Weird or maddening "mechanics"

[BretMan]

Originally Posted by GoRedSox

I was assessed the other night by my association President and he said ASA requires a foul signal call on ALL four balls and he was saying not calling it is an NCAA mechanic. I recall at last year’s ASA National Clinic not to signal fouls that are straight forward. Thoughts?

I agree that ASA wants us to signal all foul balls.

I never used to signal the obvious ones, like into the bleachers. Last year several guys that had been to national tournaments posted that they were instructed to signal all fouls. Even on the obvious ones, where no verbal call is needed, we are still supposed to raise our hands.

Personally, I don't recall having been told that by either my local association or at the national schools I've attended. Then again, my last NUS was four years ago. Maybe it's a new directive or emphasis?

The UIC I posed about was giving the foul tip signal (brushing hands together) on all uncaught balls that got nicked and went straight back to the screen. That's just a bad, bad rookie mistake, except it was coming from a guy who's been umpiring for forty years and is the head umpire of our association.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by BretMan

Personally, I don't recall having been told that by either my local association or at the national schools I've attended. Then again, my last NUS was four years ago. Maybe it's a new directive or emphasis?

That's what JJ instructed us to do at last year's 18 GOLD National. All fouls are signaled.

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by Manny A

That's what JJ instructed us to do at last year's 18 GOLD National. All fouls are signaled.

Just to follow up on this thought, if all fouls are signaled, does every next pitch need a "beckoning motion" to the pitcher?

I've tried to make sure I do this with runners on base at a minimum. With no runners, if batter is in the BB and pitcher and catcher are ready, off we go.

[charliej47]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

Just to follow up on this thought, if all fouls are signaled, does every next pitch need a "beckoning motion" to the pitcher?

I've tried to make sure I do this with runners on base at a minimum. With no runners, if batter is in the BB and pitcher and catcher are ready, off we go.

Thew last National I attended, I was informed that "We WILL always put the ball back in play after a dead ball. Such as a foul or a stoppage.".

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by charliej47

Thew last National I attended, I was informed that "We WILL always put the ball back in play after a dead ball. Such as a foul or a stoppage.".

But beckoning to the pitcher is incorrect, just say "play".

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Manny A

That's what JJ instructed us to do at last year's 18 GOLD National. All fouls are signaled.

I guess that fits with my being instructed to signal non-catches; regardless of prior teaching.