It is imperative that an umpire must be set for all plays. There are two types of set positions. The HANDS ON KNEES SET and STANDING SET.
This umpire is in the Hands on Knees Set. Notice the width of the stance. The feet are more than shoulder width apart. This creates an athletic stance incase the umpire must unexpectedly have to hustle to a different position and/or to run ahead of the runner. This stance is used by the base umpire often, and is recommended.
These two umpires are in the Standing Set. Notice the width of the stance in both. The feet are more than shoulder width apart. This creates an athletic stance incase the umpire must unexpectedly have to hustle to a different position for the play. The standing set is used by both the base and plate umpire, but the hands on knees set is hardly used by the plate umpire. A main reason is the plate umpire holds a mask and would be almost impossible to get hands on knees set.
SAFE SIGNAL
The umpire's fingers must be together and elbows locked as the arms come up parallel to the ground (top picture). The arms are not to go higher than the umpire's shoulders. Keeping the arms parallel to the ground extend the the arms outward.
The umpire's verbal mechanic should be at the same time the umpire is giving the safe signal..."SAFE!"
The key to the safe mechanic should be:
Crisp
Confident
Smooth
Visible
OUT SIGNAL
The umpire should always use the right hand for all single arm signals. Here the umpire brings the right hand out similar to the start of shaking another persons hand.
Having the palm open and fingers together, bring the right hand up even to the face.
The bringing down the hand and making a fist in front of the body. The motion is similar to "banging on the door" with the bottom of the fist.
The umpire's verbal mechanic should be at the same time the umpire is giving the out signal..."Out!"
