners on or the foul is behind the BR - the loud FFFOOOUUUULLL is a courtesy to the runners so they know they can stop.

Besides courtesy, also helps for safety.
I will usually use "FFFOOOUUUULLL BAALLL", in the hope of spending less time explaining that it's the ball's position and not the fielder's position.;) Besides, that's what I was taught.
Also, that you always call a foul, but point fair (never verbal) only when it's close, deflected foul, or you think your partner needs a signal.

Movement attracts attention
 

Having moved myself up the foul line to watch the flight or bounce of the ball helps but I also pump my "fair" signal - pointing into fair terrritory probably three times before I will hold or end the signal to observe the resulting play.

I agree with the pump. It does, IMO, help to sell the call (although I did hurt my elbow one time doing that ;)). I also do that "forbidden" two arm swipe into foul territory after a close foul BALL (and I do say "ball") call (like the old way to show a fielder is off the bag). I agree that movement attracts attention.

I agree Tom, however, I got "gigged" for calling fouls
foul in a college look at. Also got one for taking my
mask off and trailing a just walked batter towards 1B,
with no runners on. Was told I should keep it on. I
was also asked why I always put a foul or new ball into
play with "play". The most ammusing thing about the whole
deal was, I was not there to try and get into the college
thing, was just asked to assist with plate duties so the
college boys could work on three man mechanics.

glen

My dad was doing a game several years ago behind the plate....ball was hit down the line and base ump hollars fair. All my dad heard was him yell,so he yells FOUL. The base ump never was very good. I believe that is why you keep quiet on a fair ball.