If I know my partner, and/or we are from the same association, we really don't need to pre-game signals. But when I started working with other umpires from other associations early on, I had to deal with signals that I was familiar with only because I started out as a baseball umpire. The tap on top of the cap for ball/strike count, the fist or index finger to the cap bill for IFF situation, etc.; I've seen them. So now I just check when I'm doing games with them.

I also let them know of non-approved signals that I may give them. For example, when I'm on bases, I will let them know that I will give them a Catch or No Catch indication on a third strike when the U3K is on.

The only problem with that is the players and coaches catch on and if your partner doesn't reflect the signal they see from you, there will be an unnecessary delay in the game :rolleyes:

I like this signal, but don't like it unsolicited for exactly the reason Mike said. I always pregame this and tell partner that if I see eye contact, I'll give him that signal quickly... if I don't, I won't. Allows you to ask for help quickly and seamlessly, and occasionally quickly is called for in this case.

Agreed. My pre-game starts with "We're all following standard mechanics today, right?" With an answer of YES, it gets pretty short. With any other answer, the pre-game gets a bit longer.

I wish it was that easy all the time. Too many times I've arrived to work with a new partner, and said something similar - they always answer yes. Then they make some signal in the middle of the first inning that makes me go, "HUH? What in the world was that?!?!"


"We're following all standard mechanics" gives that guy who has no idea what standard mechanics are a chance to appear like he does - those guys will always simply say yes because they don't want to deal with a pre-game.

They do with me because I trained them. And if they don't like the pre-game, they certainly will not like the inning-by-inning evaluation.:D