Umpire Certification Umpire Communication and Signals 2

Question 1

What verbal announcement must an umpire make when invoking the infield fly rule?

Accepted Answer

'Infield fly if fair!'

Answer

'Automatic out — batter is out!'

Answer

'Fly ball rule in effect!'

Answer

'Batter is out on infield fly!'

Question 2

What is the proper mechanic when obstruction by a fielder is called?

Accepted Answer

Call 'Obstruction!' point at the fielder, let play continue, then award bases after the play ends

Answer

Immediately stop play and place all runners based on their position at the time of obstruction

Answer

Issue a warning to the fielder and allow play to continue without penalty

Answer

Signal safe to the obstructed runner and award one base immediately

Question 3

What is the proper mechanic for calling a balk?

Accepted Answer

Call 'Balk!' loudly, point at the pitcher, and allow play to continue before making the ruling

Answer

Immediately stop play, signal time, and return all runners one base

Answer

Blow the whistle and signal time before the pitch is delivered

Answer

Issue a warning on the first offense and only call a balk on the second

Question 4

How should an umpire signal interference?

Accepted Answer

Point at the player who interfered and call 'That's interference!'

Answer

Wave both arms above the head and call 'Interference!'

Answer

Blow a short whistle blast and hold up one finger

Answer

Cross both arms in an X-shape at chest level

Question 5

What is the proper procedure when an umpire crew needs to confer on a ruling?

Accepted Answer

Any crew member may request a conference and the crew confers to reach the correct ruling

Answer

The senior umpire has final authority and other umpires may not be consulted on any call

Answer

Only the plate umpire may initiate an umpire conference during a game

Answer

Umpires may never change a ruling once it has been publicly announced

Question 6

What is the proper signal to indicate 'no catch' on a dropped fly ball?

Accepted Answer

Wave both hands downward with palms facing the ground

Answer

Hold both arms out horizontally and shake them side to side

Answer

Point to the ground and call 'No catch!'

Answer

Make a patting downward motion with both open hands

Question 7

What is the proper mechanic when a batted ball is ruled fair?

Accepted Answer

No signal is required — play continues automatically on a fair ball

Answer

Point into fair territory with the arm extended and call 'Fair!'

Answer

Call 'Fair ball!' loudly while pointing toward the field

Answer

Raise both hands above the head to signal fair