Umpire Certification Umpire Communication and Signals 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the standard mechanic used by an umpire to indicate a strike?
- Raise the right hand in a fist motion and call 'Strike!' (Correct answer)
- Point both index fingers upward and call 'Strike!'
- Wave both arms overhead and call 'Strike!'
- Clap hands together and call 'Strike!'
Correct answer: Raise the right hand in a fist motion and call 'Strike!'
The standard strike mechanic is to raise the right hand in a fist or punching motion while verbally calling 'Strike!' to communicate the call clearly.
Question 2: How does a base umpire properly signal that a runner is safe?
- Raise both hands above the head with fists clenched
- Extend both arms outward horizontally with palms down and call 'Safe!' (Correct answer)
- Point both index fingers downward toward the base
- Clap hands twice above the head
Correct answer: Extend both arms outward horizontally with palms down and call 'Safe!'
The safe signal involves extending both arms outward horizontally with palms facing down, accompanied by the verbal call 'Safe!' to confirm no out was made.
Question 3: What is the proper mechanic for signaling a foul ball?
- Wave both arms in a crossing motion at waist level
- Point both index fingers to the ground
- Raise one or both arms above the head and call 'Foul!' (Correct answer)
- Hold one arm straight out toward foul territory
Correct answer: Raise one or both arms above the head and call 'Foul!'
Umpires signal foul balls by raising one or both arms above the head while verbally calling 'Foul!' so the call is highly visible to all players and coaches.
Question 4: When an umpire calls 'Time,' what is the proper hand signal?
- Point both index fingers to the sky and hold them
- Raise both hands above the head with palms facing outward (Correct answer)
- Cross both arms at the wrist and hold them up
- Raise one hand with the index finger pointing up
Correct answer: Raise both hands above the head with palms facing outward
The Time signal requires raising both hands above the head with palms facing outward while calling 'Time!' to clearly stop play.
Question 5: What is the standard mechanic when calling a ball (not a strike) at the plate?
- A verbal 'Ball!' call only — no accompanying hand signal is required (Correct answer)
- Raise the left hand with an open palm while calling 'Ball!'
- Point toward the first base line to indicate a ball
- Cross both arms in front of the chest while calling 'Ball!'
Correct answer: A verbal 'Ball!' call only — no accompanying hand signal is required
For balls, the plate umpire makes only a verbal call of 'Ball' — no hand signal is required or standard, as the pitch count is tracked by scorers.
Question 6: Who is responsible for initiating an appeal play according to proper umpire mechanics?
- The umpire points to the base in question to signal an appeal opportunity
- The plate umpire raises a hand to indicate an appeal is available
- The defensive team must initiate the appeal — umpires do not signal it (Correct answer)
- The crew chief announces that an appeal is possible before the next pitch
Correct answer: The defensive team must initiate the appeal — umpires do not signal it
Appeals must be initiated by the defensive team — umpires do not signal or prompt appeal plays, as it is the defense's right and responsibility to choose whether to appeal.
Question 7: In a two-umpire system, how do umpires communicate coverage responsibilities before a play develops?
- The plate umpire calls out the base umpire's name to direct coverage
- Umpires use pointing gestures and eye contact to communicate coverage pre-play (Correct answer)
- A predetermined whistle code signals which umpire covers which base
- No pre-play communication between umpires is permitted during the game
Correct answer: Umpires use pointing gestures and eye contact to communicate coverage pre-play
Umpires use subtle pointing gestures and eye contact to communicate coverage responsibilities in real time, keeping communication unobtrusive and quick.
Umpire Certification Umpire Communication and Signals 1
What is the standard mechanic used by an umpire to indicate a strike?