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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Question 4

How should an umpire signal interference?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

The umpire points at the offending player and clearly calls 'That's interference!' to identify who committed the violation and remove any ambiguity.

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

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.

Umpire Certification Practice Test

Umpire Certification Practice Test

Umpire Certification Umpire Communication and Signals 2