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[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by shipwreck

I like this umpire to umpire signal for a possible timing play. My problem with it is people that use it incorrectly. I have several umpire partners that do it any time there are 2 outs, even with nobody on. I have explained to them you don't have to worry about if a run scores or not with nobody on base. They also give it in the last inning with 2 outs when there is no way the team can win and runs scored don't matter. Maybe I am being too picky. Dave

Picky, no; but I believe you have missed an evolution of the signal.

This was originally adopted by the NCAA SUIP to signify a possible two out timing play where a run scoring might depend on the time of the out. It was used only with two outs and at least one runner on base (usually second), like baseball; then it was extended to a runner on first, with the speed of this game. It wasn't used in ANY case where a third world play might make timing an issue, it was simply a "heads up, this could be significant".

Starting with the 2012 CCA Manual, the signal was renamed the two out signal, and was extended to be used any time there are two outs, regardless runners, regardless how many batters in a row bat with two outs. It is the approved alternative to baseball holding both arms out (all softball umpire-to-umpire signals are kept within your body), and encompasses everything that may come with two outs; an out being inning-ending, a possible timing play, effectively wipes off any infield fly rule possibility. Knowing that there are two outs is deemed important enough to be sure all the umpires agree.

I'm not sure why it isn't equally (or almost as) important to know when there is one out, but we are damn well expected to know when there are two.