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.