Umpire Certification Umpire Communication and Signals

Question 1

What is the standard mechanic used by an umpire to indicate a strike?

Accepted Answer

Raise the right hand in a fist motion and call 'Strike!'

Answer

Point both index fingers upward and call 'Strike!'

Answer

Wave both arms overhead and call 'Strike!'

Answer

Clap hands together and call 'Strike!'

Question 2

How does a base umpire properly signal that a runner is safe?

Accepted Answer

Extend both arms outward horizontally with palms down and call 'Safe!'

Answer

Raise both hands above the head with fists clenched

Answer

Point both index fingers downward toward the base

Answer

Clap hands twice above the head

Question 3

What is the proper mechanic for signaling a foul ball?

Accepted Answer

Raise one or both arms above the head and call 'Foul!'

Answer

Wave both arms in a crossing motion at waist level

Answer

Point both index fingers to the ground

Answer

Hold one arm straight out toward foul territory

Question 4

When an umpire calls 'Time,' what is the proper hand signal?

Accepted Answer

Raise both hands above the head with palms facing outward

Answer

Point both index fingers to the sky and hold them

Answer

Cross both arms at the wrist and hold them up

Answer

Raise one hand with the index finger pointing up

Question 5

What is the standard mechanic when calling a ball (not a strike) at the plate?

Accepted Answer

A verbal 'Ball!' call only — no accompanying hand signal is required

Answer

Raise the left hand with an open palm while calling 'Ball!'

Answer

Point toward the first base line to indicate a ball

Answer

Cross both arms in front of the chest while calling 'Ball!'

Question 6

Who is responsible for initiating an appeal play according to proper umpire mechanics?

Accepted Answer

The defensive team must initiate the appeal — umpires do not signal it

Answer

The umpire points to the base in question to signal an appeal opportunity

Answer

The plate umpire raises a hand to indicate an appeal is available

Answer

The crew chief announces that an appeal is possible before the next pitch

Question 7

In a two-umpire system, how do umpires communicate coverage responsibilities before a play develops?

Accepted Answer

Umpires use pointing gestures and eye contact to communicate coverage pre-play

Answer

The plate umpire calls out the base umpire's name to direct coverage

Answer

A predetermined whistle code signals which umpire covers which base

Answer

No pre-play communication between umpires is permitted during the game