Umpire Communication and Signals Flashcards
7 cards from real Umpire Certification practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Umpire Communication and Signals flashcards as text
What verbal announcement must an umpire make when invoking the infield fly rule?
Answer: 'Infield fly if fair!'
The proper call is 'Infield fly if fair!' so all players understand the rule is invoked before the ball lands, since the batter is out regardless of whether the fielder catches it.
What is the proper mechanic when obstruction by a fielder is called?
Answer: Call 'Obstruction!' point at the fielder, let play continue, then award bases after the play ends
For Type B obstruction, the umpire calls 'Obstruction!' points at the offending fielder, allows play to conclude, then awards appropriate bases to the obstructed runner.
What is the proper mechanic for calling a balk?
Answer: Call 'Balk!' loudly, point at the pitcher, and allow play to continue before making the ruling
The proper balk mechanic is to call 'Balk!' and point at the pitcher while allowing the play to proceed, since a beneficial play for the offense takes precedence over the balk penalty.
How should an umpire signal interference?
Answer: Point at the player who interfered and call 'That's interference!'
The umpire points at the offending player and clearly calls 'That's interference!' to identify who committed the violation and remove any ambiguity.
What is the proper procedure when an umpire crew needs to confer on a ruling?
Answer: Any crew member may request a conference and the crew confers to reach the correct ruling
Any crew member may request a conference, and the crew should briefly confer to ensure the correct ruling is made — getting the call right is the priority.
What is the proper signal to indicate 'no catch' on a dropped fly ball?
Answer: Wave both hands downward with palms facing the ground
The 'no catch' signal involves waving both hands downward with palms facing the ground while verbally calling 'No catch!' to alert runners the ball is live.
What is the proper mechanic when a batted ball is ruled fair?
Answer: No signal is required — play continues automatically on a fair ball
There is no required signal for fair balls — umpires signal foul balls only, and play continues automatically when a ball is fair, preventing unnecessary interruption of play.